Page 49 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Twenty-Six

Jasper bit his tongue as they walked through the forest. Neither spoke. He wanted to argue. He wanted to keep pushing his point. But clearly the discussion was over.

Yet Jasper just didn’t believe Kraghol was correct. He couldn’t accept that Kraghol couldneverbelong in Jasper’s world. Or at least, he thought Kraghol should explore the idea.

Of course, he could see where Kraghol was coming from. He’d seen how some treated orcs, trolls, and gargoyles in the city. He didn’t doubt they’d be arseholes who treated a krampus just as terribly. Or worse.

But Jasper wanted a future between them. He knew they’d only really been getting to know each other for a handful of days and a lot of what he was feeling was part of the half-mate bond. Still, he wanted this to work!

Why isn’t Kraghol even willing to try?

And it wasn’t like Kraghol was happy in the forest with the krampuses. From everything Jasper had learnt, Kraghol didn’t feel a connection to his family or any of the others. And he had no friends. Here he was completely alone.

But maybe Kraghol was right. Maybe he didn’t belong in Jasper’s world. Still, it hurt that Kraghol didn’t seem willing to even discuss the idea. He just shut it down.

As they walked, a heaviness settled in his stomach. Maybe Kraghol just didn’t feel for Jasper like Jasper felt for Kraghol. Maybe he was fine for them to spend time together but also didn’t mind the idea of the bond fading and of Jasper leaving and not returning.

A painful silence stretched between them. Kali glanced up at them, no doubt sensing his hurt through their bond.

When they reached the forest’s edge, they paused. Still, neither spoke.

Finally, Jasper broke the silence. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” But the last word lifted in tone, as if he was asking a question. Because suddenly he doubted if Kraghol even wanted him here.

“Okay,” Kraghol said, voice soft.

Was that all? Jasper wasn’t sure what he wanted Kraghol to say. He just… He just wanted to know if Kraghol actually wanted him at all.

Jasper gave a sharp nod. He turned and walked towards the city. He intentionally didn’t look back. He wondered if Kraghol continued watching him as he left the forest.

The past few days, he’d been trying to show Kraghol how good they could be together. Jasper had thought it had been going well. He could see a future for them. Why didn’t Kraghol?

Kraghol always seemed so awed and taken aback by the Christmas decorations and the food he brought. He seemed to like spending time with Jasper. But maybe he had just imagined all that. Or maybe Kraghol just liked it but didn’t care if he had it or not.

In all his years, Jasper had never fought for someone. Lovers had come and gone. He’d never been bothered to try to keepsomeone around. But then, he’d never felt like this for anyone before.

Am I just being foolish? Should I really keep going back and trying to make this work? Or should I stop going and wait for the bond to break?

He didn’t want to be the only one invested in this relationship.

As he walked, his footsteps grew heavier. An ache started at his temples, growing stronger and stronger. By the time he reached his home, his limbs throbbed and his legs wobbled as he ascended the stairs. He gasped for breath.

At least once this bond fades, this fucking illness will probably go too.

When he got to his room, he tugged off his boots and outer layers. He collapsed into bed. Kali dived beneath the covers with him.

He hadn’t felt anywhere near this bad in a while. Why was today different?

Closing his eyes, he pushed the question away. He couldn’t deal with that now. He needed rest.

A knock woke him. Stifling a groan, he opened his eyes.

Leo entered, carrying a tray with a candle on it. The light outside had been fading when Jasper had fallen asleep. It had completely gone now.

Kali crawled out from beneath the covers and jumped onto the floor.

“Evening, Jas. How has the rest of your day been?”

“Fine,” Jasper lied, sitting up. He blinked rapidly as a wave of dizziness slammed into him. He put his hand on the bed to try to stop himself from swaying.