Page 68 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“Sorry I’m late.” Jack brushed the snow from his shoulders. “Avery is a little lethargic today, and I wanted to make sure he ate properly before I left.”

Avery was a dragon and Jack’s mate. He rarely left their apartments these days and would only do so if Jack remained at home to watch their egg.

“Is he sick?” Ordelia frowned. “Dragons don’t get sick often.”

Jack’s brows furrowed. “He says he’s just tired. Maybe it’s the stress of our impending fatherhood.” He rubbed the back of his neck and gave a weak smile. “I know it’s keeping me up at night.”

“You’ll both be wonderful fathers. I’m sure of it.” Ordelia placed a hand on his arm. “And is she doing okay?”

“I think so.” Jack smiled as he hung up his coat. “But I probably won’t stop worrying until she hatches. And I doubt I’ll stop then.”

“That’s the truth. Well, I’ll make some bread and soup, for you and Avery.” Ordelia had an affinity for healing, so her food had healing properties.

“Thanks, Ordelia.” Jack smiled. “We appreciate it.” Then he looked at Trent. “And did I hear right? Did Trent’s Malachi come in earlier today?”

“I know!” Ordelia proclaimed. “We both missed him!”

For once, Trent really wished he didn’t have such nosy siblings. He knew they were just happy for him. But they didn’t realise how wrong they were.

Trent wished he didn’t have to hide his feelings from his family. But they were so pleased for him. He didn’t want to disappoint them with the truth.

I just want the day to end.

But then what? Would he go to Malachi’s house tonight?

For the first time, he wasn’t looking forward to it. He wanted to see Malachi. Of course he did. He loved spending time with him.

But he kept hearing Malachi’s words over and over.

Trent and I are friends.

And that was all they’d ever be. Thankfully Trent was needed out front to serve alongside Cas. So he could avoid his siblings’ questions.

He smiled and greeted the steady stream. In the afternoon, Graal, Cas’s orc mate, came. He stood in Cas’s line, waiting patiently to be served.

Cas wore silver bauble earrings. Graal wore gold bauble earrings.

“Can I have some of your lovely sugar cookies?” Graal smiled at Cas when he reached the front of the line.

“Of course you can, my beautiful Christmas orc.” Cas leaned across the counter and kissed him.

Trent’s throat clenched.

Why can’t Malachi love me like that?

Trent’s hands fumbled as he packaged the Christmas tree cookies for the dwarf couple he served. “There you are. Merry Christmas.”

He watched them walk out, their hands entwined. Why did everyone seem to be so in love today?

Graal took a seat at a table, eating cookies that Cas had made whilst watching Cas work. He smiled, so happy to just be in his mate’s presence.

“Trent.” Grady called from the back, having returned to the bakery. “You ready to head over to the Christmas markets? I think we have enough people working in the bakery.”

Trent nodded and came out back, relieved to be away from Cas and Graal’s love.

“Grab those, will you?” Grady pointed to some crates of cookies, tarts, truffles, and cake.

Trent picked them up. Grady grabbed some other crates. They went out into the alley behind the bakery. Uzoth flew down from the rooftop and took the crates from both Grady and Trent.