Page 64 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

But Kraghol stood in the street, staring up at where Jasper had disappeared. The sky had not yet started to lighten. He had time before he had to leave. Because even though he couldn’t see Jasper, he could still sense his presence. Just knowing he was close soothed him.

And now he knew that remaining close to Jasper would stop his sickness from returning.

Kraghol wondered if he should seek out his sister and talk to her. He wouldn’t mention Jasper, of course. He’d told Jasper he wouldn’t. But he could ask his sister if an illness could be caused by a half-mate bond. She’d know if it was possible amongst krampuses, at least.

But the days after Krampus Night would be filled with intense celebrations and revelry in the forest. They ate berries that allowed them to dance for days and nights without sleep.

He’d always avoided those gatherings, like he did all krampus gatherings. And if he went, he doubted he’d find his sister in a state to answer any questions properly. Better to wait a few days. Then he’d seek her out.

Although, he should still make an appearance, since he was trying to seem like a krampus fulfilling his duty these days. He sighed.

It puzzled Kraghol why the partial mate bond would have such an effect on Jasper’s health but not on his. It must be because Jasper was human.

Minutes ticked by as Kraghol stayed in the alley, staring up at the apartment.

Jasper had brought him into his bakery. Then he’d invited him up to his room to sleep. The idea held so much appeal that he ached to say yes. He yearned to see Jasper’s home and his room.

And despite the nerves skittering along his skin, he wanted to meet Jasper’s family too. If they were anything like Jasper, he couldn’t imagine them being anything other than accepting. All the stories Jasper had told him of them suggested they would be.

Could there really be a future for us here?

He struggled to imagine it. How could he ever belong in this city? How could those in Anorra ever allow him to live here?

But maybe times had changed. Perhaps the city folk were more accepting now. It had been years since that day when he’d tried to enter Anorra.

Living in the forest together would not be possible, not with Kraghol’s family living there. He did not think his family would harm Jasper. But they could badger Kraghol, potentially even abduct him and drag him away to some far-off place to stop their relationship.

Which meant either they’d have to live here in the city or move. Kraghol could not imagine Jasper moving away from his family. Which would mean if he wanted a future with Jasper, it would need to be here.

Am I really starting to imagine a future together?

The sky shifted from darkest black to blue. And in the early morning light, when the time between night and day blurred, he wondered if it could work between them. After all, Kraghol knewthat many other monsters lived in the city. Jasper said it himself: his siblings were partnered with an orc, a troll, and a gargoyle.

Would a human and a krampus really be so impossible?

He knew it was different. But maybe Jasper and Kraghol could find a way that he could be accepted here too.

Kraghol took a deep breath. If Jasper still wanted him after the bond faded, then maybe they could try to make it work. He thought of nights in Jasper’s room, of visiting the bakery during the day, of going to the Christmas markets together. He’d heard so much about it all. Perhaps he could be a part of it.

The sky continued to lighten. The rest of the krampuses would be heading out by now, if not already gone. Still, he lingered, staring at the apartment where Jasper lived.

Just a few more moments.

Finally, he forced himself to move on and tear himself away from Jasper’s presence. He’d need to move quickly now to leave the city before dawn.

He walked the streets. He glanced around. Strangely, he saw no sign of any krampuses. Had they already left?

He walked faster as he made his way through the city. Then movement in his periphery caught his eye. He glanced. He saw a front door open. Someone stepped out. Then a couple strode down the street. None of them had spotted him yet.

What were they doing? It was not dawn yet.

But Kraghol always left Krampus Night so early. Maybe he’d gotten the end time wrong. Maybe he should have been gone a while before dawn.

Lowering his head, he increased his strides. His heart pumped rapidly in his chest. He should have left earlier! He turned a corner. He just needed to get back to the safety of the forest as quick as he could.

He rounded another corner. A brownie spotted him.

The brownie’s eyes widened. He pointed. “Krampus!” he yelled.