Page 63 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Thirty-Two

The bell above the door tinkled as it swung open. Malachi walked into the Magic Bakery.

The warmth of the air swept over him, such a contrast to the frostiness outside. The scent of sugar, dough, butter, spices, and fresh bread filled his nostrils. He flicked his tongue to taste the air. His mouth salivated.

A Christmas tree, garlands, paper stars, and colourful baubles decorated the front area. Patrons sat at cosy little tables, drinking steaming hot drinks, eating baked goods, and talking softly.

Malachi frowned. A part of the floor had blackened, like it had burnt. Then he remembered Trent telling him about the phoenix who’d been taken in by the family after losing his memory. Apparently, he’d gotten his memories back and had burst into flames in the bakery. That must be where that had occurred.

There was a lot more to the story, including a fight with ice sorcerers and a murder plot. But thankfully, Trent had been safe with Malachi that night. He had heard all about it the following day and then later filled Malachi in. Thankfully, from what Trent had told him, the situation had resolved.

A small line of customers stood at the counter. A human female and a pixie served. The pixie had to be Cas. And Malachi knew Trent only had two sisters. He thought this might be Lacy, as she looked close in age to Trent.

Trent leaned towards him. “So what do you think?”

“It’s magical.”

Trent beamed. “You really think so?”

“I do. And it smells divine in here.”

“We’re going to head out back.” Briar pointed. “Nice meeting you, Malachi.”

“I’ll put your stuff down here.” Wulfric set down Malachi’s crates of plants by the wall.

“Thanks,” Malachi said. “Nice meeting you both too.”

Briar and Wulfric walked past the counter and made their way into the back area of the bakery, which was separated from the front area by a large bench.

“Do you want to come around back too?” Trent asked. “Everyone is going to be busy working, but you can come say hello.”

“I wouldn’t want to interrupt.” Malachi glanced towards the back area. It buzzed with activity and noise.

“You won’t be. Everyone is keen to meet you.” Trent smiled, but Malachi could see a hint of nerves in his brown eyes.

“All right.” Malachi set the rest of his things down and followed Trent. With each step his muscles tensed.

“We have too many Christmas sugar cookies!” a bearded man called out. “Someone tell Cas to stop making so many.”

“You tell Cas!” another man said. “You know how he feels about Christmas cookies. I’m not going to be the one to tell him to stop making them!”

Malachi hovered behind Trent as several of the bakers laughed.

“What do you have to say about my Christmas cookies?” Cas flew into the back of the bakery.

He froze when he spotted Malachi. He looked to Trent. He smiled, and pixie dust burst around him. “Trent, who is this handsome siren?”

Trent placed a hand on Malachi’s shoulder. “This is Malachi. He’s just stopping by to say hello.”

“Hello.” Malachi inclined his head.

Cas beamed, wings flapping rapidly. He flew closer to Malachi, gaze flicking over his features. Cas reached out and clasped both Malachi’s hands. “I’m Cas. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you. We’ve been wondering when we will meet the siren who Trent has been spending so many nights with! And here you are!”

Malachi opened his mouth. “I…ah…” His tongue seized. He could feel all eyes on him. “I hope…I haven’t been monopolising too much of his time.”

“Well, he is very special to us. We care about him greatly. Do you care about him greatly, Malachi?” Cas’s eyes gleamed.

But before Malachi could answer, Trent stepped in. “Cas, look, more customers.”