Betrayed by a lover, Jamie rents an isolated cabin on Lake Huron, wanting only to be left alone. Instead, he is pulled from his solitary existence as an artist and tumbles headlong into the legend of Saint Nicolas.<br><br>As a young man, Nicolas accidentally killed a man intent on murdering three children, only to have the man's malicious spirit rise up against him. Fleeing through the centuries from the Krampus, the evil troll-like creature that dogs his steps, Nico finds refuge with the young artist who takes him into his home and bed. But Jamie has questions. Who is Nicolas, and why does the Krampus want to destroy him?<br><br>When the Krampus begins to torment and torture anyone Nico comes in contact with to punish him, Jamie's life is put in danger. And Jamie isn't sure whether he can help Nico defeat his nemesis or if he's merely a pawn in the Krampus's game.

Nicolas

“No. We’re not lovers,” he said quietly. “But Piter is beautiful and provocative, and there have been times I’ve found comfort with him. But that was a lifetime ago. He has no power over me, not anymore. I have seen too much suffering because of him.”


Jamie lifted himself off Nico’s lap, and this time Nico let him go. He stood and picked up the mug of chocolate, taking a sip of the rich dessert. Comfort food. He handed the cup to Nico, who swallowed a few mouthfuls, then handed it back, a tiny smile nudging the corner of his mouth. “Grazie.”


Jamie nodded and set the cup aside. “You’re welcome.” Sitting on a corner of the couch, he motioned to Nico. “If we’re chasing that bastard Piter tomorrow, you’d better sleep a little more. Here, put your head on my lap.”


Nico stretched out, resting his head on Jamie’s thigh with a sigh. Jamie covered him with the throw blanket off the back of the couch and stroked his hair, watched the flames dancing on the hearth.


Chapter 25