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

“Alistair,” I call out again, weakly, my own voice echoing back to me.


Then I see him. He stands on the cliff, toes curled around the edge, looking down into the dirt.


“No!” I wave my arm through the air. “Don’t jump! There’s nothing there! Alistair!”


He lifts his face and I see he’s smiling down at me. “Yes, there is, Ryde. There is. You’re such a doubting Thomas!”


I sit up, frantic, and look around the tent.


“No,” I hear myself say, but realize I’m awake. I rub my face with both hands and crawl to the tent’s opening. Still frazzled, I fuss with the zipper and finally poke my head out to see Alistair sitting by the fire pit, his face flickering in the flames.


“You’re awake,” he says. “I thought you’d sleep until tomorrow morning.”


The sky is ink black, speckled with shimmering stars.


“What time is it?” I ask, stepping out of the stuffy tent. “Why didn’t you wake me?”


“It’s around ten.” He stands and walks to me. “Why would I wake you?”


Chapter 75