Page 69 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Mine.
Avery smiled as he stared at their joined hands as they walked to Avery’s home.
Mine.
Jack loved him, loved him like Avery loved Jack. And Jack had agreed to be his mate. His dragon purred in the back of his head, content and satisfied.
Mate.
Jack’s siblings had all congratulated them. Then Jack’s whole neighbourhood had approached, eager to talk to the dragon. After almost an hour, they’d left to go back to Avery’s apartments. They wanted privacy and to spend Christmas Eve just the two of them in Avery’s den.
And Avery wanted to perform the mating ritual with Jack. He vibrated with eagerness.
Mine. All mine.
Although, maybe Jack needed a few days to get used to the idea. Avery needed to be careful and not rush his witch.
A few people glanced their way as they walked, staring at Avery’s bare legs and feet pressing into the snow. Thankfully,Avery at least had Grady’s coat. And his dragon’s blood kept him warm.
They reached Avery’s apartments. Daniel greeted them at the door. He took Jack’s and Grady’s coats.
“Shouldn’t you be done for the day, Daniel?” Avery asked.
“I am about to leave,” Daniel said, completely unfazed by Avery’s nudity. “Cook has left already.”
“Good,” Avery said.
Jack held Carrie in his hands. She’d been tucked inside his coat. He carried her through to the library, where her cushion lay.
“I left some clothes for you in the library, sir,” Daniel said. “And Duke Azer wrote a note before he left.” Daniel handed it to Avery.
Avery hesitated. He took the small beige note in his hand. “Thank you, Daniel.”
“I’ll be off now, sir.” Daniel gave a bow. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Daniel,” Avery said but struggled to think of anything but the note in his hand.
Daniel paused as he passed the library. “And Master…a…Jack. Cook told me to inform you that she left a few things for you in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Daniel,” Jack called from the library. “Merry Christmas.”
Avery stayed in the hallway, staring at the note he held in his hand. How could something so small feel so terrifying?
He’d not really thought much about his father after his conversation with Jack. He’d deliberately tried not to think about him. And now he held a note from his father in his hand.
Averyhad been scrawled on the front.
Jack approached him. He touched Avery’s arm. “You all right?”
“I’m… I’m not sure.” Avery opened the note.
He began to read,
Avery,
I must confess that I have always considered you to be a rather weak-willed dragon. You’ve always had a rather subservient manner about you that is in no way befitting a dragon with your bloodline. This combined with your propensity to align yourself with those far beneath you concerned me.
But today I saw another side to you, strong and willing to fight. I saw glimpses of the dragon in you. It’s just a shame a witch brought it out.
