Kraved by Krampus (Yule Be Mine Monster)

7. Krampus

Chapter seven

Krampus

S he’s going to freeze out there.

The thought plagues me as I watch her silhouette disappear into the swirling snow. My claws dig into the doorframe, splintering the ancient wood. Magnus creaks in protest.

“She needed to make her own choice.” The words taste bitter. A cabinet slams in the kitchen. “Don’t give me that attitude. You know I’m right.”

The floorboards beneath my feet groan ominously.

“Fine. Yes, I could drag her back inside.” I pace the entrance hall, my shadow stretching across the walls. “But that would only prove I’m the monster she accused me of being.”

The temperature drops several degrees. Magnus’s way of giving me the cold shoulder.

“Really? That’s childish, even for you.” I wave my hand, warming the space back up. “She’s not defenseless. My magic will keep her warm enough until she realizes she can’t outrun this.”

A door upstairs slams. Then another. And another.

“Throwing a tantrum won’t change anything.” I sink into my favorite armchair by the fire. The leather immediately turns ice cold. “Now you’re just being petty.”

The fire dims to barely glowing embers. I roll my eyes at the cabin’s dramatics.

“I’ve existed for centuries. I can wait her out.” The armchair suddenly tips forward, nearly dumping me onto the floor. “That was unnecessary.”

The kitchen lights flicker in what I swear is a mocking pattern. A cookbook falls open to a page about warming soup. Then another drops, showing hot chocolate recipes.

“Yes, I know she hasn’t eaten.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “She’s an adult. She can make her own decisions.”

The entire house shudders.

“Don’t you dare.” But it’s too late. The familiar scent of her stress-baking fills the air—cinnamon, vanilla, and that hint of darkness that’s uniquely her. “That’s fighting dirty, old friend.”

A mixing bowl clatters onto the counter.

“I am not going after her.” The smell intensifies. Fresh cookies, right from the oven. “Stop it.”

The house goes completely still. Silent. Then every window rattles with a gust of arctic wind, and her scream pierces the night.

I’m on my feet before the sound fades. “If you knew she was in danger, why didn’t you say something sooner?”

The front door swings open. Magnus’s way of saying “I told you so.”

“We are discussing your communication skills later.” I shift into my full demon form, letting darkness cloak me. “Right after I bring my little mate home.”