Page 50 of The Orc Who Hated Christmas

“You met someone?” Xavi asked, voice incredulous as if he’d imagined Cas would wait around for him forever.

“Yes. I met an orc named Graal.” And as Graal’s image came to mind, the truth hit Cas. He’d held back from that knowledge, thinking himself not over Xavi, thinking it all too soon, thinking himself not ready to risk his heart again. But deep down, it was all so clear to Cas. “And I am in love with him.”

Xavi’s nose wrinkled. “You’d choose an orc over me? Cas, have you lost your mind?”

“I think I just found it.” Cas’s shoulders straightened. “He is far better than you’ll ever be. And he and I have the best sex I’ve ever had.” It was the truth, but it would also be the biggest insult to an incubus.

Because although Xavi might be a sex demon, Graal was Cas’s sex god. “And did you know orc cum is an aphrodisiac? I am addicted to it.”

Xavi took a breath as if trying to collect himself. “You know what Cas, I think?—”

“I don’t care what you think,” Cas interrupted. “I don’t care what you think ever again. And I don’t care about you. Get out and don’t come back. We’re done. I’ve wasted enough of my life on you.”

Then Cas turned his back on Xavi. He flew behind the counter and began wiping it down, completely focused on work as he ignored Xavi.

Although, in reality, Cas was very aware of Xavi staring at him in shock. But after a second, from the corner of his eye, Cas saw Xavi turn and stride to the door. The bell tinkled as he left.

Cas let out a breath, sagging against the counter as hegave up any pretence of giving a shit about cleaning the counter.

Applause broke out from the back of the bakery.

Cas turned. Grady, Lacy, Ordelia, Briar, Trent, and Jack all clapped and whooped.

“Cas! You were incredible,” Ordelia said, bouncing Ruthie, her baby, in her arms.

“Bloody amazing!” Trent cheered.

Cas smiled and straightened. “I’m shaking with adrenaline.” He held out a trembling hand.

Grady came around from the back and clasped Cas on the shoulder. “You did good, little brother.” Then he frowned. “But I never realised he cheated on you. You never said. What an absolute twat!”

“I can’t believe—” Lacy began.

“I hate to interrupt after Cas’s amazing performance,” Jack said. “But Graal just left.”

“What?” Cas looked around as if expecting to see Graal.

“He came up into the apartment,” Jack explained. “He looked upset and said he was leaving the city to work at some mining village. I asked if you knew, and he said he’d write you a letter. Then he just took off. He looked pretty distressed.”

Cas frowned.

“I came down to talk to you because I could tell something was wrong and saw you yelling at Xavier. I assume Graal saw Xavier too and took off.” Jack pointed out back.

“What? Why would he run off?” Cas flew towards the back door.

“Maybe he saw Xavier kiss you,” Lacy said.

“I have to go after him.” Cas pulled the door open.

“Cas.” Briar followed him. “You should know something.”

Cas turned to Briar. “Briar, I don’t have time?—”

“Graal is your mate!” Briar proclaimed.

Cas’s wings stuttered, and he dropped to the floor. “What?”

“I was reading a book about mating, and it talked about how mating differs between races.” Briar pushed his glasses up his nose. “With orcs, they can tell who their mate is, as their scent and semen act like an aphrodisiac to them. That would make you Graal’s mate if what you said is true.”