It seemed so simple, cross a train yard, hop a train and Todd and Nick would be free, on their way home to Elk's Ridge in Yellowknife. Nothing is ever simple or easy for the Ruger men, however. Captured by Vice-Chancellor Raleigh, Todd is imprisoned, leaving Nick alone and seeking a way to free his mate. Help comes from an unlikely and unexpected ally. Todd's freedom places the Rugers yet again into the Chancellor's debt. He sends them on a fact finding mission to the small village of Eldrid, the same village where Nick was raised a slave.<br><br>There they discover how past events led to their present society, the origins of sentries and slaves and what made some of them so special. They also uncover a conspiracy spear-headed by Vice-Chancellor Raleigh. An attempt at stopping him isn't as successful as they'd hoped when old enemies are confronted. The realities of war, and why some people don't survive, are hard lessons for both Todd and Nick to learn.<br><br>Through firefights, explosions and a vicious attack from a seemingly unbeatable supernatural being, one thing is reinforced over and over-the most important thing each one has is each other. Will they survive or join an ever-growing list of casualties?

Collared Souls

Nick swung off his horse and came close enough Todd could feel the heat from his mate’s body, making Todd square his shoulders and prepare to fight. The fact Nick had done that after being told to stay on his horse set off all sorts of alarm bells for Todd. Nick stood quietly, holding the reins of both horses, at Todd’s right elbow. Nick’s anxiety was rolling off him in waves.


“Todd Ruger,” the woman said. Her voice was soft and firm. If she was trying to sound calming, it wasn’t working on Todd. Or Nick, from the way he hissed in another breath.


“You don’t remember me, do you?” She walked a slow circle until she could pet Arenite’s shoulder. “You were young, still a boy, when we met. I had some business with your father.”


“He’s not here today,” Todd said. “And I don’t have any business with you.” Turning away from her, he focused on Barclay. “We’d like to start on our investigation. Our horses need rest, and we need a place to work and sleep.”


Chapter 27