Chapter 29
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.”