Chapter 32
Chapter
Thirty-Two
The bell above the door tinkled as it swung open. Malachi walked into the Magic Bakery.
The warmth of the air swept over him, such a contrast to the frostiness outside. The scent of sugar, dough, butter, spices, and fresh bread filled his nostrils. He flicked his tongue to taste the air. His mouth salivated.
A Christmas tree, garlands, paper stars, and colourful baubles decorated the front area. Patrons sat at cosy little tables, drinking steaming hot drinks, eating baked goods, and talking softly.
Malachi frowned. A part of the floor had blackened, like it had burnt.
Then he remembered Trent telling him about the phoenix who’d been taken in by the family after losing his memory.
Apparently, he’d gotten his memories back and had burst into flames in the bakery. That must be where that had occurred.
There was a lot more to the story, including a fight with ice sorcerers and a murder plot. But thankfully, Trent had been safe with Malachi that night. He had heard all about it the following day and then later filled Malachi in. Thankfully, from what Trent had told him, the situation had resolved.
A small line of customers stood at the counter. A human female and a pixie served. The pixie had to be Cas. And Malachi knew Trent only had two sisters. He thought this might be Lacy, as she looked close in age to Trent.
Trent leaned towards him. “So what do you think?”
“It’s magical.”
Trent beamed. “You really think so?”
“I do. And it smells divine in here.”
“We’re going to head out back.” Briar pointed. “Nice meeting you, Malachi.”
“I’ll put your stuff down here.” Wulfric set down Malachi’s crates of plants by the wall.
“Thanks,” Malachi said. “Nice meeting you both too.”
Briar and Wulfric walked past the counter and made their way into the back area of the bakery, which was separated from the front area by a large bench.
“Do you want to come around back too?” Trent asked. “Everyone is going to be busy working, but you can come say hello.”
“I wouldn’t want to interrupt.” Malachi glanced towards the back area. It buzzed with activity and noise.
“You won’t be. Everyone is keen to meet you.” Trent smiled, but Malachi could see a hint of nerves in his brown eyes.
“All right.” Malachi set the rest of his things down and followed Trent. With each step his muscles tensed.
“We have too many Christmas sugar cookies!” a bearded man called out. “Someone tell Cas to stop making so many.”
“You tell Cas!” another man said. “You know how he feels about Christmas cookies. I’m not going to be the one to tell him to stop making them!”
Malachi hovered behind Trent as several of the bakers laughed.
“What do you have to say about my Christmas cookies?” Cas flew into the back of the bakery.
He froze when he spotted Malachi. He looked to Trent. He smiled, and pixie dust burst around him. “Trent, who is this handsome siren?”
Trent placed a hand on Malachi’s shoulder. “This is Malachi. He’s just stopping by to say hello.”
“Hello.” Malachi inclined his head.
Cas beamed, wings flapping rapidly. He flew closer to Malachi, gaze flicking over his features.
Cas reached out and clasped both Malachi’s hands.
“I’m Cas. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you.
We’ve been wondering when we will meet the siren who Trent has been spending so many nights with! And here you are!”
Malachi opened his mouth. “I…ah…” His tongue seized. He could feel all eyes on him. “I hope…I haven’t been monopolising too much of his time.”
“Well, he is very special to us. We care about him greatly. Do you care about him greatly, Malachi?” Cas’s eyes gleamed.
But before Malachi could answer, Trent stepped in. “Cas, look, more customers.”
Cas turned. Sure enough, more people waited at the counter. “Oh.” Cas dropped Malachi’s hands and flew to serve.
“It’s nice meeting you, Malachi,” the bearded man said. “I’m Grady. That’s Lachlan and Kit over there making cookies. Leo is by the oven. I understand you’ve already met Wulfric and Briar. And Lacy is out front serving.”
Malachi tried to force the names and faces into his memory. “It’s nice to meet you all. I really hope I haven’t been keeping Trent too much.”
“He seems to be enjoying spending time with you. That’s the important thing.” Grady smiled, but his eyes studied Malachi.
“Anyway, he was just popping in to say hello, and now he has done that.” Trent took Malachi’s arm. “I’m going to give him some cake before he has to leave for work.”
There was a chorus of goodbyes and waves as Trent led him back into the front area.
“I hope that wasn’t too much.” Trent took him to a table.
“They were fine.” Malachi sat. “But I must confess, it will probably be a while before I memorise everyone’s name.”
Trent laughed. “That’s fair. So did you want some cake and tea before you head off? Or do you have to go now?” He sighed. “I can’t join you. I’ll need to start working.”
“I’ll take the tea and cake. But only if it isn’t too much hassle.”
“No hassle at all.” Then Trent was off. A few moments later, he returned. “Here you are. Some Christmas fruitcake, a snowflake cookie, and some ginger and pear tea. Enjoy.” Trent set them down before him.
“Thank you, Trent.”
“Make sure you say goodbye before you leave. Okay?”
Malachi nodded. “Of course.”
With a smile, Trent went off into the back area.
Malachi took a sip of the tea, and the hot liquid slid down his throat, chasing away any remnants of cold from his limbs. He took a bite of the sweet fruitcake and suppressed a moan.
As he ate and drank, he watched Trent with his siblings. They all kept giving Malachi curious glances.
What had Trent told them about him? Did they understand that he and Trent were just friends? An icy coldness crept up his spine.
They clearly loved Trent and were obviously assessing Malachi. But would they do that with a friend? Or had they misunderstood his and Trent’s relationship? Did they think the two of them were more?
He swallowed, and the cake settled heavily in his gut.
Trent knew he and Malachi were just friends.
But had Trent communicated that to the others?
The constant glances and the fact Trent’s siblings were obviously talking about Malachi made him uneasy.
He hurriedly ate the rest of his cake and cookie and drank his tea.
He waited for a lull in customers before he rose, grabbed his cup and plate, and approached the counter.