Page 21 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

She gazed up, glancing between them.

“Do you have a partner?” The words left Kraghol’s lips before he could stop them. Because what if Jasper did have a partner? What if Kraghol had partially mated him when Jasper’s heart belonged to another? That would make the whole situation so much worse.

But Jasper shook his head. “No partner. I just have my familiar, Kali.”

“Your familiar?” Kraghol had not known that.

Kali padded along between them, leaving a trail of tiny footprints in the snow.

“She was with me when I woke after I almost drowned in that pond back there. She’s been by my side ever since. And she is the best familiar ever!”

They approached the city. Kraghol’s stomach muscles tightened. He didn’t want Jasper and Kali to leave. He didn’t want to say goodbye. But that was a foolish thought.

Jasper had not been afraid of him. That had been more than he had expected or hoped for. But that did not mean Jasper would accept Kraghol. And even if he did, so what? They did not belong together.

Kraghol paused amongst the trees. “This is the closest I will go.”

Jasper faced him. “You never enter the city?”

“Only on Krampus Night.” He stared into Jasper’s face, trying to memorise his features. He’d never been this close to Jasper, at least not when he was conscious. “Goodbye, Jasper. Goodbye, Kali. Do not return to the forest. It is dangerous, and you are ill-equipped to survive here.”

Jasper raised his eyebrows. “Thank you for your advice, Kraghol. And thank you for saving me.”

Kraghol nodded. Then he turned. He was about to walk away when Kali dashed forward. Swallowing, he reached down and stroked her fur.

Just one more time.“Goodbye, little fox. I will miss you so much. Thank you for everything,” he whispered, so low that Jasper couldn’t hear. “Take good care of him for me.”

Then he straightened. He glanced back at Jasper, who watched him. Throat tight, Kraghol strode forward into the trees, leaving his almost mate behind, determined not to look back again.

Chapter

Twelve

Jasper walked in the direction of the forest. He had chosen to ignore the krampus’s advice. Actually, as soon as Kraghol had spoken the words, Jasper knew he’d dismiss them. After all, he’d been coming to the forest since he was a bloody child. He knew this place. It wasn’tthatdangerous.

True, he could have possibly died twice in the forest recently. He’d almost drowned,andhe’d collapsed in the snow yesterday. If Kraghol hadn’t found him, he might have frozen to death.

But those had been exceptions!

Kraghol had no idea what he was talking about. The forest was completely safe for Jasper.

Now he carried a box in his hand as he and Kali entered the forest. Snowflakes drifted down on a light breeze. He inhaled the frosty air and glanced up at the cloudy grey sky.

The muscles in his body loosened, and any aches and pains diminished. He could breathe properly here.

Also, Jasper couldn’t stop thinking of Kraghol. He’d lain awake in bed, thoughts of the krampus’s furry, muscular body running through his head. He’d thought of that deep growly voice, that tall body, that long tail, his curled horns, and his stern expression.

Last night, Jasper’s cock had filled, and he had jerked himself off. He’d done so twice. Then, again, this morning.

Jasper hadn’t fucked anyone in months. Not since the accident. It hadn’t even crossed his mind. And he had realised with shock that he also hadn’t jerked off for months! That was beyond odd. He’d always had a pretty strong sex drive. But he’d been unwell, and so it hadn’t really been in his thoughts.

But then he’d met Kraghol, and the desire inside him had reawakened with explosive force.

Jasper had not gotten the sense that the krampus desired him. But truthfully, he’d found Kraghol hard to read. He had remained so guarded with Jasper.

Hopefully today, Kraghol would relax and Jasper could learn more about him. And if Jasper got the sense the krampus wanted him, he would almost definitely make a move.

Fuck. I hope he wants me.