Page 7 of The Last Gargoyle’s Christmas Wish (An MM Monster Christmas #3)
CHAPTER 7
G rady felt dead on his feet. He wanted to shovel some food into his mouth and collapse into bed. Still, Grady was glad he’d invited Uzoth into his apartment. He’d wanted to thank him properly. He pushed the door open and moved aside, allowing Uzoth to enter.
Uzoth took two steps in, stopped, and gazed around the space.
Grady closed the door and took off his coat and heavy boots. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Uzoth looked at him. “I am well at ease.”
Grady’s lips tugged up into a smile. “Take a seat, then.”
Uzoth stared at the chairs for several moments, as if not sure what to make of them. He walked towards a backless chair by the fire and sat. Uzoth did not look particularly comfortable; he leaned forward, clawed hands braced on his knees as if he’d spring forward into action at a moment’s notice.
“I’ll put on some tea.”
The fire had almost died out now that Grady’s siblings had gone to bed. He brought it back to life with a couple of logs. He heated water in the cauldron and added valerian root and dried chamomile, which would assist with relaxation and sleep. Although, Grady assumed he’d be out in a split second when he finally lay down.
Then he went to the sideboard and collected two cups and a plate. He piled on some different pastries and a couple of pies, leftovers from the bakery that day.
He brought them over and placed them on the tea-table in front of the chairs. Then he strained their tea into the cups.
“I know you said you don’t drink or eat. But I’d be a rude host not to at least provide you with something. After all, I am a hearth and kitchen witch. My parents would have scolded me if I were a bad host.” Grady gestured to the tea and food. “So help yourself to some tea, pastries, or pie. But no harm if you don’t.”
Then Grady collapsed onto the chair and let out a relieved moan to finally be off his feet. He cradled the warm cup of tea in his hand. Lifting the mug, he inhaled the fragrant brew and took a sip of the soothing blend. He let out a deep sigh.
Uzoth stared at the cup of tea on the table. Then he reached out and lifted it in his massive hand. He peered into the liquid surface and then took a sip.
“How is it?” Grady asked.
“Hot.” Uzoth paused as if considering. “Pleasant.” He took another sip. “I have not drunk in many years. The last time I drank was at the command of the Great Sorceress Rassala to drink from the enchanted waters of the Fountain of Life in order to obtain immortality.”
“Oh.” Grady didn’t quite know how to respond to that information. “I see.” And honestly, he was too tired to do anything but make the simplest of small talk. Discussions regarding a great sorceress, enchanted waters, and immortality were beyond him at present.
Grady let out a laugh. “I suppose this tea is very different from the waters of the Fountain of Life.” Grady reached forward and took a pastry. He bit into the flaky, buttery layers. Sweet strawberry jam slid across his taste-buds as he chewed and swallowed.
“This tea is far more pleasant.” Uzoth drank some more. “The water from the fountain tasted sour, bitter, and metallic.”
“Well, I’m glad the tea is nicer than that.” Grady ate another pastry, this one filled with apricot jam.
He stared at Uzoth sitting by the fire in his apartment, on a faded floral chair, and drinking tea. He almost laughed at the surreality of the situation.
Uzoth turned and stared into the flames. The orange-and-gold fire blazed in the fireplace, and it reflected on Uzoth’s well-defined cheekbones, jaw, and dark eyes. Uzoth was actually kind of handsome, in a strange, terrifying kind of way.
“Is the fire too hot?” Grady asked.
“No. The warmth seeps into my skin.” Uzoth paused. “It is pleasant.”
Grady grabbed a meat pie and bit into it. A comfortable silence filled the air. Grady’s body sank into the chair as the weariness of the day caught up with him. And tomorrow would no doubt be another busy day.
He’d even slept in later this morning. He’d gone to his room after he woke alone on the settee. He’d only planned to sleep a couple more hours. But he’d slept late. As a result, the day had been even more hectic. He let out a groan.
Uzoth turned towards him. “Does something trouble you?”
Grady huffed. “Something is always troubling me. But it’s nothing I’m not used to handling.”
Uzoth stared at him. He didn’t speak, just stared as if waiting for Grady to continue. And something about that patient, steady gaze prompted Grady to talk.
“It’s nothing really. Just every day there is so much to do. Especially at Christmas. We’ve got the Christmas markets, and the bakery is so busy. And if everything ran smoothly, it would be fine.” Grady shook his head. “But nothing ever runs fucking smoothly. And I’m always the one to fix the problems.
“Like today, our oven at the Christmas market is playing up. I think I managed to fix it. I hope I did.” Grady sighed. “But who knows? Maybe it will be fucked tomorrow. Or something new will be wrong with it. And Briar, he’s staying out in the forest again tonight to look after some wounded dog he found.”
“Briar,” Uzoth said. “The one with the pigeon familiar.”
Grady frowned. “You know him?”
“I see much when I am watching from above.”
“That makes sense. Well, Briar asked for tomorrow off to care for the dog. So I’ll need to make sure we’ve got his shifts covered. And Lacy is out at a party tonight with her new girlfriend of the week.” Grady stared into the flames. “She’s only nineteen, and I worry about her being out so late so often. But she’s a hard worker.” He paused. “She deserves some fun.”
Then Grady turned and faced Uzoth. “Sorry, you don’t want to hear me prattling on like some whiny cockhead.”
Uzoth lifted his chin ever so slightly. “I am pleased to hear you speak, Grady. It has been a long time since someone spoke to me.”
Grady stared into Uzoth’s black eyes. Was Uzoth lonely? He’d not considered that the gargoyle could be. He’d always seemed so strong and intimidating in his solitude sitting on the rooftops. Grady had not once considered the formidable gargoyle might long for company.
“You are the eldest of your siblings,” Uzoth said. “You are their protector.”
Grady made a face. “I try.”
Uzoth must have worked out he was the eldest from watching them. Which should have been creepy. But honestly, it felt kind of reassuring to know Uzoth kept an eye on him and his kin.
“I see much. And I see you. You do more than simply try, Witch Grady,” Uzoth said in his deep voice.
Goosebumps appeared on Grady’s arms despite the warmth of the fire.
“Your protection charms are strong,” Uzoth said. “You keep your siblings safe. You care for and watch over them. Your siblings listen to you. They respect you.”
Grady’s throat tightened, and his lungs constricted. Was that what this powerful being saw? Because most days, Grady felt like he failed his siblings constantly.
“You exhaust yourself to care for others. You work early. You work late. Your protection charms drain you.” Uzoth paused. “You always look out for your siblings. I wonder, who looks after you?”
Grady let out a laugh, shaking his head. “I don’t need looking after.”
The gargoyle’s eyes bore into him. The fire crackled, filling the silence. “Witch Grady, I hope it eases some of your worries to know I will watch over you and your kin from above.”
Grady sucked in a breath. “It does.” Grady’s fingers on the teacup tightened at Uzoth’s words. “Thank you.” But the words felt inadequate on his lips.