The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas (An MM Monster Christmas #2)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

“ I just don’t think we’ll work out, you and me.”

Letting out a shaky breath, Avery focused on the white snow blurring in front of him.

He wanted to shift, snarl, beat his wings, fly, and breathe fire into the sky. But he kept himself together.

Just keep walking, one foot after the other. Just get home. Just reach your den. Just hold yourself together until then.

Jack didn’t want Avery. That was what it came down to.

Avery didn’t understand why Jack had come to that decision. He’d seemed to like Avery enough at the Christmas markets. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Jack had reached his decision. Avery had to accept it.

They were over as quickly as they had started. They’d only met about a week ago. He should probably not be this attached anyway.

Cold air filled his lungs. He just wanted to be home, surrounded by books, warmth, and soft blankets. He was so distracted that Avery didn’t look where he walked.

His eyes widened as he realised he almost ran straight into a woman holding a baby.

“I’m so sorry!” Avery held up his hand. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“No harm done.” The woman smiled at him. She tilted her head. “Avery, right?”

“Ah…” Did he know this woman?

She laughed. “I’m Ordelia. Jack’s sister. I’ve seen you in the bakery a few times.” She leaned close, brown eyes just like Jack’s, sparkling. “And I’ve heard all about you too.”

Avery’s stomach dropped. She didn’t know what had just occurred. She thought Avery and Jack were still…something.

Avery looked away, trying to control the hurt that had taken root in the pit of his stomach, which seemed to be growing and expanding inside him. He didn’t want to be here talking to Jack’s sister, not right now.

“Are you all right?” Ordelia frowned.

“I’m fine. I’m just…” …heartbroken, miserable, wounded, the loneliest dragon at Christmas. “…sick,” he settled on.

Of course, dragons didn’t get sick. Or if they did, it usually meant they were dying. But he’d panicked and that word had sprung out of his mouth. He had to admit, it was much better than telling the truth.

“Oh no!” Her brown eyes filled with sympathy. “I know, I’ll make you some lemon-and-ginger scones. They are perfect for when you are feeling unwell, especially in this weather.” She laughed. “I’ll make a batch and get Jack to bring them over tonight.” She winked. “You’ll be feeling better in no time.”

“No,” Avery said, trying very hard not to panic. “That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

The baby began to gurgle.

“Nonsense.” Ordelia bounced the baby, her gaze on the little one’s face. “And you didn’t ask. I offered.”

The baby babbled.

“Now I have to get little Ruthie inside and out of the snow. Bye, Avery.” She walked away, towards the bakery. “So nice to properly meet you.”

“I—” Avery took a step after her. He stopped. He should stop her from walking away. He should tell her the truth, that Jack had ended things between them and so would not want to come to Avery’s house to drop off scones.

Avery stood in the falling snow, unsure what to do as she entered the bakery. Maybe he’d just make himself scarce when Jack came. He’d let Daniel open the door and take the package. He’d hide in his library, curled up in his dragon form.

Although, it really wouldn’t be fair to make Jack come all that way to Avery’s home. Avery should go and tell Ordelia. He took a step forward. He halted.

But Jack would be in the bakery. Jack would not want to see him. It would be rude to go back.

And Avery couldn’t face Jack. He bit his lip.

He stood, unsure what to do. Several times, he started walking towards the bakery before turning right around and walking back.

What do I do?

He wrung his hands. But maybe Jack wouldn’t come. No doubt when he told his sister he’d ended things between himself and Avery, she’d realise she’d made a mistake and change her mind. She wouldn’t bake him scones. She’d only suggested that because she thought he and Jack were together.

There really was no reason for Avery to go back into the bakery and further embarrass himself. Coming to a decision, Avery turned and strode away through the snow before he could doubt his decision again.

He’d probably never see Jack again. Avery stumbled. He took several deep, shaking breaths.

After all, Avery couldn’t go back to the Magic Bakery again. Not after everything that had happened.

He pressed on, and by the time he reached his den, all Avery wanted to do was shift, make a blanket nest, curl up by the fire, and get lost in a book.

Of course, one of the problems with being in his dragon form was that he couldn’t read. If he and Jack had worked out, then Jack could have read to Avery whilst he was a dragon.

“I just don’t think we’ll work out, you and me.”

Every time he thought the words, it was like a spear to the gut.

“Master Blaize.” Daniel took Avery’s coat. “Duke Azer is in the drawing room. His Grace arrived ten minutes ago.”

Hand clenching, Avery took a deep breath. He did not feel up to seeing his father. But he didn’t have a choice. He couldn’t slink away to the library unnoticed.

“Thank you, Daniel.” Pulling his shoulders back and trying to compose himself, Avery walked to the drawing room and entered. “Hello, Father.”

“Avery.” The duke sat on a chair, drinking a cup of tea. “Where have you been?”

Avery took a seat. Daniel came into the room and prepared a cup of tea for Avery. “I’ve been at a bakery.”

“A bakery? Why didn’t Giles or your cook go for you?” His father didn’t learn servants’ names. They were always Giles, Jordan, Penelope, or Carey, depending on which name the duke thought suited them best.

“I wanted to stretch my legs.”

His father frowned but didn’t comment. “Well, I can’t stay long. I’m just dropping by on my way to afternoon tea with Isabelle’s soon-to-be in-laws.” The duke shook his head. “And she wants us all to go to the Christmas markets this week.”

Avery felt a pang in his chest at the thought of the Christmas markets. Avery took his cup and stared into the milky tea. “Thank you, Daniel.”

“She really wants to meld the families. It’s a little exhausting. But we do what we must for family.” Duke Azer sipped his tea.

Avery glanced at the window. A whirl of white was all he could see.

Christmas wasn’t far off. He wondered if he’d see his father again before then. Otherwise, it would just be Avery, Daniel, and Cook for a while.

And Avery always gave Daniel and Cook half of Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day off. He wanted them to spend the day with their families. He liked to think of them celebrating surrounded by the people they loved on Christmas.

Although, it made Avery even lonelier to have his den completely empty.

His father put down the teacup and rose. “I should go. I don’t want to insult Isabelle and her future in-laws by being late.”

Avery stood and followed his father to the door.

“Do you have need of anything?” his father asked.

“No,” Avery answered. “I have everything I need.”

His father nodded. “Good. Good.” He put on his coat and hat as Daniel opened the door.

The snow came down even thicker and heavier than it had earlier.

“Good day.” His father gave a brisk nod.

“Good day, Father.” But Avery’s father had already disappeared into the snow.

Jack would definitely not come now. The snow fell too hard and fast for a human to get around easily.

That was a good thing.

Avery should not feel disappointed. They were done now. For good.

They’d seen the last of each other.

He stared out into the snow as the last of his hope shrivelled inside him.