“I did.” Jasper stopped a few paces away. “I know you said I should stay away. But I thought over everything you said, and I have things to say and questions to ask.”

  “You do?”

  Jasper nodded. “I want to be here with you. I like you.”

  Kraghol’s heart stopped. “That’s just the bond talking,” he said, trying to keep the tremor from his voice. “It will go away in time.”

  “Hmmm.” Jasper pressed his lips together. He looked out amongst the trees. “Maybe that’s true. I don’t really understand this whole half-mate bond thing.” Then Jasper met his gaze. “But I know that I like you. And everything inside me wants to be here with you right now. So here I am.” He took a step forward. “But you said we don’t belong together.”

  “We don’t.”

  “Why?” Jasper took another step towards him.

  “I am a krampus.” Kraghol waved a hand at himself, at the horns, tail, and hooves.

  Jasper’s gaze raked over him. “And why does you being a krampus mean we don’t belong together?”

  Kraghol huffed. He was sure he’d said this already. “Krampuses are creatures of terror. We live and thrive amongst the shadows and darkness. You do not belong anywhere near me, my kind, or my world.”

  Jasper didn’t respond. He just stared at him.

  Kraghol pushed on. “My kind delight in scaring people into behaving. We relish the dread we strike into people’s hearts on Krampus Night. We feed off the screams of those we chase. We enjoy whipping and beating city folk. We love causing fear.”

  Jasper’s eyes narrowed. Then, after a moment, he shook his head. “No. No, you don’t. That’s not you, Kraghol. None of that is you.”

  The words pierced straight to Kraghol’s core. Because Kraghol had described a krampus. But Jasper was right; that description had never been true for Kraghol.

  He swallowed. They’d only spoken a handful of times, and already Jasper saw that in him.

  Years ago, after he had tried to enter Anorra and find a new life, Kraghol had tried to be a proper and true krampus. He’d thought that since he couldn’t leave, he’d just have to embrace who he was.

  He’d joined all the krampus gatherings. He’d even chased some fools one Krampus Night. He’d managed to corner a goblin.

  Kraghol had stared down at the goblin, switch in hand. The goblin had pressed himself against the brick wall, eyes wide. He’d been shaking. He’d raised his hands above his head, as if preparing to defend his face and body from the fall of the switch.

  Kraghol’s hand on his switch had tightened. His stomach had roiled. Bile had risen into his throat. He had turned away and let the goblin go unscathed.

  He couldn’t force himself to be a true krampus. Nor did it seem he could fool Jasper into thinking he was one.

  He knows me. He understands me. He sees me.

  Still, that wasn’t enough. “Our kinds do not belong together. Human and krampus, there is no future for us.”

  Jasper looked away. He didn’t speak for several moments. Finally he opened his mouth. “Okay.”

  Kraghol’s heart sank. Because although Kraghol was the one making all the arguments about why they couldn’t be together, perhaps he’d wanted Jasper to disagree with him. Perhaps he’d wanted Jasper to try to convince Kraghol he was wrong, that they could somehow find a way.

  “So that is the reason why you say I shouldn’t be around you?” Jasper tilted his head. “You sure it’s not because you just don’t want me?”

  “Of course not.” The words escaped Kraghol before he had time to think.

  Jasper smiled. “So you do want me.” He stepped in closer. “You just don’t think we belong together long-term.”

  “We don’t.” It was hard to think with his half-mate so close and smiling up at him.

  “But that means we could be temporarily together.”

  “What?”

  “We can’t be proper mates, as I’m not a krampus. That’s what you said. And we are so different, so we have no future.” Jasper took Kraghol’s hand. “But we could be together temporarily, couldn’t we? Until the bond fades and we no longer wish to be together.”

  Kraghol stared at their joined hands.

  “But if you want me to go away, Kraghol, I will. I’ll stop bothering you.” Jasper’s brown eyes searched his face. “I don’t want to be a nuisance. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave. You won’t see me again. The decision is yours.”

  Kraghol blinked. How the fuck is this my decision?

  Kraghol was the monster. He should be lucky to be allowed near Jasper! Now Jasper was letting it be his choice if they should be together, even if only temporarily.

  A part of him knew he should say no. This wasn’t right.

  And he knew without a doubt he’d fall for Jasper. And then when the bond broke and Jasper left, he’d be heartbroken.

  But as he stared into Jasper’s beautiful face, as he stood in Jasper’s glowing presence, all he could think was that he wanted to be around Jasper for as long as he could. He’d willingly suffer the heartbreak later if it meant he could be with Jasper now.

  “All right,” Kraghol said.

  Jasper’s smile widened. His eyes twinkled. “Really?”

  Kraghol found himself smiling in response. “Yes. I would like to spend time with you. Temporarily.” He couldn’t forget that last bit.

  Jasper tilted his head to the side. “And how long exactly until the bond fades?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t know a lot about partial mate bonds. But I believe it varies a great deal. It could be a few weeks or a year,” Kraghol said.

  “Hmmm. That’s a big range.” Then Jasper reached up and wrapped a hand around Kraghol’s neck. “We better make the most of it.” He tugged Kraghol down and kissed him.

  Kraghol closed his eyes as their warm lips met.

  This couldn’t last. He knew that. But he would savour this time together with Jasper until the bond faded.

  Chapter

  Twenty-One

  Jasper carried a picnic basket over his arm the next day as he walked through the slushy city streets. Thick snowflakes fell. He stared up at the buildings crowding up and over him. He caught glimpses of brightly coloured decorations in windows.

  He’d done it! He’d convinced Kraghol to spend time with him. They would temporarily be together. Although, if Jasper was being completely honest, he was kind of hoping he might be able to change Kraghol’s mind.

  He understood Kraghol’s point of view. Different worlds and all that crap.

  But Jasper didn’t buy all that nonsense about darkness. No matter what Kraghol said, the krampus he knew was not some terrifying creature who existed in the shadows.

  Sure, he was massive, with horns, dark fur, a tail, fangs, and hooves. But that meant nothing. Kraghol couldn’t fool Jasper. Not for a bloody second.

  He liked Kraghol, the surprisingly shy, ridiculously sweet, soft-hearted krampus who’d also saved his life. And the things he could do with that tongue of his… Furthermore, Kraghol had raised Kali from a little orphaned kit! What was there not to adore about Kraghol?

  Creature of darkness my arse!

  Jasper was sure that even without the bond, he’d like Kraghol and be attracted to him. If they were good together, which Jasper was certain they would be, then he was sure they could find a way to be together when the partial mate bond faded.

  After all, many of Jasper’s siblings had partners who came from very different worlds from themselves. Love could find a way and all that shit. Now Jasper just had to convince Kraghol of that.

  As he approached the forest, he could already feel his strength returning. The headache that had plagued him since he’d woken lifted. His thoughts cleared. He breathed easier. His strides lengthened, and he moved with greater strength.

  He’d not mentioned the illness to Kraghol yesterday. He’d planned to. But in the end, he’d been too distracted by Kraghol’s presence. But he’d bring it up soon.

  As he and Kali entered the forest, he immediately spotted Kraghol waiting for them. The krampus didn’t try to hide. He strode forward.

  They both came to a stop, facing each other. Jasper smiled. “Good day, Kraghol. So nice to see you again.”

  Kraghol smiled, softening his severe features. “Nice to see you too, Jasper.”

  “I packed a few things for us.” Jasper hefted the picnic basket.

  “More truffles?” Kraghol asked, grey eyes hopeful.

  “More truffles.” Jasper inclined his head. “And I’ve got some fresh bread, cake, pies, cookies, and a few other bits and pieces from the bakery.”

  Kraghol’s eyes widened. “All of that just for us?”

  Jasper laughed. “Yep.” His gaze flicked up and down Kraghol’s body. “But you’d normally need to eat a lot to keep yourself well fed, right?” Kraghol was significantly bigger than Jasper. He must eat a lot to maintain his size and all those delicious muscles.

  “Yes. But not nice food like you make. Here, let me carry that for you.” Kraghol took the basket, and they walked. “Is it okay if we go to my cave again?”

  After they’d talked yesterday, they’d returned to the cave. They’d kissed, jerked each other off, and talked until Jasper had to leave. Kraghol had escorted him back to the city.

  Normally, Jasper couldn’t stand when others were overly concerned with his well-being. But he kind of liked Kraghol being all chivalrous and protective.

  “Sounds perfect.” Jasper took Kraghol’s hand.

  When they entered the cave, Jasper took the basket from Kraghol. Meanwhile, Kraghol set to starting the fire.

  Jasper opened the basket. He took out a thick red picnic blanket and laid it on the floor. Kraghol paused to watch as Jasper took out several boxes of food and opened them. He put out plates, cutlery, and mugs. Then he took out a ceramic bottle with a cork, wrapped in a cloth.

  He lay out a garland made of greenery and orange slices, weaving it between the food. Then he took out a vanilla-scented candle and lit it.

  Kraghol frowned. “What… What is all this?”

  “It’s a picnic.” Jasper gestured to the spread. “Don’t you like it?”

  “I… It’s… Jasper, it’s beautiful,” Kraghol said softly. “Really beautiful.” He blinked. “But did you really put all this together just for me?”

  “I did. I wanted our first picnic to be special.” Jasper grinned. “Now hurry up and finish with the fire so you can join me. I want you beside me.”

  Jasper sat down on the blanket, crossing his legs. Kali lay next to him, resting her head on his lap. Kraghol resumed lighting the fire. But he kept glancing at the picnic spread and Jasper in awe.

  When the fire blazed and it cast a welcoming warmth over them, Kraghol approached. He hesitated.

  “Take a seat.” Jasper patted the spot next to him.

  Kraghol looked at the spot. Then he glanced down at himself. He brushed his fur. He lifted his hooved foot. Then he stopped, hoof hovering. “I don’t want to get your lovely blanket dirty.”

  “It’s meant to be used outside. A little dirt won’t hurt. I promise.” Jasper took his hand and tugged.

  After a moment, Kraghol sat on the blanket, crossing his legs in an imitation of Jasper.

  Jasper grabbed a plate, placing a pie and some bread that he slathered with butter on it. “There you are.” He handed Kraghol the plate.

  Jasper put some dried fish on another plate and placed it in front of Kali. Then he fixed himself some food. Finally, he opened the ceramic bottle and poured steaming hot chocolate into two ceramic mugs.

  He placed a mug in front of Kraghol. But the krampus had not started eating; he just watched Jasper.

  Jasper took a sip from his own mug. “Try it. It’s good.”

  Kraghol licked his lips. He lifted his mug and sipped. His eyes widened. “Is this a witch’s brew?”

  Jasper laughed. “We just call it hot chocolate.”

  “Well, it is delicious.” Kraghol took another sip. And another. And then he drained the mug. Jasper refilled it.

  They ate and drank. Kraghol marvelled and praised the different foods.

  “What do you usually eat?” Jasper asked between bites of a caramel tart.

  Kraghol’s brows lowered. “I hunt and gather in the forest. In summer, food is plentiful. There are berries and fruits to pick. Fish, birds, and animals are easy to hunt.

  “It is harder in winter. There is less to hunt, catch, and gather. But there are usually roots I can dig up.” He made a face. “But they are tough and not tasty. I lose weight in winter. I am rather scrawny now in comparison.”

  “Really?” Jasper raised his eyebrows. His gaze raked over Kraghol’s very muscular torso and arms. Jasper couldn’t wait to see him in summer.

  But if Kraghol ate so poorly in winter, no wonder this picnic seemed like a magical feast.

  “Often, I just eat the food I hunt or catch fresh. But I will sometimes cook it over a fire.” Kraghol cleared his throat. “My fare is rather unappetising compared to what you can create. But survival is our focus.”

  “Life as a hunter and gatherer sounds hard. Why do krampuses not live in cities or villages?” Jasper asked.

  “That is not our way. Krampuses are tough. We dwell in the forests and live off the land.”

  “But you live alone, right? Could you live with other krampuses? Like in a little krampus village or in a series of caves?” Jasper asked. “That would make life easier.”

  “Some krampuses do live in small family or community groups.”

  “But not you?”

  “No. I prefer to live alone.” Kraghol frowned. “Sometimes my sister visits. But rarely. Only when she has reason to worry about me.”

  “Why would she worry about you?” He sipped his hot chocolate.

  Kraghol shrugged. “If she thinks I am behaving strangely, she might come by. Or if I avoid too many krampus gatherings.” Still frowning, he glanced at the cave entrance. “But she never comes by during the day. Ever. Only at night. Krampuses are nocturnal. So you will never see her.”

  “I didn’t know krampuses were nocturnal.”

  Kraghol hesitated. “I have adapted my schedule somewhat.”

  “For me?” Jasper asked. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips.

  Kraghol nodded. “But you do not live alone, correct? You live with family.”

  Jasper noticed the shift in conversation. But he let it slide, even though he did want to learn more about Kraghol and krampuses in general.

  “Yep. I live in an apartment above the bakery where I work. There used to be ten of us living in five rooms. Now there are just five siblings living there. But some of my siblings’ partners live with us. So it is still pretty crowded.”

  Jasper refilled his and Kraghol’s mugs. “I used to share a room with my twin brother, Leo. But we each have our own room now, which is nice.”

  Kraghol nodded. “I saw him with you when you fell into the pond. His name is Leo?”

  “Yeah. He worries about me constantly at the moment.” Jasper paused. “Because I’ve been a bit unwell since the accident.”

  Kraghol’s gaze flicked over him. “You have been unwell?”

  Jasper nodded. “Since the accident. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. I assume the sickness must have to do with the bond. It feels connected to me.” He grabbed a Christmas-tree-shaped cookie. “So the sickness will probably go away when the bond dissolves. Does that sound right to you?”

  “I do not know.” Kraghol pressed his lips together. “I have not heard of something like that happening before. But not completing a mate bond is not common. So it could be because of that. Or because you are human.”

  Jasper kept his face neutral. He took a bite of the cookie. “It’s probably nothing to worry about.” He tried not to sound too concerned.

  Kraghol exhaled. “I am so sorry, Jasper. If I had known what the partial bond would⁠—”

  “What?” Jasper laughed. “Would you have let me drown?”

  “Well…no, of course not. But⁠—”

  “But what?” Jasper placed a hand on Kraghol’s knee and squeezed. “You had a choice. Pour your life essence into me or let me drown. You saved me. And it created a bond.”

  Jasper smiled into Kraghol’s worried grey eyes. “I’m glad you saved me, Kraghol. I’m glad to be alive. The sickness isn’t a big deal,” he said, playing it down.

  He didn’t want Kraghol to fret over him constantly, like everyone else already did. Although, honestly, Jasper was a bit concerned that Kraghol had not heard of such a thing.

  “I’m sure it will fade with the bond,” Jasper said, trying to convince himself as much as he was Kraghol. “Then everything will be back to normal.”

  “Are you feeling all right now?” Kraghol asked.

  Jasper grinned. “Right now I feel amazing,” he answered honestly.

  And if Jasper had his way, when the bond faded and he got better, Kraghol would choose to remain with him.

  Chapter

  Twenty-Two

  Kraghol had never experienced anything so beautiful as this picnic.

  He stared at the pretty little cookies shaped like baubles and Christmas trees. They lay in a box by the flickering candle. He inhaled, taking in the sweet scent. The pretty garland of greenery and dried oranges lay on the red picnic blanket.

  During Krampus Night, when he’d glance in the windows, he’d see the pretty decorations, like the garland lying before him. He’d see candles and sometimes even plates of food. He’d wonder what it’d be like to have those things for himself.

  But he’d never believed he’d actually have any of that. Now Jasper had given them to him. He’d brought a glimpse of that world into Kraghol’s gloomy existence.

  His throat tightened as he bit into a bauble-shaped cookie. He touched the greenery of the garland. He paused. “Is the greenery made from tree branches?”

  “Did you think it was something else?”