Kraghol pulled out the chair and sat. He touched the white tablecloth. Then he looked around at the decorations and the tree. It looked even prettier from the inside. “It’s all so beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” Jasper sipped his hot chocolate.

  Kraghol did the same. The warm liquid slid down his throat. “Thank you, Jasper.”

  “It’s no problem.” Jasper smiled. “I’m happy to make you hot chocolate anytime.”

  “Well, yes. Thank you for the hot chocolate. But also for tonight.” He cupped the warm mug in his hands. “I have always hated Krampus Night. But tonight, I have enjoyed it, at least the parts with you in it. So thank you for that.”

  Jasper reached his hand across the table. Kraghol took it.

  Jasper rubbed his thumb over the back of Kraghol’s furry hand. “It is my pleasure, Kraghol.”

  They drank their hot chocolate. Kraghol looked around the bakery, and he wondered if this would be the first and last time he ever sat in this room.

  Chapter

  Thirty-Three

  “Sleep well.” Kraghol pressed a kiss to Jasper’s lips, savouring these last few moments with him.

  Jasper gazed up at him. “You know you could come upstairs with me and sleep in my bed. Or not sleep. Whichever.”

  “Your family⁠—”

  “I promise you my siblings won’t be freaked out if they see you. They’ll be curious. But it won’t be a problem.”

  Kraghol hesitated. Then he shook his head. “I don’t think that is a good idea.”

  Jasper opened his mouth as if to speak. Then he closed it and smiled. “Okay. I’m just pleased I got you to come into the bakery with me.”

  “I’m glad I came in too.” Kraghol stared into Jasper’s warm brown eyes. And for a second, he considered saying yes, coming upstairs, and falling asleep beside Jasper. He shoved the dangerous temptation aside.

  “You should not come to the forest today. You should rest.” Kraghol remembered what Jasper had said about being ill.

  Jasper sighed. “You’re probably right. I didn’t sleep much last night. But I’ll miss you today.”

  The words warmed Kraghol. “I’ll miss you too. And will you work?” He did not want to think of the small human working whilst ill and also sleep-deprived.

  Jasper thought for a couple of seconds. “Probably not. I’ll ask for the day off.”

  “Good.” Kraghol caressed Jasper’s soft brown hair. “Rest. Be well. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Jasper gave him another kiss. Then he went upstairs. He opened the door but lingered, gazing down at Kraghol. Then he entered and closed the door.

  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 knew that 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.

  Kraghol broke into a run.

  “Krampus! Krampus!” those he passed cried out.

  The people of Anorra had thought themselves safe. They’d thought the horrid krampuses had departed. Then they’d seen him.

  As he sprinted through the streets, the city folk saw him. They screamed and shouted. They darted out of his way, fleeing before him in terror.

  It was just like when he’d tried to enter Anorra all those years ago.

  Nothing has changed!

  Kraghol’s breath came fast as he dashed through the streets. But he didn’t know Anorra that well. He ran down an alley. It led to a dead end. He turned around. He ran back the way he’d come. Shrieks followed him.

  Finally, he made it to the city’s edge. But he kept sprinting, pushing himself onwards. He ran and ran until the trees hid him and he could see the city no more. He leaned against a trunk, gasping for breath.

  For a moment, he’d gotten lost in an impossible dream where he and Jasper could be together. He’d gotten so used to seeing himself through Jasper’s eyes that he’d forgotten for one moment how everyone else saw him.

  But now he remembered.

  I’m a krampus. A repulsive and ugly monster.

  He would not forget again so soon.

  Chapter

  Thirty-Four

  “This one is perfect, don’t you think?” Jasper pointed at a pine tree. It was a little bit taller than Kraghol but not by much. Jasper estimated it would fit in Kraghol’s cave without touching the roof.

  “It looks good. But you are the expert on Christmas trees.” Kraghol hefted the axe, which Jasper had brought from home. “Should I chop it?”

  “Chop away.”

  Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. The axe hit the trunk over and over, bits of wood chipping and scattering amongst the snow. After a few minutes, a loud crack sounded. The tree gave and fell over.

  Kali darted towards the fallen tree, sniffing the branches and hopping amongst them. Jasper took the axe from Kraghol, who grabbed the tree trunk. They headed back to the cave.

  It was Christmas Eve. The night before, Jasper had realised Kraghol did not have a Christmas tree. He’d felt foolish for overlooking it. After all, it was the most central Christmas decoration. But at least they’d have it up in time for Christmas.

  They walked silently for a couple of minutes, Kraghol dragging the tree behind him.

  “So do you want to hear about the developments between Trent and Malachi?” Jasper referred to the siren his youngest brother had been seeing. A few days ago, there relationship had ended. At least temporarily.

  “Are they good developments?” Kraghol asked.

  “They are.” And Jasper launched into the story of their reunion. Jasper hadn’t been there himself. But he’d been filled in. Multiple times.

  “I am pleased for your brother,” Kraghol said.

  “Me too.” Jasper smiled. “I hated seeing him so heartbroken.”

  “And how are Leo, Percy, and the others?” Kraghol asked.

  “Good. Everyone has fully recovered.”

  Percy had recently gotten his memories back. Unfortunately it had caused problems between him and Leo. Percy had then returned to his family and their factory. Then he’d been attacked by those who’d previously attacked him when he’d first lost his memories. Leo, along with several of the family, had gone to save him.

  Jasper had been too unwell to go along. Thankfully he’d not been needed.

  However, because of everything that had been happening with Leo, Jasper had still not spoken with him about his illness and Kraghol.

  “It’s strange. I have heard so much about all your family, I feel like I know them.” Kraghol didn’t talk much about his own. Anytime he did, a shadow always seemed to creep over him. But Kraghol liked to hear about Jasper’s family.

  “Hopefully you can meet them soon and put names to faces.” Jasper took Kraghol’s free hand.

  “Hmmm.”

  Jasper bit his tongue at Kraghol’s lack of enthusiasm. He’d thought they’d made headway on Krampus Night when Kraghol had come into the bakery. But in the days since, Kraghol had not responded positively to any of Jasper’s suggestions of coming to the city or meeting his family.

  Still, it didn’t deter Jasper as it had previously. Because he was certain Kraghol cared for him. And he thought it likely that Kraghol did want a future with him. Maybe the krampus just couldn’t picture himself in the city.

  If that was the case, it didn’t necessarily mean they couldn’t be together. They could build a life here in the forest. His brother Briar lived with Wulfric out here. Jasper could do the same.

  Kraghol’s cave would need work. They’d need to build a rock wall to partially cover the entrance so the wind wouldn’t get in so much. He could bring in furniture and other things from the city.

  He’d still return to Anorra to work, of course. But if Kraghol couldn’t make a life in the city, then Jasper would just have to move to the forest. Simple.

  When they reached the cave, they created a pile of rocks around the base of the Christmas tree, since they didn’t have a tree stand. It provided no water, but Christmas was tomorrow. So it’d be fine.

  “Now we just need to decorate.” Jasper gestured to the box of decorations that had not been put to use at home. They hung the glass, wood, and fabric ornaments on the tree. Kali dozed amongst the furs.

  Jasper could imagine living here with Kraghol and being beyond happy. He just had to bring it up with Kraghol and convince him. Perhaps after Christmas.

  They stepped away from the tree once all the decorations had been put up. Jasper wrapped an arm around Kraghol’s waist.

  “It’s beautiful,” Kraghol said.

  “Next year we’ll have to remember to put up the tree earlier.”

  Kraghol tensed beside him. For several seconds he didn’t speak. Then he relaxed. “That would be nice,” he said softly.

  Jasper smiled. “Now let’s have our Christmas Eve feast.”

  He opened the basket, pulling out the contents. Kraghol’s mouth fell open as Jasper revealed pies, tarts, slices of meat, a thick block of cheese, cake, bread, and of course chocolate truffles.

  “That’s so much food!”

  Jasper laughed. “I know. I went a little overboard. But this is our first Christmas celebration together. I wanted it to be special.”

  Tomorrow, Jasper wouldn’t be able to come out to the forest. He had to be present for his family’s Christmas celebrations.

  Kraghol took his hand, fingers entwining. “It is very special.”

  Jasper wanted to invite Kraghol to his family’s Christmas lunch. But he knew already that Kraghol would not accept the invitation. No point darkening today by asking.

  “And I have a surprise for you.” Jasper reached into the basket and pulled out a package wrapped in gold paper with green ribbons. “It’s a Christmas present!”

  Chapter

  Thirty-Five

  “AChristmas present? But you’ve already done so much for me.” Kraghol gazed at the package Jasper held towards him.

  For several long seconds, Kraghol just stared at the pretty gold paper with green ribbon, unable to fathom that he was receiving a Christmas present.

  Krampuses didn’t get Christmas presents. They didn’t even celebrate Christmas.

  “Well, come on.” Jasper laughed. “Take it.”

  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.”