Wash’s head snapped around, and he glared at his brother. “Only you would say that. If he said the same thing about anyone else, would you be so calm about it?”
“Said what?” Peri queried, readjusting himself to see the witch better. He’d seen him around on the research floor, he hadn’t done anything to make Peri think he was a bad guy, but obviously he said something that upset Wash and Peri wanted to know.
Levi’s expression had been hard when glaring at Wash, and hadn’t softened an inch when Elijah got involved, but when Peri started asking questions, he looked a little panicked, avoidingeye contact with Peri on his perch like he would rather swallow tacks than admit what he said.
“It’s not necessary to repeat,” Elijah insisted. “Everyone, please return to your work. Um, Peri? You can get down now.”
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 astern 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?”