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 fell against the cage, scraping his back painfully, but used the support to push forward and meet his adversary head on. Throwing up his arm to block the punch aimed at him, Todd swung with his other hand. Aiming low and coming up from his waist, he plowed his fist into the man’s middle. Dimly through the noise of hoofbeats, wagon rattles, and cursing, Todd could hear Nick yelling his name and throwing himself against the bars of his prison. The man’s return blow caught Todd in the temple and sent him stumbling back again.


Feeling the wagon start to slow as the driver turned to watch the battle raging behind him, the partner screamed to keep going. In response, the driver lashed the horses to go faster.


Chapter 39