Page 55 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Twenty-Nine

“And make sure you stay inside,” Kraghol said as they approached the edge of the forest.

Jasper laughed. “I will, Kraghol. You don’t need to tell me again. I’ve never gone outside on Krampus Night before. I can’t imagine suddenly feeling an urge tonight.”

“Good.” The krampuses would gather soon. He wanted Jasper safe in his home long before they began to make their way to the city. That was why he suggested Jasper go home early today.

They reached the spot they usually parted. They faced each other.

Kraghol took both of his hands. “Go straight home now. Don’t dawdle.”

“I will.” Jasper rolled his eyes. But the corner of his lips tugged into a smile, the man clearly amused at Kraghol’s desire to protect him.

Kraghol cupped Jasper’s cheek. “Promise me?”

“I promise.” Then Jasper leaned up and kissed him.

Kraghol wished they could linger and keep kissing. But Jasper needed to be home and safe. He broke the kiss. Then he knelt to pat Kali. “Look after him for me tonight, okay?”

Kali nipped at his fingers, something she’d done as a kit when she was playing. Then she went over to Jasper, rubbing herself against his ankles. Kraghol rose.

Jasper watched him, amusement dancing in his dark-brown eyes. “We’ll be fine.” Then his smile dimmed. “But you look after yourself too.” He took Kraghol’s wrist. “I know you hate tonight. Leave early if you can.”

“I always do.” He’d leave and head back to the forest as soon as his disappearance would go unnoticed.

“Good.” Jasper released his wrist. “Night, Kraghol.”

“Goodnight, Jasper.” He watched them walk away.

He turned and, with a heavy heart, headed in the other direction to go meet up with the krampuses.

A few hours later, bells jingled and hooves clattered on cobblestones as the krampuses entered Anorra. Screams, shouts, and growls echoed down the streets, alleys, and lanes. Kraghol’s stomach roiled.

Other krampuses—including his grandmother, Freya, her mate, and Kraghol’s parents—surrounded him. Kraghol wore bells around his waist that jingled with each step.

He carried a switch. He wouldn’t hit anyone with it. He’d never hit anyone before. He didn’t plan to start tonight.

Others carried switches and whips that they slashed through the air, hitting at walls, posts, and cobblestones. Some carried torches, casting flickering light.

So far, the streets had been empty of city folk. Jasper had told him that everyone went home early on Krampus Night. The stores, pubs, restaurants, and even the Christmas markets closed early so everyone could go home, ensuring they avoided him and his kind.

He looked up at a building. Eyes wide with fear peered down from the windows, watching the krampuses parade through the city. A tiny pixie child watched them, held in her mother’s arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The mother spoke to her.

Why would the mother show her child the terrifying krampuses? And what was the mother saying? Was she telling her daughter to behave or the krampuses would punish her and steal her away?

Kraghol fixed his gaze ahead. He didn’t want to see any more tears or fear in the eyes of children and strangers.

When can I leave?But Krampus Night had only just begun. He wouldn’t be able to sneak off for a while.

A group burst from a doorway and dashed across the krampuses’ path.

“You can’t catch us, Krampus!” a cyclops yelled.

“Yeah, you fucking ugly beasts!” a centaur shouted.

The group sprinted away, their laughter ringing out.

His grandmother threw back her head. She screeched. Kraghol flinched. She extended her tongue, and it writhed in the air. Then she sprinted forward, hooves clopping, whip raised as she and several other krampuses gave chase.