Page 16 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Kraghol set to starting a fire in the pit. Soon it blazed, warming the small, dark cave. He rose and turned back to Jasper. “Please wake. I’m so sorry. Forgive me. Please don’t be hurt.”

He glanced around his cave, wishing he knew what else to do to help Jasper. But all he had was his firepit, a pile of wood, and his bed in the cave. Nothing else.

He glanced down at Jasper, wishing he could once again pour his life essence into him to heal him. But even he knew you could only do that once. He lifted his hand to touch Jasper’s cheek.

Then he pulled back. Jasper would not want his touch. In fact, if Jasper woke, he would be terrified to see a monster hovering over him. That would not do.

Swallowing, Kraghol backed up into a nook along the wall of the cave, where the firelight did not fall. He crouched, hiding himself from view so Jasper would not see him as soon as he woke.

“Please wake,” he whispered. “Please be okay.” Fear slid its cold fingers up his spine.

Jasper had to wake. Jasper had to be okay. Kraghol would never forgive himself if Jasper did not.

He’d somehow harmed Jasper. But why had he collapsed? Kraghol still didn’t understand it. Maybe he should go see Freya. As a spiritual guide, she studied healing. But would she know how to heal a human? And even if she could, would she? Their kind did not care for anyone that was not a krampus.

If he went to her for help, she’d definitely have questions. She’d want to know why Kraghol looked after a human. Perhaps if she saw them together, she’d recognise the partial mate bond between them. After all, spiritual guides were experts on mate bonds.

He didn’t know if calling on his sister would do any good. It might make the whole situation worse. But as the minutes ticked by and Jasper remained unconscious, Kraghol grew more and more desperate. He stepped forward, about to head out and find Freya. Then Jasper stirred and shifted.

Kali’s ears pricked up. She whined.

A groan escaped Jasper.

Kraghol took a step forward. He halted. Then he stepped back and crouched. Jasper could not see him. He’d be frightened. Kraghol pressed himself against the cold, jagged rock whilst his soul begged him to go and hold his almost mate.

He let out a breath, forcing himself to remain still.

Hopefully he will wake, not see me, and just leave and go home.

Kraghol doubted that would happen. Jasper would have questions. He’d see the fire. He’d wonder how he’d gotten there. And if he looked around the cave, he’d see the large, hulking form in the corner. Maybe Kraghol should have gone outside. But he could not have left Jasper alone.

Groaning, Jasper sat up. Kali licked his face.

“Hi, Kali.” Jasper stroked her. “It’s okay, girl.” He blinked and looked around. “But what the fuck happened? How did I get here?”

He turned to the fire. It crackled and glowed. For several seconds he stared at it, brows furrowed. Then Jasper turned, lifted his head, and looked directly at Kraghol, like he sensed him.

“You. It’s you,” Jasper said, voice hoarse. “You’re the one I’ve been searching for.”

Kraghol’s stomach clenched at the words.

“Why have I been searching for you?” Jasper leaned towards him.

Kraghol lowered his head, not sure what to say.

Jasper narrowed his eyes. “I can’t see you. Step into the light. Please.”

Kraghol shook his head, pressing back against the wall. He didn’t want Jasper to see him. He didn’t want to see the horror in his half-mate’s eyes. He couldn’t bear that.

“Please,” Jasper repeated.

A desire to come closer warred with the urge to stay hidden. He clenched his hands.

But Jasper was his almost mate. And Jasper wanted him to come closer. Jasper had asked him to. He’d practically begged. Kraghol could not deny him.

He took a deep breath. He squeezed his eyes shut. Bracing himself, he rose to his full height and stepped out of the shadows.

He expected a scream. Or at the very least a gasp. Perhaps stumbling footsteps as Jasper fled the cave and him. But instead, only silence followed.