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 smiled, the man’s entire face lighting up, making Todd’s heart beat faster and his nerves calm.


“I can take care of her. Does she have a name?”


“Na,” John said. “But you can give her one.” He took a deep breath, and Todd wondered what was coming next.


“Look, Nick, I…uh, I wasn’t very…hell, I never gave you a chance, and I was wrong. I’m sorry.” John glanced down, then back up, looking Nick straight in the eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said again, “for…well…hell, for everything. Everything I did and said when you were first with Todd.”


“It’s okay,” Nick said in a small voice and looked at Todd, confusion all over his face. Todd knew exactly how he felt.


Chapter 72