Page 56 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Sometimes those who tried to outrun the krampuses would get caught. Krampuses didn’t kill on Krampus Night. At least not intentionally. But those they chased down would be whipped.

Kraghol could never make any sense of why these fucking fools would come out and risk being beaten by the krampuses. But then again, he didn’t understand why his kind would want to chase and beat these individuals.

The group and the krampuses chasing them disappeared down a side alley.

Thorsten, Freya’s mate, shook his head. “Your grandmother is incredible! She is an inspiration to us all.”

“She is indeed,” Freya said.

Kraghol’s parents nodded. Pride gleamed in Freya’s and his parents’ eyes.

Kraghol kept on walking, hating every moment he was here. The krampuses fanned out as they moved through the city. When he thought they wouldn’t notice, he separated from Freya, Thorsten, and their parents. He strode in a different direction, not heading directly back to the forest so as not to arouse suspicion.

A young, pretty elf ran out, and she glanced around. Then her eyes locked with one of the krampuses. The elf smiled. The krampus chuckled. Her eyes gleamed. She ran after the elf, waving her switch.

The elf gave a playful gasp, clutching at her throat. Then she dashed off down a side alley. Although, Kraghol noticed she didn’t seem to be running very fast. The krampus disappeared after her.

Kraghol walked passed the entrance to the side alley, glancing down in time to see the elf pinned to the wall, the krampus gazing down at her.

Over the years, a few people had given Kraghol a once-over, trying to catch his eye and get him to chase them and fuck them. But he’d never had any interest in that.

He swallowed and looked around. He should be able to head off now. He saw no krampuses he recognised. He turned, about to walk in the direction of the forest. Then he felt it. He stopped.

It was the same feeling he always felt when Jasper approached the forest. He changed directions. His neck tingled. The sensation grew stronger and stronger. He quickened his pace.

Jasper is near.

What if he had gone out tonight? But no. Jasper said he wouldn’t. Still, Kraghol wanted to check. He needed to. He had to ensure Jasper was safe.

Maybe Kraghol wouldn’t return to the forest soon. Perhaps he’d stand outside his half-mate’s apartment, guarding it until dawn, which was when Krampus Night officially ended. Then he could return home, knowing Jasper was secure.

Also, he just wanted to be close to Jasper and sense his presence.

He approached a building, all shut up and windows dark. He paused. His lungs constricted.

This is Jasper’s bakery. I can feel it.

He couldn’t read the words painted on the front. But he thought it might say “The Magic Bakery,” which Jasper had told him was the name of the bakery he and his family owned.

He walked forward and gazed into the windows, looking at the cute chairs and tables. A tree, baubles, and garlands decorated the space.

It all looks so pretty.

He walked around to the back area, peering in. He touched a hand to the window, imagining Jasper working inside with his siblings and their partners.

Jasper had told him about them. He loved hearing about Jasper’s life. He could listen to Jasper talk for days and days.

Kraghol didn’t like to talk so much about his own life. After all, what good was there to say. He’d much rather hear about Jasper, his family, and the bakery where they all worked together.

He studied the insides of the bakery. He didn’t know much about what he was looking at. That was how removed he was from Jasper’s world. It looked so much more beautiful than what he’d imagined. He dropped his hand.

I am glad I came. I am glad I saw where he worked. One good thing finally came from Krampus Night.

He stepped back and looked up at the windows on the second floor above the bakery. Jasper lived up there with several of his siblings and their partners.

It was late. Right now, they’d probably be tucked in bed. He had an urge to go up the stairs, lean over, and try to peer into the window to catch a glimpse of Jasper’s home. But what if someone saw him?

Still, he’d remain out here, standing guard until Krampus Night was over. He inhaled, and the cold air filled his lungs, expanding his ribs.