Page 41 of A Siren Song for Christmas

That was fine though. Completely fine.

As long as the bakery didn’t hate Trent, he could still work and help his siblings. That was what mattered most to him. But that was why he didn’t often bake on his own. His food just didn’t feel like it had been baked by a hearth and kitchen witch. It never felt infused with love or care. It didn’t have healing or protection properties.

Wulfric, who wasn’t even a witch, baked better than Trent!

Trent also avoided opening or closing the bakery, since that often involved preparing and thanking the bakery, and required a close connection with it. He didn’t have that.

Which was fine. Just fine.

That was why Trent focused on assisting others. After he finished washing up, he helped Jasper, who was making a Christmas fruitcake. Trent blanched and chopped almonds. When he brought them over, Jasper took them.

“Thanks, Trent.” Jasper poured the almonds into a bowl, his facial features pinched.

Maybe he had a headache? Leo kept stealing glances as his twin brother, obviously concerned.

Since the accident, they’d bickered less. It was as if Jasper just didn’t have the energy. For Trent’s entire life, their bickering had been a background noise. He’d never thought he’d one day miss it.

Trent wanted to ask if Jasper was okay. But he knew better. So he just kept assisting Jasper to make his work easier and so he could reserve his energy.

A while later, Cas fluttered into the bakery. Today, he dressed in red and white. “How was your date?”

“He didn’t come home last night,” Leo said. The bell tinkled, announcing a customer. Leo glanced towards the front of the bakery. He scowled. “Fuck,” he muttered. “Lord Percival Everflame is back.” He did nothing to hide the disgust from his voice as he went to serve the phoenix.

Cas frowned. “Leo really hates him, doesn’t he?” Then he turned back to Trent and smiled. “So your date went well? Tell me all about it!”

“It was good.” Trent paused. “But it wasn’t actually a date.”

Cas dropped to the floor. His wings stopped flapping. “What do you mean?”

Trent shrugged. “I wasn’t clear. I asked if he wanted to go with me to the Christmas markets. He thought I meant as friends. He isn’t interested in a relationship.”

“I’m sorry, Trent.” Then Cas’s eyes narrowed. “But you stayed the night.”

“Well, after we realised the misunderstanding, we decided that we’d still…you know.” Trent waved his hands randomly around in the air, hoping his brother would understand what he meant.

Cas placed a finger beneath Trent’s chin and lifted his head, making Trent meet his eyes. “You had sex?”

Trent bit his lip. He gave a nod.

“And you are all right with that?”

“Of course!”

Cas raised a brow.

“I am.” Trent paused. “I would have liked if he was interested in more. But he doesn’t want that. And I was the one whosuggested we still have sex.” Trent tried to remember if that was true. The night before was a bit of a blur. A sexy, fun, happy blur.

“Well, that’s good.” Cas’s wings fluttered, and he lifted off the floor once more. “And you know, Graal and I started out as nothing serious. Just fucking. I’d had that recent breakup. I didn’t think my heart was ready to love so soon.”

Then Cas smiled, eyes twinkling. “Now Graal and I are as happy as can be. Funny how things work out. So I wouldn’t give up on your siren just yet.”

Then he flew off to start working, and Trent went back to washing up.

He couldn’t wait for tonight. He paused, realising he didn’t normally look forward to his nights. Usually, after helping Ordelia with Ruthie and Michael, he just ended up home alone.

But tonight he’d be with Malachi! And they would have sex again! His skin prickled.

It wouldn’t be romantic. No chance. No matter what Cas said.