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

“Some calves from a nearby farm died and the farmer wants to know why. He’s bringing the bodies here for Nick and me to necropsy.” Porter grinned and patted Nick’s shoulder. “And give Nick a darn good anatomy lesson, too. We’ll be in the barn most of the time you’re gone.”


Leaning down, Todd kissed the top of Nick’s head. “Make sure you wash your hands.”


Snickering, Nick tipped his head back far enough that Todd kissed him again, licking along Nick’s lower lip before pulling back.


“I’ll be okay. No kelbit hiding around here to harass me,” Nick said.


Todd nodded, stroked the fingers of one hand through Nick’s hair and left before he could change his mind. He had no idea if the wards he’d placed around the house and property worked against the kelbit or if it was even the kelbit causing him so much anxiety.


Chapter 28