Three young men from very different homes, just coming into their own sexuality, bond at a time when information about homosexuality is scarce to the average teen. Their strong connection cannot survive high school and heartache, however, and their triangle collapses under the weight of prejudice and a need to escape.<br><br>Ten years later, Tucker is bitter and hurt by all the tragedy in his life since those long ago happier days. Reclusive, somewhat animalistic, and completely content to stay that way, he’s brought up short by an unexpected confrontation with the past and feelings that won't stay buried.

Fur, Feathers, and Claws

“We could have run into each other.”


“That would have been…” Tucker wasn’t sure how that would have been. His heart was pounding in his ears. His anxiety was at a rather high level.


“It doesn’t matter,” Chad said. “I ran into you here.”


“Technicality.” Chad smiled. “Calling the cops is off the table now, right?”


“The other stuff doesn’t matter. You’ll come to my apartment. I’ll come to yours. I’ll come here. We’ll go to a movie or dinner.”


“We’ll get takeout and watch TV,” Chad amended. “I…I don’t want to diminish what you’re feeling…but I don’t think it will be that hard. You’re still Tucker Wade Bishop IV—all smart, and charming, and witty, and hairy once you let your guard down. You charmed the pants right off of me.”


“It was a dual effort, I think. The animals adore you. Glory, Olivia, Sam…Animals know, Tucker. People will—”


Chapter 98