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

“It seems to just be that one mare, so probably nothing contagious. If you have some paper I can write down some things for you to get for her and how to use them.”


“I—thank you. I can’t pay you,” the man said.


“We could use a favor. If we need to cut through your turn-out area and head down that alley, maybe don’t see us,” Todd said. He grinned and nodded at Nick. “And maybe Nick could spend some time with your horses over the next few days?”


Nodding, the man smiled. “Deal. Lemme just go grab some paper.” He disappeared into a room, probably an office, and was back out a minute later. He handed Nick the paper and a pencil.


It took Nick only a few minutes to write down instructions. “Any pharmacy should have those.”


“Thanks again. Without these horses, I have no idea what I’d do.” The man shook first Nick’s hand then Todd’s.


They left the livery and walked a few more blocks in each direction, making note of alleys, places to hide if needed, and mapping out an escape route.


Chapter 68