Me and My Christmas Familiar (An MM Monster Christmas)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

“ L achlan, can you serve?” Casimir, Lachlan’s adopted brother, flew through the bakery, wings fluttering as he exited through the back door. Today, Cas dressed in a red velvet outfit, with accents of shimmering gold. He was the self-proclaimed Christmas pixie, and as always, he was breathtakingly stunning. “I’ve just got to take care of something.”

“Of course.” Lachlan wiped his hands on his apron as he stepped back from the table where he mixed a bowl of cookie ingredients.

Kit lay curled on a cushion beneath the table. He blinked his eyes open, stretching and gazing up at Lachlan as he rolled onto his back, clearly wanting pats.

“I can’t right now,” Lachlan said. “I have to serve.”

Kit mewed pitifully, and Lachlan chuckled as he walked away. “I’ll be right back. I promise. Then I’ll pat you.”

Kit had been with him a little over a week now. His cat seemed more and more content with Lachlan and their life together. His siblings’ noisiness no longer caused Kit to startle or tense. And Kit had even put a bit more flesh on his bones.

They spent all their time together. Kit worked with Lachlan. He slept with Lachlan. And when Lachlan went out, Kit stayed tucked in the front of his robes, purring contentedly.

Having Kit in his life put a spring in Lachlan’s step. It felt like they were made for each other. With Kit, everything just felt fuller, brighter, and less lonely.

Lachlan came around the large table separating the front and back areas.

“Good afternoon. What can I get you?” Lachlan asked the elf customer perusing the cookies behind the glass.

He pointed. “I’ll take three of these cookies, thanks.”

Lachlan completed the elf’s order, and the bell above the door tinkled as the elf left.

They’d be closing for the day soon, but a few patrons sat, enjoying their baked goods, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, in the front area. A decked-out Christmas tree stood in one corner. Garlands and baubles hung from the ceiling. Cas, the Christmas pixie, of course had been in charge of the decorating.

Lachlan let out a breath and pressed his hands to the counter as he looked over the patrons.

May you be at peace. May you find nourishment in this safe place.

Lachlan wiped down the counter. The bell above the door tinkled. Lachlan straightened.

A man came towards him, a strikingly handsome man who wore robes marking him as a mage. He looked around the bakery.

“How can I help you today?” Lachlan gave the man his brightest smile.

But the mage didn’t even look at him. He pushed his blond hair from his face and gazed at the shelves behind Lachlan. “I’ll have a fruit loaf.” The man looked to the back of the bakery, where Grady and Jack worked.

“Of course.” Lachlan grabbed a fruit loaf. He wrapped it in brown paper whilst stealing glances at the very attractive man.

Lachlan had seen the mage come in a few times now. But he’d never served him, since Lachlan didn’t serve that often. That meant he’d never gotten to be this close to admire the mage’s strong jawline, luscious blond hair, and startling blue eyes. He swallowed.

Being naturally shy and withdrawn, Lachlan struggled to approach those he found attractive. His siblings had repeatedly told him to flirt, ask people on dates, and show he was interested. After all, if he didn’t put himself forward, he’d never meet anyone.

They made it all sound so simple and not at all terrifying. But just the thought of flirting or asking this man on a date caused his hands to sweat, his heart to race, his face to flush, and images of being rejected to tumble through his head.

Why would this handsome mage want someone like Lachlan? After all, Lachlan was bean thin, with mud-brown hair, hazel eyes, and a rather boring face. Compared to his siblings, Lachlan was dull in appearance. Not to mention, he had a rather bland personality. He liked working in the bakery and then spending his nights in the apartment by the fire. And on top of that, he was a virgin and completely lacked any experience.

But that wouldn’t change if he never put himself out there.

Should he take his siblings’ advice? Should he say something to the mage? If he were his brother, Cas, or his sister, Lacy, he’d definitely flirt.

Lachlan mulled it over. He might not get another chance to talk to the mage.

“How has your day been?” Not flirting but talking. That was a good start. Talking was doing good. A good first step.

“Fine,” the mage said.

“That’s good.” Lachlan tied the paper. Lachlan smiled at him. “I hope you enjoy the fruit loaf. I think it is really tasty.”

The man nodded, glancing at Lachlan and giving him a slight smile.

Lachlan’s heart skipped. “And you’re a mage? That must be interesting.” Lachlan handed the man his loaf. “My name is Lachlan, by the way.”

“I’m Melchior.” The mage took the loaf.

Suddenly, the man stood taller, blue eyes sparkling as a smile perked up his rose-coloured lips. But he wasn’t looking at Lachlan. He looked to the back area of the bakery.

Lachlan followed his gaze.

Cas had just entered through the back door. Pixie dust filled the air around him. His aura glowed around him. Lachlan held in a sigh. He looked back at the mage, who stared at Cas in open admiration.

Lachlan’s shoulders drooped.

Of course Cas would appeal to this mage. Cas appealed to everyone. A pretty pixie with a lovely smile. Everyone thought Cas was beautiful. No doubt the mage had been disappointed to walk in and see plain, boring, dull-as-mud Lachlan behind the counter.

But Lachlan couldn’t even be annoyed. No one could be annoyed with Cas. He was beautiful inside and out.

Still, the rejection stung.

Which it shouldn’t. He should be used to being overlooked by now.

“Will there be anything else, sir?” Lachlan asked.

“Ah. No, that’s everything.” The mage placed a few coins on the table, gaze still on Cas. He lingered as if hoping Cas would look his way. But Cas was talking to Grady.

Lachlan licked his lips. “Have a good afternoon, then.”

The mage nodded absently, his gaze remaining on Cas as he left the bakery, not even sparing Lachlan a single glance.