Page 20 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Kali hopped down and walked towards Kraghol, gazing up at him with her big, confused eyes. Kraghol’s fingers twitched. He wished to lean down and pat Kali. But Jasper already watched him with such inquisitive eyes. He might work out that the two already knew each other.

I am sorry, little fox.He said the words in his head, since he could not apologise aloud.

She bumped her head against him. Kraghol swallowed, hating himself.

“You can pat her, you know. She won’t bite. I promise.” Jasper glanced between them.

Kraghol hesitated. Giving in, he leaned down to stroke her soft fur. She rubbed against his hand, making little squeaks. She had brought him so much joy the months they’d spent together. He hoped she brought Jasper joy now and they were happy together.

Kraghol wanted to cradle her in his arms like he once had. He’d missed the fox so much. But that would arouse too much suspicion.

“I’ve never seen her take to anyone like she has with you,” Jasper said.

Kraghol cleared his throat and reluctantly stood. Not knowing what to say, he walked to the cave entrance. “Come. Let’s go.”

Jasper and Kali followed.

“Huh,” Jasper said as they walked from the cave.

Kraghol glanced back. “What?”

“Over there is where my accident happened.” Jasper pointed to the pond. “You’re cave is really close by.” He looked between the cave and the pond. “Actually, you can practically see the hill where I fell and the pond where I almost drowned from your cave entrance.”

Kraghol kept walking. He knew all that. He’d been in his cave sleeping with Kali when he’d heard the twins bickering. He’d come to the cave entrance. The little fox had trotted out. Kraghol had followed. He’d watched Jasper and his brother. Then he’d seen Jasper fall into the pond.

That was when he’d saved his life and created the partial mate bond.

“You get into a lot of trouble in the forest. Falling, drowning, collapsing.” Kraghol kept his gaze ahead. “Perhaps it would be better for you to stay in the city. It is safer there.”

Jasper did not respond. For several minutes, they walked in silence. Darkness continued to fall.

“Have you always lived in this forest?” Jasper asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you like the forest? Is it pleasant to live here?”

“It is fine.” Kraghol wished Jasper would stop asking about him. He wished he’d talk about himself instead.

“How old are you?”

“I have lived thirty-one Krampus Nights.”

“Is that how krampuses count age, by Krampus Nights?”

“Yes.” Then, because Kraghol couldn’t help himself, he asked, “How old are you?”

Jasper’s smile was blinding. “Twenty-four. I have a twin brother. Unsurprisingly, he is also twenty-four.” Jasper laughed.

Kraghol could float away on the sound of that laughter.

“Actually, I’m one of ten siblings. We’re all hearth and kitchen witches. Did I say that already?”

Kraghol had not known Jasper was a witch until today. He did not know much about witches. But then again, he knew very little about anyone who was not a krampus. But he’d heard a few stories about witches.

He glanced at Jasper. He didn’t look like the witches he’d heard about. They were usually old, hunched-over humans, covered in warts and living in huts.

“And when you add in all our partners and familiars, that’s lots more chaos in the mix. So it is pretty hectic at home and in the bakery.” Jasper laughed again. He glanced down at Kali. “Isn’t that right?”