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

The sun was just starting to rise; only the horizon was a lighter pinkish gold. Swirling his tongue around Todd’s mouth, lapping at Todd’s tongue, and sighing softly when Todd sucked on his lower lip, Nick used his best sleepy, husky voice. “Too early. Wanna go back to bed.” He rubbed the back of Todd’s knee, which usually got him spectacular results and his own way.


“Get your ass on this horse now.” Todd broke their kiss but kept his mouth close enough that Nick felt the heat of Todd’s lips. “Not working this time.”


Nick shrugged and stepped back. “Never heard you complain. So, what am I supposed to do, jumponto Obi?” He looked pointedly from Todd’s foot in the stirrup to the spot behind Todd.


“I could just hook up the sleigh.” With an exaggerated sigh, Todd kicked his foot free and dipped his head to the back of the horse. “Get up here.”


Chapter 35