A Demon's Duty (The Demon Guardian Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  “There is no way I can eat that much food.” May said.

  “I can.” Michael stood slowly, being careful in his movements. “I’m afraid I have a long way to go to feel entirely normal again.”

  “How’s your…” May glanced at the kitchen door, “your back?” she finished.

  “Holding together. I think it will take a some time to understand it all. For now I’m keeping a tight rein on the added power. When I don’t, they reappear. I’m actually pleased that I didn’t wake up with…” now Michael glanced at the kitchen door as he sat, gingerly, at the dining table. “I hadn’t intended to fall asleep.”

  “Well, we’ll sort it out. And if it’s just me, you don’t have to worry about it.” May grinned at him. “Besides, they’re kind of badass.”

  Michael blinked at her as she picked up her fork. There was a bang in the kitchen and Lee’s voice swearing. Michael listened to Paula soothing and breathed in the smells of breakfast and the swirling energy of people going about morning rituals, living lives independent and intertwined. It brought a warmth with it, he realized. Comfortable was the word May had used, and he realized it applied to himself as well now.

  How very strange, Michael thought. Then, after a moment, he smiled and reached for his own fork.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  So many people helped me get Michael’s story out to you. I’d like to first thank my husband Richard who has been so supportive of me when I felt to shy to let anyone see my work. My parents, also, not only encouraged me to write down the crazy ideas I’ve had over the years, but to read a wide variety of styles and genres. Hopefully I can live up to their opinions of me; those three have set the bar high.

  I also have to thank my co-workers Jared and Chris for their patience with my insanity and for several really insightful conversations. I don’t know that I could have gotten through my first draft without them. Finally, my test readers came back with some really amazing points and helped me see all my characters so much more clearly. Especially my father who was both my first and final test reader, and honestly, I don’t think I’d have gotten very far without his comments. It was like reading two completely different books!

  Finally, I would like to thank my friend Kelly for her guidance on getting this book out there. It was a confusing world once I got out of Riverton and it was great to know some people who could give me a few landmarks to steer by.

  If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review here. I love to hear what my readers think and even just a few words are a wonderful way to help an indie author out. Thank you!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Katherine Kim is a woman almost compulsive in her thirst for adventure stories and mythology. When she couldn’t find enough stories that combined those subjects to sate her appetite, she started writing her own. She lives in Maryland with her crazy family, her possibly demonic cat, and not nearly enough coffee.

  Join my mailing list and get news of upcoming releases, sales, and excerpts from things I’m working on way before anyone else! Oh, and a free short story, if free is more your speed.

  Follow Katherine on all sorts of social media!

  Twitter: @katherineukim

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatherineuKim/

  Subscribe to the blog https://katherineukim.wordpress.com/

  Other Riverton books

  A Demon’s Sanction

  A Demon Saved