Page 53 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift
Still, he couldn’t change who or what he was. Nor could he change where he belonged. So he danced, yelled, cried out, and moved amongst the other krampuses, whilst wishing he could belong with Jasper.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
Jasper trudged through the streets of Anorra. Kali padded along beside him, keeping closer than usual. Jasper realised he’d forgotten his picnic basket in the cave yesterday, so he carried several packages of food beneath his arm.
After yesterday, he couldn’t help but wonder if Kraghol would even be waiting for him.
Jasper’s head throbbed, and his body ached. At least it was far better than last night. Still he’d struggled to get through work that morning.
Thankfully, as he approached the forest, he found his aches and pains receded almost entirely. The illness had to be related to Kraghol and the partial mate bond. He couldn’t think of any other explanation.
He left the city, and his boots sank into the powdery snow.
Immediately, a hulky, horned figure emerged from amongst the trees, striding towards him.
Kraghol.His heart stuttered in his chest.
“You returned,” Kraghol said as he approached.
“I said I would.” Jasper stopped walking.
“I know, but…” He studied Jasper’s face. “I am very glad to see you, Jasper.” He hesitated, then he held out his hand, staring at Jasper as if not knowing whether he’d take it.
Jasper took it. He smiled. Kraghol let out a breath and smiled in return. He held out his other hand to take Jasper’s packages.
They walked in the direction of Kraghol’s cave. Any remaining doubts Jasper had melted away. Kraghol clearly wanted him here.
When they got to the cave, they ate the food Jasper had brought. Then they made love in the nest of furs. Afterwards, Jasper lay tucked in close to Kraghol’s side. He stroked Kraghol’s furry, muscly chest. The fire crackled in the pit.
Kraghol caressed Jasper’s back. “I am sorry for yesterday.” He paused. “I just do not feel that I can ever be accepted in the city.”
Jasper didn’t want to disagree. He didn’t want to upset the delicate balance between them. So he nuzzled Kraghol’s throat and said, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
They held each other. Jasper closed his eyes, snuggling in close.
When he opened them a while later, the cave had darkened. He sat up, blinking. The fire in the pit had died away to just a few golden embers. A chill had settled in the air. Kraghol lay asleep beside him.
Jasper yawned. It was not atypical for Jasper to fall asleep. But Kraghol normally either only took a short nap or stayed awake the whole time. He then woke Jasper so they could head back. “It’s dark.”
Kraghol bolted upright. He looked towards the cave entrance. A pained noise escaped him. “I am so sorry, Jasper. I did not mean to sleep so long.”
Jasper slid his hand over Kraghol’s shoulder. “It’s fine. I’m with you, and you’ll keep me safe. You can escort me to the city. There is nothing to worry about.”
Kraghol didn’t speak for a moment. Then he nodded. “You’re right, of course. Still, we should get going.”
They dressed and headed out. Jasper didn’t really understand Kraghol’s nervousness about Jasper being in the forest after dark. He’d been in the forest after dark plenty of times before.
Although, if he planned to stay out, he always brought something to light his way home. Luckily, Kraghol didn’t seem to have any issues seeing at night. He held Jasper’s hand and guided him through the darkness. Wind tore, whistling through the trees. The skeletal branches swayed.
When they reached the forest’s edge, they paused.
Kraghol squeezed his hand. “When you get home, make sure you warm yourself up.”
“I will,” Jasper said. “You don’t have to worry about me.”
They didn’t linger today; Kraghol clearly wanted him to get home. Jasper continued on through the city to the apartment, steps far lighter than they’d been when he’d set out that morning.