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

“I know it’s not anything earth-shattering or life-threatening, but they are uncomfortable and not sleeping well, so I thought it best you take a look,” Margaret was saying to Porter.


“What a difference when you’re not first-time parents, huh?”


Margaret laughed softly. “I’m not freaking out over everything.”


Porter had handed Nick a stethoscope and otoscope, then nodded at the two children while he chatted with Margaret. After a few minutes listening to each child’s chest, then looking into their ears, Nick waited quietly, glancing every few seconds at Todd.


Finally, Todd asked, “Hear anything unusual?”


“No.” Nick shook his head. “Nothing that shouldn’t be there. They both have minor ear infections, which would make it difficult for them to sleep.”


Todd glanced at Porter and shrugged. Smiling, Porter listened to Nick’s suggestions for treating the children, nodding approval and watching closely while Nick cared for them.


Chapter 26