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 said good night, or more accurately good morning, to Mel, and got off the phone.


He looked at Justin. Justin looked back, and then shrugged one shoulder, a sort of uncritical here we are gesture.


Kris said, “I’m sorry I called. If you didn’t want me to.”


“I don’t mind. It was probably good for me. Talking to her.” Justin’s hair curled itself, making spirals of flame. “I might call her again later. We’ll see.”


“Anything you need. Whatever you need.”


“Did you want to go back to bed? Or…”


“Not now.” Justin gathered up sliding blanket-folds, balanced that and tea, made his way over to Kris’s sofa. Rather bemused—Justin seemed to’ve become a comfortable possessor of his apartment—Kris picked up his own tea and followed.


His house. His musical career. His heart. Pretty much all of him, to be honest. Handed over without argument.


Chapter 33