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

“Have you ever had a tree of your own, Nico?” he asked gently, knowing his reply.


Nico shrugged as if to make light of his answer. “I’m rarely at home for Christmas, and when I am, it’s not worth the effort to put one up just for myself.”


Jamie gave his hand a little squeeze. “Next year we’ll decorate one together.”


Nico drew a quick breath and looked at Jamie, stared hungrily at his lips. “I would like that,” he whispered fiercely, his fingers caressing Jamie’s hand. He let go when a pretty woman, maybe mid-forties, approached them from behind the counter.


“Welcome. I’m Susan Walker, the owner.” She motioned to the snow covering their boots and clothing. “Looks like you got caught in the storm.”


Chapter 45