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

Todd nodded. “Sure did. Doctor Porter is getting a mattress and shipping it back while he’s in Yellowknife City. We can’t sleep in that little bed forever, buddy. Do you like it?”


Nick looked at him, eyes bright. He bit his lower lip and grabbed Todd, winding his arms around Todd’s neck, hugging his master fiercely. Todd chuckled and rubbed along Nick’s spine a few times.


“I’ll take that as a yes.” He eased away, at once missing the warmth of his mate’s body, but he had more planned and intended to carry through with those plans.


Noise near the front of the building drew both their attention to the main door. Kieron, Amelia’s son, skipped through, waving a toy gun and making pow pownoises.


“Kieron, you did not walk here.” Todd kept his voice soft, but firm.


“Nope, Uncle Stefan brought me. Momma wants to know if you’re coming to the store?” The little boy leaned back and looked up at Nick. “I’m going to be a sentry like Mr. Ruger.”


Chapter 31