Kris Starr used to be famous. Rock and roll. Sold-out shows. Literal magic. Empathic talents and screaming fans. But he has a problem or two. He's having a hard time writing new music. It’s Midwinter, which means he’s surrounded by depressing holiday cheer. And he's in love with Justin, his manager, who has a talent for rescuing almost- or once-famous bands ... and who’s hiding secrets of his own. Justin Moore, on the other hand, is very good at keeping those secrets -- he's had to be for years. One secret involves a demonic inheritance that would make him a target of suspicion. Another involves his past. And the third involves Justin’s feelings for Kris Starr, rock and roll icon and now his client ... and a powerful empath of his own.

A Demon for Midwinter

He collected two holiday-flavored pecan praline mochas, and braved the pointy sunshine again.


As always, the Aubrey Records offices made him feel shabby and inadequate. Tall walls sniffed at his jeans and leather with glass and steel disdain; spiky modern lines pulled color out of the universe and turned it grey and white. Kris resisted the urge to check for footprints behind himself; he knew the snow-blank flat floor bore a dirt-resistant charm, but he could never shake the sensation of having tracked in unwelcome boisterous emotion, trailing guitar-strings, untidy make-up, fraying-at-the-edges jewelry.


The receptionist, pale and chilly and designer-smooth as her desk, called Justin’s office for him. No answer. “Did you have an appointment, Mr. Starr?”


“Yeah. Yes. Um. Sort of. He said he’d be done around three?”


Her gaze went on a fraction too long: taking in his jeans, his age, his leather bracelets, his eyeliner,both coffees. “You’re free to wait down here.”


Chapter 10