Page 57 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Malachi placed a hand on his waist, and the tentacles wrapped around him. “Lift up for a second.”

Trent did with the assistance of hands and tentacles. Malachi tugged the soiled linen off the bed and laid Trent on his back.

With a new wet cloth, Malachi wiped Trent’s face, then his throat, torso, legs, dick, and balls, cleaning every inch of him.

“There,” Malachi said when finished. “How was that for you?”

“Perfect. Everything was perfect,” Trent said, voice raw. It was everything he’d imagined and more for his first time being fucked.

“I’m glad.” Malachi slid his fingers into Trent’s hair.

Trent’s eyes fell closed once again.

“Hungry? Thirsty?”

After a second, Trent nodded. He was tired. Really fucking tired. But he still needed to eat.

Malachi helped Trent to his feet and wrapped a robe around him.

The ringing of bells and the shouts of people came from the street below. Trent walked to the window and looked down. “Krampus Night has begun.”

Malachi joined him at the window. Outside three krampuses, horns curling, bells hanging from their furry, muscular bodies, stalked down the street on hooves. They each carried a switch or whip.

Every year, the krampuses who lived outside the city came into Anorra for Krampus Night, which occurred ten days before Christmas. Tonight, they’d terrorise and chase any individuals they found wandering the streets. Supposedly, this would scare people into behaving and being nice.

Trent had never been certain how that worked exactly, since the krampuses went after anyone foolish enough to be outside. But the Aquatic Horticultural Emporium, the Christmas markets, along with everything else in the city had closed early to ensure everyone could get home before the krampuses descended on Anorra.

“The store is locked. They can’t get in. Come and eat, Trent.” Malachi guided Trent to the chair.

But Trent could still hear hooves on cobblestones, shouts, and the jangle of bells. Kelby jumped from the edge of her terrarium and landed on Trent’s knee.

“Hello, Kelby. Don’t worry. Those evil krampuses can’t get us in here.” Trent reached out his hand.

She hopped on. She crawled up his arm, green limbs stretching. She reached his shoulder. Then she continued to his head. She croaked once she’d made a spot for herself amongst his hair.

“Here’s your tea.” Malachi held out a cup.

Trent took it and inhaled the mixture of orange, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. He’d brought the mixture from the bakery. It was a Christmastime tea blend.

Malachi pulled out a couple of pies and some vanilla crescent cookies. He put them on a plate and handed it to Trent. “There you are.” He slid a hand down Trent’s arm and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Malachi washed, tugged on another robe, and began to serve himself. Finally he took a seat. He always did that. Always saw to Trent’s needs before his own.

Trent’s chest swelled with warmth whenever Malachi looked after him like this.

Is this really just friendship?

Trent exhaled slowly. This was not the first time the thought had popped into his head.

Because although they’d discussed it, and although Malachi had pointed out repeatedly that they were friends, this didn’t feel like friendship to Trent.

But maybe Trent just didn’t know. He was so inexperienced. Maybe this was what friendship looked like for some. He knew fucking wasn’t generally a part of friendship. But what about the other stuff?

The sweet kisses. The gentle touches. Malachi looking after him with such tender care and always ensuring Trent ate, drank, and was rested.

Were Malachi’s feelings for Trent changing? Trent sipped his tea. Or was this really just friendship for Malachi?

Because it wasn’t for Trent. He knew the truth of his heart.