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

Isabella emerged from under the table, giggled at him, and said, “Justin!”


“Yes,” Kris said to her. “For Justin.”


In the eye of the storm, the world got brighter, then.


And then it got literally so. Three sleek demon-women crackled into existence, becoming instantly the most real pieces of the room, scarlet and topaz heat putting dull everyday stovetops and cupboards to shame. They dazzled like witchcraft, and left searing imprints behind eyelids, beautiful and sharp as dreams.


Kelly took a step in front of her children. The twins took steps to the side so they could see, and crossed arms. James gulped. Bill said, “Here, and now, in this house—”


“Oh, stop,” said the demon on the right, and perched on the table, swinging legs. She was wearing the same jeans, though a different shirt, this one with a glittery dragon on it, picked out in purple and bronze. “We’re here to help. Hey, Kris.”


“Mara,” Kris said. “And…Ylse and Raissa? Didn’t Justin say he’d put up house-wards?”


Chapter 78