Stories

A young man enters the confessional. He tells Father Peter Ruxton that he is gay, in love, and filled with self-loathing because the Church teaches that what he is doing is a sin. The priest, who struggles with his own sexuality, tries to offer counsel that shows compassion and empathy, while remaining within the strictures of his Church’s position on homosexual behavior. It does not end well. The young man leaves filled with bitterness, and Peter faces the reality that he must leave the Church if he is to be true to himself. He begins his search to find himself and his authentic life.

Liebe, a young girl living in the Florida Keys with her two fathers, spends a lot of time outdoors, interacting with nature. For her science class project, Liebe makes a presentation about coral reefs, the dangers they face, and what can be done to save them.

Times of environmental disaster, political upheaval and endless wars . . . . 1816 is relevant to the world we find ourselves navigating today. Antonin Carême, the world’s greatest celebrity chef — with his rockstar salary and good looks — heads to an open-ended engagement at the Prince Regent’s seaside home. What, though, are his true motivations for going? What about all the deaths and attempted killings unfolding at the Pavilion while he’s there? Who is this mysterious doctor who draws him into the investigations?

My poetry collection for National Poetry Writing Month 2022.

Yes, I'm doing it again.

I'd like to thank Jan Hutchinson for providing daily prompts and @AC Benus for additional prompts and introductions of new poetry forms.

~Aditus

Last but not least: This wouldn't be possible without my friend and editor @Valkyrie.

The Knight's Tale is the story of Lord Henry Sandringham, a gay British nobleman who is secretly an agent for MI6. He is sent to Tehran to rescue the son of the Foreign Minister, who faces the death penalty for being gay. Using a secret new drug called SOMNOS, the agent is assigned to conduct the young man to safety over the Alborz Mountains, across the Caspian Sea, and back to Britain.

DEDICATION
To Jeff, my first love - where are you today?

No one ever said love couldn’t fall between the cracks. Two people meet by random chance online, and then in person. These fifty poems document the arc of a love affair from first contact to the budding of deep, mutual intimacy. However, one of them is not able to handle the feelings the other raises in him.

Andre the Omega and Rafe Gold are in luck. That, or they’re rather unfortunate, for they have been selected to be enrolled into the most prominent yet enigmatic educational institution for all species, humans and magi. Little do they know, they are stepping onto a battlefield, rife with internal war and unchecked by figures of authority. The two friends are caught in the middle of it and in need of help if they want to survive Ironward Academy.

Jay Petermeyer is everyone’s favorite All-American football player. He’s spent his entire career living above reproach as he patiently waits for the husband and the life he knows he’s meant for.

There wouldn’t be influencers if there wasn’t Loren Patrick. He transformed YouTube into a social platform and revolutionized what it means to live for the public. His life is free and easy. No attachments, no expectations. Just the way he likes.

Sometimes the life we’re destined for looks different from the life we dream of.

Jexon and Marcus are now married, and return home to meet two new staff members, so building alterations to the upstairs area of the Vet Hospital and a brand new aircraft waiting on the tarmac, a wedding gift from the family. It isn't long before both Marcus and Jexon are in full swing with work, been called out to the new Quarantine Station just East of the border, with them landing on the new airfield on the west side of the border.

After Detective Shaw's death, Vincent and Mason feel the pressure to prepare themselves for the fight with Stefan. Vincent must master his affinities, as North America's fate depends on his victory. Will he be successful in exacting revenge, or will Aliz's destiny of war come to life?

Tierney moves to Owensville, but must handle the EC's investigation into Alpha Stuerm first. Dirk tries to woo his newly found mate, Sarah Poll. Cyrus, Kaplan, and Wagner dig deep into Harold Snyder's business ventures.

This, and much more in the final book of the In the Shadows trilogy!