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

“Don’t hurt them, please. They didn’t do anything bad enough to be hurt. I’m sure jail time will change them. They’re just regular people.”


Laying a hand on Nick’s shoulder, Raleigh smiled. It wasn’t a friendly smile, but a sick, twisted one. “I’d never do that, Nick. You worry too much.” He looked beyond Nick to Jah’lar and the two guards accompanying them. “Get them out of here. And anyone tells Witze or Clarke about our young Nick here deals with me.”


No one other than Jah’lar would look at Raleigh directly. They were halfway down the walk and to the carriage when gunshots made Nick cringe. In the next instant, Jah’lar’s fingers curled around his neck and brushed through the ends of his hair.


By the time they were settled in the carriage, Nick was well into living his reward.


Chapter 54