It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love -- against all common sense and logic.<br><br>Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect ...

From Behind that Locked Door

Cillian thought that was a terrible idea.


They observed the new species for most of the day. When they decided to ascend and go home, the group found themselves shrouded in darkness. The Monk pilots turned the ship so that they could see what was blocking the light. A gigantic creature the size of a whale crept into view.


At first, it was just a silhouette. But then Cillian recognized it—as the creature that breached the ocean’s surface during his first trip to Iotan after the attack. He hadn’t hallucinated it. This spiky, tentacled animal was real. Both humans and Monks were astounded.


He took photos using a special camera Zoe gave him. With the lens pressed up against the window, Cillian successfully avoided any glare from the interior lights.


Chapter 44