Page 70 of A Siren Song for Christmas

But Ordelia took his arm in an iron grip, led him to the couch, and sat him down. “Trent,” she said, voice firm. “What’s going on?”

And Trent couldn’t lie anymore. Not to his big sister who had raised him and been like a mother to him. Suddenly, he found himself pouring out his feelings, his thoughts, his yearnings, and his failed hopes.

She listened, holding his hand in hers. Her eyes filled with pain. He hated to see it, knowing she hurt because he was hurting. The guilt gnawed at him. But he couldn’t stop talking.

“I just really, really like him, Ordelia. I think I’m falling in love with him. I’ve never felt like this before about anyone, and I don’t know what to do about it! I just want him to love me!”

“Oh, Trent.” She pulled him into a hug. “I’m sorry. And you’ve had to deal with all our teasing and nosy behaviour. I’m so sorry.”

“I know it’s meant with love,” he said into her shoulder as he let himself be held.

Ordelia pulled back, looking into his face. “You deserve someone who loves you.”

“It isn’t Malachi’s fault. He is still grieving his mate and?—”

“I’m not saying it is his fault,” she interrupted gently. “But that doesn’t change the fact that you deserve someone who loves you. And if you think you are falling in love with Malachi and he doesn’t love you, and can’t love you, then it isn’t wise to go on like this. You deserve someone who loves you.”

“But I want him.” The whispered words tore at Trent’s throat.

He wanted more nights in Malachi’s room, talking, eating, crafting, and having passionate sex. He wanted to sleep curled up close to Malachi in his bed every night. He wanted to wake up in Malachi’s embrace.

He just wished Malachi could love him as well.

Is that really so much to ask?

“Oh, my poor boy.” She hugged him again, squeezing him tight.

She couldn’t fix his problem. She couldn’t make Malachi love him. But as Ordelia held Trent close, he felt less alone in his pain. He let out a shuddering breath.

After several moments, he pulled back and rose, wiping at his eyes. “I should take the food to Avery and Jack’s.”

“You don’t have to.” Ordelia stood. “Tony can take it. Or I can.”

“It’s fine. I could use the walk.” He went and picked up the parcels of food. “And I need to clear my head.”

“What will you do after you drop them off? Will you go to Malachi’s?”

“I don’t know,” Trent answered honestly.

She nodded as if expecting that. “Well, think on what I said. And, Trent, you are loved. By so many.” She smiled sadly. “And even if Malachi isn’t in a place to love you, someone will be. Youare so kind and helpful. And you are the least annoying of all my siblings.”

He laughed. “Thanks, Ordelia.”

“Love you,” she said and kissed him on the cheek.

“I love you too.”

He left and walked to Avery and Jack’s.

The day seemed to last forever. It had started wonderfully with him waking wrapped in Malachi’s arms and tentacles, followed by going to the lake. From there, it had gone downhill.

He considered that maybe he should have let Tony take the food. But then dismissed the idea. Tony worked hard and could use an early night with the kids and Ordelia. He deserved it.

And Trent could just drop off the food and leave. He just really hoped he wouldn’t be asked any more questions about Malachi.

It turned out he didn’t need to worry about that.

“Come on in,” Jack said. “You haven’t visited in a while, and it’s good for you to see your niece.”