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

“Why?” He crisscrossed his arms, grabbed the hem of his shirt, and peeled it off.


“Because I can’t see my tattoo.” Grinning, Todd held up the paper. “Don’t worry, no one comes here this time of day, and this will only take a few minutes.”


“Okay.” Nick sat quietly, hands dangling between his thighs while Todd sketched the pattern of Nick’s chest brand.


“You can put your clothes back on now.” Todd took a piece of carbon paper and pressed it to the headboard, then holding the piece of paper with the sketch over it, he retraced the pattern, transferring it to the wood. When Nick straightened and stretched, trying to look at what Todd was doing, Todd stopped and shook a finger at his mate.


Huffing, Nick slouched on the stool. “Is this the surprise?”


Chapter 30