A cannibalistic serial killer targeting gay men is on the loose. Devin, who has become increasingly erratic in the last two months, just split up with Gary, his lover of three years. Vanni, a habitué of the gay clubs, makes extra spending money on his knees in the club johns. Is one of these men the killer? Or will one of them instead become the killer’s next target? Detective Hollis Robbins is in charge of the case. He intends to stop the killer, if he can. When the killer strikes again the four men’s lives intertwine as the search for the murderer intensifies. Will the attraction that two of them begin to feel for each other survive the hunt? Do they have the strength to continue on after tragedy strikes and teaches them that love can be bittersweet?

The Beast Within

“I guess not,” Vanni said softly as he took another drink of his beer and watched Devin and Gary wrapped around each other out on the dance floor. “Get a room,” he muttered with a laugh.


“Is that an option?” a well-remembered voice said from beside him.


Vanni swung around to stare at Hollis in shock. “What are you doing here?”


“Looking for you. When you didn’t answer your phone I figured you were either ignoring my calls or had it turned off so I went by your place then started checking the clubs.” Hollis glanced at the vacant stool next to Vanni. “Do you mind if I sit?”


“You could actually. All you have to do is tell me to go away.”


Vanni actually considered doing so then shrugged. “Have a seat.”


“Thanks.” Hollis did and ordered a beer. When it came he took a deep drink before looking at Vanni again. He found himself staring into dark brown, questioning eyes. “I…” he said hesitantly. “I wanted to talk to you.”


Chapter 32