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

“Why is that?” John asked, suspicion in his voice.


Nico couldn’t blame him. He shrugged, hoping the man wouldn’t press him. “I’ve known Piter a very long time. His tricks no longer work on me.”


John shifted restlessly, picking his son up when Andy tugged on his pants leg. “What exactly does he do?”


Nico shook his head. “It’s hard to explain. Piter has a strong will and can somehow focus his thoughts, push into someone’s mind, leaving suggestions. He can’t control you, but very close.”


“Shit,” John whispered and held his son tighter until Andy wiggled in protest. Nico watched them helplessly until Jamie once again took charge.


“We’re staying, John. I’ll put on water for tea, and how about a hot chocolate, Andy?”


The boy’s smile was brilliant. “Can I, Dad?”


Chapter 33