Page 68 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

“Of course.” Kraghol considered taking off his scarf. But he did not wish to remove it. So he just climbed in beside Jasper.

He pulled Jasper’s slighter body close. He didn’t think he would ever get used to cuddling Jasper. Jasper placed a hand on his chest, fingers stroking through fur. Nor did Kraghol think he’d ever get used to Jasper’s touch.

He sighed, body relaxing.

They’d have time for a nap. Maybe they’d even have time to make love before Jasper had to leave. Kraghol smiled. It would be the perfect Christmas Eve celebration.

Jasper’s breathing slowed, and sleep took him. But Kraghol remained awake, stroking Jasper’s back.

I love him.

Kraghol knew it deep into his bones. He loved Jasper. Every moment with him felt brighter and more magical than the last.

I love him so much.

But he didn’t know what that meant for them. He loved Jasper with all his heart. But still, he could see no future for them. So what did that mean?

He glanced at the cave entrance. Snowflakes drifted down. Eventually Kraghol’s eyelids grew heavy and he closed them.

A short while later, he opened his eyes.

Every single muscle in his body grew taut.

A krampus stood in the cave entrance. Her eyes glowed red.

“Freya,” he whispered.

His sister bared her fangs as she stared at Kraghol and Jasper snuggled in bed together. “Kraghol,” she growled, low and dangerous. “What have you done?”

Chapter

Thirty-Six

Body tense, Kraghol crawled from the soft warmth of Jasper’s embrace. He glanced down at Jasper. Thankfully, his eyes remained closed and his breathing heavy.

Then Kraghol took a deep breath, braced himself, and turned to face his sister. She remained still, eyes glowing red as she stared at Kraghol. For several moments neither spoke. Then she sneered, turned, and strode away.

Lowering his head, he followed her out of the cave. His heart pounded in his chest.

Freya stopped a short distance from the cave entrance and grabbed his arm. “What have you done?” She growled. “Why is a human sleeping in your cave?”

“I…” He looked into his sister’s rage-filled face. He dropped his gaze. “What are you doing here?” he asked, avoiding her question.

She so rarely visited his cave. And never in the daytime! He’d never have kept bringing Jasper to his cave if he’d thought his sister might come by and see him.

“I came to check in on you, since you came by my cave last night. I was worried about you! And now I find you in your bed with a human!” she spat. “So tell me, why?”

A gust of air blew, stirring their fur.

Kraghol stared at the hand gripping his arm. “I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“You didn’t mean for what to happen?”

Kraghol breathed heavily, trying to find the words, trying to think of how to explain everything without further angering his sister.

And he hadn’t forgotten that he had important questions regarding Jasper’s illness. He’d not wanted to ask them when his sister was enraged. He’d wanted her to be calm. He’d wanted to be able to ask her without revealing the reason he was asking.

That clearly would not be possible now. He’d have to tell her the truth. The whole truth. He needed to come completely clean. He would be unable to hide from her wrath now.