But he had brought Jasper to this cave! He’d put him on this pile of furs and started a fire. Of course, that might just be because he’d taken pity on Jasper and not wanted him to freeze to death. Now that Jasper was awake, maybe he wanted Jasper and Kali to leave him in peace. The polite thing would be to oblige the krampus.

  But Jasper felt in his bones that something was happening here between them. He wanted to uncover what. So he remained exactly where he was.

  Jasper did not know much about krampuses. He’d never met one in person. Really, he only knew about them because of Krampus Night. Year after year, he’d seen the krampuses descend on Anorra, terrorising people in an attempt to get them to behave.

  Jasper had never been out on Krampus Night himself. Like most, he’d always been sure to get inside early. But as kids, he and Leo would stare out the window, watching the krampuses go by, pointing, yelling, and then ducking away anytime one of them looked their way. They’d been fascinated by the krampuses as children. Obsessed even.

  Based on everything he knew about krampuses, Jasper supposed he should be frightened of the krampus in front of him. But instead, his instincts told him to remain right where he was. Somehow, he knew he was safe here.

  Then Jasper remembered what had occurred before he collapsed.

  “Were you watching me?” Jasper asked.

  “What?” The krampus’s dark-grey eyes met his.

  “Someone was watching me. I chased them. Was that you? It was, wasn’t it? Why? Were you following me too?”

  The krampus bared his teeth. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I just found you and brought you here.”

  Jasper stared at Kraghol, not believing him. After all, he’d seen the horns and the fur. But he didn’t think calling Kraghol a liar would help.

  Then Jasper realised something. He had no headache. No body ache. He breathed easily. He searched his body for any pain or niggling aches or anything. And found…nothing.

  What the fuck?

  For the first time since the accident, he felt…well.

  He turned to the krampus, who frowned, arms crossed over his muscular chest.

  “Well, thank you for taking me in and not letting me freeze outside in the snow,” Jasper said.

  “It was no problem.” The golden light of the fire danced on the tips of his curled horns.

  “I appreciate it all the same.”

  The fire crackled. The krampus now stared at it, once again not meeting Jasper’s gaze.

  “My name is Jasper, by the way. This is Kali.” Jasper stroked the fox. “We live in Anorra, in an apartment above a bakery. It is my family’s bakery actually.”

  The krampus kept staring at the fire.

  But Jasper thought he was listening. So he kept speaking, “Me and my siblings work there with some of their partners. My family are hearth and kitchen witches. I have a lot of siblings. Do you have much family?”

  “Some.”

  “And do they live nearby?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you live in this forest?”

  “Yes.”

  Another one-syllable answer. Jasper held in a sigh. “Have I offended you?”

  “What? No.” Kraghol shook his head, clearly agitated. “You do not bother me.” But it was clear he did not wish for Jasper and Kali to be here. Still, Jasper was loath to leave.

  But Kraghol must feel the connection too! Why else would he have been watching and following Jasper? So why was the krampus lying to him now? Why was he pretending to not feel what Jasper was feeling?

  He’d taken a step towards solving the mystery. Still, he had much to unravel. But how would he get this grumpy krampus to open up and speak to him when he clearly didn’t want to?

  Chapter

  Eleven

  “You must go home.” Speaking the words made Kraghol feel like he was choking on gravel. He didn’t want Jasper to leave. But he should. It was for the best.

  Although, with his almost mate in his space, it was hard for Kraghol to remember the reasons why. Truthfully, Kraghol just wanted to sit by Jasper, listen to his voice, and find out more about him and his life.

  As it was, he’d file away every scrap of information he’d already learnt about Jasper and think of this interaction when he was alone in his cave for years to come. But he couldn’t let Jasper know that.

  And Jasper was not afraid of him. He’d not shown even a smidgen of fear. Only curiosity. And wasn’t that a wonder. Kraghol could not wrap his head around it.

  Still, this was wrong! It was one thing to follow Jasper and protect him from harm in the forest, which he’d clearly needed, since he’d just collapsed. But it was another thing entirely to spend time together.

  They came from two different worlds. They did not belong together. Light and darkness could not coexist.

  “Can’t I stay just a little while longer?” Jasper asked.

  Kraghol hesitated. He wanted to say yes. His heart yearned with the need to keep Jasper close.

  In years past, krampuses would sometimes capture those they found roaming the city on Krampus Night. They’d put them in cages and cart them around, sometimes even taking them into the forest for days before releasing them.

  The practice had fallen away. But for a brief second, Kraghol wished he could keep Jasper imprisoned in his home for the rest of his life.

  “No.” Kraghol shook his head. “You have to leave. It is almost dark. It is dangerous after dark in the forest.”

  Jasper laughed.

  Kraghol paused. Suddenly he remembered hearing that laughter months ago when he’d first seen Jasper and his brother together. The sound reminded him of sunshine. He longed to bask in it.

  “It is not that dangerous,” Jasper said. “One of my brothers lives in the forest. In a cave with his werewolf mate.”

  Kraghol actually knew this already. He’d seen the werewolf and human talking and casting some spell the other day. Briar, the human, had mentioned the name Jasper. Kraghol had wondered if it was the person. Now he knew for sure.

  In fact, the spell had been cast on Jasper and some of his other siblings. Kraghol didn’t know much about spells and he had no idea what the purpose of that spell was. But from what he heard, it was meant to help Jasper and the others.

  “Werewolves are strong,” Kraghol said. “They are fighters. Your brother’s mate would protect him.”

  Jasper tilted his head. He smiled, and it was like a spear to Kraghol’s heart. “And wouldn’t you protect me?”

  The words sucked the air from Kraghol’s lungs. The yes tingled on his lips, wanting to burst forth. He wanted to go to his knees before Jasper and pledge himself to protecting the human until he drew his very last breath.

  But that could never be. They could never be. He could not be Jasper’s guardian. Just as he could not be his mate.

  “I will escort you to the forest’s edge,” Kraghol said. “I will protect you and keep you safe until then.”

  Jasper didn’t speak for a second. “Fine.” He stood.

  Kali hopped down and walked towards Kraghol, gazing up at him with her big, confused eyes. Kraghol’s fingers twitched. He wished to lean down and pat Kali. But Jasper already watched him with such inquisitive eyes. He might work out that the two already knew each other.

  I am sorry, little fox. He said the words in his head, since he could not apologise aloud.

  She bumped her head against him. Kraghol swallowed, hating himself.

  “You can pat her, you know. She won’t bite. I promise.” Jasper glanced between them.

  Kraghol hesitated. Giving in, he leaned down to stroke her soft fur. She rubbed against his hand, making little squeaks. She had brought him so much joy the months they’d spent together. He hoped she brought Jasper joy now and they were happy together.

  Kraghol wanted to cradle her in his arms like he once had. He’d missed the fox so much. But that would arouse too much suspicion.

  “I’ve never seen her take to anyone like she has with you,” Jasper said.

  Kraghol cleared his throat and reluctantly stood. Not knowing what to say, he walked to the cave entrance. “Come. Let’s go.”

  Jasper and Kali followed.

  “Huh,” Jasper said as they walked from the cave.

  Kraghol glanced back. “What?”

  “Over there is where my accident happened.” Jasper pointed to the pond. “You’re cave is really close by.” He looked between the cave and the pond. “Actually, you can practically see the hill where I fell and the pond where I almost drowned from your cave entrance.”

  Kraghol kept walking. He knew all that. He’d been in his cave sleeping with Kali when he’d heard the twins bickering. He’d come to the cave entrance. The little fox had trotted out. Kraghol had followed. He’d watched Jasper and his brother. Then he’d seen Jasper fall into the pond.

  That was when he’d saved his life and created the partial mate bond.

  “You get into a lot of trouble in the forest. Falling, drowning, collapsing.” Kraghol kept his gaze ahead. “Perhaps it would be better for you to stay in the city. It is safer there.”

  Jasper did not respond. For several minutes, they walked in silence. Darkness continued to fall.

  “Have you always lived in this forest?” Jasper asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you like the forest? Is it pleasant to live here?”

  “It is fine.” Kraghol wished Jasper would stop asking about him. He wished he’d talk about himself instead.

  “How old are you?”

  “I have lived thirty-one Krampus Nights.”

  “Is that how krampuses count age, by Krampus Nights?”

  “Yes.” Then, because Kraghol couldn’t help himself, he asked, “How old are you?”

  Jasper’s smile was blinding. “Twenty-four. I have a twin brother. Unsurprisingly, he is also twenty-four.” Jasper laughed.

  Kraghol could float away on the sound of that laughter.

  “Actually, I’m one of ten siblings. We’re all hearth and kitchen witches. Did I say that already?”

  Kraghol had not known Jasper was a witch until today. He did not know much about witches. But then again, he knew very little about anyone who was not a krampus. But he’d heard a few stories about witches.

  He glanced at Jasper. He didn’t look like the witches he’d heard about. They were usually old, hunched-over humans, covered in warts and living in huts.

  “And when you add in all our partners and familiars, that’s lots more chaos in the mix. So it is pretty hectic at home and in the bakery.” Jasper laughed again. He glanced down at Kali. “Isn’t that right?”

  She gazed up, glancing between them.

  “Do you have a partner?” The words left Kraghol’s lips before he could stop them. Because what if Jasper did have a partner? What if Kraghol had partially mated him when Jasper’s heart belonged to another? That would make the whole situation so much worse.

  But Jasper shook his head. “No partner. I just have my familiar, Kali.”

  “Your familiar?” Kraghol had not known that.

  Kali padded along between them, leaving a trail of tiny footprints in the snow.

  “She was with me when I woke after I almost drowned in that pond back there. She’s been by my side ever since. And she is the best familiar ever!”

  They approached the city. Kraghol’s stomach muscles tightened. He didn’t want Jasper and Kali to leave. He didn’t want to say goodbye. But that was a foolish thought.

  Jasper had not been afraid of him. That had been more than he had expected or hoped for. But that did not mean Jasper would accept Kraghol. And even if he did, so what? They did not belong together.

  Kraghol paused amongst the trees. “This is the closest I will go.”

  Jasper faced him. “You never enter the city?”

  “Only on Krampus Night.” He stared into Jasper’s face, trying to memorise his features. He’d never been this close to Jasper, at least not when he was conscious. “Goodbye, Jasper. Goodbye, Kali. Do not return to the forest. It is dangerous, and you are ill-equipped to survive here.”

  Jasper raised his eyebrows. “Thank you for your advice, Kraghol. And thank you for saving me.”

  Kraghol nodded. Then he turned. He was about to walk away when Kali dashed forward. Swallowing, he reached down and stroked her fur.

  Just one more time. “Goodbye, little fox. I will miss you so much. Thank you for everything,” he whispered, so low that Jasper couldn’t hear. “Take good care of him for me.”

  Then he straightened. He glanced back at Jasper, who watched him. Throat tight, Kraghol strode forward into the trees, leaving his almost mate behind, determined not to look back again.

  Chapter

  Twelve

  Jasper walked in the direction of the forest. He had chosen to ignore the krampus’s advice. Actually, as soon as Kraghol had spoken the words, Jasper knew he’d dismiss them. After all, he’d been coming to the forest since he was a bloody child. He knew this place. It wasn’t that dangerous.

  True, he could have possibly died twice in the forest recently. He’d almost drowned, and he’d collapsed in the snow yesterday. If Kraghol hadn’t found him, he might have frozen to death.

  But those had been exceptions!

  Kraghol had no idea what he was talking about. The forest was completely safe for Jasper.

  Now he carried a box in his hand as he and Kali entered the forest. Snowflakes drifted down on a light breeze. He inhaled the frosty air and glanced up at the cloudy grey sky.

  The muscles in his body loosened, and any aches and pains diminished. He could breathe properly here.

  Also, Jasper couldn’t stop thinking of Kraghol. He’d lain awake in bed, thoughts of the krampus’s furry, muscular body running through his head. He’d thought of that deep growly voice, that tall body, that long tail, his curled horns, and his stern expression.

  Last night, Jasper’s cock had filled, and he had jerked himself off. He’d done so twice. Then, again, this morning.

  Jasper hadn’t fucked anyone in months. Not since the accident. It hadn’t even crossed his mind. And he had realised with shock that he also hadn’t jerked off for months! That was beyond odd. He’d always had a pretty strong sex drive. But he’d been unwell, and so it hadn’t really been in his thoughts.

  But then he’d met Kraghol, and the desire inside him had reawakened with explosive force.

  Jasper had not gotten the sense that the krampus desired him. But truthfully, he’d found Kraghol hard to read. He had remained so guarded with Jasper.

  Hopefully today, Kraghol would relax and Jasper could learn more about him. And if Jasper got the sense the krampus wanted him, he would almost definitely make a move.

  Fuck. I hope he wants me.

  He’d even dreamed of Kraghol the previous night. Jasper knew that Kraghol was the answer to the question that had plagued him since the accident. He still didn’t know what the fuck the question was, but he knew Kraghol was the answer.

  When they’d met, he’d felt something click into place inside him. He’d felt better than he had in a long time. Once he’d left Kraghol’s company, the illness had returned. And so had the longing. Jasper needed to understand it.

  Jasper could not keep his distance now.

  So here he was, striding through the forest. And today he walked with determination. Normally, he meandered, no idea what or who he was searching for.

  Not today. Today he walked straight to Kraghol’s cave.

  And he knew the way to the cave, since it was only a stone’s throw from the pond where he’d almost drowned. Strange he’d never noticed the cave before. But the entrance was pretty well hidden behind bushes and trees. And Jasper’s attention had always been more focused on the pond and the hill.

  Kali trotted ahead. She clearly knew the direction they were headed. But she was a very clever fox. Jasper could sense her excitement through the bond, as if she, too, looked forward to seeing Kraghol again.

  In fact, Jasper had been pondering that. Kali had not been hesitant when meeting Kraghol. She’d been thrilled. As if it was a happy reunion. Kali had lived in the forest previously. They’d met just after Jasper’s accident, which was very close to where Kraghol lived.

  Had Kali known Kraghol? Jasper knew Kraghol was keeping things from him. Was this one of them? Jasper was determined to get to the bottom of it all.

  His feet slowed as he approached the place where he’d almost died. He stared up at the hill, the sharp decline with snow-covered rocks and trees that he’d banged against as he’d fallen. He stared at the pond, which had now frozen over.

  What had happened that day? How had he gotten out of the water? He glanced towards Kraghol’s cave. Did the krampus know?

  Kali rubbed against his legs.

  “Come on. Let’s go see Kraghol.” Jasper strode towards the cave. “Hello,” he called out. “Kraghol?” He paused. Then stepped inside.

  The air of the cave was only a smidgen less cold than the air outside. No embers remained in the firepit. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He glanced around at the shadows and nooks.

  No Kraghol.

  Sighing, he turned and gazed out over the forest. Still, he saw no sign of Kraghol. “Now what?”

  Kali sat on her heels and gazed up at him.

  “I suppose it’s rude to make ourselves comfortable in his cave when he isn’t here. But it is snowing.” Jasper paused. “Do you think Kraghol will mind if we wait for him inside? He seemed concerned about my well-being yesterday. Don’t you think?”

  Kali, seeming to decide that it was fine for them to be in the cave, headed in.

  “You’re right. He would want us to make ourselves comfortable. Also, we can start a fire. Hopefully he’ll appreciate that and won’t be upset that we invited ourselves in.”

  Jasper put down his parcel and searched by the firepit. “Can’t seem to find any flint. Good thing I was taught how to make a fire without one.”

  Kali hopped up onto the pile of furs as if she belonged there. She lay down, resting her head on her paws. She yawned.