Kraved by Krampus (Yule Be Mine Monster)

14. Krampus

Chapter fourteen

Krampus

I gather her limp form against my chest, cradling her head against my shoulder. Her breath comes in soft, even puffs against my neck. My shadows curl protectively around us as I step through the shadows and carry her up the winding staircase to her chambers.

Magnus helpfully opens the door before I reach it. The fireplace springs to life, casting a warm glow across her peaceful features. I lay her gently on the bed, taking care not to jostle her.

She trusts me enough to be vulnerable. To let go completely. The thought both thrills and terrifies me.

With a wave of my hand, I summon a warm cloth and basin. Her skin still glistens with the evidence of our passion. As I tenderly clean her, she makes a small sound and shifts slightly.

“Shhh, little mate. Rest now.”

My fingers brush a stray lock of hair from her face. Even in sleep, she turns into my touch, seeking connection. The simple gesture makes my ancient heart clench.

The sheets rustle as they pull back on their own. I lift her just enough to slip her beneath the covers, which settle around her like a protective cocoon. She curls onto her side, one hand tucked beneath her cheek.

I stand watching her for a long moment, memorizing the peaceful expression on her face, the way her golden hair spills across the pillow. Part of me wants to join her, to hold her through the night. But she needs rest, true rest, without my presence to disturb her dreams.

With careful steps, I move to the door. A soft whimper escapes her lips and I pause, torn again between staying and going. But she settles again with a quiet sigh.

“Sweet dreams, little one,” I whisper, before slipping out into the darkened hallway.

My footsteps echo through the hall as I descend to my study. The satisfaction of fulfilling Clara’s desires still hums through my veins, but it’s more than mere physical pleasure. The way she surrendered to me completely...

I sink into my favorite leather chair by the fire. How long has it been since anyone saw past the monster to the man beneath?

A book materializes on the side table—Clara’s manuscript. Magnus knows me too well. I pick it up, fingers tracing over the ink-stained pages, the edges charred but no longer a pile of ashes. Her words pulse with untapped power, each fantasy more intriguing than the last.

She wrote of being chased through moonlit corridors, of being pinned against ancient stone walls. The memory of her breathless anticipation makes my shadows writhe.

The fire flickers, forming shapes that look suspiciously like hearts.

“Really, Magnus?”

The flames dance higher, clearly amused. A tea service appears on my desk, complete with those ridiculous holiday cookies she loves.

“I’m not some lovesick fool.”

A picture frame tilts pointedly—one of Clara curled up writing in the library window seat. I hadn’t even realized I’d been staring at it.

“Fine. Perhaps I am.” The admission comes easier than expected. “But she deserves more than just physical pleasure. She deserves everything.”

The walls seem to warm, radiating approval. Another page of her manuscript flutters open, revealing a scene where her dark deity courts his muse with ancient magic and tender devotion.

“Yes, old friend. I see the parallels.” I run a hand over my horns. “I made her body sing tonight. But her heart... that’s a different challenge entirely.”

Magnus creaks meaningfully, and a shelf rearranges to highlight a collection of romantic classics.

“Are you suggesting I take courting advice from your library?”

The room’s response is to drop a particularly well-worn copy of Pride and Prejudice in my lap.

“I am not Mr. Darcy.” Though the thought of Clara as a spirited Elizabeth Bennett...

A chess piece—the black king—rolls across my desk and knocks over the white queen.

“Your metaphors lack subtlety.” But I’m smiling now, remembering how she looked in the candlelight, lost in pleasure I gave her. “Though you’re not wrong. She is my queen, whether she knows it yet or not.”

The room pulses with satisfaction, and the fire settles into a more sedate glow.

Soon, little mate. Soon you’ll understand that you’ve captured far more than just my desire.