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

Chapter 38

“ Avery, can you come over here and take care of the beans for me?” Lacy asked.

“Of course.” Avery wove past Cas, Briar, and Wulfric to get to the stove.

He’d never seen the back area of the bakery so crowded as everyone pitched in to help prepare the Christmas Day feast. Lacy handed Avery a wooden spoon. Avery was about to ask what he was meant to do with the beans, but then she ran off, leaving him alone at the stove.

The beans sizzled in the butter and some herbs. Avery held the wooden spoon aloft in his hand.

What was he meant to do? What were beans meant to look like when cooking? Avery didn’t know. After all, he’d never done it before.

He bit his lip. Avery was going to ruin the beans! He was going to ruin Christmas! Why had Lacy given him this task? Avery looked around the room. Lacy seemed consumed busily chopping something with Orim, her troll girlfriend.

He spotted Jack, holding his niece on the other side of the room. Avery perked up. Jack would know how to help.

He smiled. Jack!

Jack’s head snapped up. He turned to Avery, a smile lighting up his face.

Avery beamed back.

Still not used to hearing you like this. Jack’s voice echoed inside his head.

Avery wasn’t either, but he loved it! What do I do with the beans? Avery asked through their new link.

Avery saw Jack chuckle. Avery couldn’t hear him, but he could feel the amusement. That’s what you’re using this ability for? Advice on cooking beans?

Avery looked down at said beans. Lacy trusted me with this. I need to get it right. For Christmas! He paused. And honestly, I’ll use any reason to be able to talk to you like this. He looked at Jack again.

Jack’s smile softened, and Avery felt the warm affection trickle through the bond. Stir them and make sure they don’t burn. Don’t worry. You’ve got this. His niece reached up with her little hand and caught Jack’s attention.

Avery let out a breath. He stirred the beans. He could do this.

“These look great, Avery,” Lacy said a short while later.

Pride puffed up Avery’s chest. He’d done it!

She handed him a brown earthenware bowl. “Put them in here and bring them out.”

He followed Lacy out to the front of the bakery, holding his head high.

Small tables had been pushed together by Graal, Cas’s orc mate. Candles and baubles decorated the now large table. Everyone carried out the dishes. Avery stared at the bread rolls, loaves of bread, potatoes, carrots, ham, roast chickens, and meat pies. Avery placed his beans down and smiled.

“Come on, everyone,” Grady yelled. “Food is ready!”

Jack made his way around to Avery, and they took their seats. Everyone sat practically on top of one another. But no one complained about the crowded space. Avery noticed Kit, Lachlan’s lover and cat-shifter familiar, sitting on Lachlan’s lap with his front paws on the table, gaze fixed on one of the roasted chickens.

“Let’s have a toast,” Cas cried and raised a glass of wine, wrapping his arm around Graal.

Everyone looked to Grady.

Grady lifted his glass. “Welcome. Here’s to family, both old and new, and to being together today. Merry Christmas.”

To being together today.

Avery’s throat tightened as everyone around the table toasted and repeated, “Merry Christmas.”

Avery looked to Jack. He looked around the table at the people he was celebrating the holiday with.

“Now let’s eat,” Grady announced.

The table erupted with a flurry of movement as everyone began to pass around plates and serve the food. Chatter and laughter broke out almost immediately.

Avery sat back, taking in all the bustle, noise, and movement.

Are, you all right? Jack’s voice sounded in his head.

You’re right next to me. Avery laughed. You could just speak.

Jack gave him a lopsided grin. I like talking to you this way. Now, are you all right?

Just happy. Avery smiled. This is the first Christmas I can remember where I haven’t been alone.

Jack gripped his hand. And you’ll never be alone again. You’ll always have me. Merry Christmas, my love.

Merry Christmas, my mate.