Page 67 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Kraghol took the gift. He ran his furred fingers over the paper, listening to the soft crinkle.
“Open it,” Jasper said gently.
Holding his breath, Kraghol untied the shiny green ribbon. Slowly and with great care, he pulled back the paper, revealing deep-red wool. He touched the material, marvelling at its softness. He pulled it out. The wool unravelled, revealing a long red scarf.
“Sorry if it is a little wonky and uneven.” Jasper chuckled. He touched the end of it. “I’m not the best at crocheting. I learnt young, but I am long out of practice.”
Kraghol’s breath caught. “You made this? For me?” He’d thought it was beautiful before, but knowing Jasper had made it for Kraghol with his own two hands made Kraghol’s whole body tingle with pleasure. He hummed as he stroked the scarf.
Jasper gave him a half-smile. “Can’t you tell that I made it? That’s not professional quality.”
Kraghol shook his head. “It’s wonderful! It’s perfect!”
The smile stretched across Jasper’s cheeks.
“Can I put it on?”
Jasper laughed. “Of course you can. It’s yours. You can do whatever you want with it.” But before Kraghol could do just that, Jasper leaned forward and took the scarf from his hands. He looped it around Kraghol’s neck and patted it in place. “There. It can keep you warm when I’m not around.”
Kraghol stroked the scarf. He smiled. “Thank you. This is my first ever Christmas present.”
Jasper placed his hands on Kraghol’s shoulders and squeezed. “It is my great pleasure to give you your first Christmas gift, Kraghol.”
Kraghol glanced down at the scarf. His brows furrowed. “But are you sure it suits me?”
“It looks great!” Jasper paused. “But if you don’t like it, you don’t have to wear?—”
“No. That’s not what I meant. It’s just…” Kraghol hesitated. “It’s so pretty. And I’m so hideous. Doesn’t it look a little strange on me?”
Jasper sucked in a breath. He cupped Kraghol’s cheeks, leaning in close. “You aren’t hideous, Kraghol. Not even a little bit. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. Then you’d see how gorgeous you are.”
Kraghol’s throat tightened. When Jasper looked at him like that, he could almost believe he was beautiful rather than some terrifying monster.
“Thank you, Jasper.” His chest felt like it would burst. He kept touching the soft scarf, marvelling that this was his.
Jasper pressed a kiss to his lips. “You’re very welcome. Now should we eat?”
Kali eyed the slices of meat. Jasper put some on a plate for her, and she immediately scarfed them down.
Kraghol moaned as he bit into a pie’s flaky pastry. He devoured fresh bread with thick slices of ham and cheese. He licked cookie crumbs from his fingers. The chocolate truffles melted in his mouth. He ate until he could barely draw breath. And then he ate a little more.
“I have never eaten so well in my life.” Kraghol patted his stomach. “Nor have I ever eaten such delicious food. You and your family are truly talented bakers.”
“I’m feeling pretty well fed myself.” Jasper yawned. “But I think I could use a post-meal nap.”
“Are you feeling okay?” Kraghol jumped to his feet and tugged the top fur back. His gaze flicked over Jasper.
“I’m fine. Just tired after all that eating.” Jasper removed his boots and clothes but kept his drawers on. “Nothing a little nap won’t fix.”
Still, Kraghol worried about Jasper and his illness. When Kraghol had made an appearance at one of the krampus celebrations, he’d approached his sister to talk to her. But she had eaten several berries and was clearly in no state for a coherent conversation.
The celebrations had finally come to an end at dawn the previous day. He’d gone to see her last night. But she’d been in a deep sleep after days and nights of constant revelry and berry eating. After all, they’d been celebrating for over a week.
Thorsten had been awake. But he’d looked extremely haggard and strung out. His voice had been hoarse. No doubtfrom screeching and hollering as he danced. Deep bags had hung beneath his eyes.
Freya had woken briefly. But she’d seemed pretty out of it. As he’d spoken to her, she kept zoning out and even nodding off. Kraghol had thought it best to wait and return to talk to her later.
“Will you join me for a nap?” Jasper crawled into the bed.