Page 43 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Grady opened the door and entered. Uzoth followed, ducking slightly so his gargoyle wings didn’t hit the door-frame. Grady stared at him as if surprised to see Jasper up.

Which was fair. Jasper tended to sleep after wandering the forest. He usually was so fucking exhausted and always felt likeabsolute shit. That meant whenever any of his siblings left work and checked in on him, he usually was just resting. But today he felt energised.

Grady looked into the box and at the square pieces of paper on the bed beside him. “You’re making stars.”

“You sound surprised. I make Christmas decorations every year.”

“Yeah.” Grady gave him a look. “But usually not on your own.”

Jasper shrugged. “I just felt like making stars.” He wasn’t ready to tell Grady about Kraghol. Not yet. And if he was going to tell anyone, he’d tell Leo first.

“Well, it’s nice to see you in the Christmas spirit. Anyway, I just wanted to bring you some tea.” Grady held out the steaming cup. “It’s peppermint and ginger.”

“Thanks.” Jasper took it.

Grady stared at him for another second. “It’s good to see you up.” A smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have a good night, you two,” Jasper said.

“Goodnight, Jasper.” Uzoth inclined his head, and the two left. The gargoyle didn’t speak much. He was more the strong and silent type.

Although his oldest sibling often checked in on him, he rarely asked Jasper how he was feeling. At least not recently. After all, they both knew he’d just say he was fine, regardless of how he felt.

And then Jasper would be pissed off at Grady for being an overbearing mother hen. So Grady didn’t ask him how he felt anymore. He wished Leo would do the same.

Jasper sipped his tea. A short while later, his second oldest sibling, Jack, stopped by.

“I brought these cheese and onion muffins. I thought of you whilst baking them.” Jack placed the muffins on a table.

“Thanks.”

Jack had an affinity for nourishment. That meant his food nourished those who ate it. The fact he’d thought of Jasper whilst baking it would strengthen that impact. Jasper didn’t have any specific affinity. Some of his siblings had them. Some didn’t.

Jack pointed at the box. “Pretty stars.”

“Take a couple for Avery.”

Jack smiled and grabbed a couple. “Thanks. He’ll love them.”

“How are Avery and the little one?” Jasper asked.

Jack’s face lit up. “Good.” Since Jack and Avery had mated, Avery had produced a dragon egg, their offspring. “The library is kept hot as balls. Avery says the little one needs it. Anyway, I should head off. I just wanted to stop in and give you the muffins. Have a good night.”

“You too.”

“Enjoy making your stars,” Jack said as he closed the door behind him.

Jasper ate the muffins between folding stars. After a while, his eyes grew heavy. He looked at the box. He’d made more than enough.

Yawning, he tucked the box beneath the bed and put away the rest of the pieces of paper. He turned the wick in the lantern down and blew out the flame. Then he lay down. Kali already slept. Jasper wrapped his arm around her.

He wished Kraghol was with him, the two of them curled up in the bed together. Perhaps one day Jasper could suggest that Kraghol visit his home. He’d probably love the decorations and the tree. He’d definitely love the food in the bakery below.

Jasper imagined showing him around and introducing him to his family. He had no doubt his family would welcome Kraghol. He wanted to share his world with the krampus. At some point, he should suggest it.

A knock on his door made him realise he’d dozed off. Leo entered with a tray of medicinal tea, food, and a candle.

“Evening.” Leo put the tray down, looking over Jasper in an assessing manner. “How has your day been?” He placed a plate of sliced ham on the floor, and Kali practically pounced on it, sharp teeth ripping it to shreds.