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

Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30

“ Y ou sure you’ll be fine without me?” Jack asked from the doorway. “It’s Christmas Eve, and Avery isn’t expecting me until later this afternoon.”

“We’ll be fine! Go be with your sexy dragon!” Cas shooed Jack out the door and into the alley.

Jack closed the door. He chuckled and set off.

Since the snowstorm, Avery had been coming by to help in the bakery. He’d even helped serve at the Christmas markets. Avery adored his family. And they adored him.

Carrie also liked Avery a lot. Often, Avery held her in his lap, just stroking her scales. “We reptiles have to stick together,” Avery had said softly to her.

She’d always been rather picky regarding people who weren’t family.

“But you like Avery, don’t you.” Jack looked down at the lump beneath his coat. “And I know you like Avery’s den.” Carrie lay bundled up against his chest. “He bought that nice velvet cushion for you, and you have that perfect place by the fire. He’s ordered some snails for you to eat today.” He stroked his hand over Carrie. “He even said he’d get a special shelf built for you so you can be high up.”

She moved slightly, nestling against Jack’s chest.

In Jack’s other hand, he held several packages tied together with string. Some fresh bread, meat pies, vanilla crescent cookies, and a couple of small presents. Technically, they were doing presents with the family tomorrow after lunch. But he wanted to have a few presents tomorrow morning with just him and Avery.

He’d also brought the book he’d bought for Avery. He couldn’t wait to see Avery’s face when Jack gave him the book. His golden eyes would widen. Maybe he’d stroke the book and hum in the way he did when he was pleased.

Jack smiled, footsteps quickening, eager to be with Avery again. And he’d only left Avery’s apartments that morning. They spent the nights there, as they had much more privacy in Avery’s home compared to Jack’s.

They’d spend tonight at Avery’s. They planned to decorate a Christmas tree Avery had bought yesterday. Cook and Daniel would have the evening and tomorrow off. Avery had been a little concerned about what they’d eat tonight.

Jack had just laughed and said, “We can cook.”

Avery had beamed, loving the idea of getting his hands dirty in the kitchen. Jack had assured Cook he’d be in charge in the kitchen whilst she was away. And then tomorrow they’d go back to the bakery to spend the day with Jack’s family. Jack had never been so excited for Christmas in his life.

Jack could feel Carrie’s amusement.

Jack nodded and smiled at everyone he passed, wishing them all a Merry Christmas. As he approached Avery’s district, he didn’t even feel a little self-conscious. After all, Avery wanted Jack in his den. So that was where Jack belonged.

Jack slowed as he approached the door. He frowned.

A man stood on Avery’s doorstep, a tall man, taller than Jack even, and with broad shoulders. He wore a top hat on his brilliant coppery hair that had been tied back. The man lifted his walking stick and rapped sharply on the door.

Jack paused, suddenly uncertain. Avery had never had guests whilst Jack had been there. Even after the snowstorm. After a moment’s hesitation, Jack approached the door too. The man turned towards Jack.

Golden eyes narrowed and pinned Jack in place. His eyes, exactly like Avery’s. In fact, he looked so much like Avery, except taller, broader, and all around far more intimidating.

Avery’s father. This man is Avery’s father.

Jack’s throat tightened as uncertainty coursed through his bones.

And at the same time, horror washed through him. Because Jack recognised this man.

He’d seen him years ago when he and his family had gone to see a royal procession. The king had ridden through the streets, accompanied by other royals, including the man who stood before him now.

Someone in the crowd had whispered, “That’s the Dragon Duke.”

Of course, Jack had heard stories and rumours of the Dragon Duke. He had lands and wealth and power beyond which Jack could imagine. He was hundreds of years old. He was on the royal council.

He was an adviser to the king. He had been an adviser to the previous king, and the king before that. He’d fought in wars and led armies into battle, swooping down in his dragon form and breathing fire on enemies.

Jack couldn’t move.

The Dragon Duke was Avery’s father.

Should I bow? Kneel? Pissing potions! What should I do?

Jack lowered his gaze. He was pretty sure he wasn’t meant to meet a duke’s gaze. Or was that the king? How the fuck was Jack meant to know?

Why hadn’t Avery told Jack the Dragon Duke was his father?

And if Avery’s father was a duke, didn’t that make Avery a lord, or earl, or something like that?

Why didn’t Avery tell me?

Jack had pointed out their differences in class and money. He’d explained his concerns. Avery had seemed to understand, or at least he had tried to. So why had Avery not bothered to mention his father was one of the most powerful individuals in the kingdom?

Jack’s pulse raced alongside his thoughts.

But perhaps this man wasn’t Avery’s father. Maybe it was a relative or someone who just looked similar. Perhaps all dragons had golden eyes and brilliant copper hair.

Jack glanced at him again.

The Dragon Duke’s gaze raked Jack up and down. He sneered. “Servants enter at the back.” He turned away and faced the door, clearly dismissing Jack.

Jack’s cheeks burned as humiliation flooded his body. “I’m…a… I’m…I’m not…,” he stuttered. He couldn’t form words. Why couldn’t he form words?

Memories of years before, of begging his aunt and uncle for help, flew through his mind. He remembered their faces, so cold and unfeeling as they sneered and looked down on him.

Body flushing with shame, Jack shrank in on himself, feeling two inches tall and like he’d rolled around in frog guts. “I…I…”

The duke glared at him. “What are you still doing here? Are you some sort of idiot? If you are delivering something, you can leave it at the back door.” Displeasure dripped from each word. He clearly had no time for servants who did not know their place.

This could not be Avery’s father. How could this man create someone as sweet and kind as Avery?

Jack’s mouth moved. But no words came out.

The door opened. Daniel stood before them. He bowed, glancing between Jack and the Duke.

“Giles, take the packages from this fucking moron!” the duke snapped. “He can’t seem to understand that he is meant to go around the back. Perhaps he is too stupid to find the way.” The duke stepped into the house.

Mortification burned through Jack.

“Unbelievable.” The duke muttered, tugging his gloves off. “Fucking unbelievable.” He didn’t look at Jack.

After all, Jack didn’t deserve to be seen by dukes, lords, and other royal figures. People like Jack were too far beneath him.

They should go around the back. They should never be seen.

Daniel reached out and took the packages from Jack. He leaned close. “Best come back when Avery’s father is gone,” he whispered. Then he pulled back and shut the door in Jack’s face.

Jack stared at the dragon door knocker, trying to process what had just happened.

So the Dragon Duke was Avery’s father.

Why didn’t Avery tell me?

For several moments, Jack just stared at the closed door.

He blinked, remembering another time when a door had slammed shut in his face.

Unsure what else to do, he turned and walked home. Hurt and shock mixed inside him. He placed a hand on Carrie. He felt her concern.

Why hadn’t Avery told Jack? He should have told Jack. Shouldn’t he?

Jack knew Avery’s mother had died and that he had no siblings. Only now did Jack realise Avery barely spoke to Jack about his father. Why?

How could Jack ever be a proper part of Avery’s life if Avery couldn’t even tell him something so important? Jack thought they’d been doing so well together. Jack had gotten over his earlier concerns. He’d started to picture a future together. He’d thought himself very much falling in love.

And if Avery was the son of the duke, he wasn’t just some rich person; he was fucking royalty.

Jack didn’t know a lot about royalty, but he was pretty certain that all royal matings and marriages in the kingdom had to be approved by the king. He remembered years ago when the king had granted permission between a lord and a knight. Everyone in the city had been talking about it.

But the knight had been a war hero! Not some hearth-and-kitchen-witch baker.

The king would never allow Jack to marry or mate Avery. Those sorts of matings never happened.

So what was Avery’s plan? They be together but not mate? Had Avery just wanted Jack for a little while? Dragons lived a long time; perhaps he just wanted Jack temporarily, his bit of rough before he moved on to something better, to someone better, to a lord, a duke, or a prince.

A sharp pain slid beneath his ribs. A spike of worry, Carrie’s worry, flowed through the bond.

Jack shook his head and forced out a breath. He placed a hand on top of Carrie, trying to comfort her and himself. He was making assumptions again, just like he had when he’d discovered Avery was rich.

I need to talk to Avery.

But his heart hurt. And Jack just couldn’t see why Avery hadn’t told him the truth.

What else has he not told me?

And no matter how hard he tried, Jack just couldn’t picture a future between a royal dragon and a hearth-witch baker from the poor part of town.