Chapter 43
Chapter
Forty-Three
“And here is my home.” Jasper gestured to the apartment. “But you knew that already. You were outside it on Krampus Night.” He smiled as they walked up the stairs. “But tonight you get to come inside and see it properly. And I guess it’s also your home too for the foreseeable future.”
Kraghol paused outside the front door. “Will that be all right with your family, if I live here?”
At the stall, Jasper’s family members who’d been working that night had been thrilled to meet Kraghol. Albeit confused, especially since Jasper had had more energy and no doubt looked healthier than he had since the accident.
There had been lots of long stares from his siblings. No doubt there would be lots of questions for him to answer soon.
But thankfully he was home now and could rest. Jasper couldn’t wait to go to bed. It had been a big day, what with the earlier fight with Kraghol, Kraghol’s sister, making up, and the Christmas markets. Plus the mating bond, which had definitely taken it out of him.
He yawned as he reached for the door, yearning to just collapse in bed. But even before it had fully opened, Leo appeared, wide-eyed and face drawn. “Jas! Where have you been?”
Percy appeared behind Leo, placing a hand on his arm as if to calm him.
Kali trotted into the apartment, no doubt wanting to be out of the cold.
Jasper’s stomach sank. He’d been so caught up in Kraghol he’d not thought about Leo. He would have gone into Jasper’s room to give him his tea, and Jasper would not have been there. Leo would have been losing his mind with worry.
“Shit! I’m sorry, Leo!” Usually he was annoyed at Leo for his constant and overbearing concern. But he felt it was justified today considering how late he was home.
“I’m fine. I promise.” Jasper entered the apartment. “Sorry for worrying you. I’ve just been busy.” Jasper glanced to Kraghol, who still remained outside the apartment, watching the twins. “Come in, Kraghol.”
For the first time, Leo looked at Kraghol. “Kraghol? Who…” He took a step back as Kraghol entered the apartment. His eyes widened, and he gaped. “Jas, what the fuck is going on?”
Jasper closed the door and placed a hand on Kraghol’s arm. “Kraghol, this is Leo and Percy. Leo and Percy, this is Kraghol. He and I are together.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “Together? Since fucking when?”
“A little while now.”
“What?” Leo’s voice rose.
Jasper glanced at Kraghol. “It’s a long story.”
Leo opened his mouth.
But Jasper got in first. “And I promise to explain everything. At length. And I will answer every single one of your questions.”
Leo’s eyes narrowed. “Really? You’ll answer all my questions? Properly?”
Jasper felt a pang in his chest. He really had left Leo in the dark the past few months. “All your questions. I promise. But like I said, it’s a long story and we’ve had a big day. So can we talk tomorrow? Please.”
Leo looked between them. “All right. Tomorrow. But you owe me a proper explanation.” He jabbed a finger at Jasper.
Jasper reached out and squeezed Leo’s arm. “Thanks. And I’m better now. You don’t have to worry about me so much.”
Leo stared at him, clearly uncertain if he believed Jasper. But that was to be expected.
Jasper dropped his arm. “We will head to bed now. Goodnight.”
Percy and Leo wished them a good night and headed to Leo’s room. Jasper led Kraghol to his. Kali had already entered.
Jasper let out a breath as he lit a candle. “Well, you met my twin.”
Kraghol glanced at the closed door. He frowned. “I don’t think he liked me much.”
Jasper shook his head. “He’s confused and concerned. I’ll explain everything properly tomorrow. Then it will all be okay. I’m sure of it.”
“I hope you are right.” Kraghol grimaced. “I would not like to cause any tension between the two of you. I do not wish to further strain your relationship.”
“You won’t. He wants me happy and healthy. And I’m happy and healthy now.” Jasper smiled. “Once he knows everything, he will accept you with open arms.”
Then Jasper took a step back and gestured around. “Well, this is my bedroom.”
Kraghol walked around. He examined the bed. The chair. He gazed out the window.
“It’s not much.” Jasper placed his hands on his hips. “It’s all pretty basic actually.” He chuckled.
Kraghol turned and stared at him. “This is your room. It smells of you. It feels like you. Your essence is embedded in the walls, the furniture, and in the very fabric of the room. No space could be more beautiful or special.”
Jasper’s insides melted. He went to Kraghol, wrapping his arms around his waist. “Now it is our room. For as long as you want and feel comfortable here.”
Kraghol smiled.
“Now let’s go to bed. I’m exhausted.” And Jasper meant it.
But after they’d gotten ready and Kraghol had lain down beside him, he found himself not ready to sleep. He snuggled closer. Kraghol’s arms wrapped around his body.
Kraghol was with him in his bed. They were mates. It seemed wrong to not mark the occasion. After all, they could sleep afterwards.
Strangely, Kali had gone to sleep on the floor rather than on the bed where she usually slept. It was as if she knew that Jasper and Kraghol needed some space tonight.
Jasper smoothed his hand over Kraghol’s furry shoulder. He gazed into Kraghol’s grey eyes. “Make love to me. I want to feel you inside me.”