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

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31

A very fluffed the branches and leaves. He took a step back and stared at the beautiful tree. He’d taken almost an hour to pick out the perfect one.

“Lovely,” Avery whispered.

And soon decorations would adorn it. Beside Avery, the boxes of decorations piled up. He’d been out buying them the day before. In and out of shops he’d gone, choosing decorations and ordering them to be delivered to his home.

Avery may have gone a little overboard. But if they had left over, he could take them to Jack’s home tomorrow. Surely the family would appreciate more decorations.

Avery reached for the boxes. He stopped himself and clasped his hands. His fingers flexed.

I need to wait until Jack arrives. Then we can decorate together.

Avery reached out and stroked the boxes. Touching boxes wasn’t opening them. His fingers tingled as delicious anticipation buzzed through him.

He dropped his hand. He walked to the mantel where the little hand-carved figurines stood. He took in the little cabin and woodland creatures. And at the centre of the little vignette stood the baker and dragon. Reaching out, he picked up the baker.

Jack. Mine. Mate.

He exhaled, and a puff of smoke escaped him.

When should he ask Jack to mate with him? He wanted to. He wanted to claim Jack. But it might be too soon by human standards. Not by a dragon’s though. Avery wanted it to be official. He wanted Jack to be his mate.

Then he will be truly mine.

A commotion from the entry caused Avery to put the figure down.

Jack! Jack is here!

Heart fluttering in his chest, he dashed towards the hallway. He froze. Disappointment replaced the exuberance. Duke Azer stood in the entryway.

Although, it made sense Jack wasn’t here yet. It was too early.

“Bring tea, Giles,” his father snapped, tone sharper than usual. He strode into the drawing room.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Daniel said as he put the duke’s coat, hat, and walking stick away.

Avery followed his father into the drawing room. The duke sat, a scowl on his face.

“Is everything all right, Father?” Avery took a seat.

“Just moronic servants not knowing their place,” his father snapped. “Honestly, who trains them these days?”

Avery glanced to the entryway. “Daniel has always been an excellent servant,” Avery said.

“Who?” His father’s brows furrowed.

“The butler.”

“Oh. Not him.” His father waved his hand. “Some servant delivering a package at the front door. I told him to use the back door, and he just stuttered like an idiot.”

“I see.” It must have been more of his decorations. Although, he’d thought they had all arrived yesterday. Avery pursed his lips, feeling sorry for the poor man who’d had to face the duke’s wrath.

At that moment, Daniel came in with the tea trolley, thankfully putting the unpleasant conversation to an end. Daniel served Duke Azer first and then Avery.

“A package came just now for you sir.” Daniel’s gaze met Avery’s. It lingered.

Avery paused, teacup halfway to his mouth. Daniel’s tone felt off.

Duke Azer muttered something about nuisance servants that Avery couldn’t quite hear.

“Thank you, Daniel,” Avery said. “That will be all for now.”

Daniel nodded and, with a bow, left the room.

Avery lifted the cup to his lips, staring after Daniel. Something didn’t sit right. But Avery couldn’t tell quite what. He turned his attention to his father. “Do you have anything planned for tonight or tomorrow?”

With a clink, his father placed his teacup down. “As usual, there is a Christmas Eve party at the palace tonight. The king will no doubt become ridiculously drunk and make a fool of himself.” His lips twisted. “Then tomorrow I’ll be with the family at home. Duchess Azer has it all planned, a big feast, lots of presents and so forth.”

“And will Lady Isabelle’s future husband be there for the Christmas meal?” Avery asked.

With a shock, Avery realised it didn’t hurt to ask his father the question. He could talk with his father about Christmas and, for the first time in his life, Avery found himself not at all wounded.

And why should he? Avery had his own Christmas plans with Jack and Jack’s family. He lifted the cup of tea to his lips, concealing a smile.

Avery’s gaze flicked to the entryway. He wanted to stand by the door, staring through the window into the street, hands pressed against the glass, waiting and watching for Jack’s arrival.

“Are you expecting someone?” Duke Azer asked.