Page 10 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Michael sighed, whole body sagging. Then he turned to Trent, expression downcast. “Thank you and goodnight, Uncle Trent.”

“Night, Michael.” Trent rose. “I’ll ah…head off, then.”

He’d helped Ordelia out. And now he’d get out of her way so she could rest once Michael fell asleep.

“You can stick around if you want?” Ordelia offered.

Trent imagined sitting together, drinking tea and talking like they had so many times.

But Trent took in her exhausted tone and the bags under her eyes. She needed sleep. After all, she had two small children to care for and she still worked in the bakery. She didn’t need her baby brother lingering and keeping her up.

“It’s okay. I probably need to get some rest. The Christmas season is a busy time for us.”

He could see the obvious relief in Ordelia’s eyes. Trent tried not to let it hurt. But he yearned for the cosy times from only a few years ago before she’d married and become a mother.

But that was selfish. Ordelia had her own life and responsibilities. Was sort of arsehole brother would he be if he wasn’t happy for her with her new life?

“Well, hopefully you can sleep better now that Briar’s snoring won’t be keeping you up.” Ordelia laughed. “Must be nice having your own room for once.”

He smiled. “And the butcher accidentally gave me some spicy venison salami today.” He reached into his pack and pulled out a parcel. “Which you know I hate. So here.”

“Thank you, Trent!” Her eyes lit up as she took it. “That’s my favourite.”

Which Trent knew, of course. It had been why he’d specifically ordered the spicy salami earlier that day. But if he told her that, she’d want to pay him back, and he knew her finances were always tight. “Have a good night.”

“You too. Love you,” she said.

“Love you too.” Then Trent headed out the door and walked back to the apartment alone through the freezing cold snow.

Chapter

Six

Trent entered the family apartment. His oldest brother, Grady, sat on a chair before the fire with his partner, the ancient gargoyle Uzoth.

“Good evening, Trent.” Uzoth inclined his head in greeting.

“Everything all right at Ordelia’s?” Grady asked.

Trent nodded as he took off his coat and boots. “They’re all fine and healthy.”

“That’s good.” Grady sipped his tea. “Would you be able to start work a little earlier tomorrow? Leo is coming with me to pick up some supplies.”

“No problem.”

“Thanks. You can finish a little earlier if it’s not too busy.”

“Whatever is fine.” Although, Trent knew he probably wouldn’t.

Grady often pointed out that he could leave earlier or come in later to make up for when he worked longer hours. But Trent rarely did. He wanted to be useful.

Also, Trent was already coming in early for his shift to assist Jasper in the bakery, since he was unwell. No one asked him to. He just did. After all, Trent didn’t really know what to do with his free time. It wasn’t like he had anyone but his family to spendtime with. And they didn’t have much time for their baby brother outside of work.

But maybe if Malachi agreed to go on a date with Trent, he’d have someone to spend time with.

Uzoth held his steaming cup of what was probably hot chocolate in his large hands. The couple made such a cosy sight before the crackling fire.

I want something like that.