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

The evening has taken its toll on his nerves and I don’t feel too steady either. I need rest. I need quiet. I need to think. “We’ll be all right.” I take the blankets from her. “It’s been a long day. Wake me up tomorrow morning, okay? I wanna help you clean up.”


“Don’t worry about that.” She looks into the room again. “Good night, Alistair.”


“Good night, Mom.” I hug her and watch her walk away to her bedroom, where my father is already passed out and snoring loudly. I shut the door behind me. The room is dark, with only the light of the moon filtering through the open blinds. I drop the sheets on my old bed. It’s a double bed, but worn down, and I have a feeling we’ll both be waking up sore tomorrow morning. “I’m gonna take a quick shower,” I whisper.


He doesn’t hear me or acknowledge my voice.


“Alistair?” I go to him and stand at his side. I follow his gaze to the end of the street. “They tore it down a few years ago. Your house used to be—”


Chapter 62