As the son of the infamous New Amsterdam city mayor, Lucian learned at an early age that power is king, love is for the weak, and a real man has no use for tears or mercy. The only light in Lucian's formative years was Shea who gave Lucian the impetus to break free of his father and leave the city. Shea is never far from Lucian's side, a friend and companion.<br><br>But after a lover dies despite Lucian's best efforts, Lucian returns home with new purpose: build an empire to destroy the darkness that steal lives and souls. Shea's back in the city, too, and when three long years pass without contact, Lucian realizes he can't live without confessing that Shea is his only solace and reason for living.<br><br>When reuniting with Shea leads to a horrifying discovery at the hands of the very evil Lucian wishes to eradicate, Lucian vows a path of bloody vengeance to save Shea from certain destruction.

Winter's Knight

“Thought you quit,” Lucian whispered, not wanting to disturb the peace with real volume. He plucked the cig from Shea’s grasp and sucked a sweet, deep drag of nicotine nirvana.


“Never knew you’d started,” Shea said, bemusement replacing the empty expression.


Smoke swirled, and Lucian crossed his legs toward Shea. Their shoulders brushed, and Lucian thrilled at how this casual touch out of a million others was different. “One does all sorts of things in the name of self-management.”


“Yup.” Shea stole the cigarette back, thick fingers brushing Lucian’s slender ones, and the coal glowed bright before he slumped, running one hand through his hair. “All kindsa things. Rubbin’ worry stones, chewin’ on pencil stubs, rerollin’ fag ends, drinkin’ tequila by the case, heck…studyin’ applied mathematics and game theory, somethin’ big enough to make my brain beg for mercy.”


Chapter 13