Todd and Nick Ruger are on the run after narrowly escaping the war in New Colorado, where they were implicated in the assassination of Chancellor Shaffer. Todd is gravely ill and Nick has serious injuries, but that's the least of their problems. They're alone with dwindling supplies and facing the harsh winter bearing down on them far north in Yellowknife Protectorate. Just when it seems they're trapped between the proverbial rock and hard place, they are offered refuge with a doctor in the isolated town of Elk's Ridge. As they heal, they're offered a fresh start in Elk's Ridge. But just as they begin to rebuild their lives, tragedy strikes. Victor Raleigh, the new Vice-Chancellor of New Colorado, knows all about Nick's psychic abilities, and he'll settle for nothing less than total control over Nick. He's aligned himself with a vicious creature, a type of psychic vampire capable of wielding control over individuals such as Nick. When Nick is betrayed and captured, Todd sees no alternative but to head back into the war zone to rescue him. Will Nick be the same man Todd loves after Raleigh's pet psychic vampire is through with him? Can Nick accept the fact Todd can love him after what Raleigh forces him to do, or will his guilt consume and destroy him?

Chained Hearts

He turned, expecting to see Nick, and was surprised to find an elderly man, tall, thin, and holding a tray, standing near the bed. The man smiled broadly at Todd. Todd nodded politely.


“Well, welcome back, Todd.” The man set the tray on the nightstand. “I’m Doctor Phillip Porter. How are you feeling?”


Rubbing his chest, Todd spoke. “I…uh…better?”


A glass of water and two pills were pressed into his hand, Dr. Porter nodding at them. “I trust you can take those by yourself now. You’ll need to finish out the course, even if you feel much better in a few days.”


“Antibiotics. Don’t get any thoughts about not taking them. You’ve already had a few days’ worth. I promised that young man of yours you’d get better and you’re not screwing up my promise.”


Chapter 19