“Krampus Night? What’s that about?” Percy asked.

  “It’s about how you better be nice because on Krampus Night, the krampuses will come into town and punish the naughty. So you better be nice, Percy!” Leo wagged a finger at him.

  And as Leo continued to explain, Jasper’s whole body tensed.

  Leo laughed. “Remember how we used to dress up as krampuses and then hide in the house, bakery, or alley? We’d jump out and terrorise our siblings and start yelling the Krampus Night song. We even had switches. Then Mother and Father took those away.”

  The cookie soured in Jasper’s mouth. He’d remembered their interest in krampuses as children. But he’d forgotten that they’d dressed up like them. How had he forgotten that?

  They’d put together costumes using dark and dirty bits of fabric they’d found. Then they’d attacked their siblings, hitting them with the switches they’d made from branches they’d tied together. They’d growled and yelled and been horrible little shits. They’d thought it so funny.

  What would Kraghol say if he knew we did that, if he knew I dressed up as a krampus and hit my siblings in order to terrorise them? Fuck.

  “Jas?” Leo asked, voice concerned.

  “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” Jasper suddenly felt like he might vomit. And this time, it had nothing to do with his illness. He and Kali walked to his room.

  “I’ll bring in your tea in a bit,” Leo said.

  “Thanks.” Jasper closed the door to his room.

  No light lit his way, but he didn’t need any to remove his clothes and get into bed. He let out a breath as he lay down, replaying memories of how he’d dressed up as a krampus all those years ago. Even though he’d been just a child, guilt gnawed at him.

  No wonder why Kraghol wouldn’t come into the city. No wonder why he thought he’d never be accepted in Anorra. To those here, krampuses were just horrid, scary monsters.

  And Jasper was part of that. He was part of the reason Kraghol did not feel he could ever belong in the city.

  Chapter

  Twenty-Nine

  “And make sure you stay inside,” Kraghol said as they approached the edge of the forest.

  Jasper laughed. “I will, Kraghol. You don’t need to tell me again. I’ve never gone outside on Krampus Night before. I can’t imagine suddenly feeling an urge tonight.”

  “Good.” The krampuses would gather soon. He wanted Jasper safe in his home long before they began to make their way to the city. That was why he suggested Jasper go home early today.

  They reached the spot they usually parted. They faced each other.

  Kraghol took both of his hands. “Go straight home now. Don’t dawdle.”

  “I will.” Jasper rolled his eyes. But the corner of his lips tugged into a smile, the man clearly amused at Kraghol’s desire to protect him.

  Kraghol cupped Jasper’s cheek. “Promise me?”

  “I promise.” Then Jasper leaned up and kissed him.

  Kraghol wished they could linger and keep kissing. But Jasper needed to be home and safe. He broke the kiss. Then he knelt to pat Kali. “Look after him for me tonight, okay?”

  Kali nipped at his fingers, something she’d done as a kit when she was playing. Then she went over to Jasper, rubbing herself against his ankles. Kraghol rose.

  Jasper watched him, amusement dancing in his dark-brown eyes. “We’ll be fine.” Then his smile dimmed. “But you look after yourself too.” He took Kraghol’s wrist. “I know you hate tonight. Leave early if you can.”

  “I always do.” He’d leave and head back to the forest as soon as his disappearance would go unnoticed.

  “Good.” Jasper released his wrist. “Night, Kraghol.”

  “Goodnight, Jasper.” He watched them walk away.

  He turned and, with a heavy heart, headed in the other direction to go meet up with the krampuses.

  A few hours later, bells jingled and hooves clattered on cobblestones as the krampuses entered Anorra. Screams, shouts, and growls echoed down the streets, alleys, and lanes. Kraghol’s stomach roiled.

  Other krampuses—including his grandmother, Freya, her mate, and Kraghol’s parents—surrounded him. Kraghol wore bells around his waist that jingled with each step.

  He carried a switch. He wouldn’t hit anyone with it. He’d never hit anyone before. He didn’t plan to start tonight.

  Others carried switches and whips that they slashed through the air, hitting at walls, posts, and cobblestones. Some carried torches, casting flickering light.

  So far, the streets had been empty of city folk. Jasper had told him that everyone went home early on Krampus Night. The stores, pubs, restaurants, and even the Christmas markets closed early so everyone could go home, ensuring they avoided him and his kind.

  He looked up at a building. Eyes wide with fear peered down from the windows, watching the krampuses parade through the city. A tiny pixie child watched them, held in her mother’s arms. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The mother spoke to her.

  Why would the mother show her child the terrifying krampuses? And what was the mother saying? Was she telling her daughter to behave or the krampuses would punish her and steal her away?

  Kraghol fixed his gaze ahead. He didn’t want to see any more tears or fear in the eyes of children and strangers.

  When can I leave? But Krampus Night had only just begun. He wouldn’t be able to sneak off for a while.

  A group burst from a doorway and dashed across the krampuses’ path.

  “You can’t catch us, Krampus!” a cyclops yelled.

  “Yeah, you fucking ugly beasts!” a centaur shouted.

  The group sprinted away, their laughter ringing out.

  His grandmother threw back her head. She screeched. Kraghol flinched. She extended her tongue, and it writhed in the air. Then she sprinted forward, hooves clopping, whip raised as she and several other krampuses gave chase.

  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.

  A shadow moved in the window. Kraghol’s body tensed.

  Then Jasper appeared, staring down at him. His breath caught. Jasper disappeared.

  Moments later, the door to the apartment opened. Jasper exited. He paused at the top of the stairs. He grinned. “It’s strange, but for the first time in my life, I find myself with the sudden urge to go outside on Krampus Night.”

  Chapter

  Thirty

  Jasper returned straight home after leaving the forest. Even as he headed home, the different businesses had turned their signs to closed and locked the doors.

  The streets filled with people making their way home early. When Jasper and Kali got to the apartment, they went to his room.

  He glanced out the window. But of course he saw nothing of interest. It was hours until Krampus Night would begin.

  He settled onto his bed and pulled out the crochet needles, wool, and Kraghol’s Christmas gift, which he’d started making the night before. Jasper stuck out his tongue as he got to work.

  He was not the best at crocheting. He’d learnt as a child but hadn’t picked it up in years. But he wanted to make something special for Kraghol for Christmas.

  After he’d been working on the gift for a little while, he and Kali slept. Leo woke them when he brought in tea and some food. Then they slept again.

  The distant sound of ringing bells and cries caused him to wake. He rose and went to the window. Leaning against the icy glass, he caught glimpses of krampuses roaming the streets.

  He examined them like he had never previously done. They all bore clear similarities to Kraghol, of course: curved dark horns, tails, fangs, hooves, and tall furry bodies. Although, they weren’t all as muscular as Kraghol.

  And none of them made Jasper’s heart beat faster like Kraghol did.

  In other windows, he saw onlookers, watching the krampuses below, pointing and gasping. Jasper frowned. He looked back down at the street.

  He saw a male faun running from a krampus. The faun turned down a lane. The krampus followed. From the expression on the faun’s and krampus’s faces, Jasper assumed it would not end in a whipping.

  Jasper had never considered going out and being chased down by one of the krampuses. Well, never seriously. He’d spoken to those who did go out on Krampus Night to fuck and very much enjoyed it. From the stories he heard, the sex tended to be quite rough. He’d never personally been into that sort of thing.

  As such, the idea had never really appealed to him. But if he saw Kraghol out there… Well, that would be very different.

  He stood at the window, time passing, all the while keeping an eye out for a glimpse of the one krampus he actually wanted to see.

  An older female krampus chased a group, snapping her whip at their heels. She laughed as they screamed. Then she chased them out of sight.

  Several krampuses stalked down the street, waving their whips and switches. The bells they wore jangled. They shouted and howled. Jasper pulled back slightly.

  After that, the streets emptied for a while.

  Then Jasper saw him.

  Kraghol.

  Jasper smiled. He stood up straight as Kraghol approached his building. Then he saw Kraghol’s face, twisted in a deep gloomy frown. Jasper’s stomach tightened.

  He looks miserable.

  All the other krampuses had appeared excited or victorious, clearly enjoying the night. But not Kraghol.

  Jasper pressed himself against the window, waving. Perhaps seeing Jasper would brighten his mood. But Kraghol didn’t see him. He didn’t look up at all.

  He walked to the bakery below and seemed to peer in through the window. Jasper knocked at his bedroom window, trying to get Kraghol’s attention. But the krampus didn’t hear him. He just kept looking into the bakery.

  Does he know that it’s my family’s bakery? He must.

  He was about to open his window and call out. But then Kraghol continued and was gone. Jasper glanced at his door.

  Should I go outside and seek Kraghol?

  It wouldn’t be dangerous for him to venture out. Not if Kraghol was there. He glanced at Kali, who lay curled on the bed, sleeping.

  Without thinking, Jasper tugged on his clothes and walked across the room. Then he paused. He went to his bedside table, grabbed some oil, and tucked it in his pocket. He left the room.

  He walked to one of the windows and glanced down to the street below. But he could see nothing. Maybe Kraghol had moved on. He walked to another window and looked down.

  And there was Kraghol, standing in the alley behind the bakery, looking up at him. Kraghol’s eyes widened.

  Jasper dashed from the window. He tugged on his boots and coat. Then he opened the door to the apartment and went out.

  Jasper grinned. “It’s strange, but for the first time in my life, I find myself with the sudden urge to go outside on Krampus Night.”

  And suddenly images of Kraghol chasing him down an alley, pushing him against the wall, tugging his trousers down, and thrusting his massive, ribbed cock in Jasper’s arse filled his mind.

  Heat tightened in his gut. He descended the stairs. But Kraghol didn’t smile at all. Instead he strode towards Jasper, frowning. He turned his head from side to side, looking around the empty alley.

  “You shouldn’t be coming down here! You shouldn’t be outside,” Kraghol growled.

  The sound sent a shiver down Jasper’s spine. He stared up at the krampus towering over him, with his black horns, fangs, and glowing red eyes.

  Jasper had never seen his eyes glow red before. But despite what some might consider a terrifying expression, Jasper didn’t feel even a little bit scared.

  “I wanted to see you.” Jasper tilted his head to the side.

  Kraghol’s gaze slid along the side of Jasper’s throat. Then his eyes narrowed. He shook his head. “It is dangerous out here. It is Krampus Night! There are other krampuses around!” He looked around. “They could harm you.”

  Jasper placed a hand on Kraghol’s arm. “Won’t you protect me from the others?”

  “Of course I would protect you. From any danger! I would guard you with my life.”

  Jasper’s legs went weak. “You wouldn’t let any other krampuses catch me?”

  “Never! None of them will ever touch you.”

  Jasper’s cock perked up. “Only you can touch me?”

  “Only me,” he snarled.

  “Then I have nothing to worry about.”

  Kraghol breathed heavily. “Still, you should not be outside.”

  “But maybe I want a taste of Krampus Night.” He placed a hand on Kraghol’s chest. He tugged on the fur. “Maybe I want you to chase me down and fuck me.”

  Kraghol’s chest stopped rising and falling. “I would never hurt you, Jasper. Never.” The arm that carried the switch tensed.

  “No.” Jasper knew Kraghol. He knew he didn’t want to scare or hurt anyone. Many enjoyed that sort of play in sex. But Kraghol wasn’t like that. “I know that’s not you.”

  Kraghol exhaled, his body relaxing.

  Jasper stroked his hand up over Kraghol’s chest and to his shoulder. “But you could still chase me down and fuck me against an alley wall. I think we would both find that very satisfying.”

  Jasper released his grip on Kraghol and stepped back. Then he spun on the spot and sauntered down the alley, hips swaying. He threw a glance over his shoulder. Kraghol’s glowing red eyes watched him.

  Jasper winked. Then, with a laugh, he took off, running down the alley. A moment later, he heard Kraghol’s hooves clomping after him.

  Chapter

  Thirty-One