Page 80 of A Siren Song for Christmas

“We can manage without you for a few days,” Grady said, voice firm.

And that hurt. Trent knew he was the weakest witch in the family. But to hear they could manage without him still stung. And after everything he was already going through, he couldn’t take the insult. “I know I’m not the best witch. But I can work! I can still help!”

Grady frowned. “What are you talking about, Trent?”

“I know my magic isn’t strong. I know I have no affinity. Or a familiar. I know I’m less useful. Compared to everyone else, I’m a shit hearth and kitchen witch. I’m not even a decent baker. But I can still?—”

“What?” Grady held up a hand. “What the fuck are you going on about, Trent?”

Trent snapped his mouth shut.

Grady leaned towards him. “What do you mean, less useful? Do you really think that?”

Trent hesitated. “Well, yes.” Wasn’t it obvious?

“Because you aren’t a strong witch?”

Trent nodded.

Grady frowned. “I know you aren’t as magically gifted as some of the others. But ever since you were old enough to work, you’ve always been an asset in the bakery.

“You’re responsible and a hard worker. You go out of your way to support others without being asked. You never complain, even when you should. You cover everyone’s shifts without asecond thought. And you don’t take enough time off, even when I tell you to.” Grady paused. “I can always rely on you.”

“Really?” Trent fidgeted with his fingers.

“Of course. I value and love you,” Grady said. “We all do. And the reason I want you to take some time off is because we’re all worried about you. We care for you and want to support you, like you always do for everyone else.”

Trent couldn’t speak. Grady’s words were like a warm blanket of love being draped over him.

“Also, I think Kelby might be interested in being your familiar,” Grady said.

“What?”

“I mean, she followed you and won’t leave your side.” Grady nodded towards her. “She seems keen for the job.”

Trent stared down at Kelby. She stared back. Did she really want to be his familiar? And could he make her his familiar? After all, she was Malachi’s.

He cleared his throat. “I would still like to work. I could use the distraction.”

“All right,” Grady relented. “But only if you want to.” He clapped Trent on the shoulder. “And don’t ever doubt your worth. You are important to us.”

Trent’s throat tightened. He was grateful he had a family who cared for him.

Then he remembered that Malachi had no one caring for him. Even his frog was with Trent.

“I worry about Malachi.”

Grady’s brows lowered. “He isn’t your concern.”

“It’s just, he’s all alone. He just wanted a friend. And now he is alone again. And it really isn’t his fault,” Trent pressed, wanting to convince Grady. “Like I said, he was always honest with me. I was the one who changed things.”

Grady sighed. “You have a big fucking heart, Trent. Maybe too big. You make it very hard to be angry with people on your behalf.”

“I don’t want you to be angry with him! I just wish…” Trent trailed off.

He just wished Malachi loved him.

Chapter