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

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

A red dragon flew in their direction. Before Jack had a moment to process, he was already sprinting to the street in front of the bakery. People gathered, pouring out of the houses and storefronts, pointing at the sky as the dragon circled overhead.

Jack let out a breath.

Avery came for me. He flew across the city for me.

Jack had been such a fool to doubt Avery even for a second. He didn’t deserve this incredible dragon.

“Is that Avery?” Cas asked from behind him.

But Jack didn’t take his gaze off the beautiful dragon. “Yes. It is.”

Avery grew closer to the ground, wings flapping and stirring up snow. People began to scatter and scream. But Jack ran straight towards him, heart beating for the dragon. The dragon landed, talons pressing into cobblestones, slush, and snow. Avery lifted his long neck and peered down at Jack.

Jack smiled up at him.

I love him. I love Avery with all my heart and soul.

Then Avery’s tail whipped out.

Cries erupted. Jack didn’t feel a sliver of fear as the tail coiled around him, lifted him into the air, and carried Jack to Avery.

Jack laughed. He loved Avery. He wanted a future with this dragon. A life with him.

Avery set Jack down right in front of him, but his tail remained firmly and possessively wrapped around him. The dragon peered around at the onlookers as if warning them to stay back. Smoke rose from his nostrils. His wide wings remained open behind him.

“Avery.” Jack reached out and pressed his hand against the smooth scales.

Avery gazed down at him.

“You really are a lovely dragon.”

Avery let out a breath of hot air that smelled of smoke, fire, and ash.

Then a shimmer of light rippled around Avery. The dragon shrank, and the tail withdrew from around Jack. The dragon disappeared, and Avery, in his human form stood, before Jack. A very naked Avery.

Jack stepped in close, encircling Avery in his arms. He opened his mouth to apologise for ever doubting Avery, but Avery spoke first.

“I’m sorry about my father. I’m sorry if he treated you badly.” Avery hugged Jack back.

Jack shook his head. “You have nothing to apologise for. Nothing. He was the arrogant dick. Not you. I shouldn’t have left. I should have stayed and talked to you. I’m sorry for rushing off.” Jack pulled back and stroked Avery’s freckled cheek. Jack didn’t want his question to sound like an accusation, but he had to know. “But why didn’t you tell me the Dragon Duke was your father?”

“The Dragon Duke?” Avery frowned. “Oh. Yes. That’s what people call him.”

Unable to stop the question from bursting forth, Jack asked, “And doesn’t having a duke as a father make you royalty?”

Avery dropped his gaze. “Well, you see… The thing is… My father, he is a duke, but I am not born of a mated or married pair. That means…” He took a deep breath. “It means I am nothing.”

Jack choked. Everything inside Jack rebelled at the word nothing .

But before he could speak, Avery continued. “I am not recognised or acknowledged by the duke as his son. I’m not royalty. His real family don’t even know I exist. My mother was his mistress. He considers my conception a terrible lapse in behaviour.”

Avery’s golden eyes met Jack’s. “My father doesn’t care about me.” Unshed tears glistened in his eyes. “He does his duty because I am his offspring. He assures my needs are met. I am his responsibility. But beyond that, I am nothing.”

Jack’s heart splintered and shattered for Avery. “You’re not nothing,” Jack whispered fiercely. “And your father’s a fucking moron if he doesn’t see how wonderful you are. You deserve so much better. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise all the shit you’ve had to deal with on your own.”

Avery shook his head. “I should have told you. But I didn’t want you to pity me.” Avery’s lips twitched. “I wanted to impress you. I wanted you to like me, not feel sorry for me for being so pathetic.” Avery blinked rapidly. “I know you think all the money I have means something. That it means I am above you or some such nonsense. But you’re not beneath me. I have nothing beyond my apartments and my money.” His voice trembled.

“I don’t mean anything to anyone.” The pain in Avery’s voice tore at Jack. “Truth is, my mother is the only one who ever loved me. And I don’t even remember her.”

Jack pulled Avery tight against him. “I’m so sorry, Avery.”

Avery rested his head on Jack’s shoulder, letting out a shuddering breath. Body trembling, he clutched at Jack, as if holding on for dear life.

“And you’re wrong. You’re so wrong.” Jack stroked the back of Avery’s neck. “Your mother is not the only one who ever loved you. I love you, Avery.”

Avery lifted his head, eyes wide. “Really? You love me?”

Jack nodded. “I do. I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I love you, and I want a future with you.”

“I love you too. I want that too.” Avery pulled him in and kissed him. “Mine,” Avery whispered against his lips. “All mine.”

“Yours,” Jack responded. And Jack kissed Avery again.

Avery pulled back. “Does that mean you will be my mate?” Avery asked hopefully. “I know it might be soon for a human.” He licked his lips and frowned. “So maybe I shouldn’t have asked…”

Jack didn’t know the intricacies of mating with a dragon, but he knew it meant a lifetime with Avery. So the answer was easy. “Yes. I will be your mate.”

Avery laughed, a carefree, joyous sound. “Although, I should probably tell you, not only am I illegitimate, I’m also about to be disowned too. If it is even possible to be disowned by a father who has never acknowledged me. And he is going to cut me off.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I wouldn’t give you up.”

Jack’s mouth fell open. “You shouldn’t have to give up everything for me.”

“I’m not,” Avery said simply. “You are the most important thing to me, Jack. With you, my loneliness disappears. When I’m with you, my life feels complete. You belong with me. I want you to be mine, my mate, for now and ever.”

Jack couldn’t find the words. This wonderful dragon wanted him and would give all his wealth for him. He had nothing he could say to that, so he just kissed Avery again and held him close.

When the kiss finally broke, Jack looked around. A large crowd watched on.

“Nice arse, dragon!” someone yelled.

“Put some clothes on,” someone else called out. But then everyone burst out laughing.

“All right, everyone. Peep show’s over!” Grady yelled, emerging from the group. “Here, put this on for decency’s sake.” He threw a coat at Avery.

Avery caught it and tugged it on.

“All good, Jack?” Grady asked.

“All good.” Jack smiled at Avery and wrapped an arm around his waist. “We’re going to mate.”

Grady glanced between them. A smile danced on his lips. “Thought you’d already been doing that. A lot of that.”

“I mean… We’re going to be mates,” Jack stammered.

Grady chuckled. “Good to hear. Glad you worked it out between you.” He looked at Avery. “Welcome to the family, Avery.” Then he turned and walked towards their siblings who watched on.

Avery froze beside him. “Welcome to the family,” he whispered. “I get a family.”

“You do.” Jack kissed him on his cheek. “Hope you can handle them.”