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

“I like this one.” Nick swiped some more. He laughed and ducked sideways when Todd smeared gooey, sticky pie filling across Nick’s cheek.


Todd balanced the container on his knees, reached over, and wound his fingers in Nick’s hair. He pulled Nick toward him and kissed the fruit off Nick’s skin.


“I like the one they make at the Rambling Moose better, but this is a real close second,” Nick said.


Todd raised his eyebrows, dipped his head to the side, lifted one shoulder in a half shrug, and nodded. “You have me there. You’re right.” He scooped more pie and smeared it over Nick’s cheek again.


When Nick ducked his head in a halfhearted attempt to avoid Todd’s tongue swiping across his face again, shoulders shaking while he chuckled, Todd knew Nick was feeling better.


Chapter 65