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

Benning arched an eyebrow. “You’re uncomfortable not being able to keep an eye on your slave.”


It wasn’t a question. It was as if this guy read Todd’s thoughts and felt his emotions. Nick was Todd’s partner in so many ways, and they worked better together, backed each other up. Todd was uncomfortable, even though that backup was only in another room. Of course, that also meant Nick was alone for the time being as well. This was not their preferred method, and they worked this way only when absolutely necessary.


“He can take care of himself. Besides, he should be in my bed shortly,” Todd said, feigning indifference. “Either talk about this deal or play cards.”


Benning nodded to Heidi. “Mrs. Larue, if you would.”


Heidi started dealing cards. Her gaze shifted between Todd, Benning, and Snow. The players from the previous games had left the table.


When all the cards had been dealt, Benning turned to Heidi. “Thank you, we won’t be needing you now.”


“But, I’m the dealer, it’s not—”


Chapter 23