Wars are fought on many fronts. A battle is raging across New Colorado Protectorate with both human and demonic players. Todd and Nick Ruger are sentries with an arsenal of talents and training to combat threats from a variety of enemies. Todd and Nick are given a mission to find and stop weapons smugglers by going undercover on the riverboat, Annabelle. These aren't typical arms dealers, they're demons and they're not afraid of a pair of sentries. The Rugers will have to use all their skills and their most powerful weapon, the bond between them, just to stay alive. Stopping the supply of illegal weapons turns to trying, and failing, to thwart an assassination. Todd and Nick have each other, but will they be able to keep their love intact?

Tethered Pair

“I understand completely.” Todd pulled out a roll of bills. “I came prepared.” Without looking behind him, he marched to the bar, then slapped his hand on its polished wooden top. “Barkeep, when you’ve a minute, I wish to purchase whiskey.” He held the wad of cash up, and the man behind the bar hurried over.


Nick dropped to his knees behind Todd, wound two fingers in his trousers, and tugged lightly before letting go. Two men, the gambler and the man wearing the white suit they’d seen in the tailor shop, walked through the bar. They leaned against the bar on either side of Todd and Nick. Ignoring them, Todd continued. “I’d like two cases of whiskey delivered to my suite, then, as I need them, provided to me during my—” Todd plastered on his oiliest smile and reached behind him, running his fingertips over the top of Nick’s head before leaning both hands on the bar again. “—breaks. I’ll need just those bottles made available during any games as well.”


Chapter 9