Page 80 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

“Why not? Cas! Graal!” Jasper called out.

The two turned and looked at Jasper. They smiled. Then Cas’s gaze fixed on their joined hands. He looked at Kraghol.

“Hello, Jas,” Cas said, eyes twinkling. “Who is this?”

Jasper wrapped his arm around Kraghol. “This is Kraghol. He and I are together.”

Kraghol attempted a smile as his hands shook. “Hello.”

Cas clapped his hands together. “You’re together? Really? That’s wonderful!” He looked back and forth between them. Then he looked at Jasper. His eyes narrowed. “You look well tonight, Jas. Very well, in fact.” He flew closer to Jasper, studying his face.

Jasper just smiled. “I’m feeling well. And you should expect to see a lot more of Kraghol around. He’ll be at the Christmas lunch tomorrow.”

Cas’s wings fluttered. “That will be wonderful.” But his curious gaze remained on Jasper, as if he had more questions for his brother.

“Well, I am glad to meet you, Kraghol,” Graal said, voice gruff.

“Me too,” Kraghol said.

Cas and Graal continued on. But Cas kept glancing back at them.

“So how was meeting my brother and his mate?” Jasper asked.

“They seemed nice. Exactly what I pictured when you talked about them.” He paused. “Do you think they liked me?”

“I think they did,” Jasper said. “By the way, I didn’t tell them you’re my mate, as I want to tell Leo first.”

Kraghol nodded. Although, honestly, he wouldn’t have been surprised if Jasper took his time telling his family they were mates. He imagined it would be a bit of a shock.

Then Jasper looked down one of the lanes. “Do you want to meet more of my family? We can visit my family’s stall.”

Kraghol blinked. “If you think that is a good idea.”

“I do.” Jasper tugged his hand. “Now come on. They will love you.”

Chapter

Forty-Three

“And here is my home.” Jasper gestured to the apartment. “But you knew that already. You were outside it on Krampus Night.” He smiled as they walked up the stairs. “But tonight you get to come inside and see it properly. And I guess it’s also your home too for the foreseeable future.”

Kraghol paused outside the front door. “Will that be all right with your family, if I live here?”

At the stall, Jasper’s family members who’d been working that night had been thrilled to meet Kraghol. Albeit confused, especially since Jasper had had more energy and no doubt looked healthier than he had since the accident.

There had been lots of long stares from his siblings. No doubt there would be lots of questions for him to answer soon.

But thankfully he was home now and could rest. Jasper couldn’t wait to go to bed. It had been a big day, what with the earlier fight with Kraghol, Kraghol’s sister, making up, and the Christmas markets. Plus the mating bond, which had definitely taken it out of him.

He yawned as he reached for the door, yearning to just collapse in bed. But even before it had fully opened, Leo appeared, wide-eyed and face drawn. “Jas! Where have you been?”

Percy appeared behind Leo, placing a hand on his arm as if to calm him.

Kali trotted into the apartment, no doubt wanting to be out of the cold.

Jasper’s stomach sank. He’d been so caught up in Kraghol he’d not thought about Leo. He would have gone into Jasper’s room to give him his tea, and Jasper would not have been there. Leo would have been losing his mind with worry.

“Shit! I’m sorry, Leo!” Usually he was annoyed at Leo for his constant and overbearing concern. But he felt it was justified today considering how late he was home.