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

“Hey.” Jamie coughed slightly, clearing his throat. “Having fun?”


“He’s been telling us stories of his travels,” Bob informed him. “Met some pretty interesting people.”


“Can you tell us a story with kids in it?” a small voice piped up. Jamie looked in surprise at the young boy and girl edging closer to them. He glanced around for their parents and saw them nodding encouragement when the little girl looked over her shoulder at them. Relieved they’d gotten over their initial animosity, he turned back to Nico as the children settled on the floor at his feet, faces raised expectantly. Nico smiled at them and Jamie settled back into the cushions. He stiffened when Nico took his hand, lacing their fingers together, but when no one reacted to the gesture, he squeezed Nico’s hand and relaxed, curious to hear the story as well.


Chapter 47