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

“C’mon, it’s okay.” He slid an arm around Nick’s middle and pulled Nick against his side.


Nick choked and coughed, struggling for a few seconds, but gave up when Todd held fast. Reaching out a trembling hand, Nick touched Todd’s face in obvious wonder before pulling his hand away. “You’re real. It’s you. If I’m bad or wrong, Jah’lar makes you go away.”


“It’s really me, and I’m not leaving you.” Todd propelled Nick into forward motion. “We have to go.”


Two steps and Nick put the brakes on. “Todd, what I did…I’m sorry…I—”


“We’ll work it out, and you’ll be fine. Come with me. Now.”


Nick ducked his head, nodded, and meekly followed Todd’s lead but wouldn’t look his master in the eye. They fled the building, Todd never once letting go of the grip on his mate. Witze had three horses waiting in an alley behind the hotel.


“I’ve never been on a horse.” Adam’s words tumbled out of his mouth as he gaped up at one of the waiting horses.


Chapter 57