Page 77 of A Siren Song for Christmas

He slumped against the counter. He pressed a hand to his mouth. He should never have allowed things to go so far.

But he’d been so lonely. He’d just wanted a friend.

Malachi had relished Trent’s companionship. And maybe that would have been okay if they’d not had sex.

But Trent had desired him, and Malachi had failed to see what a terrible idea it had been. He’d thought if he’d just been honest, he could avoid Trent developing feelings for him. It had been a foolish fantasy. Now they were both paying the price.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. When he locked up, he walked to the yellow sorrow. Kelby of course wasn’t waiting for him. Still, he stared at the plant for several long minutes.

Kelby, I hope you give him comfort.

Since Trent started visiting, Malachi had gotten into the habit of going out to get food for them after the store closed. He didn’t need to do that anymore.

He walked towards the back of his shop. He had some food left from their untouched supper from the previous night. Thestairs creaked. He sat in one of the chairs. He stared at the other, where Trent had sat so recently.

He turned his gaze to the cold fireplace. He couldn’t be bothered to start it. What was the point?

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

Trent sat on the chair before the fire. Kelby rested on his shoulder, ribbiting softly. Her beady eyes watched Trent. The sound soothed his wounded soul.

“Here you are, Trent.” Cas handed Trent a large cup. “It’s tea made with moon water, lavender, and honey.”

“Thank you.” Trent took a sip of the floral and very sweet tea.

Cas watched him, wings fluttering. The concern shone in his eyes. “And did you want more sugar cookies?”

“I’m all right for now, thanks.” Honestly, Trent didn’t have much of an appetite. And he’d been fed constantly by his siblings all day.

“All right.” But Cas leaned forward to tuck the blankets more securely around him.

“I will add more wood to the fire.” Graal moved towards the fireplace.

“That’s a good idea.” Cas looked to Trent. “We want you to be warm and cosy.” He placed a hand on Trent’s arm and stroked.

Cas and Graal had stopped by after Cas had finished work for the day.

And they were not the first of his family who’d come by. Early in the day, Lachlan had provided him with fresh bread andmade him lemon balm and chamomile tea. An hour later, Jack had brought cheese and bacon muffins and made him ginger and orange peel tea.

After that, a steady stream of family members came by. Clearly, they had all heard about what had happened between him and Malachi. They brought food. They checked the fire and ensured he was properly bundled up.

Each and every one made him a fresh cup of tea. But of course, that was how a family of hearth and kitchen witches showed love.

Jasper had even sat with him for a few hours. He’d made Trent green tea and given him gingerbread cake. They’d both sat silently, staring into the flames whilst Trent kept replaying the events of the previous day in his mind.

He’d arrived home the night before, wiping tears from his face. Grady, Uzoth, Leo, and his phoenix partner, Percy, had been in the main room. They’d stopped talking when he came in.

“What’s wrong?” Grady asked.

“Nothing. I’m fine.” Trent tried to smile. He didn’t want to be a bother. He didn’t want to burden them with his pain.

“You are not fine.” Grady took a step towards him. “What’s wrong?”

Trent shrugged. “It’s just—” The words caught in his throat. “—it’s over with Malachi.”

“What happened?” Leo asked.