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

Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

“ S orry to disturb,” Jack said as he came into the kitchen.

“Master Berry.” Daniel stood, spine straight. He put his cup of tea on the counter and clasped his hands behind his back. He gave a slight bow. “Can I get you something? Does Master Blaize have need of me?”

The winter sprite, who Jack assumed was Cook, fluttered by the large stove, holding a wooden spoon. Her curious gaze rested on Jack.

“No,” Jack said. “He’s reading upstairs. I asked if I could come to the kitchen and have a look around. I was thinking of making cookies. But wasn’t sure if you had the ingredients.”

Jack looked to Cook. “Of course, that is, if you don’t mind me using your kitchen. I understand this is your space. I’ll only use it if you say it’s all right.”

Cook smiled. She put down the wooden spoon. “Of course, Master Berry. My kitchen is at your disposal.” She gestured to the space, her blue wings beating steadily. “I’m Cook.”

“Nice to meet you. And please, just call me Jack.” Jack glanced at Daniel as well, including him in the comment. “I’m not a master of anything. I’m just a simple hearth and kitchen witch. And please go back to your tea,” Jack said to Daniel.

Daniel sat but still looked a little rigid. He lifted his teacup but didn’t drink. Jack hoped he’d relax. He’d like to be able to use the kitchen. But he wouldn’t if it made Daniel or Cook uncomfortable.

So far, Jack had spent two days being snowed in with Avery. The first full day, Jack had begun to be concerned that his family might worry about him not having come home. But then Daniel had knocked on the library door.

“Master Uzoth is here to speak with Master Berry,” Daniel had said.

“Who?” Jack asked.

The gargoyle Uzoth then stepped forward. Jack recognised the gargoyle. He’d seen him on rooftops near his home. He’d never seen him move before. Why was he here for Jack?

Apparently, he had knocked at the servants’ door at the back of the apartment.

“Jack, I am here on behalf of your brother Grady,” Uzoth said. “I am here to check and see if you are well.” He stared at Jack. “You appear to be so.”

Jack nodded. “I am.”

Then the gargoyle turned to Avery. “Dragon, will you keep him safe here with you and protect him until the snowstorm passes?”

Avery, who’d been sitting in his armchair, rose to his feet, expression growing sober. “I will take care of him. I give you my word.”

A shiver travelled down Jack’s spine at Avery’s pledge. Jack glanced between Avery and Uzoth, both so serious as they stared at each other.

“I thank you, dragon.” The gargoyle inclined his head. “I will tell Grady, and he will rest easier with this knowledge.”

“And are they all right?” Jack asked, slightly confused as to why Uzoth seemed to be acting as a messenger for Grady.

“All your siblings at the apartment are well,” Uzoth said. “From here, I will check on Lacy, Ordelia and her family, and Trent. They are currently not at the apartment.” Uzoth paused. “If you wish, I will inform you if anything befalls one of your siblings.”

“Oh. Yes,” Jack said. “That would be good. Thank you.”

Then the gargoyle had turned and left. It had been a strange interaction. But Jack had been grateful for the news about his family, even if he didn’t understand why Uzoth was helping them.

After that, Avery and Jack had spent their time snowed in reading, fucking, and sleeping curled up by the fire. It had been perfect. Except for one thing.

Jack’s fingers itched to bake or cook. He’d never gone this long without being in a kitchen. He looked around Cook’s space, much larger and with far more elaborate and newer equipment than what he was used to. Still, Cook had made this space her own. He could feel the winter sprite’s presence in the air. “You have a lovely kitchen.”

“Thank you. First day I started working here, Master Blaize told me to get whatever I needed and then left me in charge. Any time I request anything, he just tells me to order it.” She laughed, flew to the cupboard, and opened the doors. “He’s so easy to work for.”

Jack walked over and stood next to Cook. “He is?” He thought back to the other night when Avery had suggested Cook change the roast pheasant for something Jack might prefer.

It had not sat well with Jack.

“At my age, I’ve worked in lots of kitchens. Master Blaize is by far the best employer I’ve ever had.” Cook didn’t look a day over twenty. Of course, sprites didn’t age much, and they could live hundreds of years.

“I always encourage him to let me know if there is anything he might want for a meal. But most of the time he just leaves everything to me.” Cook paused, considering. “Sometimes he requests certain foods. And if I have trouble sourcing ingredients, he tells me it is fine and not to worry.” She smiled.

“Never a harsh word or criticism from him. But he always sends his compliments. And he always gives me time off if I need it. You know, we get Christmas off and a half-day off on Christmas Eve. I’ve never got Christmas off before! Couldn’t ask for a better boss.” She glanced at Daniel, who nodded in agreement.

Cook looked at Jack. “Now, Jack, what do you need to bake?”

Jack’s gaze ran over the perfectly organised jars of ingredients. As he listened to Cook, he once again felt like he’d been a total prick. He’d assumed Avery didn’t appreciate Cook’s work because he’d suggested Cook change the menu the night Jack arrived. But it seemed that had been unusual.

No doubt because he wanted to care for Jack.

Jack swallowed. He’d made so many assumptions about Avery because he was rich and had servants. But his servants liked him and thought him an excellent employer.

“I always keep my kitchen well-stocked, but if you require any special ingredients, I might not have them in. And unfortunately, we won’t be able to get them until the snowstorm ends in a couple of days.” Cook looked at him with her bright-blue eyes.

A pang hit Jack in the middle of the chest. Only a couple more days.

Then he’d have to return to the bakery. Of course, Jack missed his siblings and Carrie and would be glad to see them again. Still, it saddened Jack to think that this time together, Jack snowed in with Avery and cut off from the world, would come to an end so soon.

Not that he planned to end things between them again. But still, Jack couldn’t help but worry that when he returned to his real life, the differences in their class and wealth might cause problems again.

Jack shook his head. He was worrying over nothing. He and Avery got along so well. There was no reason to be concerned.