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

“Nick!” Todd spun on his heels, shoving against Nick’s shoulders and forcing his mate back a step. For Todd, it was easy to see how inexperienced many of these people were, and some were just kids. They weren’t as comfortable handling the weapons as men and women with years of training that previously had been the norm for New Colorado’s regular army. He almost felt sorry for the captain and her lieutenant for having to deal with them.


“Hold your fire!” Witze and the captain shouted at the same time.


Adam broke from the soldiers, rushing closer. “You said it was for their own good,” he pleaded with the captain. She ignored him.


Nick surged forward, against Todd’s arm, grabbing for Adam even if he was out of reach.


“Nick, down!” For the first time, Todd’s order fell on deaf ears. Nick was so intent on throttling Adam he barely spared Todd a glance.


“Nick!” Todd hit his mate’s shoulders again, forcing Nick back a few steps.


Chapter 74