Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
Malachi couldn’t stop moving.
He wiped down tanks and shelves he’d already ensured were spotless. He examined each plant and their tank’s water levels and salinity, even though he’d already checked on them earlier in the day. He washed his already clean tools and equipment.
Everything was in perfect order.
But still he couldn’t stop moving. He couldn’t rid himself of an itchiness beneath the skin. It had been with him all day. Or more accurately, it had been with him since he’d spoken about Forathia the night before.
For so long, Forathia had been a memory. Not known about by anyone in Anorra. Now Trent knew about him. For the first time in years, Malachi had opened up about his mate. And in doing so, his memories and feelings had risen to the surface.
His skin felt rubbed raw and his heart cracked open and exposed. He’d not realised that speaking of Forathia would have this effect.
And for some reason, he kept imagining what Forathia would think of what Malachi’s life had looked like the past ten years. Because Forathia would have hated to see Malachi alone, enveloped in pain, and shut off from the world and other people.
Now he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d failed Forathia abysmally. That Forathia would be disappointed in who he’d become. He let out a heavy breath and closed his eyes.
But I have a friend now. I’m no longer so reclusive.
Forathia would have adored Trent. If his mate had met Trent, he’d have seen his nervousness and would have made a joke or told some ridiculous story to make Trent laugh and put him at ease.
Malachi took off his glasses and wiped them.
What if I made Trent uncomfortable last night?
After their talk, Trent had been withdrawn, quiet, and lost in his thoughts. Trent deserved a better friend than Malachi. He should be with someone free of the shadows of grief. Trent should leave Malachi alone to his dark thoughts.
But for whatever reason, Trent liked spending time with him. And Malachi was glad of his companionship. Also, he had to admit the sex was incredible.
Still, eventually, Trent would probably grow weary of spending time with a gloomy siren horticulturist. He’d move on. Malachi wouldn’t blame him. Then he’d be alone and friendless once more.
He sighed and put his glasses back on. He just couldn’t shake this dark mood. He walked to the window and stared out. The snow fell, brushing against the glass. Figures wandered the streets, heads bowed against the wind.
A slender shadow moved towards the shop. Malachi straightened, recognising the quick gait. The door creaked opened. Trent stepped in, wiping the snow from his coat. The emporium seemed to brighten.
“You’re early.”
“Ordelia’s in-laws are taking the little ones for the night.” Trent took off his coat. “I know it’s not yet closing time, but I was hoping you wouldn’t mind me around.”
“You are always welcome here.”
Trent grinned. Then he walked to the yellow sorrow, clearly looking for Kelby.
“It’s a bit early for her to be waiting.” Malachi looked around the emporium. “She’ll be hidden amongst the plants somewhere.”
“I’m sure I can find her,” Trent said with confidence. He put down his packages and began to wander the rows.
“Good luck.” But Malachi did not like Trent’s chances. Malachi rarely spotted Kelby throughout the day.
The door opened, and a human entered.
“Afternoon,” the woman said. “Have you got any dried arame?”
“We do.” Malachi strode towards the counter. Meanwhile Trent kept searching for Kelby.
A couple minutes later, the woman left the store with her package.
“I found her!” Trent called out, holding his hand out in front of him. Sure enough, Kelby sat on his palm.
“I’m surprised.” Malachi walked towards them. “She usually is so hard to find.”
Trent stroked her back. She ribbited, then sprang towards his face. Trent laughed as she climbed his head, gripping his nose, eyebrow, and forehead before scrambling onto the top of his hair.
The door opened, and two more customers entered. Malachi went to serve them.
When they left, Malachi walked over to Trent, who was examining the different plants. “I’m almost finished for the day. But I still need to feed the werdemon plant.”
“Can I watch?” Trent reached for Kelby, who’d burrowed into his brown hair. “I’ve never seen a plant be fed before.”
“Well, the werdemon is an unusual plant.” Malachi walked to the tank. Its pinkish stalk stretched from the grey stones at the bottom. From the stalk, stems like veins floated in the water. At the end of the stems hung small round red pods.
“I believe it is feeding time for you, my dear.” Reaching for the shelf beneath the werdemon plant, he lifted a small container and took off the lid.
Trent leaned closer, holding Kelby in his hands.
“Moth larvae.” Malachi lifted the container over the water and sprinkled. As the larvae sunk, the stems immediately came to life. They spread out through the water. The pods opened wide as they sought their prey. When a larva was in reach, the pod snapped shut, capturing the larva inside.
“Wow!” Trent’s eyes widened.
“The werdemon is a carnivorous plant. She’ll gobble up insect larvae, tadpoles, and fry that approach her in the wild.” Malachi closed the lid. “But she doesn’t get that in her tank, so I have to feed her myself.”
Suddenly, Kelby sprang and landed with a plop in the water. She dived amongst the stems, gobbling up the larvae that the plant had yet to devour.
“Kelby! No!” Trent shoved his hand into the water after her, fingers reaching towards her.
Malachi placed a hand on his shoulder. “She’s fine. Kelby is far too big for the plant to eat.”
“Oh.” Trent’s shoulders relaxed. He lifted his hand from the water.
They watched Kelby and the plant feed until no more larvae remained in the tank. When she was done, Kelby swam to the edge of the tank. Trent picked her up, holding her close.
“You scared me.” Trent lifted her until they were nose to nose. She croaked. “But I suppose you know what you’re about.”
“She does indeed.” Malachi chuckled. He walked to the door, locked it, and switched the sign to closed.
Then he turned back to Trent and Kelby. With a start, he realised his melancholic mood had passed completely. Being around Trent really was good for him.
Smiling, he grabbed the parcels Trent had brought with him. “Shall we go up? Are you hungry?”
“I’m famished.” Trent’s gaze ran up and down Malachi’s body. And the glint in Trent’s gaze told Malachi he wasn’t thinking about food.