Chapter 16
Sixteen
Wash wanted to argue, he liked Peri where he was, but Peri was already sliding off his back, ducking around Wash’s wings and standing in front of him instead, wide blue eyes searching his face worriedly. When he reached for Wash’s face, Wash caught his hand, squeezing it gently instead.
“After my meeting, we need to have a discussion about you climbing people during an argument. I don’t want you to get hurt if something goes wrong.”
Peri shrugged. “Then stop getting into fights. What did he say, anyway? I didn't hear him.”
“Nothing worth repeating,” was Wash’s grumbled reply. He’d seen Peri cry once already. He got the feeling if Peri found out Levi had tried to tell him not to touch the ‘psychic freak’, he’d cry, and then Wash really would have to hurt the little shit.
“I agree with Hugo,” Elijah interjected, moving to stand beside them. “It’s incredibly unsafe to get between two quarreling supernaturals. It’s for the best if you stay back and call for help if necessary.”
Peri’s lip came out, and Wash knew if he worked himself into a pout, Wash would cave like a house of cards, so he pointed a stern finger at the fairy, narrowing his eyes. “No. No pouting. Don’t get involved in any more fights, Peri.”
Seeing the little fairy’s wings droop made Wash’s stomach clench, but he ignored the feeling. He’d rather upset Peri now than have him get injured getting involved in Wash’s mess.
“How many fights has he gotten involved in?” Elijah asked with a concerned frown. He glanced back at Wash. “Have you been fighting again?”
Wash rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, Peri stepped up, his hands raised in surrender.
“Last time was my fault. I… overheard something that made me sad, and someone thought Wash made me cry. They called Kian, and they got into an argument, but I explained things before anything could happen,” he rushed out.
Elijah didn’t look entirely convinced, which was annoying, but Wash ignored him, his focus on making sure Peri was okay.
He didn’t mind Peri climbing on him, fairies were light-weight in general, even if Wash didn’t work out regularly, but he didn’t want Peri getting hurt in his rush to help him.
Looking him over, he was satisfied to find that Peri didn’t look any worse for wear, his hair just a little disheveled, but his smile back in place as he offered his hand to Elijah again.
“We got interrupted before. Nice to meet you.”
Elijah’s face held a hint of pain as he stepped back and sighed. “I’m sorry, but I won’t shake until I’m sure you are aware of my ability. While I’m anchored now and in full control, it still makes people uncomfortable.”
Peri cocked his head with a frown. “What ability? Telepathy?”
Even Wash was surprised that Peri sounded so nonchalant about that.
While he was never okay with anyone treating Elijah poorly because of his magic, he understood the caution.
Not everyone had shields like his, and before Elijah was anchored, the weight of his magic could be felt throughout an entire floor.
It was unsettling to anyone who didn't know Elijah was a good person who would never use his magic without permission.
“I, uh, yes…” Elijah stammered, confused. “Most are uncomfortable with the idea of touching me.”
Peri made a face, nose wrinkling adorably.
“If you’re working here, I doubt you’re the kind of person to poke around in someone’s head without permission.
Besides, I’m an open book. If someone has questions, they can just ask.
They don’t need to use magic.” He wiggled his fingers, prompting Elijah to shake again.
When Elijah took his hand cautiously, Peri shook it and beamed at him.
“I’m not afraid. It’s nice to meet you, Elijah. ”
“Nice to meet you too,” Elijah murmured, looking a little shell shocked.
His confusion must have summoned his mate, because the elevator dinged and a stern-looking man with silver hair and familiar wind magic strode onto the floor, his attention zeroing on Elijah with an intensity only a telepath’s anchor or someone dangerous could have.
Since Elijah smiled at his approach, he assumed the former.
“I told you that you didn't have to come,” he murmured, fond exasperation in his tone.
“Your emotions were all over the place. Of course I’m going to come,” the man replied, sliding an arm around Elijah’s waist. Serious brown eyes studied the room, and Wash didn't miss the way his jaw tightened when he finally settled his attention on Wash. “You’re the brother.”
“You’re the anchor,” Wash countered, narrowing his eyes. He didn't know what the guy’s problem was, and he honestly didn’t care as long as he treated Elijah right.
Elijah, ever the mediator, put his hand on his anchor’s chest soothingly. “It’s okay, Alistair. It wasn’t Hugo’s fault. Things just got a little chaotic.”
Peri tipped his head curiously. “He can feel your emotions?”
Elijah nodded. “He’s my anchor. Having access to my emotional state helps him to do his job.”
“That’s kind of fun,” Peri said brightly. He offered his hand to Alistair, who shook it gently. “I’m Peri. Do you guys like sweets?”
It took serious work to stop himself from smiling. Of course the first thing Peri wanted to know was if he could feed them. He was pretty sure those treats were bribes so everyone would give in whenever Peri stuck out that perfect bottom lip.
Elijah nodded uncertainly, but his anchor tipped his hand side to side. “I could take it or leave it.”
For a moment, Peri looked a little lost, like the idea of someone not liking sweets was so foreign to him, he didn’t know how to process it. Then something like determination flashed across his face and he lifted his chin stubbornly. “I guess I’ll have to find something you like then.”
It was starting to get amusing just how confused Elijah was by the little fairy. Wash could admit he felt the same way when Peri first blasted into his life. The adorable man was determined to make friends with everyone, even Wash, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Mr. Washburne? The volunteers are here,” someone called from behind him. He didn’t bother looking, he was just going to turn around and leave, but Peri latched onto his arm, giving Elijah and Alistair a bright smile.
“Looks like we need to get going.” He pointed a finger at Alistair mock sternly. “We’ll be seeing each other again. I take it as a personal challenge when someone tells me they don’t like sweets. I’ll figure out what you like!”
Alistair raised an eyebrow, a lazy smirk on his face. “Good luck with that, short stuff. Come on, Eli. You’ve got a meeting with Brennus soon.”
Elijah, still bemused, gave them both a little wave and followed his anchor’s lead, disappearing into a mostly empty elevator as it arrived.
After the doors closed, Wash pulled Peri close enough to whisper in his ear. “Remind me later to reward you.”
His tone was suggestive and just like he expected, Peri shivered, his voice going breathless as he asked, “For what?”
He didn’t answer outside of a low rumbling growl that made Peri’s knees visibly weak, leaning against Wash’s side like he couldn’t fully hold himself up.
Wash didn't want to get into why Peri needed a reward, he’d have to explain why it was so important to him that Peri accepted his brother without blinking and that would end up being a long conversation.
For now, he gave Peri something to look forward to and tugged them along to the meeting where his team was already waiting.
After the meeting where Peri spent half the time he was supposed to be taking notes watching with wide-eyed fascination as grumpy Wash became professional Wash who reassured his volunteers and answered all their questions patiently, his expression carefully neutral instead of grumpy like usual.
It was like seeing a whole other side to him and seeing that kind of competence in action was a little hot, actually.
He may have given Wash one too many heated glances, because once the meeting was over, one of the staff pulled him aside, their voice a harsh whisper as they asked, “Are you okay?”
Peri cocked his head, confused. “Uh, yes? Why wouldn’t I be?”
The siren, an intern working under one of the researchers, glanced worriedly over her shoulder, then back at Peri. “He made you cry. We all want you to know that you don’t have to be afraid of him or anything. We won’t let him mistreat you.”
“Who? Wash?” Peri spluttered. “I’m not afraid of him! He’s sweet!”
From the look on her face, the siren didn’t believe him for a second.
Which was honestly confusing. He’d gotten a lot of mixed messages about Wash since he arrived.
They all said he was a good person, his work was indispensable to the company, and that he was head of research for good reason, but they also said he was a grumpy asshole and to steer clear unless absolutely necessary.
Peri had to wonder just what Wash had done to earn that kind of mixed reaction.
He somehow got the feeling it had been one incident, and Wash, being the introverted soul he was, took the excuse to have to socialize less and ran with it. He was a butthead like that.
“Well, I’m just checking. You were watching him a lot, like he might eat you at any moment. I just wanted to make sure you knew you were safe here. He’s a grump but not nearly as bad as the chief legal officer. At least when Mr. Washburne is in a bad mood, he doesn’t fill the office with smoke.”
How did Peri tell her he wanted Wash to eat him? The things that demon could do with his mouth…
“Mara,” an older woman called, her expression exasperated. “I thought I asked you to input that data right away.”
Mara jumped and scurried off with a quick, “Yes, Vilyra.”
Vilyra shook her head as the siren hurried off, turning to Peri once she disappeared around the corner. “You’re the temp, correct?”
Peri nodded, stepping forward. “Yes, I’m Peri.”
“When Hugo is done with you, come to my office. I made a request for a south facing office and finally got approval. I need help moving my things, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure!” Peri agreed, then had to ask, “Is magic allowed?”
She snorted. “I sure hope so. I know I’m not carrying all that. Don’t worry, I’m not as much of a stickler as Hugo is. Magic is allowed, and between you and me it should only take a few hours.”
Which meant he had to be away from Wash for a few hours. Peri almost didn’t want to admit to himself how much that thought bothered him. The more time he spent with the surly demon, the more he wanted to be around him.
Whoever said opposites attract was totally right.