Many obstacles stand in the way of baronet’s son Warrick Synclaire being with his best friend, Thomas Smythe. Same-sex love is illegal in early 20th Century England, and Warrick is heading for Canada while Thomas is destined for the military college at Sandhurst. Warrick isn't sure he can bear the separation. However, the day before Warwick leaves, Thomas persuades him to see a fortune teller. The old gypsy woman’s warnings fail to scare Warwick, but another gypsy, Nicolae, by turns intrigues, arouses, and terrifies him. That night, Nicolae breaks into Warwick’s bedchamber, bedding then biting him. Warwick, unable to process the encounter, convinces himself it was just a bad dream and sails off to Canada to start a new life. In Canada, Warrick renews his acquaintance with Fox Sullivan, who he first met during the war. Soon the two become lovers, but for Warwick, the relationship is purely physical. Thomas still owns his heart. When he can stand their separation no longer, Warrick returns to his ancestral home in Kent, determined to reunite with Thomas, who now has a lover of his own. But the encounter with Nicolae years earlier changed Warwick considerably. Every full moon he turns into a ravenous creature, which seems able to rule Warwick’s life even during the daytime. Determined to win over Warrick, Fox sells his medical practice and sails to England. But is he too late to save the man he loves?

Destiny's End

My goal once I graduated from university had been nothing so lofty. I’d joined a local architectural firm, and once I’d accomplished that, I wrote to Thomas about it.


His response was, Congratulations, Mr Synclaire! I hope none of the buildings you design fall down upon their heads! Hah ha! Seriously, Thorn, I’m so happy your dreams are coming true!


And for your information, mine have, as well! Only fancy! I’ve got my commission! I’m Lieutenant Fortescue-Smythe now! The Mater has wept all down my brand new uniform, and Father was so proud I thought he would burst a button! Of course, Bertie, the sod, told me not to get above myself, but you know him, always ready to lord it over me and depress pretensions


I could almost hear the excitement and laughter in his voice, and I smiled, amused by the affectionate disrespect with which he and his brother had always treated each other.


Chapter 18