“I’m sorry.”
Kraghol shrugged again. “It is okay. She cares for me.”
“What about friends?” Jasper asked.
“No. No friends.” Kraghol took a star and hung it, not meeting Jasper’s gaze.
Jasper’s heart spasmed. How lonely must Kraghol be in this cave, without any friends or family he was close to? Jasper reached out and took his hand. “Well, you have me now. I’m your friend.”
“Yes.” Kraghol squeezed his hand. “And I am very glad you are here.”
Jasper smiled. “Now do you want to see what I brought for us to eat today?”
Kraghol’s grey eyes lit up. “Yes.”
“Then come.” And Jasper tugged him towards the picnic blanket and basket, determined to show Kraghol that he could be the friend and companion Kraghol had never had.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
Kraghol stroked his hand down Jasper’s side, awed that he was allowed to touch him like this. They lay buried amongst the furs. Jasper breathed heavily, his eyes closed in sleep and his arm wrapped around Kraghol’s waist.
Kraghol slid his hand up and down Jasper’s back. Still sleeping, Jasper let out a contented sigh. He snuggled closer to Kraghol. Smiling, Kraghol held the sleeping man close. Soon Kraghol would have to wake him so they could get back to the city before dark. But for now, they lay together in this perfect moment.
It had been a wonderful day. They’d eaten, surrounded by all the glorious Christmas decorations. They’d gone for a walk, and Jasper had taught him how to build snowmen. Then they’d come back to the cave to make love. Afterwards, Jasper had fallen asleep in his arms.
Nothing could be more perfect.
Kraghol stared at one of the garlands. At first, he’d been nervous putting decorations up. After all, what would happen if his sister came by?
But then he had come up with a plan. The krampuses usually only gathered a couple of nights a month throughout the year.But every single night between Bonfire Night and Krampus Night, and for a quite a few nights after, there’d be gatherings.
Each year, Kraghol normally only went to Bonfire Night and Krampus Night. But if he made more appearances, Freya would think he was taking his duty more seriously. If she was not concerned about him, she’d not come by and check up on him.
So now Kraghol planned to regularly go to the krampus gatherings. His lip curled at the thought.
But it was worth it, if it meant Freya would not turn up unexpectedly in his cave, find the decorations, and scent Jasper in the air. Perhaps he was risking things. But he’d risk his sister’s wrath, and by extension his grandmother’s, if it meant he could have this time with Jasper.
At least he was certain she would not come to his cave during the day when Jasper visited, since krampuses were nocturnal. She’d never once come by during the day before.
The sky outside had begun to darken. Reluctantly, he smoothed a hand over Jasper’s shoulder. “Time to wake up.”
Jasper blinked his eyes open. “How long was I sleeping?” he asked, voice roughened with sleep.
“An hour or so.”
Jasper yawned. “Sorry for sleeping so long.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad you feel so comfortable in my cave.” And he remembered what Jasper said about his illness. He wanted Jasper to get as much rest as he could. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. Really good. You don’t have to worry about me.” Jasper smiled, then pressed his lips to Kraghol’s. “Still, it must be a little boring for you to just lie there watching me sleep.”
“It’s not boring! Not when I get to hold and touch you.” Kraghol hesitated. “Krampuses are not affectionate. I have no recollection of ever being held before.”
Jasper’s brows furrowed. “What about your grandmother and sister?”
Kraghol shook his head.
