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

“There’s a livery a few blocks over. I want to scope out more of the neighborhood and possible routes out of the city. I think that’ll be a good place to start.” Todd checked the load of his handgun, shrugged into his holster then coat, nodding at Nick’s jacket.


Nick did as bid, pulled on his coat and the tether Todd handed to him, hooking it to the loop on his collar and tucking the loose end into his back pocket. He stood by the door, hands stuffed in pockets, waiting quietly.


Todd patted and squeezed Nick’s biceps as he walked by. Stopping at the door, Todd glanced back over his shoulder and said, “We’ll be back in a few hours.”


Witze checked his watch. “After two hours I’m coming to look for you two.”


“Thanks,” Todd said and smiled. “C’mon, Nicky.”


Nick offered Witze a shy smile and slight nod, but stayed silent while he trailed after Todd. Once on the street, he fell back a step behind Todd until Todd stopped and made a point of turning to wait for him.


Chapter 67