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

Rolling to his feet, Todd wiped spit off his mouth with the back of his hand. “Don’t like special dust much, do you?”


Backing up a few steps to get a good start, Todd charged forward and kicked Jah’lar as hard as he could in the solar plexus. He felt the small bone there give. Jah’lar coughed, supporting himself on one hand, while trying to wipe blood from his lips with the other. All he really succeeded in doing was smearing it across his chin.


“That was for me!” Todd snapped. He crossed the room and retrieved his knife. Holding it tightly, Todd strode to Jah’lar and kicked him in the head hard enough Jah’lar’s arm gave out, and he was face down on the floor rasping and gagging. Kneeling so a knee was between Jah’lar’s shoulder blades, Todd reached around and cupped Jah’lar’s chin, pulling his head back.


Chapter 64