Page 69 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“Thank you,” Grady said.

“My pleasure, Grady.” Uzoth inclined his head. “I wish to help you in all the ways I can.”

Grady smiled at Uzoth. Trent looked away.

Why can’t I get away from all these happy couples!

He trailed behind Grady and Uzoth as they walked to the markets.

Normally, he was ecstatic that his siblings had found love. But today he couldn’t help the bitter jealousy that churned inside him. He tilted his head back, watching the snowflakes drifting down. He blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears back.

Should I stop seeing Malachi? Or at least see him less often? Maybe distance will stop me from falling in love with him.

But Trent didn’t want to stop seeing Malachi!

I am a fool. I’m a bloody fucking fool.

Trent wrapped his arms around himself. He knew what he wanted. He saw it all so clearly.

He saw it when he watched Wulfric and Briar work together. He saw it when Kit and Lachlan whispered and laughed. He saw it when Graal and Cas smiled at each other. And he saw it asUzoth extended a wing to protect Grady from the snow that fell as they walked.

Trent’s shoulders drooped. He wanted what his siblings had. He wanted to be loved.

And he wanted to be loved by Malachi.

But Malachi didn’t love Trent. And he never would.

So what am I supposed to do now?

Chapter

Thirty-Five

Trent’s mood didn’t improve at the Christmas markets. Nor did it improve as he trudged through the snow through the freezing streets.

He couldn’t decide if he wanted to go to Malachi’s after he went to Ordelia’s. Malachi would expect him. Trent had been going there daily. If he didn’t turn up, would Malachi worry? Would he be sad? Would he miss Trent?

Probably. Because even if Malachi didn’t want a romantic relationship with him, he very much valued their friendship. And probably the fucking too.

“Come on in,” Ordelia greeted when he arrived and ushered him in. “I have a favour to ask. Can you take some food over to Avery and Jack’s? I didn’t have it finished before Jack left for the Christmas markets. You don’t have to worry about helping with the kids tonight. Tony finished early, and I’ve already got Ruthie down.”

“What? Already?”

“It’s a miracle! She fell asleep within minutes. And now Tony is reading to Michael.” Ordelia’s nose scrunched up. “I swear they behave so well on the nights he’s here for bedtime.”

Trent laughed. “That sounds right. And of course I can take the food.”

“You don’t have to go now. You can stay for a bit.” She grinned and then lowered her voice, like she was about to tell a secret. “But I thought you might want to leave straightaway so you can get to Malachi’s as soon as possible.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

Then she sighed. “I can’t believe I missed him! I really wanted to meet your siren!”

Trent smiled. Or tried to. “He’s not my siren. Not really.”

Ordelia frowned. “Trent. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” He shook his head.

Never be a bother.Especially for Ordelia. She had so much on her plate, and she’d done so much for him in the past. He didn’t want to burden her with his silly little heartbreak.