Fourteen years ago, on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend Alistair he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared. But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident. Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him ... until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet. Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair has never died. It’s stronger than ever. But can it win over the repressed memories slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart?

Craving's Creek

“Let’s not write anything here,” he finally says, still staring at the ledge.


“Don’t stand so close.” I pull him back. “It makes me nervous.”


Alistair looks at me. There’s something in his eyes now. I’ve seen it before: something huge and ravenous, like a black beast waiting to be unleashed. “Remember when we used to play hide-and-seek?” When he says this, his voice is very low, nothing like his usual voice.


Sometimes I don’t recognize him. He’s not himself these days. He has these violent mood swings that scare me a little. Almost like he switches personalities.


I remember how I never used to find him whenever we played. But I want to try again. “You wanna play here?” I ask, coolly enough. “Could be kinda fun, I guess. Lots of places to hide.” I like the idea and I get excited. “I’ll count to a hundred. Go.”


He glances around and quickly strikes off for the hallway. His steps are light and fast.


Chapter 5