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

“How long have you been here?” Todd snapped.


“I…just a few…you said to be here by eleven.”


“You know what, I’ve had it, and don’t want to hear it again. Enough. It’s just us!” Todd was nearly shouting.


Nick swallowed and felt the color drain from his face. Nodding, he said softly, “I know. I heard what you told her about us being a family.”


Todd took a few deep breaths and seemed to calm down. “Is it too much to ask that you believe it? Can’t you simply believe it?”


Looking down at his feet for a few seconds, Nick didn’t know what to say. He’d questioned Todd’s love and care more than once despite how much Todd did to dispel Nick’s fears. Todd had let Nick ride the same horse with him, take Nick places, and never let anyone treat Nick as anything other than Todd’s mate. Rushing forward, Nick curled his arms around Todd’s sides, bringing his hands up to grip Todd’s shoulders and pressing his face to Todd’s collarbone.


Chapter 37