Page 6 of Kraved By Krampus

“Found you,” I growl softly.

Her chest heaves as she stares up at me. The dress has slipped off one shoulder, pale skin practically glowing in the ethereal light. My fingers itch to trace that exposed curve.

“This scene.” She swallows hard. “I wrote this scene.”

“You did more than write it. You wove it from pure magic.” I lean closer, drawn by her quickening breath. Her lips part slightly as I close the distance.

The forest scene shimmers and begins to fade before our lips meet, the cabin’s reality bleeding back through. But I’ve made my point. The look in her eyes tells me she felt the truth, even if she’s not ready to admit it.

The last wisps of forest magic dissipate, leaving us standing in the living room. Outside, the supernatural storm rages on, ensuring we have all the time I need for her to accept her destiny.

Chapter five

Clara

Ineed to get away from him before I combust.

The kitchen seems like the safest retreat—at least until I remember this is his domain too. Krampus leans against the counter, watching as I fumble through cabinets for tea supplies.

“The kettle’s on your left.” His deep voice sends vibrations through my chest. “Unless you’re seeking something stronger?”

“Tea is fine.” I stretch up on tiptoe, refusing to ask for help to reach the cups. A warm presence crowds behind me anyway, and his arm extends past mine, easily plucking two cups from the shelf.

His chest brushes against my back as he sets the cups down, and I catch a whiff of pine and wood smoke. The warmth of himseeps through my sweater, making it hard to focus on measuring the tea leaves.

“You’re trembling.” His breath fans across my neck.

“It’s cold.”Liar. Even I don’t believe that excuse.

“We both know that’s not true.” He reaches around me for the honey, his arm caging me against the counter. “Magnus keeps every room perfectly temperate. When I allow it.”

I spin to face him, immediately regretting the move when I find myself trapped between his body and the counter. “Wait. Who’sMagnus? And don’t you have something better to do than just hover over me?”

“Better than watch you fight your attraction?” His lips quirk. “Not particularly.”

“I’m not—” The kettle whistles, saving me from finishing that lie. I duck under his arm, but the kitchen suddenly feels smaller, the island shifting just enough to force me to brush against him as I pass.What the heck? Is “Magnus” the cabin?

Traitor. I glare at the ceiling.

“The cabin merely wants what we both want.” Krampus leans against the counter, watching as I pour water with shaking hands. Steam rises between us, and for a moment I swear I see shapes in it—two figures intertwined.

“What I want is to write my book.” My manuscript pages flutter on the nearby table despite the lack of breeze. The words seem to shimmer, and I catch a glimpse of what I’d written earlier:

His touch sparked electricity, literal sparks dancing between their skin...

Krampus’s fingers brush mine as he takes his cup, and static electricity crackles between us. I jerk back, splashing tea on my sleeve.

“Careful, little mate.” He steps closer, dabbing at my wrist with a towel. “Although your words do have a way of manifesting, don’t they?”

“That’s ridiculous.” But even as I say it, the lights flicker overhead. His thumb traces circles on my pulse point, and snowflakes suddenly swirl past the window.

“Is it?” His other hand cups my cheek, tilting my face up. “Your power calls to mine. Fighting it only makes it stronger.”

His lips hover inches from mine. The air feels charged, heavy with possibility. My heart pounds so hard I’m sure he can hear it. Just as he begins to close the distance, I duck away.

“I need to work.” I grab my tea and manuscript, retreating to what I hope is a safe distance. But Magnus has other ideas. The kitchen doorway has narrowed, forcing another brush against him as I flee. The living room beyond has rearranged itself—only one chair remains, sized perfectly for two.

I can do this. Just focus on cooking, not the way his presence fills the entire cabin.He’s occupied my thoughts for hours.

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