Chained Hearts by Elizabeth Noble

Author:Elizabeth Noble
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2012-05-30T21:22:04+00:00

Chapter 8

TODD’S first instinct was to follow Nick’s trail, not wanting it to get cold. He’d recognized one of the men. The jerk called himself a sentry, but in reality, he was nothing more than a mercenary who worked for the highest bidder without care for what his quarry actually was. Realistically Todd knew trailing Nick without provisions or a horse would be next to impossible.

He had no choice; he had to head back to town. By the time he got to the general store, his legs burned from the run, his lungs ached, and he wanted to vomit. Sucking in painful gulps of air and ignoring how they stung, Todd staggered through the door, stopping only long enough to lean against one of the shelves and catch his breath.

When he stumbled up to the counter and leaned palms down against it, one hand landed on a piece of paper, slipping enough he had to press one hip against the counter edge to steady himself. Amelia and Millie looked at him, eyes wide.

“Todd, what happened? Are you all right?” Millie stepped around the counter, laying one hand on Todd’s bicep.

“Nick… some men… I need a horse and weapons.” Bunching his hands into fists, his attention shifted to the counter. His gaze was riveted to the paper he’d accidentally crumpled between his fingers. Standing straighter, he smoothed the paper open and looked, not believing what he was seeing.

Millie inhaled sharply and whispered, “Todd.” She tightened her fingers around his arm.

“You turned him over to them,” Todd snarled. Squaring his shoulders, he glared at Amelia.

She stepped back. Lifting her chin, she met his gaze. “Clearly your mate—slave—is some sort of wanted felon.” Her lips curled into a cruel smile. “I had no choice when they showed me that picture but to admit I knew his whereabouts.”

“You bitch!” Out of sheer instinct, he reached for her, wanting to wrap his fingers around her neck and snap it like the twig it was. He was abruptly stopped by Millie blocking his way.

“Todd,” Millie said softly. “She has two children. Their father died.”

Glancing down at Millie for a few seconds before he returned his glare to Amelia, Todd bit his words out. “If Nick dies, so will you.”

“There are horses behind the house. Whatever you need, you are welcome to. Please, just go get Nick and bring him back safely.” Millie shifted her gaze from Todd to Amelia. “I’ll take care of the rest. I promise.”

Todd pointed at Amelia. “When I get back, we’ll finish this.” He shoved away from the counter and collected two handguns and ammunition for them, as well as a shoulder holster. A large curved knife and a sheath for it was strapped to his leg.

A sweatshirt, very much like the one he’d given Nick their first night together, caught his eye. Fisting the soft material in one hand, Todd fought back the harsh sob that had taken him by surprise and wanted out with a vengeance. He pressed the sweatshirt to his forehead; it was even the same shade of green.

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