GUARD

GALACTIC GLADIATORS: HOUSE OF RONE #5

ANNA HACKETT

Guard

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2020 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Melody Simmons of BookCoversCre8tive

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-925539-96-7

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-925539-97-4

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

CONTENTS

What readers are saying about Anna’s romances

Anna Hackett Box Set

Dark Guard

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

House of Rone Short Story

House of Rone: Beginnings

Cyborg Guard

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Preview: Edge of Eon

Preview - Hell Squad: Marcus

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANNA’S ROMANCES

Cyborg - PRISM Award Winner 2019

Edge of Eon and Mission: Her Protection - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) finalists 2019

Unfathomed and Unmapped - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) finalists 2018

Unexplored – Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) Novella Winner 2017

Return to Dark Earth – One of Library Journal’s Best E-Original Books for 2015 and two-time SFR Galaxy Awards winner

At Star’s End – One of Library Journal’s Best E-Original Romances for 2014

The Phoenix Adventures – SFR Galaxy Award Winner for Most Fun New Series and “Why Isn’t This a Movie?” Series

Beneath a Trojan Moon – SFR Galaxy Award Winner and RWAus Ella Award Winner

Hell Squad – SFR Galaxy Award for best Post-Apocalypse for Readers who don’t like Post-Apocalypse

“Like Indiana Jones meets Star Wars. A treasure hunt with a steamy romance.” – SFF Dragon, review of Among Galactic Ruins

“Strap in, enjoy the heat of romance and the daring of this group of space travellers!” – Di, Top 500 Amazon Reviewer, review of At Star’s End

“Action, danger, aliens, romance – yup, it’s another great book from Anna Hackett!” – Book Gannet Reviews, review of Hell Squad: Marcus

Sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.

Click here to get started: www.annahackett.com

DARK GUARD

CHAPTER ONE

She moved her arm in the moonlight, first left, then right.

Her brown skin still looked the same, and the moonlight still looked silver. It just wasn’t from the small moon that orbited her world of Rella.

Sighing, Calla Ryss lowered her arm and pulled her knees to her chest. Her gaze moved up to the dark sky above her, and the two huge moons hanging there.

The orbs draped the city in soft silver. From her perch on the balcony, she had a great view of Kor Magna—the capital city of the desert planet of Carthago. Here in the pretty moonlight, it reminded her of the ancient cities of Rella’s past. Most of the buildings were made of old stone that practically throbbed with a sense of history. Nearby, the imposing walls of the arena rose up. Lights shone from the stadium, and she heard a sound like distant thunder. It was the crowd, watching one of the gladiator fights.

Her belly clenched. She was so far from home.

She glanced at the few stars she could see in the sky. Up there, somewhere, was Rella. She had no idea where, since she was only a chef, not an astronomer or navigator. She, Calla Ryss, was nobody special.

She’d been so excited when she’d gotten the offer to join the crew of one of her planet’s first starships. Space travel was still a burgeoning area for Rella, much like she’d learned it was for the planet Earth.

Her parents had been upset at first, not wanting their daughter so far from home. Calla was pretty sure her mother just wanted to continue her attempts to find Calla a suitable mate.

Calla had been so proud that she’d been offered a position on the ship. Sure, she’d just been working in the kitchen, feeding the ship’s crew of scientists, pilots, and security staff. But that didn’t make it any less of an adventure.

Her family were all smart, dedicated workaholics. Her father was a healer, her mother ran her own successful business, and her brother was a renowned professor at the Rellan Academies. Calla had never felt like she fit in. She’d moved from job to job, never finding what she loved or was good at…until she’d started to cook.

A Ryss can be more than a cook, Calla.

The echo of her father’s voice made her hunch her shoulders. Another reminder that Calla never quite felt like she belonged with her family.

And she certainly didn’t belong here on Carthago.

She pressed her cheek to her knee. It had been exciting, at first, traveling among the stars. But then, everything had gone very wrong when her starship had been attacked by alien slavers.

Calla’s throat tightened. In her head were echoes of the screams, the sirens, and the huge, demon-like aliens who’d boarded the ship. She’d been so afraid. She’d been dragged by clawed hands onto a small, alien ship and thrown into a cell.

Swallowing, she tried to calm herself, but her heart beat like a trapped thing in her chest. You’re safe now, Calla.

The Thraxians had abducted others as well. They’d also attacked an exploration ship from Earth, and they’d brought their captives through a wormhole to the other side of the galaxy. To this lawless, desert planet.

She shivered. It had been explained to her that the wormhole had been transient and had since collapsed. There was no way home since Rella and Earth were on the other side of the galaxy.

Calla had been sold to the Edull—metal scavengers who lived in the depths of the desert. Somehow, even though there had been so many days when she was sure she’d die, she’d managed to survive the cells, the experiments, and rough treatment.

Mostly, it was all thanks to a woman from Earth—a fellow abductee—called Sage. The woman’s sweet nature and unrelenting optimism had kept Calla alive, even on the darkest days.

Then they’d been rescued by dangerous cyborg gladiators who’d brought them here to the House of Rone.

Calla still couldn’t quite believe she was safe. Suddenly, a high-pitched cry broke the quiet of the night. She lifted her head and glanced along the balcony, with its gentle arches of stone. It sounded like a cat…or a baby.

She looked over the railing. Down below lay the training arena. By day, it was packed with bare-chested gladiators and cyborgs, but tonight, it was empty. When she’d first seen the cyborgs, she’d been terrified. They were all fierce, and cold, and scary.

But they’d saved her and Sage from the Edull. And they’d already freed two others from Sage’s ship, the Helios—Quinn and Jayna.

Calla heard the plaintive sound again and scanned around once more. She couldn’t tell where the noise was coming from.

She sat back, her gaze moving to the night sky again. She was well aware that there were still more humans out there. She’d been the only Rellan taken—pain carved up her insides at the thought. Her ship had broken apart too fast for the Thraxians to nab any others.

Unfortunately, Calla and Sage had no idea how many other humans were being held prisoner. The Edull had kept them all separated, but they were out there, somewhere.

I hope you’re free soon.

She knew that the House of Rone cyborgs, and Quinn, the Helios’ security chief, were busy looking for them. Calla couldn’t really contribute anything to the search. Baking a perfect dessert, or making heavily frosted sweet treats, didn’t really help when you needed to find stolen slaves.

She sighed. She hadn’t cooked since her abduction, but just lately, she was starting to feel the urge again. To sink her hands into dough and create something delicious. Not that it mattered. The House of Rone had an entire kitchen of cooks to keep everyone who worked there fed.

The sharp, high-pitched cry came again and Calla frowned. This time, it sounded more like a baby. Perhaps it was Ever’s daughter. The human survivor from Fortuna Space Station had been here far longer than Calla and the Helios survivors. Since her rescue, the woman had given birth and now had Asha, a sweet-faced baby girl. Ever was also in love with the Imperator of the House of Rone, Magnus Rone.

Calla shivered. That cyborg was beyond scary. She had no idea how Ever had ended up with the man.

Now, Calla heard laughter—sexy and lush.

She glanced over her shoulder to the room neighboring hers. It belonged to Jaxer Rone and Quinn Bennett.

Another human woman and cyborg who were very much in love. Oh, the pair were probably getting naked. Warmth filled Calla’s cheeks. Jax and Quinn always looked at each other with heat in their eyes.

Calla heard that mournful cry again and frowned. Now, it sounded feline, and it had definitely come from below. She shifted onto her knees and leaned out over the balcony. Her heart thumped.

There was a ledge just below her balcony, and it was covered with vines. The noise had come from there. Her heart thumped again and she pressed a palm to it. It was a shock to feel the smooth metal under her shirt. A reminder that her heart wasn’t actually her heart anymore.

Calla had been injured during her rescue. Her fingers flexed. Vague, blood-splattered memories hit her. A brutal fight. A hard hit to her chest. Firm arms catching her. A coldly handsome face and metallic silver eyes.

Her brand-new, cybernetic heart pounded. She still wasn’t quite sure how she felt about the fact that she had a lump of metal under her ribs. Beneath her fingertips, she felt the flexible metal skin that covered the hole in her chest.

She was alive. That was all she had to remember.

The cry came again. This time, it sounded demanding.

“Okay, okay.” Calla threw a leg over the railing. She wasn’t going to let some poor animal stay stuck out there.

Her feet tangled in the vines growing on the ledge. She realized, belatedly, that her soft slippers weren’t exactly the best for climbing. Once her feet were firmly on the ledge—the very narrow ledge—she started moving along it. When her shirt snagged on a vine, she cursed and tugged it free.

She shuffled along, and a moment later, she spotted the cat.

Calla froze, staring at the creature. It was across a small gap, nestled on the ledge under the balcony of the room beside hers.

It was no ordinary cat. She’d glimpsed this animal around the House of Rone once or twice. The cat was a cyborg.

It looked like it had started life as a small hunting cat. Its strong body was built to stalk prey. It had dark, patterned fur, a cybernetic leg, several metal joints, and a metallic implant for one eye.

It stared at her, its cybernetic eye glowing neon green.

“Hi, there,” Calla said.

The cat cried again.

“Are you stuck?” She edged closer to the gap between them. It wasn’t too wide, and she reached over, moving her hand slowly. The cat let her pat it. “Wow, you’re soft, and so unique.”

Without warning, the animal backed up, just out of reach.

“You don’t like it here, do you? Let’s get you off this ledge.”

Calla leaned farther over the gap, stretching out to try and get her hands around the animal. He gave another feline cry and backed up again.

“Come on, dara. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Her toes were at the very edge of the ledge, her fingers brushed fur. Just a little more—

Calla swore the cat smiled at her. Then it shifted out from under her hand.

She overbalanced and cried out. She fell off the balcony ledge and plummeted.

By the Goddess, any second, she was going to hit the ground and break some bones. She squeezed her eyes closed.

But she didn’t hit the ground. Instead, she was caught in a pair of strong arms.

Her eyes popped open, and she stared into the silver eyes that haunted her dreams.

ZADEN WASN’T QUITE sure how he found himself with an armful of curvy female. He heard the woman’s breath hitch.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

She had a mesmerizing cadence to her voice. Her accent from the planet she’d come from.

He set her down on her feet. “You should not hang off the balcony. You could have been hurt.”

And she’d already been hurt by the Edull and the Thraxians.

Zaden remembered every second of Calla’s rescue. He felt a spike against his emotional dampeners. She’d been hit by a high-velocity, ballistic projectile. It had shredded her heart and left her dying, her blood pumping out everywhere.

She had landed in his arms then too, her brown gaze locked with his. He’d held her, put pressure on her wound. Then he’d used his telekinetic abilities to staunch the blood loss and keep blood pumping around her body until they’d been able to get her to the healers.

Since returning to the House of Rone, the healers had replaced her heart. Zaden had sat beside her bed in Medical, still stained by her blood, until he’d known she was going to be okay. He’d watched her as she’d slept.

Until Jax, the second of the House of Rone, had forced him to rest.

She was so small. She barely reached his breastbone, and had a thick mass of black hair, with just a hint of curl. The wind liked to catch strands of her hair and dance it around her pretty face. Her skin was a bronze-brown, and she had a gold pattern that circled her face, from her forehead, down the sides of her face, to her chin.

“The cat was stuck on the ledge and afraid.” Calla pointed upward. “I was trying to help him in case he fell.”

Zaden narrowed his gaze. “What?”

“The cyborg cat. It was stuck—”

There was a quiet thump, and the cat in question landed beside them on the ground with perfect dexterity. The animal lifted one paw and delicately licked it.

Calla gasped. “He jumped off just fine!”

Zaden frowned at the creature. He was well aware it was highly intelligent, especially with all its enhancements, and fully capable of playing games. “She. This animal is a she, and she can scale these walls perfectly fine.”

The cat lifted its head, looking the epitome of innocence. It had been the bane of his existence since he’d saved it from an accident and nursed it back to health.

He mentally cursed Jax for forcing the animal on him. Zaden remembered exactly what the cyborg had said. It will teach you how to deal with the emotions you like to pretend you don’t feel.

“Is it your cat?” Big, brown eyes looked up at him.

“I feed her.” Zaden didn’t mention that, despite a perfectly good bed, the cat crawled into his bed every night.

“So, she is yours.”

He stared at the cat. “No.”

Calla’s lips twitched. “Fine. What’s her name?”

“Cat,” he answered.

The woman gave a slow blink. “You called your cat, Cat?”

He felt the unfamiliar urge to shift his feet, but stifled it. “It appeared to be an appropriate moniker.”

Calla’s lips were definitely twitching. “Okay, Zaden.”

He stilled. “You know my name.”

Some emotion he couldn’t recognize moved over her face. “Yes. You saved me, Zaden. You kept me alive in the desert, and I won’t ever forget that. So yes, I know your name.”

He felt some sort of muscle stretching in his chest. He knew what it was—emotion. And feeling emotions was dangerous for him.

Unlike the other cyborgs at the House of Rone, who had implants to enhance and increase their abilities, Zaden had them to curb his lethal skills.

He stepped back from Calla. “I am glad that you are okay.”

“Calla,” she said. “Please, call me Calla.”

Another stretch in his chest. “Calla.”

She smiled. “Will you walk with me?”

He needed to get away from her. “I’m on security duty, and you should return to your room. I will walk you to the stairs.”

“All right.” As they fell into step, she glanced at him. “You’re on duty all night?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you need to sleep?”

“Yes, but I do not require much of it.” He kept some distance between them.

A second later, Cat wound through Calla’s feet, almost tripping her. She laughed and caught herself, her arm brushing his. They were standing much closer now.

This small female made him…uncomfortable. Being around her left him unsettled. Still, he allowed himself to soak up her presence as they walked.

She peppered him with questions about the training arena and security duty. Then she looked upward. “The moons are so beautiful. Oh, look, a nebula.” She pointed.

“It’s called the A’Taro Nebula. My homeworld is very close to it.”

“Oh?” She tilted her head, interest on her face.

Why had he told her that? He hadn’t thought of his homeworld for a very long time.

“It’s called Zaldi.”

“A pretty name.”

But in reality, the planet of Zaldi was far from pretty.

“How did you end up here, on Carthago?” she asked.

“My species is telekinetic. I was too…powerful.” For a second, memories of screams and blood drowned his mind.

“Zaden?” A brush of fingers on his arm.

He shook himself. “I needed implants to leash my strength. The ones that my people gave me were not successful, and eventually I was exiled.”

She gasped. “What?”

“Exile is a common practice for Zaldi’s criminals, and other people deemed too dangerous.” Like the small percentage of the population whose telekinesis reached exponential and uncontrollable levels.

“That’s horrible.”

Calla pressed a hand to his arm, and Zaden looked down at the slender fingers resting on his black shirt.

“It was a long time ago.”

Then she pulled back, and he realized they’d reached the bottom of the stairs.

“You should get back to your bedroom. Please do not fall off the balcony again.”

Calla smiled. “I’ll try my hardest. Good night, Zaden. Thanks for the catch.” She looked down. “And good night to you, Cat.”

Zaden watched her run up the stairs. Then he turned and saw that Cat was staring at him with a reproachful look.

“You are problematic,” he told the animal. “Be careful, or I’ll shut you down and run a full system reboot on you.”

Cat licked her paw, clearly unconcerned by the threat.

CHAPTER TWO

Calla watched the deadly whirl of swords in the training arena and pressed her hands to her belly. Watching Quinn fight with Jax was an incredible display.

The woman was amazing.

Calla leaned against one of the stone columns that ringed the arena. The stone radiated warmth from the sun. Correction, suns. Rella had a much more temperate climate, so she still hadn’t adjusted to Carthago’s dry heat.

She watched the swords clash, sunlight reflecting off the sharp blades. The security chief grinned at the cyborg and he grinned back. So much happiness radiated off the couple.

Jax showed much more emotion than the other cyborgs. He had a dash of silver metal along one cheekbone, and metal embedded on one shoulder. His right arm was covered in an intricate tattoo she knew he could use as a weapon. But despite the mechanical parts, he was still very much a man.

Suddenly, he knocked Quinn’s sword aside and moved in close. He grabbed Quinn with his other arm and pulled her in for a quick, passionate kiss.

Calla’s belly flooded with warmth and she smiled. It was so nice to watch, even though it made her miss sex and being close to someone.

Yes, Jax definitely felt more emotion. Definitely more than Zaden, that was for sure.

Her thoughts turned to the cool, remote cyborg who’d saved her life, and saved her from a broken bone or two last night.

She saw his face in her dreams. She nibbled on her bottom lip. He’d anchored her to life when she’d been bleeding out. She guessed that had forged some bond between them.

Or, at least it had for her.

She was grateful he’d saved her, but it was more than that. He made her belly coil and her new heart flutter.

A part of her had wanted to die out there in the desert, but those silver eyes had held her to life.

Calla shook her head. It was so silly to have feelings for a man who didn’t feel.

She’d never been in love. Oh, she’d had a few crushes, some decent lovers, and had her heart dented a few times, but she’d never had what she saw shining brightly between Quinn and Jax.

She heard footsteps, and turned to see Jayna coming out of one of the arched doorways. Along with Sage, the woman had helped nurse Calla back to health. The entire time, the woman had bombarded them with strange, amazing music from Earth. Mostly what Jayna called rock music.

Jayna had survived her own ordeal with the Edull, and was still healing. Usually, the woman’s huge, menacing cyborg wasn’t far away from her. Mace took intimidating to new levels, but there was no doubt that he was completely in love with Jayna.

“Hi, Jayna.”

“Calla.” The woman shot her a wide smile. She had a long mass of brown curls that Calla coveted. “How are you?”

“Great. Oh, I just remembered that I have something for you.”

“Oh?” Jayna’s eyebrows rose, curiosity on her face.

Calla reached into the pockets of her loose skirt. “It’s not much.” She held up a small pot. “I got some berries from the kitchen. I heard you say the other day how much you miss your mother’s homemade strawberry jam.” Calla shook the pot, the red jelly inside catching the light. “I made some jam for you. It isn’t strawberry, but Sage assured me the berries I used are the closest thing around here.”

Jayna gave her a stunned look, her smile wide. “Thank you, Calla. That’s amazing.”

Calla shrugged a shoulder. “It’s just jam. A small thank you for helping me and making me feel welcome here.”

The Earth woman pulled her in for a one-armed hug. “You’re doing fine, Calla.”

Calla smiled, wanting to tell Jayna that she still didn’t fit here. That she felt like an outsider compared to these brave women from Earth who charged ahead and forged a place for themselves. But the clank of metal distracted her, and made her look across the training arena.

Quinn leaped into the air, her sword striking Jax’s blade. Quinn had found a place here. And Jayna was a scientist, working with Ever in the House of Rone labs. Even Sage was starting to work with the House of Rone healers.

Calla had no special skills. Unlike these smart, talented women, she was just a burden.

A big man came out of a door and strode toward them. His shoulders were broad, and his leather-clad legs were like the trunks of the huge franid trees that grew on Rella. His gaze locked on Jayna. Calla stiffened.

Jayna spotted the man and her face came alive. “Don’t mind him.”

“He’s just so big,” Calla whispered.

“But he’s a teddy bear underneath the toughness.”

Calla knew that baby Asha had a small toy called a teddy bear. There was nothing toy-like about Mace. She shot the gruff-looking cyborg a doubtful look. If Mace was a teddy bear, he was only like that for Jayna.

Suddenly, the man stopped, turning to talk to someone. Calla saw Zaden appear.

Oh. He was so handsome. The straight slash of his nose, the strong line of his jaw. Even the metal visible on his neck was sexy. Her hands itched to touch it. Explore him.

“Mmm.”

The noise Jayna made had Calla’s head jerking. She wrenched her attention off Zaden. “What?”

“I saw you looking at him.”

She fought back a blush. “Mace?”

“Don’t play coy with me. No, the young, sexy Zaden.”

Calla shifted on her sandals. “He’s…very cyborg.”

“They all are, Calla.” Jayna glanced across the training arena where Jax was teasing Quinn. “Magnus, most of all.”

True, and yet, the imperator loved Ever and their daughter.

“They’ve never had reason to show their emotion or explore it.” Jayna smiled. “I think they just need the right person to teach them.”

Calla felt a flutter in her belly and looked at Zaden again. He was striding alongside Mace toward her and Jayna.

“Jayna.” Mace lowered his head, brushing his lips over his woman’s. “I’m headed to the underground market to get some materials for Maxon.”

Maxon was the head weapons master for the House of Rone. The House was well known for crafting superior weapons, and Maxon was the best. Calla hadn’t met the man, but once, she’d heard him bellowing down the corridor. His temper was legendary.

Jayna leaned into her man. “Can you get that new comp screen for the lab? I need it for a project I’m working on.”

Mace stroked a hand down her hair. “Anything you want. Zaden is coming with me to help bring the goods back.”

Calla felt something brush her ankles, and looked down to see that Cat had appeared. The animal’s neon eye glowed.

“Oh, I bet Calla would love to see the markets.” Jayna’s voice was filled with enthusiasm.

Calla jerked. “Oh, I—”

“Take her,” Jayna insisted. “It’ll do her good to get out.” The woman gave Calla a little shove toward Zaden.

Both men’s expressions didn’t change, but Calla got the impression that neither of them were thrilled with this development. Dropping her gaze, she saw the tiniest curl of Zaden’s fingers.

“Perhaps not today—” Calla began.

Suddenly, Cat wound through her legs and tripped her. She stumbled forward, and face-planted into Zaden’s chest. He grabbed her to stop her from falling.

The silver in his eyes shimmered. “Do you want to see the market?”

“I would love to see it, but I don’t want to get in your way.”

Mace just shrugged, then Zaden gave her one curt nod. “Very well. You may join us.”

It wasn’t exactly the warmest invitation, but she did want to go. And any chance to spend some time with Zaden was one she wanted to take.

ZADEN COULDN’T STOP STARING at Calla’s face as they walked toward the underground markets.

Pure delight was etched on her features. She absorbed everything, taking in every aspect of the city. Even the dirty sidewalk they were walking along.

Meanwhile, he didn’t like her being out of the House of Rone. She was exposed.

He forced himself to regulate the spike of emotion. She wasn’t in any danger. The Edull stuck to the scrap cities in the desert, and as far as the House of Rone could tell, there was no reason for them to come after Calla.

They’d rescued Calla and Sage from an outpost of the Edull city of Bari Batu. The House of Rone was still busy searching for the main city’s location, but it was proving a difficult mission. The Edull had been hiding for a very long time, and were good at it. Sage and Calla only remembered cell walls, ugly labs, and had been blindfolded when they’d been moved.

Calla tilted her head back, twirling to look up at the buildings. It made the silky fabric of her green skirt flare around her. She smiled at the people who passed them.

Zaden wondered how it felt to feel like that. To be free to let any emotion fill you, to be immersed in it all, and enjoy such simple things.

For him, emotion equaled danger. He required constant discipline to control his power. Joy was something he knew nothing about.

Calla turned and bumped into him.

“Sorry, Cat seems to like my feet for some reason.”

Zaden looked down at the cyborg cat. It was proving to be a nuisance. The animal had wanted to come to the markets, and no matter how he’d tried to keep her back at the House of Rone, the cat had been determined to accompany them.

Cat was now striding along the sidewalk like she owned the city. Mace was walking ahead of them.

Soon, they reached the ramp leading down into the market. It spiraled down, cut into the rock walls of a natural sinkhole.

“Oh, my stars.” Calla’s steps faltered. Her face was alight as they stepped into the markets.

The cavernous space was filled with stalls and people. A hubbub of noise echoed off the smooth, stone walls. Light filtered in from the sinkholes above, and orange lamps attached to the walls added to the glow.

But all Zaden could do was watch her face. His gut tightened. What other things would put that look of wonder on her face?

“Look at all the stalls.” She gravitated to the food stalls, eyeing all the colored fruits and vegetables.

Mace moved ahead with a nod. Zaden scanned the food items on display. His gaze zeroed in on a purple-colored habith. He thought she might like it. He quickly held up his House of Rone medallion, and the stall owner nodded. Zaden grabbed a habith and held it up to Calla.

“Take a bite.”

Smiling, she leaned forward. Her small, white teeth sank into the purple flesh, then she moaned.

This time, Zaden felt a very confusing flicker of heat in his gut. He frowned at the sensation.

“Here, you try it.” She snatched the habith from his hand and held it to his lips. The tart juice trickled into his mouth.

It was sweet, and too bold for his blander palate, but he wanted to make her happy. He took a small bite and his lips brushed Calla’s fingers.

She gasped, pink filling her cheeks. Then she licked her lips.

Zaden now realized the growing need in his gut was desire. He quickly stepped away from her.

She turned, looking at and touching some of the other fruits, asking questions of the stall owners.

When she stretched up onto her toes, trying to reach a fat etten at the back of the display, he used his telekinesis to lift the melon and bring it to her. Her hand closed around it and she spun to look at him.

“You can levitate things?”

“Telekinesis. I told you, my species has that ability.”

“That’s amazing.”

No one had ever called it that—it had been a curse, abomination, weapon, but never amazing. It certainly hadn’t been amazing when he’d killed his mother and brother. All his life, his power was a monster to be contained.

“Zaden?” Calla touched a hand to his chest.

He pulled in a ragged breath. “My implants… I have them to control my power. I’m dangerous, Calla.”

She looked him directly in the eyes. “I’ve seen dangerous, Zaden. I’ve seen dangerous and cruel, up close and personal. That’s not you.”

Suddenly, a hawker’s cry split the air, announcing a sale. Calla spun, and then made a beeline toward a stall selling baked goods. Zaden followed her.

Smiling, she eyed everything. “What tastes best?”

“I’ve never tried any of these.”

“What?” She looked horrified. “Well, we’ll have to change that.” She looked back at the store owner. “We’ll take one of those, and one of those.” She pointed out the items.

“Calla, I have nutritionally balanced meals at the House of Rone—”

“There’s more to food than just nutrition.”

He drew his brows together. “There is?”

She nodded. “Did you know that I’m a chef? I make food for a living. It’s my thing.” She lifted a tiny slice of something that had a wobbly, yellow substance on the top. She bit into it and moaned. Some of the yellow cream coated her top lip. Her plump, pink lip.

Again, her moan elicited something inside him that he couldn’t quite process.

A demanding meow filled the air. Zaden blinked. He’d forgotten about the cat. With a laugh, Calla dropped down and fed a bit of the sweet treat to the animal. Cat wasted no time lapping it up, and Calla laughed again.

When she rose, she turned back to Zaden. She went up on her toes and pressed a piece of the treat to his mouth.

“Try it.”

Resigned, he took a bite. A delicious taste exploded into his mouth, the flavor more muted than the tart fruit.

“Better? I could tell you didn’t really like the fruit.”

He stiffened. How could she read him like that? He knew his face hadn’t changed and given away any of his thoughts.

His lips touched her fingers again and their gazes locked. Her fingers were coated in cream and powder.

He could hear her heartbeat. It sped up, beating fast. Before he could stop himself, he reached out and gripped her wrist. Gently, he pulled her hand closer. Then, he licked the cream off her fingers.

A sweet, spicy scent burst into the air, and he realized what it was—her arousal. For him. He barely suppressed his shudder.

“Zaden.” Her voice was breathy.

He clenched his other hand into a tight fist. “This is not advisable. I wasn’t lying when I told you that I’m dangerous.”

But still, he drew her closer.

“You aren’t dangerous to me,” she said.

But Zaden wasn’t so certain of his control, and he never wanted to hurt her. She’d been hurt enough.

“Have you…kissed someone before?” she asked.

He shook his head. “No.”

Her lips parted.

“I’ve never wanted to,” he told her.

“And now?”

He was caught in the moment, in the pull of her. “Now, I do. Will you show me?”

She nodded and he lowered his head. She pressed her hands to his shoulders and rose up on her toes.

Their lips met, hers moved over his. Then her tongue slid between his lips, stroking. His blood thundered through his veins. He mimicked the move.

As they continued to kiss, the world melted away. As she deepened the kiss, it felt like the ground tilted beneath his feet.

He was sinking into her, into all the sensations and feels, when he felt the prick of claws on his leg. Cat let out an annoyed cry.

Zaden jolted and Calla pulled back, laughing.

“I think Cat might be jealous,” she said.

Zaden looked down at the animal. The creature was a menace. “We’d better find Mace.”

Zaden was supposed to be helping the more senior cyborg, not standing in the market kissing an alien survivor.

They found Mace, and he’d already collected the parts for Maxon. Mace hefted one crate, while Zaden took the other. Calla walked ahead of them, Cat prancing beside her.

Soon, they exited the markets and walked back toward the arena.

“You take care of her, Zaden,” Mace murmured.

He glanced sideways at Mace’s rugged face. “I know I should stay away from her.”

“That’s not what I said.”

Zaden gritted his teeth. “My power cannot be allowed to break its chains.”

Mace stared at him. “Sometimes, being alone and denying your feelings is as bad as drowning in them.”

Before Zaden could reply, the sound of gunning engines rose over the normal clamor of the street. Several hover bikes zoomed past Mace and Zaden. He stared at them, frowning. They were traveling way too fast for the central part of the city.

There were five of them in total—long, sleek bikes, each with a single rider.

Then Zaden stiffened. All the riders were wearing black masks over their faces.

Suddenly, Mace dropped his crate and drew his sword.

Zaden dropped his own box.

One bike swerved off the road, heading straight for Calla.

“Calla!” Zaden yelled.

She turned. The hover bike closed in, and the rider leaned toward her. He snatched her off her feet, throwing her over the bike in front of him.

The bike sped off.

No. Zaden took one step forward, and suddenly, Cat jumped onto his shoulder. Ignoring the animal, he stared at the bikes racing away.

His muscles bunched, power swelling under his skin. He wouldn’t let them take Calla.

CHAPTER THREE

Terrified, Calla hung over the bike, watching the ground pass below her. What was happening?

Hard hands gripped the back of her shirt, pressing her face down on the body of the vehicle.

Suddenly, the bike swerved to the left and her stomach rolled. Her heart lodged in her throat. Fighting back her fear, she tried to sit up. She wouldn’t be anyone’s victim again.

She managed to raise herself, and slapped the man riding the bike. He was wearing a black mask.

He cursed and the bike jerked to the side.

Calla almost fell off, but he sank a fist into her shirt and yanked her closer. She started struggling.

“Keep still,” he barked.

She ignored him, then looked over his shoulder.

She froze, the air rushing out of her.

Zaden was barreling down the center of the street, sprinting toward her. Her chest expanded. He was pure power and moving blindingly fast.

Warmth burst inside her. He was coming for her.

Then the rider grabbed her hair and yanked her down. Pain exploded through her scalp.

The bike screeched around the corner, and the rider pulled onto a larger street filled with traffic. Transports were everywhere. They skirted close to a medium-sized transport, then roared across several lanes.

Calla screamed.

When she looked back, she spotted Zaden, dodging transports. He was getting closer, and she noticed Cat clinging to his shoulder.

Two of the other bikes fell back. They’d noticed Zaden as well.

One rider swiveled his bike around, whirling through the air. He sped toward Zaden, aiming right for him.

No. Calla’s chest locked tight.

Then suddenly, the bike and rider lifted into the air. The rider screamed, falling to the ground.

The bike crumpled into a ball of metal, and the rider was tossed sideways, slamming into the wall of a building.

Calla’s eyes widened. Zaden had done that. She could barely breathe. When he’d mentioned his telekinetic power, she hadn’t truly understood the depth of it.

Movement above caught her eye and she glanced up. Mace was racing across the roofs of the buildings. The cyborg leaped off one, flying across a gap, then landed on the next roof.

Zaden and Mace both drew closer. Then, Mace jumped off the side of the building. His big body arrowed downward and he landed on top of one of the other bikes. He flung the rider off, took control of the bike, and shot forward.

He was speeding after the other bikes. Two riders had blasters out, taking aim.

Transports careened out of the way and laser fire filled the street. Mace yanked his bike to the side, dodging the blasts.

Calla felt a flood of savage satisfaction. These people would regret crossing the House of Rone.

When she looked back, she saw Zaden was really close now.

The loud roar of an engine. She looked forward, and saw a huge, black transport pulling in ahead of them.

A ramp at the rear started to lower.

Oh, no. Her rider gunned the bike, aiming for the ramp. No, no, no. Calla had to buy some time. She twisted and scratched at the man’s face, tearing at his mask.

“Stop, or I’ll hurt you!”

“Screw you.” She’d heard Jayna use the phrase, and it had become one of her favorites. “I’ve already been abducted once, and it’s not happening again.”

The bike started up the ramp. Ahead, the interior of the transport was a dark shadow, but there was a small window beside the open back door.

Calla looked at the glass, and then she stilled.

A child’s face was pressed to the window. Dark eyes, wide and fearful, stared out at Calla.

The bike moved closer, so close that Calla was eye to eye with the girl. She had black hair framing pretty features. With a gold pattern around her face.

Calla felt like someone had punched her.

The girl was Rellan. Just like Calla.

The girl pressed a small palm to the glass, and Calla lifted her palm to meet it.

There was a wild, feline screech, and suddenly, Cat landed on the rider’s head. The man cursed and Cat swiped out, her claws raking bloody scratches across the man’s face. Cat’s cybernetic tail whipped out, wrapping around the man’s neck and pulling tight. The man made a choking sound.

The bike slid backward off the ramp. It started to tilt to the side, and Calla opened her mouth to scream.

Before she could fall, Zaden was there, snatching her off the bike.

Cat leaped off, landing beside them, just as the hover bike spun and crashed into a passing transport.

Calla turned her head and watched the black transport speeding away.

CRADLING CALLA TO HIS CHEST, Zaden dropped down on one knee. She was breathing fast and her body was shaking.

“Zaden.” She threw her arms around his neck, holding on tight.

He tightened his arms, holding her close, with one hand splayed on her lower back. She was so small.

“You’re safe.” He didn’t know what words to use to reassure her. He had very limited experience comforting people.

“You came for me.”

“Of course.”

Zaden realized that anger was raging through him. Fury had burned through all his dampeners. He shuddered under the force of it. Someone had tried to take her, hurt her.

“Shh.” Calla stroked the back of his neck. “I’m okay. You got to me.”

He tried to pull in some calming breaths.

“It’s okay,” she murmured. “You can relax now.”

He turned his head, and realized that several transports were floating in the air around them.

He’d lost control.

Breathing through the storm of emotion, he lowered the transports to the ground.

There was the roar of a bike and Zaden tensed. But as the hover bike pulled to a stop beside them, he saw that Mace was riding it. The big man’s face was stony.

Tied to the back of the bike was a sobbing man. He had a black mask dangling around his neck.

“Mercenary.” Mace yanked the man off and dropped him on the ground.

Zaden rose to his feet. Nearby, Cat hissed, and the mercenary flinched.

Cat moved to Calla, rubbing her body against Calla’s legs. She crouched down and rubbed the cat between the ears before scooping the animal up to her chest.

“Oof, you weigh a ton.” Then Calla pressed her face to the cat’s fur.

“Why did you target her?” Zaden demanded.

The man choked back his sobs. “A job. It was just a job.”

“Who hired you?” Zaden knew his voice was cold, cutting, but anger was still riding him.

“If they’d told me cyborgs were involved, I would never have taken the job. It was supposed to be easy. Just a defenseless woman.”

Zaden’s rage boiled, hot and scolding.

The mercenary cried out, his body rising off the ground. His back arched.

Zaden stared at him, wanting to rend him to pieces.

“Zaden.” Calla pressed a hand to his arm. He turned his head and saw her looking at him.

He remembered the look on his father’s face when he’d discovered what a five-year-old Zaden had done. In a childish fit of rage, his power had exploded and he’d killed his mother and brother. His father had stared at him like he was a monster.

But Calla was watching him with concern. Not horror or fear.

Gritting his teeth, he released the man. The mercenary smacked to the pavement.

“There’s a cell for you at the House of Rone.” Mace dragged the man up.

The mercenary turned, looking down the street. His face blanched.

Zaden looked over his shoulder.

Magnus Rone strode toward them, face blank and his hands curled into fists. Flanking him were Acton and Toren—the other two elite House of Rone cyborgs.

The mercenary whimpered.

Magnus came to a stop, his gaze lingering on Calla before his attention zeroed in on the mercenary. “Who hired you?”

Magnus’ voice was like ice.

“I don’t know! It was anonymous. Please don’t kill me. We got an electronic message with the job instructions and credits in our account. That’s all I know.”

“Where were they taking her?”

“We were told to ride around the city until someone found us. They were planning to take her into the desert.”

Calla made a small sound and Zaden stepped closer to her. He slid an arm around her.

“Take him back to the House of Rone,” Magnus ordered. “I want him interrogated.”

Acton stepped forward, reaching out with one of his cybernetic arms to lift the man by the back of his shirt.

“Wait,” Calla said. “There was a black transport.”

Zaden nodded. “They almost got you.”

“I saw someone in the back of the transport.”

Magnus frowned. “Who?”

“It was a child.”

Magnus shifted. He was a father, and a protective one. “Go on.”

“She had brown skin and a gold pattern on her face.”

Zaden stiffened and Calla’s eyes met his.

“She was Rellan, like me.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Calla let Ever, Jayna, and Sage hug her tightly.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ever asked.

“I’m fine. Zaden and Mace rescued me. And…” Pride filled her. “I hit the guy. I hurt him.”

“Good for you,” Quinn said from beside them. She patted Calla’s shoulder.

“I am so proud of you.” Sage hugged Calla harder, smiling. Her copper-colored hair was pulled up in a messy bun.

Calla spotted Cat stalking around the room. The animal had been sticking close to her. “And Cat scratched him up really well.”

“And Mace said Zaden scared the shit out of the merc,” Jayna added.

Calla’s heart dropped. “That little girl…”

“We’ll find her.” Ever squeezed Calla’s hand.

Sage nodded, her pale green eyes sparking. “Absolutely! We aren’t going to abandon her.”

That was Sage. Even locked in cells deep in Bari Batu, she had been like a shining light. With her pale skin and bright hair, she was like a dazzling star, but it was her gorgeous personality that shone out.

But Calla sometimes worried that Sage hid her pain behind her bright smiles.

There was noise at the doorway, and the cyborgs filed into Ever’s sitting room. Magnus and Jaxer stood at the front of the room.

“Did you find the black transport?” Calla asked.

Jax shook his head and her chest clenched.

“As you all know, mercenaries were hired to abduct Calla,” Magnus said.

Calla lifted her head and Zaden’s metallic-silver gaze caught hers.

He’d been angry when she’d been taken. She’d sensed it pumping off him. But looking at his face now, she couldn’t pick up anything.

Even with all the drama, she hadn’t forgotten that he’d kissed her in the market. He felt, and she was sure he felt something for her. Goddess, not now, Calla.

“Why?” Quinn asked. “Why take Calla?”

“She might have information,” Jax suggested.

Magnus’ frown deepened. “Calla, do you remember anything about the Edull or Bari Batu? Anything they might want to stop you from sharing?”

She shook her head. “I told you, the only things I remember are the cells and being chained up in a lab. I have no idea where Bari Batu is.”

Magnus nodded. “Calla also saw a young Rellan girl in the transport that was sent to collect Calla from the mercenaries.”

All the eyes in the room spun toward Calla. Fighting her nerves, she stepped forward. As though sensing her discomfort, Zaden moved closer to her.

“The girl was about four or five years old. She had brown eyes, black hair, and the unique Rellan facial pattern.” She stroked the gold on the side of her own face. “She had to have been snatched when I was.”

“Possibly the girl had been held with the other humans,” Zaden said.

“Fucking Thraxians,” Quinn said. “Snatching children. Bastards.”

“We have to find her,” Calla urged.

“We will.” There was steel in Magnus’ voice.

Calla relaxed a little. The imperator’s tone left no room for doubt.

“The merc has no other information,” Jax said. “We’ll keep questioning him, but I don’t think we’ll get anything else useful.”

“Jax,” Magnus said. “Contact Zhim and Ryan.”

Frowning, Calla looked at Ever. “Who are they?”

“Information merchants,” Ever responded. “Ryan’s a computer hacker from Earth, and Zhim’s been the city’s premier information merchant for years. They know everything and everyone in Kor Magna, and if they don’t, they can find out.”

“I’ll ask them to track the black transport,” Jax added. “Someone must’ve seen it.”

Magnus nodded. “We won’t leave this child to suffer.” He looked at the gathered cyborgs. “That’s all for now.”

There was a low rumble of conversation as the cyborgs filed out of the room.

Calla said goodbye to the women and headed into the corridor. She wasn’t in the mood to socialize. All she could think about was that little girl. Who was feeding her? Who was taking care of her? Wringing her hands, Calla continued aimlessly down the hall.

As she turned a corner, she ran into a hard body. Zaden.

He touched her shoulders, steadying her. “Calla. You’re upset.”

She nodded. “I can’t stop thinking about that little girl.”

Calla needed something to ease the tension inside, she needed some comfort. Without thinking, she stepped forward and pressed her cheek to Zaden’s firm chest.

For a second, she felt his muscles bunch, and she was sure he was going to push her away. But then one of his arms closed around her.

They stood there quietly for a long moment, and she listened to the steady beat of his heart. It calmed her ragged nerves.

Then he grabbed her hand. “Come.”

“Where to?”

“You’ll see.”

She enjoyed holding his hand and squeezed his fingers.

With a slight frown, he looked down at their joined hands. “Is this uncomfortable?”

“No. The opposite. I like it.”

“I see Magnus and Ever hold hands like this.”

Calla smiled at her cyborg. She followed him through the twists and turns of the House of Rone, and then he led her into a large room.

She gasped, taking in the long benches, the spotless counters. The kitchen. Dinner was over, and there was no one in the space.

“You said you cooked,” Zaden said.

She spun. “I can cook in here?”

He nodded. “I cleared it with the head chef.”

Oh. She opened cupboards, exploring all the ingredients. She pulled things out, not certain what everything was. Then she glanced at the sleek ovens built into the wall. “I don’t know how to work those.”

“I can access the systems and assist you.”

She smiled. “You can be my assistant chef.”

Calla found some bowls, and started doing some taste-testing. Flavors were like a language to her—sweet, salty, tart, sour. She mixed a few things together. She found substitutes for most of the ingredients she was used to working with, along with some fat, juicy berries.

She was going to make her favorite Rellan dessert, berry marma.

Zaden stood beside her, still and patient. No one would accuse these cyborgs of being too talkative.

“Your power…” She glanced at him. “It was incredible.”

Zaden stayed silent for a long time, then he spoke. “I killed my mother and brother.”

Calla’s heart clenched and she gasped. “What happened?”

“I was five.” Zaden’s tone was almost robotic. “My power was too strong.”

Poor little boy. Imagine being a child with no control over the power you were born with, and hurting those you loved the most. Sympathy flooded her and her spoon clattered to the bench.

“Afterward, my father sent me to a center.” Zaden touched the implant on the side of his head. “This was my first implant. To control my telekinetic power.”

She’d noticed the metal nestled in his dark hair. “You had to stay at the center?”

He nodded. “I was too dangerous, and they were the only ones on my world who could offer me the training I needed.”

She wanted to drop everything and hug him. “They helped you?”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I learned control.”

Something about the way he said that made dread slide into her veins. “How?” Her heart was thumping hard in her chest.

“Intense training. More procedures to add additional control implants.” He paused. “Pain protocols.”

She bit her lip. She could read between his words. They’d tortured him. A protective need rushed into her throat. If those people were here right now, she’d attack them.

Zaden was stiff and tense. She sucked in a breath and focused on him. “How did you end up here? At the House of Rone?”

His silver eyes seemed to churn. “I was deemed too dangerous, and as I told you before, I was exiled from my planet.”

She swallowed. “What about your father?”

“I haven’t seen him since I was five. Since I entered the center.”

The creta. Zaden’s father had abandoned him. Calla felt so much hurt for Zaden. Her family wasn’t perfect, but she knew they cared for her, even when she didn’t meet their lofty expectations.

With her hands still coated in dough, she threw her arms around Zaden and held on. She didn’t say anything. There weren’t words to make his childhood better or his pain disappear. All she could do was offer him some comfort.

“I heard talk of the House of Rone, so I came here, and Magnus took me in,” Zaden said.

Magnus was getting some berry marmas.

And so was Zaden.

The little boy who’d never had a chance to cook with his family, to enjoy the simple pleasures.

Stepping back, Calla started stabbing her hands into the dough. It wasn’t Zaden’s father, but it was a decent substitute for her frustration.

ZADEN WATCHED the movement of Calla’s hands. She seemed to be taking out her emotions on her cooking.

But as she continued, he saw her start to relax.

“My family is very accomplished,” Calla said.

Zaden detected something in her voice, but he couldn’t quite work out what it was.

“My father and mother are very successful on our planet. As is my brother.”

“And you?”

“I’m invisible. I was never good enough for them to pay me much attention. I wasn’t smart enough, clever enough, talented enough.”

Zaden’s gaze dropped to her hands. They were coated in white powder and expertly rolling the berry-laden dough into small balls that she formed into intricate shapes on a tray.

“I think you have many valuable skills,” he said.

She shot him an unreadable look. “These need to go into the oven. Medium heat.”

He moved to one of the ovens and opened it, programming it for her cooking. She slid the tray inside.

“I’m going to make another batch.” She tilted her head. “You can help me.”

He blinked. “I don’t know how.”

“Wash your hands, cyborg.”

Zaden did as ordered and soon was standing shoulder to shoulder with Calla, following her instructions. She showed him how to knead the dough.

They started to shape the small blobs on the tray. While Calla’s were perfect, his were misshapen.

She smiled, her face relaxed. Several black strands of hair escaped from her tie.

As they continued to work the dough, their fingers tangled, and Zaden felt a pulse of something low in his gut. He wanted Calla. Wanted to touch her, hear her sigh his name, see her smile at him. Just for him.

They turned to each other and she pressed her hands to his chest, leaving dough prints of her hands on his shirt.

“Zaden…”

He pulled her closer. Then he kissed her.

He still wasn’t skilled at it, but he followed his instincts. Her head fell back, her mouth moving under his. Their tongues tangled. She tasted tart and fresh, a flavor he’d always associate with her.

“Calla,” he groaned.

She pushed herself closer and he spun, lifting her up onto the counter. She reached over, picking up a berry. She pressed it to his lips.

He nipped it, licking the sweet juice and her fingers. She kept feeding him, and he sucked on the berries. Then her lips were on his, kissing him again.

He shoved her legs apart, needing to get closer. Their bodies pressed together. She generated so much hungry need in him.

“Zaden, I want you so much.” Husky words.

“I don’t know what to do.”

“Touch me.”

He slid a hand up her arm. She reached for it with her other hand, and moved it to press it over one soft breast. He molded it, stroking and touching, completely fascinated by her.

She let out a small gasp. “Yes.”

“This brings you pleasure?”

“So much.” Then she grabbed the hem of her shirt and lifted the garment over her head.

He stared at her bare breasts. They weren’t large, but weren’t small, either. Perfectly formed and topped with dark nipples.

She cupped one breast. “Put your mouth here.”

He blinked, then quickly dropped his head, sucking one nipple into his mouth. Drak. His cock was hard and throbbing. He licked and sucked, watching her, and listening to her small cries to see how much pressure she liked.

His cock was so hard it hurt.

“Zaden, have you ever been with a woman?” she asked.

“No.”

She licked her lips. “Okay.”

Was that an issue for her? “But I have read texts on procreation.”

Her lips lifted. “Not quite the same as experiencing it. Can I touch you?” she asked politely.

“Calla.” He lifted his head, pressing his forehead to hers. “Remember, I’m dangerous. Losing my control…it’s a bad idea.”

“I know. If this makes you uncomfortable—”

He groaned. “I want you. I want to try.”

Her hands slid under his shirt, molding against his chest. Her nails scratched over his skin. He kissed her again, lost in all the sensations.

Then he felt her fingers at the waist of his trousers, opening the fastening.

“I’m going to touch you here,” she murmured. “Are you hard?”

“Very. It is…painful.”

“I can make it better.” Her hand slipped inside, slender fingers curling around his cock.

He jerked against her and a groan ripped from his throat. Drak. The sensation…he could barely think.

She stroked him, and suddenly, dishes clanked in the cupboards.

“Calla.” Panting, he lifted his head. Plates and bowls were rattling together on the shelves. “I can’t lose my control. Not here.”

“Okay.” Her hand slipped away, her fingers brushing over his abdomen.

He dragged in a breath. “I want to pleasure you.”

She shifted back, and he looked down at her naked chest. She was so beautiful.

“You can touch me. Any way you want to, Zaden.”

She was a gift he’d never expected. He moved a hand up her leg, bunching her skirt up. He enjoyed the softness of her brown skin. He slid his hand under her skirt, then touched her between her legs.

“Yes.” She jerked. “Right there.”

A tiny strip of underwear covered the warmth of her. He moved his fingers beneath her panties, his fingers stroking through slick folds. He groaned, fascinated by the feel of her. She moaned, her body moving restlessly. The lush scent of her arousal filled the air.

“Slide a finger inside me, Zaden.”

He obeyed, feeling the warm clutch of her body. He pumped his finger in and out of her. Her cries grew, her fingers digging into his shoulders. He leaned forward, kissing her again as he stroked her.

She kissed him back wildly, her hips moving against his hand. Then she wrenched her mouth off his. “Zaden, I’m going to come.”

“Find your pleasure, Calla. Show me.”

Her back arched and she cried out. His name was a breathy whisper on her lips. Watching Calla orgasm was one of the best things he’d ever seen.

She collapsed on the counter, panting softly. An oven timer went off, shattering the quiet.

She smiled, a lazy, feminine smile. “That was good timing.”

“Cyborgs are known for their precise timing.”

She giggled. “Did you just make a joke?”

“I have as much experience with jokes as I do with sex.”

“Well, it looks like you have a little more experience with both now.”

Zaden slipped his hand out of her underwear and stared at her flushed, smiling face. She slid down off the bench, flipping her skirt down and pulling her shirt back on. After washing her hands, she hurried over and pulled the tray of treats out of the oven.

After setting them down, she turned. “Thank you, Zaden.”

“Thank you, Calla. I found great pleasure in pleasuring you.”

Her cheeks went pink. It was interesting that when his hands were on her, she had no trouble telling him where she wanted to be touched, but she was still shy about it afterward.

“I’m really touched that you want to experience this with me,” she said.

Reality was intruding again now that his head wasn’t clouded by her. Any contact with her was dangerous. He never, ever wanted to let his control slip and hurt her.

She arranged the desserts she’d made onto a plate. Then she turned and pulled in a deep breath. “Zaden, I was thinking, and I’ve had an idea. About finding the girl.”

He frowned at her. “What?”

She set her shoulders back. “The mercenaries were contracted to snatch me.” She paused. “If I make myself an easy target, they might try again. Then we’ll have a chance to find the girl.”

Zaden stiffened. He couldn’t believe what she was saying. “You want to be bait.”

“If it helps us find her—”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Zaden banged a fist against the counter. “No!”

CHAPTER FIVE

“I can’t stay here protected and safe while a child is out there. In danger.” Calla’s voice shook.

Zaden stood there, like a statue made of the hardest stone.

She stepped closer and pressed her hands to his chest. “Please. Help me.”

His big body quivered.

“I’ve never been special or brave—”

“Stop talking about yourself like that. You’re strong and courageous. You survived your abduction.”

“I didn’t do anything special.”

“Calla, bravery isn’t always loud or obvious. Others have buckled under the Thraxians and the Edull, but you haven’t.”

She sucked in a breath. She hadn’t looked at it like that before. “I need to help that little girl.”

Suddenly, Cat appeared, and let out a loud cry.

Startled, Calla jerked. Zaden made an annoyed sound.

“You are a menace,” he told the animal.

Cat glared at him.

Calla snatched a tidbit off the counter and knelt down to give it to the feline. Cat purred.

“We’ll talk with Jax,” Zaden said.

Happiness burst in her and she jumped up. “Thank you, Zaden.”

He took her hand and pulled her out of the kitchen.

“My marmas—”

“They’ll be fine.”

Cat followed them down to Jax’s office. Zaden knocked, and Jax’s voice called for them to enter.

The second of the House of Rone was sitting behind his desk, a comp screen on and glowing. He sat back. “You two are a welcome distraction from scheduling weapons shipments and gladiator training.” He eyed them. “Everything okay?”

Calla nodded. “I had an idea.” She drew in a breath. “I want you to use me to lure these mercenaries out. Then, we have a chance of finding the girl.”

She sensed something from Zaden and glanced his way. His brow was furrowed, but he said nothing. Jax was studying Zaden with narrowed eyes.

Calla straightened, ready for Jax to say no.

“It’s not a bad idea,” the cyborg said.

She blinked. “Really?”

Jax tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. “But it does carry a high risk.”

She glanced at Zaden again. His jaw was tight and he still remained silent. She nodded. “I know, but it’s worth it to find her.”

“We need to plan it all out. Every little detail.” Jax focused on Zaden. “We’ll consider all contingencies.”

Zaden gave a single nod. “I want all our elite cyborgs on this mission. We must ensure Calla’s safety.”

Warmth filled her. He was worried about her. After so long with no one caring, his concern created a huge, swelling sensation in her chest.

“Of course,” Jax agreed. “We’ll keep her safe. We’ll need a good, defensible location.”

Zaden released a breath. “I’ve been thinking it over. The temple ruins in the center of the Old Quarter would work.”

“Where?” Calla asked.

“It’s the ruins of an ancient temple,” Jax said. “It’s in the oldest part of Kor Magna.” He nodded. “It’s a good choice, Zaden. It has good vantage points. I’ll talk with Magnus.”

“Can we do this soon?” Calla couldn’t bear the thought of that girl alone and in danger.

“When we’re ready.” There was a lethal look in Zaden’s eyes.

Then he turned and stalked out without glancing her way.

Jax sighed and Calla bit her lip.

“He’s angry with me.”

“Yep.” Cat jumped up on Jax’s desk and he stroked her between her ears. “Give him some time, Calla. It’s hard to see someone you want to protect put themselves in danger.” A faint smile. “Believe me, I know.”

Yes, Quinn was a formidable fighter who didn’t shy away from a fight.

“He’ll come around,” Jax said.

But Calla’s belly was churning.

“Zaden is loyal…” Jax continued. “But I suspect he’s dealing with emotions that are new to him. When a woman appears in your life and blows it to smithereens, it can be hard to deal with.”

She tilted her head. “You seem to do fine with Quinn.”

Now Jax smiled. “I didn’t at first. I needed her to show me how to love her. I made plenty of missteps. So, don’t give up on Zaden.”

Calla straightened. Zaden was her cyborg. “I won’t.”

Jax nodded. “Good.”

She patted Cat on the head and walked out. She had her marmas to rescue and deliver. Maybe they would help soften Zaden’s anger.

ZADEN HAD LOST count of how many chin-ups he’d done. He kept lifting himself up and down on the bar attached to the ceiling in his room. His skin was covered in a sheen of sweat, and he kept hoping exhaustion would help blank his mind.

The unfamiliar emotion in his body was not pleasant.

He blew out several breaths as he kept moving, his muscles straining. Up, down. Up, down.

Then he scented her.

He paused on the down dip for a second, then started the chin-ups again.

Calla stepped in front of him.

“Zaden—”

“It’s late. You should sleep.”

“I want to talk—”

“Not now, Calla.”

“I’m sorry you’re upset.”

“I’m not upset. I don’t feel, remember.”

There was a flicker of something on her face. “Don’t lie to me.”

Silence fell between them, and he pulled his chin up to the bar again.

“Did you feel nothing in the kitchen?” she asked. “When I touched you? When you touched me?”

Zaden released the bar and dropped to his feet.

She looked at him, lifting her chin. He walked forward and she backed up, her eyes widening. She held a small wrapped package in her hands, but it slipped to the floor.

“I feel too much.” The words felt ripped out of him. “The last time that happened, I killed my mother and brother.”

Calla’s lips trembled. “I’m sorry, Zaden. But you aren’t a child anymore.”

He kept moving toward her, and the back of her knees hit his bed. She sat down.

He leaned over her. “You make me feel out of control. You leave me churned up inside.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” She lifted her fingers and touched his cheek.

How could she look at him like that? “You should be.”

“You’ve been my rock, my guard, my shield from the moment I met you. Now, I need you to help me find this girl.”

Zaden shuddered. He heard the plea in her voice, and he was helpless against her. “Calla—”

“Please, Zaden.”

“Drak, I will.”

She cupped his face. “Thank you.”

He dropped his forehead to hers.

“Be with me,” she whispered.

With a groan, he pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her, pouring all his emotions, the ones he could no longer hold back, into it.

Calla kissed him back eagerly, her passion sweet and sincere.

Zaden pushed her back on the bed. “I want to see you.”

She nodded and then he used telekinesis to start removing her clothes.

As the buttons slipped free of their holes, she gasped. Her lips parted, and her shirt flicked open under his command, baring her beautiful breasts to him.

Next, her skirt unfastened and started slithering down her legs. He watched as smooth skin was uncovered.

Then finally, she was naked.

He drank in her flushed skin and pretty curves. “So soft and so pretty, Calla.”

She lifted a hand to her throat. “I’m ordinary—”

Zaden kneeled on the bed, running his hands down her sides. “Don’t say that. I’ve never been tempted by any woman before.”

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip.

“Only you,” he murmured.

He closed his hands over her breasts, and she watched his fingers plumping them. He caressed them, playing with her pretty nipples. She started to move under his touch, making small, husky sounds. He let his fingers drift down her soft belly, and then lower.

“I downloaded some additional information on sex,” he told her.

“Oh?”

He nudged her legs apart and leaned forward to kiss her again. As his tongue danced with hers, he stroked her thighs, and the soft, smooth skin he found there.

“I believe I received some very useful instructions.” He kissed the top of one breast.

“Zaden.” His name turned into a moan.

“I’ll always take care of you, Calla. I wanted to check that the healers gave you a contraceptive implant.”

“Yes.”

He took his time pressing kisses to her belly. Then his mouth moved lower. She smelled so good. Better than her freshly baked treats. Hunger was a fire in his gut and more than anything, he needed to know what she tasted like.

“Men like to lick their lovers here, where they’re sweet and wet.”

She gave a shuddering moan. “Please.”

When he licked her sweet folds, her taste—spicy and rich—exploded in his mouth. She started making sexy sounds, pushing up against his tongue.

“Do you feel how wet I am?” she gasped.

“Yes.” He nipped her thigh.

“You make me like that. So hot and achy.”

He growled and licked her harder.

“Zaden, I’m going to—”

“Not yet.” He slid a finger inside her slick flesh.

She squirmed, her husky cries growing louder. He’d done that, made her feel all this delicious sensation.

He added another finger. She was so tight.

“Oh. Your fingers are so big.”

“My penis is much larger.”

She made a choked sound, her body clenching on his fingers. “Cock. Say cock.”

“My cock.” He felt like his gut was on fire. “I want my cock inside you.”

“Yes.”

He kept plunging his fingers inside her, licking at her. “But first, I want you to come. Come just for me, sweet Calla.”

Her hands slid into his hair, tugging hard. A moment later, she cried out, her body going stiff. Then, she started shaking and crying out. The pleasure crossing her face was as intoxicating as her taste.

Zaden straightened and her molten gaze moved to him.

“Take your clothes off,” she demanded in a breathy voice.

He stood and yanked off his clothes. His need was a wild, hungry thing. Hungry for this woman who broke through his shields and made him want things he’d never dreamed could be his.

CHAPTER SIX

Need and desire twisted wildly inside of Calla.

She saw the same emotions reflected in Zaden’s eyes. His molten-silver gaze moved all over her body, leaving her feeling scorched.

She drew him closer and touched his chest. His long cock rose proudly to his hard abs.

Smiling, she reached out and stroked him. He groaned and she watched his cock slide through her fingers. His hands gripped her hips, clenching there.

“You’re so beautiful,” she said.

He made a pained noise. “You’re the beautiful one.”

His cock pulsed in her hands and she saw all the muscles in his body were clenched and bulging.

“That…feels so good.”

“I want to make you feel good.”

She pulled him to sit on the edge of the bed, and his big, strong body trembled. This strong, powerful cyborg trembled for her. Needed her.

It left her breathless. She straddled him.

“Calla—” His hands clamped on her hips.

“I’m right here.” She kissed him again.

His fingers dug into her skin. “My control—”

“You don’t need it with me. Just feel. Enjoy.”

His face didn’t change, but his fingers kneaded her skin.

She licked his ear, nipping at the lobe. “I want you inside me.”

“I want that, too.” His voice was deeper, edging toward guttural.

Calla pressed her hands to his broad shoulders, her fingers stroking the metal at his neck. Then she lifted her hips, reaching between them to line his cock up with where she was wet and needy.

He sucked in a breath.

She shimmied her hips, and the head of his cock rubbed through her folds. Their combined groans filled the air.

“You feel so good.” His tone was harsh.

Their gazes locked, and she slowly sank down on him. As his hard length slid inside her, a rough groan rumbled out of him. Oh, he stretched her.

“Zaden, are you okay?” she asked breathlessly.

“Yes. Better than okay.”

She kept pushing downward, her body stretching to take him.

A harsh cry broke from his lips. His grip tightened and he slammed her down, just as he thrust his hips up.

Calla cried out, suddenly so full of Zaden. She breathed through the pleasure-pain.

He froze. He was lodged deep inside her, his breathing harsh.

“Zaden?” she panted.

“I hurt you.”

“No.” She cupped his face and made him look at her. “I’m fine. I just needed a few seconds to adjust.” She nipped his lips. “You feel so good, dara.”

“Dara? What’s that mean?”

“A Rellan endearment. One you’d use for someone you care about, like a lover.”

“I’m your lover.”

She moved her hips. “Yes, you are.”

“You feel so warm, so tight.” His fingers flexed against her hips.

Calla lifted up, feeling desired, sexy, wanted. She moved down. “You’re so long, Zaden. You fill me up.”

“I…”

She lifted her hips a little, then sank back down. “Do whatever you want, Zaden. I’m yours.”

He groaned and wrapped his arms around her. He drew her up, lowered his head, and he tugged one nipple between his lips.

She cried out, arching back. Heat pooled low in her belly.

“Your abilities?” she asked.

“They’re…quiet.” His hands moved down, sinking into the curves of her ass. “Please, Calla. I need…” He rocked his hips up.

“Oh, by the Goddess.” She was full of him, filled with Zaden. His face looked so intense, his focus solely on her.

“Calla, this makes you mine. I won’t let another man have you.” He took over, following the instincts driving them both.

She loved the possession in his voice. He moved her up and down on his cock until she was blind with the need to come. Desire was pushing her on, the promise of even more pleasure on the horizon.

“Yes, Zaden!”

“You’re mine.”

“Yours.”

He ground his body against hers with each thrust of her hips.

A second later, Calla felt like lightning hit her. Pleasure arrowed through her and she cried out his name. He held her as her body shuddered, her keening cries filling the room.

When she could finally think again, her heart was pounding and pleasure was still like a drug in her veins. She lifted her head and saw Zaden’s strained face. His body was still, his hard cock lodged deep, and he was vibrating with tension.

“You’re all right?” His voice was tight.

“More than all right.” She moved a hand through his silky hair.

He still hadn’t come yet. She wanted to watch him come apart for her. She lifted her hips and started to ride him again. She was so slick and sensitive, and he slid easily inside her.

He gritted his teeth. “Calla.”

“I love you deep inside me, Zaden. Come, my gorgeous cyborg. Come hard.”

His arms tightened around her and, with a roar, his hips bucked up.

Calla couldn’t look away. She watched the pleasure contort his face and felt him spurt inside her. His cock pulsed, his strong body shaking.

Finally, they collapsed against each other. She pressed her face to his neck, and stroked her hands up his back.

Then she looked at the bed and squeaked. She blinked her eyes rapidly. They were hovering just off the bed.

“Zaden.”

“Sorry.” He lowered them until the covers touched his back.

She hugged him tight. “How was that?”

He tipped her face up. “It was everything.”

It was a good answer. Her belly quivered. She was falling so hard and fast for this cyborg.

“I’d better clean up.” She felt the stickiness of their joined release sliding down her thighs.

“Then you’ll return to your room?”

Her belly went hard and suddenly, she felt horribly naked. He wanted her to leave? Hurt was a sharp sting in her chest.

Then she paused, watching his oh-so-blank face. You’re so stupid, Calla. She had to remind herself that he’d never done this before, never been with a woman before.

“No,” she said firmly. “We’re going to sleep together in your bed.”

He considered that for a second. “I’d like that.”

She relaxed and smiled. As she rose on shaky feet, she felt him watching her. That’s when she saw Cat sitting in the middle of the room.

With a gasp, Calla grabbed a throw blanket off the bed and wrapped it around her. Zaden sat up and scowled at the animal.

“When did she come in here?” Calla asked.

“I have no idea. But she’s very good at going places she’s not supposed to.”

Cat lowered her head and Calla saw what the feline was doing. “No, they weren’t for you!”

Calla crouched, trying to keep the blanket covering her naked body. Cat was eating the marmas that Calla had brought for Zaden.

“Those were for Zaden,” Calla said, exasperated.

Cat just meowed.

Then Calla heard a low rumble of sound. She straightened and saw that Zaden was laughing. Laughing.

Shaking her head, she shooed Cat out of the room and headed for the bathroom.

“Calla?”

She glanced back. “Yes?”

“Can we have sex again?”

She smiled. “Oh, yes. But what we’re doing isn’t sex, Zaden.”

His brows drew together. “It isn’t?”

“It’s making love.”

He paused. “I’ve never loved anyone. Or been loved.”

She felt like the muscles in her chest were contracting and expanding. “Don’t worry, I’ll show you.”

After she’d cleaned up, she headed back and slid into bed with Zaden. She snuggled into his hard body. Goddess, all of him was firm. She stroked her fingers over his chest, stroking skin and metal.

He mimicked her exploration, his hands cupping her breasts. Then his fingers brushed the flexible, metallic skin in the center of her chest. She stilled.

“It bothers you?” he asked.

“I’m still not used to it. It feels strange to know that my heart is mechanical.”

“You are still you. You think, you feel. And you’re alive.”

She kissed his chest. “True.”

“And, it makes you a little like me.”

She looked up at him. “It means I’m a cyborg.”

His lips quirked. “A very beautiful, soft, sweet-smelling cyborg.”

Laughing, she slithered up his body to kiss him.

Through the long hours of the night, they did a lot of touching and stroking, and discovered what each other liked most. She learned Zaden had a ticklish spot on his side, and he loved it when she put her mouth on his skin.

And he became obsessed with going down on her, seemingly drunk on the taste of her. She’d come so many times, she finally had to ban his mouth from between her legs.

For the time being, anyway.

The morning came far too soon.

Calla woke to find her cyborg leaning over her. He pressed a kiss to her temple.

She smiled sleepily, then realized that he was already dressed. He wore a tight, black shirt with his leather trousers. The shirt was so tight, she could see the ridges of his abs. He looked delicious.

But there was no sign of her laughing lover. Instead, her serious cyborg was back.

She sat up suddenly, her brain finally catching up. “It’s time?”

He nodded and sat beside her on the bed. “You don’t have to do this.”

She clutched the sheets. “I do.”

He reached up and stroked a strand of her hair, tucking a curl behind her ear. “I knew you would say that. I have something for you.”

He held up a small, circular object. As soon as her fingers settled on the grip, blades flared out above her fingers. She jerked. Yikes.

“It’s called a nular. It’s very sharp, and Maxon only makes a few of them every year.”

She turned it over. It fit her smaller hand perfectly, and wasn’t too heavy.

“When you throw it, it’ll return to you. And it’s small enough to fit in your pocket.”

Warmth filled her chest. He was protecting her. Her own private guard. “Thank you, Zaden.”

His fingers gripped her chin and he lowered his head, his kiss long and thorough.

When he raised his head, she was breathless. “You’re getting way too good at kissing.”

“Good.” But his face turned serious. “Do not get hurt, Calla. If you do, I can’t guarantee what I’ll do in revenge.”

ZADEN STAYED IN THE SHADOWS, his gaze on the ruins of the ancient temple.

He was wearing the robes of a desert dweller, with the hood pulled up over his face. He slouched against the wall in a completely uncharacteristic way, just as other visitors around the square were doing.

The temple was made of the same cream stone as the Kor Magna Arena, and most of the city’s buildings. But this ruin was far older than most of the city, and most of it had tumbled down long ago.

No one knew who’d built it. Some speculated that perhaps the Creators—the ancient advanced species who’d seeded humanoid life throughout the galaxy—were the builders. The only thing Zaden knew was that the temple was older than anything else in the city, and it now functioned as a tourist attraction.

He slowly glanced around and spotted Mace. The big cyborg was also in disguise, and dressed in similar robes to Zaden’s.

Zaden knew the other cyborgs were dotted around the square. He glanced up, studying the roof lines. Some were hidden in the shadows. Acton for sure, who didn’t always blend in well.

Zaden’s hands tightened. In the square, there were plenty of tourists and a few locals. He instantly spotted Calla.

Her head was uncovered, the sun shining off her black hair. She wore simple trousers, and a bright-blue shirt.

He took a breath, emotion filling him. He had to pull deep to find some control. He needed his emotions contained so he could safely see this mission through. Calla’s safety was his top priority.

She was his to protect.

He’d touched her, kissed her, pleasured her. He’d been inside her. So now she was his. He wouldn’t let her get hurt, even if he had to unleash the full power of his abilities. The ones he’d spent a lifetime fighting to cage.

“Any sign of the mercs?” Jax’s voice was a whisper in his earpiece.

“No,” Zaden replied.

“No.” Mace.

“Nothing,” Toren said.

“No.” Acton’s voice was cold and emotionless.

Magnus was here as well, somewhere. Zaden’s nerves stretched tight. He wasn’t used to feeling nervous on a mission. Calla had cracked him open, and let his emotions free, for better or worse.

He flicked his gaze over every person in the square. Nothing and no one seemed out of place. There were several tourists pointing at the ruins, interest on their faces. Some laughing children were running through the rubble.

Nearby, a woman with a heavily pregnant belly was walking slowly, her face tipped up to the sunshine.

His gaze moved back to Calla. She was now sitting on the broken remnants of a wall, her hair dancing in the breeze.

Nearby, one of the children tripped. The boy went down and immediately started wailing. The pregnant woman was standing close to the child, but instead of helping, she skirted him, shooting him an annoyed look.

Zaden frowned.

Not so long ago, he wouldn’t have noticed anything amiss with the woman’s actions. But now, he’d spent enough time around Ever—a protective mother—to know that wasn’t normal. He’d paid more attention to the House of Rone workers and their children, as well.

The woman kept walking, moving closer to Calla.

Zaden touched his ear. “The pregnant woman—”

Before he finished his sentence, the woman ripped her robe off. Her belly wasn’t a belly. She had a small drone bot held against her. She threw the device into the air. The drone’s wings flared out and it rose into the air.

Drak. It was armed.

Zaden was already moving. He watched the drone’s weapons swivel and it started firing laser blasts around the square.

People screamed and ran.

Zaden leaped over a low rock wall. He saw the woman lunge at Calla. A second later, Calla’s body collapsed, as though she’d gone boneless.

Energy punched through Zaden. What had the woman done to her?

As he ran, dodging laser fire from the drone, the woman lifted Calla and tossed her over one shoulder. The woman held a blaster in her hand.

Zaden dodged another laser blast and dived in behind some rocks. Laser fire rained down around him, pinning him in place.

“I can’t get to Calla.”

“Hang on.” Mace’s voice came through Zaden’s earpiece.

A second later, a shadow leaped over him. He looked up at sunlight glinting off silver. It was Mace, his skin now all metallic, like a silver shield.

Zaden jumped up and moved in behind Mace. The man’s shield-like skin deflected the lasers.

“Take the drone down,” Mace yelled.

Mace dropped down on one knee. Zaden took two steps and pressed his boot into the cyborg’s back. He leaped into the air.

The drone passed overhead and he grabbed it. Using his enhanced strength, he yanked it downward. He hit the ground and slammed the machine into the dirt. It made a whirring sound.

Zaden rose and stomped his boot down on the weapon. He kept stomping until all the lights on the drone winked off.

Then he looked up. The female mercenary was racing to the other side of the square, Calla bouncing on her shoulder.

All around the square, he saw the House of Rone cyborgs converging—Magnus, Jax, Acton, Toren.

Then, there was a rush of noise overhead.

Zaden looked up, his jaw tightening. Several figures wearing powered wing suits were dropping in, like a flock of birds. They skimmed just above the temple ruins. The woman held Calla’s body up in the air, and one of the mercs in a wing suit snatched Calla into his arms. Then he pulled back up into the sky.

The next merc grabbed the female, and she dangled from below as he also pulled up into the sky.

No!

Adrenaline punched through Zaden. He threw his arms up, letting his power out. It exploded out of him—fierce and brutal.

The wave of the energy caught the mercs, causing them to rock and jerk in the air.

Zaden pulled back, and several of the flying mercenaries flew backward, their shouts filling the air. They slammed into the ground, tumbling and rolling.

But none of them were the one who’d taken Calla.

He spotted the shadow in the sky as the crudspawn took her away from him.

No. He ground his teeth and looked at the closest merc. He flicked a finger, and the merc rose into the air, hovering in front of Zaden.

The man saw Zaden’s face and whimpered.

“Zaden.” Magnus’ firm voice.

But Zaden didn’t listen to his imperator. They’d taken Calla.

He ripped the wing suit off the man. The merc dropped to the ground and started crawling away.

Zaden slipped his arms into the straps of the suit.

“Zaden, wait.” Jax stepped forward. “We need to—”

“Calla can’t wait.”

Zaden touched the controls, firing the suit’s engine. He shot into the sky.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Calla jerked awake, fighting through the fog in her head.

The pregnant woman. She’d had some sort of robot, and then come at Calla with a pressure injector.

Wind rushed into Calla’s face, clearing the last remnants of the drug away.

She gasped as she realized her predicament. She was high in the sky. Really high. Far below, Kor Magna raced past.

Oh, by the Goddess. A scream lodged in her throat. She turned her head and looked into the hard face of a mercenary. Goggles covered his eyes, and he had a bald head and a tattoo that wound around his neck.

She started to struggle.

Hard arms squeezed her until she could barely breathe. He yanked her up until his mouth was pressed to her ear.

“Be still, or I’ll drop you.”

Fear tried to flood her, but she fought it back. No. No one could scare her. Not anymore. She’d survived the Edull, she’d survive this sandsucker.

She elbowed the man in the gut and he grunted. Then she smacked him in the face.

He dropped her.

Screaming, Calla flailed her arms as she fell through the air.

A second later, the merc swooped in and caught her again.

“Behave,” he growled over the howl of the wind.

Then he zoomed upward, his powered suit driving them higher into the sky. As they rose, she realized he was aiming for a huge skyscraper that speared up into the air.

Moments later, they landed on the shiny, slick roof. The mercenary’s boots slid a little on the polished glass until he stopped.

He set her on her feet and pushed his goggles up. Calla scrambled away from him, felt her own boots slide until she threw her arms out.

“Now we wait for your pick-up.” The wings on his suit folded in behind his back.

“Why?” she demanded. “Why does anyone want me?”

He sent her a harsh look. “I don’t know, but usually it’s because people know too much.”

Calla frowned. She didn’t know anything important. Or did she? She bit down on her lip. Maybe she knew something that could help lead to the other humans who were still trapped? But if she did, she had no idea what it was.

She wrapped her arms around her middle. She needed to escape. But as she scanned the empty rooftop, she saw no way out. The very center of the roof was flat, but the edges were sloped. Her stomach churned. Then after that was only a breath-stealing drop off the side.

She wasn’t physically strong like Quinn, or smart like Ever and Jayna, or unflaggingly positive like Sage. She wasn’t brave or courageous, and she definitely wasn’t a fighter.

Calla pulled in a shaky breath. Zaden and the House of Rone would come for her. She straightened, a sense of calm filling her. All she had to do was hold on until then.

She turned and looked at the mercenary. He had an arm up, his hand shielding his eyes. He was looking up into the faded-blue sky. She glanced up, and her mechanical heart knocked against her ribs.

A dark shape was racing toward them.

Another merc, she guessed, her stomach twisting. But as the shape drew closer, she heard the man beside her curse.

A heartbeat later, she recognized the lean, powerful body. It was Zaden! Her heart leaped into her throat.

“Drakking cyborgs.” The merc yanked a blaster out of a holster on his hip.

A sharp pain speared through her chest. She was not letting him hurt Zaden.

Calla threw herself at the mercenary. As they collided, his shot went wild. He cursed.

They crashed to the rooftop and rolled. Momentum carried them off the flat part of the roof, and they started sliding slowly along the slick, sloping glass.

Goddess. She flattened her body to try and stop her descent.

The mercenary cursed again, and this time, he smacked at Calla’s head. His open palm hit her cheek and she saw stars.

“You’ll regret this,” he said.

“Never. I am so done being a punching bag for sandsuckers.” Calla pushed onto her hands and knees. Then she jumped on him.

She punched and kicked him. Her knuckles cracked into his hard jaw, and pain exploded through her hand. She ignored it and hit him again.

He was muttering all kinds of creative curses under his breath. Fury was a wild thing inside her, fueling her moves. She kept hitting him, over and over, and it felt cathartic to let it out.

Then there was a rush of wind.

Zaden dropped down in front of them, landing with a bend of his knees.

ZADEN CUT off the power to the flight suit, the wings snapping closed behind him. He strode toward Calla and the mercenary. She was straddling the man, the two of them tussling, and still sliding across the roof.

Reaching them, Zaden gripped her and pulled her off. The mercenary scrambled back and leaped to his feet. He yanked a long knife from a sheath on his back.

He lunged at them, and Zaden pushed Calla out of the way. The merc attacked again, and Zaden dodged.

The roof was dangerously slick and sloping. It was hard to keep his balance, and he used his telekinetic power to halt his slide. Then he charged the mercenary, leading with several hard punches.

The mercenary grunted under the impact of the blows. He dropped to one knee.

Zaden used his telekinesis to lift the man off his feet.

“Drak!” the merc spat.

“You should never have targeted her,” Zaden said.

“It’s just a job. Nothing personal.”

“It’s personal to me. It’s personal to the House of Rone.” Zaden drew the man closer.

The man suddenly yanked a small blaster out of a pocket. He fired the weapon.

A flash of energy hit Zaden, blue electricity racing over him. Drak, a pulse weapon that was designed to disrupt cyborg implants. Pain raced along his veins. He felt his nose start to bleed.

“Zaden!” Calla’s cry.

Zaden dropped to his knees, his implants shutting off.

The merc dropped to the roof, shaking himself. Then he smiled, advancing on Zaden.

“When a drakking machine is causing problems, it’s time to shut it off.” The merc lifted his knife again. It was still clutched in his hand. He stabbed at Zaden.

The blade sank into Zaden’s shoulder. Pain flared and he gritted his teeth. With his systems offline, he couldn’t block the agony or stem the bleeding.

“Get away from him!”

Calla leaped on the mercenary’s back, clinging to him. And suddenly, Cat came out of nowhere with a wild screech.

What the drak?

The cyborg cat leaped onto the merc’s shoulder, and sank her claws into his bald scalp.

“Drak!” The man staggered backward.

Zaden managed to get one boot under his body. He watched Calla repeatedly hit the mercenary. Cat sliced up the man’s shirt.

But then Zaden’s heart thumped. The merc was staggering dangerously close to the edge of the roof.

Zaden tried to form the words to warn Calla, but his systems were still rebooting. He forced his other leg under him.

“Calla.” The word was barely a whisper.

Then suddenly, the mercenary whirled. “Drakking cat!”

He flung Cat off him. The feline flew through the air, landing with her feet spread. The merc fell on his side, Calla still clinging to him. They started to slide down the roof.

Right toward the edge.

Calla rolled away, trying desperately to stop her slide. The merc was scrabbling, trying to find any purchase.

Zaden shook off the last of his system malfunction and charged forward. “Calla!”

CALLA’S PALMS slid along the glass. She couldn’t stop herself. Her heart was pumping so hard she could barely breathe.

Nearby, she watched the merc catch himself, his body flat to the glass. She had no idea where Cat had come from, but the feline had her paws spread, her claws digging into the glossy surface.

But Calla was still sliding. Zaden shouted her name.

A second later, her body flew over the edge. She screamed.

A hard hand clamped onto her wrist, stopping her fall. As she dangled over the side of the building, she looked up into Zaden’s face.

He was lying flat on his belly, reaching out over the edge.

“Zaden.” His shirt was wet with blood, and she bit her lip.

“It’s okay, Calla. I have you.”

Then her gaze flickered up. The merc appeared, a nasty smile on his face. He had a scary-looking knife in his hands.

“Watch out!” she cried.

The merc bent over and drove the knife into Zaden’s back.

Zaden’s body jerked.

“No. No. No.” Tears welled in her eyes.

The merc stabbed again, and Zaden made a pained sound, but he didn’t let go of her.

“Can you block the pain?”

“Systems…not working at full capacity.”

So, he was in agony.

There was a furious, feline cry and the merc cursed and whirled. She didn’t know what Cat had done, but a second later, the merc was back. He stabbed Zaden again.

At that moment, Calla made a realization. Zaden wouldn’t let her go. He would hold on to her and ensure she didn’t fall, no matter what happened to himself.

Zaden was loyal to the bone. But Calla knew that he couldn’t hold her and defend himself.

“Let me go,” she told him.

His silver eyes glinted. “Never.”

“Let me go and stop him, then use your power to pull me back up.”

Just the thought of it—of plummeting toward the ground—made her stomach roll. She tried not to let it show on her face.

Zaden’s face showed his torment. God, her cyborg was crazy about her.

“I trust you,” she said.

The merc plunged the knife in again, and Zaden slid closer to the edge.

“Do it,” Calla urged. “Or we’ll both die.”

Zaden made a choked sound, then he let her go.

Calla fell fast, air rushing all around her. Her hair whipped into her face, stinging her tear-soaked cheeks.

Fear rose up, but it was tempered with the knowledge that Zaden would come for her. No matter what, he’d come for her.

She watched the windows of the skyscraper stream past her, and she closed her eyes. Whatever happened, she knew that she’d been loved by a magnificent, gorgeous cyborg.

Suddenly, her body jerked to a stop. She cried out. Then before she could catch her breath, she was flying upward.

A moment later, she cleared the edge of the roof and slammed into Zaden’s arms.

“Never again.” His arms squeezed her. “You will never make me do that again.”

She pressed her cheek to his, holding on tight. “Okay, okay.”

“Calla, watching you fall—” His voice cracked.

There was so much feeling in his words and it warmed her. “Zaden, I’m falling in love with you.”

He froze. “Is this what love feels like?”

“I think so.” She felt the stickiness at his back. She lifted a hand and saw it coated in his blood. “Zaden, you’re hurt. There’s so much blood.”

“My systems are functioning again. I’ve blocked the pain, and stemmed the blood loss.”

Calla blew out a breath. She glanced over his shoulder. There was no sign of the mercenary, and she decided not to ask Zaden what had happened. Then she spotted a small, furry body stretched out on the roof. Cat wasn’t moving, her fur coated with blood.

“Cat!”

After Zaden set Calla down, they quickly made their way over to the animal. Zaden checked her over.

“She’s okay. Her system is rebooting.”

“She’s bleeding.”

“Her wounds aren’t serious.”

Calla patted the feline. “I’m sneaking you cat treats for the rest of your life. You’re going to be okay.” Calla frowned. “How did she get here?”

Zaden shook his head. “I don’t know.”

The deep throb of an engine broke the silence.

They both looked up, and Zaden tensed.

A black ship lowered down to the edge of the roof, its side door opening and a ramp extending.

A group of fighters stepped out of the ship and ice slid into Calla’s veins.

It wasn’t the House of Rone cyborgs, it was a group of black-clad mercenaries, all aiming blasters at her and Zaden.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Coldness washed over Zaden and his hands curled.

He would not let these people take Calla.

He sensed her fear, but she stared straight ahead, her face set. Good. So much strength under her sweetness. She was no one’s victim.

“Give us the woman,” a big, burly mercenary called out.

Zaden didn’t respond. In his head, he assessed the odds and options. He couldn’t take on all these mercenaries at once. They’d overpower him.

Calla reached out and grabbed his belt, needing reassurance.

“You’re not alone Calla,” he murmured. “I’ll never leave you alone, and I’ll never let them take you.”

She smiled at him. “I know.”

“Quit stalling,” one of the other mercs called out. The tall, lanky man fired a laser blaster into the air.

Zaden shifted in front of Calla. He’d fight for her, to the end.

But then he sensed movement.

His system registered approaching biosigns, just as a body shot up over the edge of the skyscraper. More bodies followed, and landed on the roof beside them—one, two, three, four, five, six.

Magnus, Jax, Quinn, Mace, Acton and Toren.

A second later, a sleek, silver ship rose up. Zaden knew it belonged to Rillian from the Dark Nebula Casino.

The mercenaries started cursing and shouting.

Magnus leaped into the air, flying high. He slammed down right in front of the lead mercenary. He grabbed the man, then threw him to the side.

The burly merc went flying off the edge of the building with a scream.

Jax’s arm lit up, neon light flowing over his tattoo. He sprinted forward.

A laser fired, the bolt ricocheting between three mercenaries, taking them down. Toren’s aim always found its target.

Mace ran forward, silver flowing over his skin as he became a cyborg shield. Acton ran right behind him, lifting his arms. Two more mercs went flying off the side of the building.

A female mercenary bent low and raced toward Zaden and Calla. She held several deadly throwing stars in her hands.

Zaden took one step, when suddenly a small shape whizzed past him. The nular flew through the air and sliced into the merc’s shoulder. The woman jerked and collapsed, but managed to throw the stars.

Zaden lifted a palm and the two throwing stars slowed, then dropped harmlessly to the glossy roof. The nular sliced through the air and landed back in Calla’s hand.

“Wow,” she said.

The mercenary on the ground was still alive and conscious. Her body jerked as she fought Zaden’s telekinetic hold.

Magnus strode forward. All the other mercenaries had fallen off the building or were unconscious on the roof.

He reached them and yanked the woman up.

“Jax,” the imperator said in a calm voice. “Take any of the mercenaries who are still breathing and put them in a cell.”

“On it.” Jax’s tone said he was going to enjoy his job.

“It’s over,” Calla murmured.

Zaden turned, pulling her close. “It’s over.”

A plaintive meow cut through the air. Cat wound between Zaden and Calla.

“How did the feline get here?” Magnus asked.

“We don’t know,” Calla said.

Cat looked at the mercs and meowed again. It was almost like she was cross she’d missed the fight. Then the animal stalked toward the mercenaries’ ship.

“No, Cat,” Calla called out.

But Cat just sauntered up the ramp like the ship belonged to her.

Frowning, Calla and Zaden followed. Inside, the cargo area was stacked with crates. Cat circled one of the stacks.

When they followed, they found a small girl with brown skin, dark hair, and a gold pattern circling her face.

Calla gasped and crouched. “Hi, there.”

The girl stared at them, trembling.

“We aren’t going to hurt you,” Calla said.

The girl pressed her hands against her chest. “Where are the bad people?”

“They’re gone.”

The girl’s dark eyes flicked to Zaden.

“He’s mine,” Calla said. “He’s one of the good guys.”

Then the little girl’s gaze fell on Cat, and her eyes lit up. “Kitty.” She stroked Cat’s head and the feline purred.

“Yes, this is Cat. My name’s Calla. He’s Zaden.”

“I’m Nemma.”

“Hi, Nemma. Can I tell you something?”

The girl nodded.

“I’m from Rella.”

The girl’s eyes went wide, going to Calla’s markings. “Like me.”

“Just like you.”

Then suddenly, the little girl threw herself into Calla’s arms, her little body shaking.

Calla closed her arms around her. “You’re safe now. You’ve been so brave.”

“My mama? They took me from our ship. I heard my mama screaming.”

Swallowing, Calla held Nemma tighter. “I know. I know. It’ll be okay.”

“They said I was ex topic.”

Calla frowned, then realized. “Exotic?”

Nemma nodded. “They said along with another ex topic, they could sell a pair for a lot of credits.”

Calla’s belly tightened. That’s why they’d wanted her. They wanted to sell her and Nemma like they were pets.

“You aren’t alone anymore, Nemma.”

Calla looked up to meet Zaden’s eyes. Just like Calla knew that she would never be alone again either.

Zaden touched Calla’s shoulder. “Let’s go home.”

AFTER A BLISSFULLY HOT SHOWER, where she’d finally scrubbed herself clean, Calla stepped out of the shower stall. She rubbed herself briskly with a drying cloth.

The little girl, Nemma, was safe with Ever. Plus, Cat had refused to leave the girl’s side. Calla smiled. She guessed she’d been dumped by Cat for a better option.

Or someone who needed Cat more than she did now.

Calla walked into the bedroom and stopped. A shirtless Zaden was standing beside the bed, his back to her.

She could see his almost-healed wounds. Avarn—the head healer—had worked his wonders when they’d returned to the House of Rone. The stab marks were just small, pink scars that would fade with time.

Calla walked straight to Zaden and wrapped her arms around him from behind. She pressed her lips to his back.

“All clean?” he asked.

“Squeaky.” Ever liked to say that.

“Then you should get some rest.”

“Only if you rest with me.” As he turned around, she pressed kisses to the center of his chest.

“Calla—” A warning tone.

“Love me, Zaden.”

His eyes flashed and she kept her lips on his chest, moving over one flat nipple. She took her time exploring the glorious muscles, each one of them hers to play with. He was in such amazing shape. She moved down, her nails and teeth raking over the fascinating ridges of his abdomen. He sucked in a breath, his body trembling.

She did that to him. Simple Calla Ryss, chef from Rella, drove this amazing man wild.

Then she reached down and flicked open his trousers. She wrapped her hand around his cock, and he groaned.

“I love when you touch me,” he said.

“I love touching you.”

She stroked him, but more than anything, she wanted to know what he tasted like. She wanted to know everything about Zaden.

When she dropped to her knees in front of him, he stiffened.

“Calla—”

She licked the head of his swollen cock, and heard him gasp, disbelief on his face.

“Calla, drak. What are you…?”

“Wasn’t this in that information you downloaded on sex?” she asked.

“I…may not have gotten to this part.”

She smiled up at him, and then sucked him into her mouth. His cock pulsed and his groan filled the room. She took her time, licking and sucking. Every groan and jerk of his body was a reward. She sucked harder.

His hands tangled in her hair. “So good.”

“You taste amazing.”

“I…I want to spill inside you, Calla, but not in your mouth.”

She wanted that as well. She slithered up his body and then he pulled them down on the bed. He rolled her over, his big body covering hers.

Without warning, he shifted between her hips and plunged inside her.

Calla cried out and he froze.

“I’m being too rough.”

“Never. I’m yours.” She wrapped her arms and legs around him. “Take what you need.”

He started plunging inside her, and she held on until their joined cries of pleasure echoed off the walls.

Afterward, they dozed, their arms still around each other. Calla decided she could quite happily stay here, naked in Zaden’s arms, forever.

Zaden stirred. “We have a meeting with Magnus.”

With a reluctant nod, Calla pulled herself out of bed. Once they were dressed, they headed for Ever’s sitting room.

Holding hands, they walked inside. Everyone was already present, the assembled cyborgs standing quietly to one side. Nemma spotted them and hurried over. Her small hands clenched in the skirt of her blue dress. “I have a new dress, Calla.”

“I love it.”

The little girl whirled around and the dress flared out. “See, Zaden?”

“Very pretty. Like you.”

She beamed.

Ever appeared. “Nemma, could you help me entertain baby Asha? She’s getting restless.” She led the little girl out of earshot of the cyborgs.

“We’ve been questioning the mercenaries,” Magnus said. “They were definitely hired by the Edull.”

Calla shivered. She’d expected that answer. “They wanted to sell Nemma and me like a matching set of collectibles.”

Magnus’ face looked harsh. “Unfortunately, there are plenty of sandsuckers like that.”

Calla clasped her hands together. “I’m nobody special—”

Zaden slid an arm around her. “You’re absolutely special. Good, kind, and tough.”

She smiled at him. Yes, her cyborg was definitely falling in love with her. Then her smile faded. “Do you think they’ll try to snatch me again?”

“I won’t let them.” Zaden’s arm tightened on her.

Magnus’ eyes flashed. “We’ve sent out the appropriate warnings. You’re House of Rone now. They take you, they declare war with us and our allies.”

Calla bit her lip. “Thank you.” Then she frowned. “One thing I still don’t understand. How did Cat arrive on that building?”

A faint smile formed on Magnus’ face. “Ever told me Cat tore out of here, and we’ve heard strange reports of a feline scaling the outside of the skyscraper.”

Her jaw dropped, her gaze moving to the animal in question. “Cat scaled the skyscraper?”

“Apparently, she knew you needed her,” Zaden said.

Definitely cat treats for life.

“And Nemma?” Calla turned to look at the small girl playing with the baby. There was no way home to Rella or her family.

“She has a home here,” Magnus said. “Young children are very resilient. Or, so I’m told by my mate.”

“We’ll take care of her,” Ever said.

Suddenly, Nemma wandered over, and for some reason, the little girl moved toward Acton. The cyborg stiffened, but Nemma just tapped his thigh. The man leaned down and she started babbling to him. Calla tensed, waiting for the cyborg to push her away or ignore her. But he didn’t, nodding at the little girl.

“She didn’t deserve to lose her family,” Calla said.

“None of you did,” Magnus said. “But it is possible to make a new family.”

“We will,” Zaden said. “Whatever it takes.” Then he cleared his throat. “Magnus, I’ve claimed Calla as mine.”

Calla gasped at the blatant possession.

A smile crossed Magnus’ face and, for a second, Calla was arrested by the sight of it. He always seemed so imperious and cold.

“Perhaps you should’ve spoken with her about that first,” Magnus said.

“I should have?” Confusion crossed Zaden’s face.

Calla smiled. “He’s still learning, but I love him.”

Quinn bumped her hip against Jax’s. “Told you these two were going to end up together.”

Ever clapped her hands together. “I’m so happy.”

Jayna grinned, leaning into Mace’s big body, and from beside them, Sage caught Calla’s gaze and gave her a thumb’s up.

“I would like to request a celebration of our union,” Zaden said.

Calla’s breath caught. Oh. She looked up at her cyborg, her heart filled to bursting.

“And I’m sure Calla would like to prepare the desserts for the celebration,” he added.

Now, her insides melted.

“I tasted the baked goods you left in my office,” Magnus said.

“Oh, me too.” Ever rolled her eyes back. “They were delicious. Magnus ate five of them.”

Calla felt a flush of pleasure. “I’m so glad you liked them.”

“I’ve already spoken to our chefs,” Magnus said. “They focus on preparing balanced, nutritious meals for the House of Rone, but no one specializes in desserts.” He glanced at Ever. “And I’ve been told that enjoying your food and its flavors are important.”

“Desserts are not nutritious and not necessary,” Acton said.

“Shut it, Acton,” Mace grumbled. “I want dessert.”

Magnus’ intense gaze focused on Calla and she tried not to feel intimidated.

“The head chef said you would be a welcome addition to his staff.”

Calla gasped. She looked at Zaden and saw him smiling. Looking back at Magnus, she nodded. “It would be my honor.”

“Yay,” Ever said.

“Now, returning to Zaden’s request for a ceremony,” Magnus said. “We’ll organize it as soon as we can.”

As the women cheered, Calla beamed. Then Zaden cupped her cheek.

“I love you, Calla. You’ve taught me to feel love.”

She pressed against his palm. “Oh, Zaden.”

He kissed her, sweeping her off her feet.

“I want to celebrate that love. With our family.”

She nodded. “I want that, too. You’ve been my protector, my unfaltering guard from the moment I landed in your arms.”

A loud meow.

They looked down at Cat.

“Okay, both of you have been my guards.” Calla pressed her lips to Zaden’s. “But you’re the only one I want to kiss.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Then he set to work leaving her breathless.

I hope you enjoyed Zaden and Calla’s story!

Read on for the short story, House of Rone: Beginnings, that shows how Soldier 47, aka Magnus Rone, escaped a deadly cyborg military program in order to save his friend, Jax.

HOUSE OF RONE SHORT STORY

HOUSE OF RONE: BEGINNINGS

Magnus lined his stealth ship up with the opening hangar bay doors. He retracted the ship’s wings and cruised into the military base.

As he pulled the ship into a hover in the hangar, he heard the familiar clunk of the magna-locks engage and the ship lowered.

Still plugged into the ship’s systems, he powered down the engines, then disengaged his connection. Two slim wires retracted from the control console, snaking back into a panel on his cybernetic arm.

He blinked and slowly, the sensation of being connected to the ship faded. The viewscreen cleared of mission data and now he had a view of the orderly hangar of the Orionix Military Base.

“Welcome back, Soldier 47,” the computer voice intoned. “I hope you achieved mission success.”

His face impassive, Magnus rose from the pilot’s chair. “Yes. Target neutralized.”

As he moved toward the door of the ship, he felt a flash of pain in his head. Memories spilled through him like flashing lights: screams, blood, a man’s pleading.

He also felt the unfamiliar, chaotic emotions that had started plaguing him the last few months.

“Soldier 47, your pulse rate has spiked,” the computer said.

Gritting his teeth, he pressed a palm to the door lock. “It’s nothing.”

He couldn’t allow the Orionix scientists to understand just how much his emotional dampeners were starting to malfunction. When they’d discovered he’d had some nightmares, he’d spent several painful days in Medical, being rehabilitated.

“General Mracks has requested you meet him to debrief,” the computer informed him.

“Acknowledged.”

Magnus took one step out of the ship and paused in the doorway. Ahead, he saw several cyborg soldiers marching in precision across the hangar.

His gut hardened. He wondered what mission they were being sent on.

Magnus moved silently across the hangar. He exited, heading down the corridor toward the general’s spacious office. His boots echoed on the metallic floor. Two young trainees turned a corner and saw him. They had very few enhancements, and were probably still acclimatizing to their dampeners. Both their faces lit with awe and excitement. They jerked to the side, standing to attention.

“Good evening, Soldier 47,” one said.

He nodded at them.

At the end of the hall, he knocked on the door.

“Enter,” a deep, imperious voice said.

Magnus stepped inside and moved to stand with his hands clasped behind his back. General Mracks was sitting behind a huge, glossy black desk. Behind him, a long window gave a perfect view of the base’s main training area. Several cyborg soldiers were sparring and practicing combat techniques.

“Magnus.” A smile filled the general’s raw-boned face. “Take a seat.”

The general always called him Magnus. It had been his name as a very young child. All Orionix soldiers were created in the labs from a mixture of the best genetic material in the hope of creating the strongest, smartest soldiers. They were given names and raised by the lab staff until they reached eight years old. Then they entered the main training program and started getting their enhancements. That’s when they received their designation.

Magnus had faint memories of that earlier time. Of his main nurse, Nurse Rone, who’d always smiled at him and ruffled his hair. Never forget that you have a big heart, Magnus. He hadn’t thought of her for years.

“It is always good to see you, Magnus,” the general said.

Magnus liked to believe the general saw beneath his enhancements, to the man beneath the machine. Mracks had always paid special attention to Magnus’ career. Over the years, they’d spent many sessions together discussing military strategy.

Sitting in a chair, Magnus heard it creak. It felt far too small for his large, enhanced frame. All the cybernetic enhancements made his body a lot heavier than a regular man.

“Well done on your mission.” Elation covered the general’s face, his dark eyes sparking. “You neutralized a dangerous enemy today.”

Magnus realized his fingers were biting into his thigh. “My target was a finance minister, not military.”

The general’s eyes narrowed. “But he held power. He was a danger to us.”

“A danger to you. He was a rival of yours, correct?”

General Mracks went still. “What are you insinuating, soldier?”

Magnus’ enhanced senses picked up the general’s beating heart. It was pounding a little too fast, and the man was perspiring.

But Magnus knew the value of strategy, allies, and selecting the right time to act. He looked over the general’s shoulder. “Nothing, sir.”

The general stared at him for a humming moment, then relaxed back into his chair. “Good, good.” He folded his hands on the desk. “I have another reason for asking you here.”

Magnus didn’t move or fidget.

“I wanted to let you know that Soldier 195 has suffered significant damage on his most recent mission.”

Magnus fought to keep his face blank. Emotion spiked through him and he thrust it down. Soldier 195 was the soldier that Magnus was closest to—Jaxer.

“He sustained severe damage and lost a leg,” the general continued. “His body is rejecting medical intervention from the doctors. I’m sorry to say, but he has been scheduled for deactivation.”

The words were like a blow to Magnus’ gut. He forced himself to sit still in his chair. Deactivation meant execution. “I see.”

The general scrutinized Magnus’ face carefully. “It is a shame. He’s young, vital, and an exceptional soldier.” Mracks sighed. “Unfortunately, it is a reality of military life.”

“It is,” Magnus agreed.

“I know you’re close to the young man.”

“I find it advantageous to maintain alliances with my fellow cyborg soldiers.”

General Mracks smiled. “So strategic. It is that, combined with your exceptional emotional dampening, that makes you the best cyborg soldier this program has ever seen.”

Magnus rose. “I need to cleanse and rest.”

“Of course. Dismissed, Magnus.”

Swiveling on his boots, Magnus strode out of the general’s office.

“And good work on your mission,” the general called after him.

Magnus didn’t look back. What the general meant was good work killing an innocent man who’d done nothing except stand up to Mracks.

Over the years, the Orionix generals had become drunk on their power. Magnus didn’t need an enhanced sense of smell to detect the stench of corruption.

Striding down the corridor, his hands clenched into fists.

He needed to find Jax.

AS MAGNUS REACHED the wing of the base that housed Medical, he could hear pained moans echoing down the corridor.

His fingers flexed.

Then he heard a man’s agonized scream.

His gut clenched. Jax.

Keeping his steps measured and controlled, Magnus walked toward the double doors leading into Medical.

As soon as they opened, he saw Jax strapped to a bed. The man was straining against the bindings, his military-short hair dampened by sweat.

He had several metal implants along his neck, shoulder, and chest. His left leg was gone, and in its place was a clunky, temporary prosthetic. The Orionix medical team were capable of much better, high-tech prosthetic limbs. Magnus flexed his own cybernetic hand. If Jax’s body coped with a replacement, they’d design a new one tailored just for him.

Jax screamed again, his body arching off the bed. But his body wasn’t coping. Several wires and tubes were connected to him.

Jax had always smiled more than the other cyborgs. Magnus hadn’t smiled in years. Jax was his only link to the humanity he’d been born with. He still remembered the day he’d spotted the young boy following him around like a puppy. Magnus had already been the best soldier in the unit, even though he was still in his teens. Initially, he’d ignored the boy’s attempts to befriend him. He’d tried several curt ways to push Jax away.

But Jaxer’s biggest strength and his greatest weakness was his stubborn persistence. He’d kept coming back.

“Jaxer,” Magnus murmured.

Jax turned his head, crazed eyes focusing on Magnus. There was so much pain boiling in his gaze.

“Magnus.” He reached out a hand that was covered in healing burns. “The mission went bad. The intel was wrong.” Jax swallowed. “There were so many enemy fighters.”

Magnus stepped closer. “Be at ease now.” He pressed a hand to Jaxer’s shoulder.

The younger man let out a shuddering breath. Then he lowered his voice to a sub-vocal whisper that Magnus could only hear because of his enhanced hearing.

“Magnus, I overheard the doctors. Something’s gone wrong with my enhancements. I’m feeling constant pain and they don’t believe that my body will accept a new prosthesis.” A grimace flowed over his face before he locked down the pain. “My body’s rejecting this.” He tapped the temporary metal leg against the bed. He closed his eyes. He had very long eyelashes for a man. “They’re going to…deactivate me.”

Magnus’ fingers clenched on his friend’s shoulder. “It will be okay, Jax.”

Jax’s eyes opened. “I’m afraid.”

“It will be okay,” Magnus repeated.

A female doctor in a white lab coat bustled over. “It’s time to leave. He needs more sedatives.”

Magnus nodded and stepped back.

Jax’s gaze stayed locked on Magnus. Crossing the room, Magnus headed to a medical console. He pressed his palm to the screen and it flared to life. A slim cord snaked out from his wrist and interfaced with the console. His eyes flickered as he synced with the base computer system.

He quickly checked the system logs. Magnus’ stealth ship had been refueled.

He pulled his hand away, his thoughts churning. The Orionix cyborg military program was all he’d ever known. He’d been created in the lab here and bred to be a soldier. He glanced back at Jax lying on the bed. He was still now, staring at the ceiling.

The Orionix had terminated other cyborgs. To the generals, the cyborgs were simply machines, just like the stealth ships they flew and the weapons they used. At first, Magnus had always just followed his programming, carried out his orders, and done his job.

But ever since his mission two months ago, where he’d been sent to slaughter an entire enemy base—soldiers, technicians, doctors, everyone—he’d started having nightmares. He’d started to feel flickers of conflicting emotions.

He’d started to question what he did.

Over the years, the Orionix leadership had changed. Magnus and his fellow cyborgs weren’t just sent to fight their enemies in fair fights, they were sent on assassination jobs, to kill rivals for petty reasons.

The generals—including Mracks—were corrupt.

Magnus felt a sharp spike of anger.

He heard whispered murmurs, and a faint change of scent filtered into his senses. He turned and in the far corner of Medical, he spotted a young female doctor and a male nurse.

They were pressed together, the woman smiling. The man leaned down, nuzzling the woman’s neck. The doctor cupped the man’s face. Magnus tilted his head. The change in scent was arousal, and on their flushed faces were several signs of deep emotion.

He’d never felt anything like that, but he’d been trained to recognize the signs. This was what living was—connections with others, feelings, emotions, doing things you wanted to do.

Creating, not destroying.

He blew out a ragged breath. He could have a better life than what this military base offered him. He could use his skills for more than killing.

And Jax would live.

Magnus watched the couple kiss, lips locked, passion surging. He would never have that—it was too late for him—but Jax still had a chance.

Swiveling, Magnus strode back to Jaxer’s bed. He started unhooking the cords and tubes attached to the man.

“Soldier 47!” A doctor ran over, shock stamped on his face.

Magnus ignored the man, tore the bindings off Jax, then slid his arms under his friend’s limp form.

With shouts echoing behind him, Magnus lifted Jax and strode out of Medical. As he headed down the corridor, alarms started blaring. He headed for the hangar.

“Someone stop him!” a voice yelled. “ Soldier 47 is out of control.”

Yet no one dared confront him. They were all well aware that he was the deadliest cyborg in the program.

He stepped into the hangar.

And found General Mracks and four cyborg soldiers waiting for him.

“Soldier 47.” Lines of anger bracketed the general’s mouth.

“You’re not calling me Magnus now, General?”

The general’s face went red. “That was a sign of respect for your dedication and skills! Clearly, that was misplaced.”

“I am no longer yours to order around.”

Mracks laughed. “You can’t think for yourself, you aren’t a man. You’re a weapon. An expensive one.”

“I am a man.” Or at least, he had been once.

The general shook his head derisively. “You’re more machine than man now.”

Magnus carefully set Jax down by a stack of crates. There were several tools lying on top of them, belonging to the maintenance workers who maintained the stealth ships.

Spotting a long, sharp engine probe, he picked it up with his cybernetic hand. Then he spun and threw it.

It speared through the general’s left eye. The man screamed, the sound reverberating through the hangar. Mracks fell to the ground, clutching at his bleeding face. “Stop him!”

The four cyborgs stepped forward. Magnus drew in a breath.

Then they attacked.

Magnus swung out with his fist, punching the first soldier hard. He ducked, then kicked at another soldier.

They traded fierce blows and brutal kicks. They’d all trained together, and knew the same combat moves. Magnus absorbed the pain of several kicks, blocked it out, and kept fighting.

He reached for one of the heavy metal maintenance crates. He heaved it up, spun, and tossed it.

It slammed into one cyborg, driving the man to the ground.

A beam of red laser cut through the air. Magnus dropped. He saw one cyborg aiming the laser weapon from his cybernetic hand.

Magnus rolled, grabbing several throwing stars off his belt. He tossed them in rapid-fire succession.

They cut into the cyborg—shoulder, chest, and neck.

With a cry, the cyborg fell, the laser going wild and cutting into the ceiling. Chunks of concrete rained down.

Magnus leaped to his feet. A third soldier charged at him.

Swiveling, Magnus dodged the man’s jab. They danced across the hangar, brushing past some of the parked stealth ships. Magnus kicked the soldier. The man flew back and hit a ship, denting the metal. Before he could attack again, Magnus rammed his elbow hard into the man’s throat.

The soldier staggered back, making gagging noises and clutching his throat with one hand. His eyes glowed neon blue. With his other hand, he fumbled for the laser gun on his belt.

Magnus calculated the distance between the soldier, the closest stealth ship, and the wall. He pressed his palms to the ship’s metal hull and shoved.

The ship slid across the hangar and pinned the cyborg to the wall. He screamed. As Magnus watched, he saw the neon light drain out of the man’s eyes.

Magnus turned. Only one opponent left. In front of his eyes, his heads-up display showed information.

The final cyborg stepped into view. Soldier 51. A seasoned veteran, just like Magnus. The cyborg held a long electro-weapon, which sparked with green electricity at each end. It was designed specially to bring down a cyborg and disrupt their systems.

Magnus lifted his cybernetic arm and charged it. Blue electricity skated over his metal skin.

He and Soldier 51 circled each other.

“We are leaving,” Magnus said.

“No one leaves, 47.” The cyborg twirled the electro-weapon. “There are rules.”

“I’m making my own rules.”

They charged. Magnus ducked and dodged, trying to get close. One touch of that weapon and he’d be done.

51 was good. They crossed the hangar, swiping and blocking. Magnus felt his organic muscles straining. The electro-weapon rushed at him and he dropped low. It swung over his head.

The cyborg kicked Magnus in the side and pain flared. His system detected a broken rib, but he kept fighting. The weapon came at him again, grazing his hip.

Pain roared through his side like fire. He saw dark spots dance in front of his eyes.

No. Magnus had too much to fight for. Jax’s life depended on him.

Fighting back the pain, he summoned every bit of his augmented strength. He rushed the other cyborg, tackling him to the ground. The electro-weapon flew out of 51’s hand.

Soldier 51 fought hard, twisting his body, but Magnus held him down. Then he pressed his palm to the man’s chest.

Electricity flared.

The cyborg’s eyes flew open and his body jerked convulsively. Magnus kept the charge up until the man slumped beneath him.

51 looked at him, neon light flickering in his eyes. “Enjoy your freedom. For all of us.” The cyborg slumped down, dead.

Chest heaving, Magnus staggered to his feet. His body ached and he had damaged circuitry. His organic arm was dangling uselessly by his side.

He stumbled over to Jax’s still form. Using one arm—and gritting his teeth through the pain—he picked up his friend and walked toward his stealth ship.

He paused by General Mracks, staring impassively. The man was slumped on the floor, his chest rising and falling shallowly, blood soaking his uniform. The general’s mouth opened but no sound came out. Turning, Magnus walked away.

Inside the ship, he set Jax in the co-pilot’s chair and strapped him in. Then Magnus dropped into the pilot’s chair. He blinked through the pain, then summoned enough energy to press his cybernetic hand to the control panel. He spiked into the stealth ship’s system.

“System lockout,” a computer voice said. “System lockout.”

They thought they could lock him out? His eyes flickered as he started hacking the system. It only took him seconds. He started the ship’s engines.

The ship rose up and swiveled. Through the viewscreen, he saw more cyborg soldiers running toward them. The docking bay doors were closed, but Magnus activated the weapons system.

Boom.

The laser cannon blew the doors off the hangar.

The ship shot forward and Magnus aimed them upward, spearing into the blue sky. A minute later, they blasted out of the atmosphere and into space.

“Magnus?”

He turned his head and saw that Jax was conscious.

“Where are we?” The man straightened in his seat, his brow creased.

“On my stealth ship. We have left the base behind.”

Jax blinked. “You stole a ship?”

“Yes. And fought my way out.”

Jax was quiet for a moment. “You saved me.”

Magnus stared straight ahead. “I told you it would be okay.”

“Yeah, you did.”

The thick sound of Jax’s voice made Magnus look at him.

“Thank you,” Jax murmured.

Magnus just nodded.

“So, where are we going?”

Magnus hesitated. “I have no idea.”

Jax laughed. “I’ve never heard you say that before.”

“Well, we are now fugitives, Jax. I suspect I will be saying that a lot in the future.”

The younger man reached out and grabbed Magnus’ arm. Magnus felt the pulse of their connection.

“We’ll work it out,” Jax murmured.

“I have calculated that it’s best for us to head for the lawless planets on the galaxy’s outer rim,” Magnus said.

Jax’s nose wrinkled. “Sounds great.” Then he paused. “My body is rejecting this leg, Magnus. I can feel several of my implants malfunctioning. I’ll slow you down.”

“Then I’ll get you a better leg and have your implants removed.”

“Ah, we have no money.”

“We’ll make money.” Magnus vowed to find a safe, secure place for them. He’d find the best prosthetic leg in the galaxy for Jax.

A place of his own. Magnus felt a sharp twang in his chest. A home. And for the first time in his life, he could use his skills for more than just killing and assassination.

“From now on, I am Magnus Rone.” He felt the name settle over him. In memory of that long-ago woman who’d showed him kindness. “You’ll be Jaxer Rone.”

“I like it,” Jax said.

“You have a chance to be a man again, Jax. To have a life.”

“And you, too.”

Magnus shook his head. “It’s too late for me. We both know that I am more machine than man.”

Jax just smiled. “We’ll see, Magnus. We’ll see.”

I hope you enjoyed this prequel story!

Read on for Cyborg Guard, Xias and Seren’s story.

CYBORG GUARD

CHAPTER ONE

She’d finished her tasks for the day, and she hoped her imperator had more work for her.

Seren dan Stal strode down the busy, stone-lined tunnel, her pace brisk and no-nonsense. She didn’t have to dodge the house workers and staff crowding the tunnel—no, when they saw her coming, they got out of her way.

A gladiator walking past her slowed his pace, his gaze going to the implants on her forehead. She glared at the big man and he hastily looked away.

She was almost at the House of Rone. It had been her home for several years—ever since she’d come to the desert world of Carthago. She didn’t let herself think of her homeworld or the time before Carthago very much. A pang burned under her heart. Her world had been wiped out by a virulent virus that had spared no one.

As far as she knew, she was the last of the Dan Nonian species in the galaxy.

Seren squashed the burst of emotion that cut into her belly. She was a cyborg, a fighter, and now part of the House of Rone elite cyborgs under Imperator Magnus Rone. She had several implants to enhance her natural abilities, and she was very good at what she did—fighting.

Dan Nonia had been renowned for brilliant, disciplined fighters. Unlike some of the other cyborgs she worked with, Seren felt emotion, but she’d been trained from childhood to suppress and control her feelings.

Seren’s father had been head of the prestigious Dan Nonian Warrior Academy, and he’d been determined that his daughter would be one of the best.

Now, he was dead, along with the rest of her planet.

But Seren continued to honor him and be the best cyborg she could be.

She passed the doors to the House of Loden, carved with the emblem of two fighting gladiators. The guards eyed her warily.

Everything in the city of Kor Magna centered on the gladiatorial arena, and the gladiators who fought inside its walls. She admitted, some of the fights were entertaining—brilliant displays of skill and training.

But it was often a lot of flash and showmanship. The gladiators were like celebrities, pandering to the cheering crowds.

Seren sniffed. She preferred serious fighting, and since cyborgs were banned from the arena, she’d never have to put on a spectacle on the arena sand. She got to participate in real fights conducting House of Rone business. Their house specialized in weapons creation, and in helping injured citizens who needed enhancements and prosthetics that the House of Rone healers created. And of late, rescuing women who’d been abducted from a distant planet called Earth.

Someone passing by bumped into her and a hand cupped her ass. She hissed in a breath.

“Prime female flesh,” a deep voice rumbled.

She swiveled. As usual, she wore an all-black, leather fight suit. She turned to stare at the tall alien male grinning at her. He had skin so pale she could see his organs beating beneath it. His two friends stood behind him, grinning as well, but when they saw her face, their smiles dissolved.

Seren moved fast, smacking the man’s offending hand away. He yelped.

She leaped up and launched into a roundhouse kick. Her foot connected with the man’s head. He yelped again, clutching his jaw, and staggered back several steps.

“Did I say you could touch me?” she drawled.

Her dangerous tone made the man’s eyes widen. Colors flickered in around his pupil. “I… I…”

Seren used her special ability, teleporting in behind him. Black smoke curled in the air around her. She snaked an arm around his neck and yanked him backward.

He crashed to the ground in front of her and she crouched, pressing her forearm to his throat. She used her enhanced cyborg strength to keep him pinned. He made several gagging and choking noises.

“Now, you’ll apologize, and you’ll never touch someone’s ass again without permission.”

The man’s head bobbed rapidly.

Seren eased her arm off him.

He coughed. “Sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Making friends, I see,” an amused voice said.

Seren wanted to groan, but she controlled the reaction and looked up.

Xias, the House of Rone’s champion gladiator, stood with his massive arms crossed over his brawny, bare chest. He was smiling.

Beautiful, straight, white teeth contrasted with his dark skin. His black hair was cut short, not detracting from his strong face. He had a big, muscled body free of any enhancements.

On the arena sand, he fought like a powerhouse and played to the crowd. He was a showman to the bone. He was always smiling and Seren didn’t like him.

“My new friend was just apologizing for touching what wasn’t his to touch,” she said.

The man scrambled to his feet, swallowed, then ran off down the tunnel with his friends.

“Ah, as always, you send a man running in fear,” Xias said.

Seren tossed her long black ponytail over her shoulder. “I don’t see you running.”

His smile widened and she really wished he wasn’t so attractive.

“Because I’m not afraid of you, Seren.”

“Why are you here?” He was usually in the training arena at this time of day. Not that she kept track of his movements.

“I was looking for you. Magnus wants to see you.”

She straightened. If the imperator needed her, it was important.

“You should’ve said that first.” She strode past Xias, heading toward the doors to the House of Rone.

“You’re welcome,” Xias called out behind her.

She ignored him. If she needed to use a little more discipline to block him out, she wasn’t telling anyone.

XIAS FOLLOWED Seren down the corridor.

She paid no attention to the carved stone walls or striking wall hangings. Like a typical cyborg, she was laser focused on her task.

Meanwhile, he was focused on her.

Hard not to be. The woman had a body designed to bring a gladiator to his knees. She wasn’t soft—she was all fit, toned muscle, but with enough curves to make his gaze wander. It didn’t help that she always wore black leather slicked over her body.

Not that he’d touch her like the idiot she’d beaten down in the tunnel. Well, not unless she asked. He let that little fantasy play out in his head and smiled.

As she moved, the leather hugged her ass like a jealous lover, and he swallowed a groan.

“You’d better be looking at the back of my head, gladiator.” Her voice was as sharp as a blade.

Xias grinned. “Planning to try and beat me up too?”

She glanced over her shoulder. She had black tattoo-like markings on her face, something he’d learned was common to her species. The black marks winged out from her deep-set, purple eyes and ran down her cheeks. She also had a set of small metallic horns on her forehead, close to her hairline. Implants of some sort.

She was sexy as drak.

“I could take you down,” she said.

He snorted. “You could try.”

Purple eyes flashed before she turned and knocked on Magnus’ door.

“Enter,” a deep voice rumbled.

They walked inside and saw the imperator standing at the windows, looking down at the training arena below.

Magnus made an impact. He had a large frame packed with lean muscle, and like most of the gladiators and cyborgs, his chest was bare except for a leather harness. One of the imperator’s arms was made of silver-grey metal and a metal implant curled around one of his eyes.

Xias respected the hell out of the cyborg. He respected what Magnus had created here, the people he’d saved. Xias understood the pain of not being able to save someone you loved. He let the old grief wash over him. It had dulled over time but never went away. He admired that Magnus had created the House of Rone to help others.

As they joined the imperator, he saw one of Magnus’ elite cyborgs, Toren, down on the sand in the arena. The blond cyborg was kissing his new mate, Simone. The pair appeared lost in each other. Simone’s daughter, Grace, was running around them playing with a small cyborg cat. The cat was a fixture at the House of Rone—and had several unusual cyborg enhancements—and was usually attached to a rescued alien woman called Calla.

Magnus turned, face cool, one of his eyes glowing neon blue. “Thanks for coming.”

Seren nodded. “What do you need?”

Straight to business. She was always so serious and all focused on work. Xias didn’t think he’d ever seen her smile or have some fun.

“I have a mission for you.” Magnus waved his cybernetic hand for them to sit.

Xias waited for Seren to pick a chair, then sat in the one closest to her, making sure his leg brushed hers. She shot him a sharp look.

It was so wrong that his body found that dangerous look so sexy.

Magnus sat behind his huge desk. “As you know, Bellamy Walsh gave us data on the city of Bari Batu.”

Xias’ lips curled. Bari Batu was the desert city of the Edull. The alien metal scavengers had purchased abducted Earth women from alien slavers, and had held them in captivity in their city. It was another reason Xias had such respect for Magnus—he was dedicated to rescuing these captive women.

As far as they knew, Bellamy Walsh was the last woman from Earth that was still a prisoner. She’d helped the cyborgs on a previous mission, but had been recaptured by the Edull.

Magnus was mated to another Earth woman, Ever Haynes. She’d been rescued by the House of Galen, whose gladiators had rescued the first group of women. Now, the House of Rone was rescuing this second group, and Xias had watched all of Magnus’ elite cyborgs fall for the charms of the women.

He had to admit, these Earth women were strong, resilient, and beautiful in different ways. The women had the most hardened cyborgs—some who hadn’t felt emotions before—all taking the fall into love.

Xias had never been in love, but one day he wanted the pleasure of claiming a woman as his.

“We have the coordinates to the city,” Magnus said, “but we have limited information on how to infiltrate the battle arena.”

Seren made a small sound and Xias clenched his hand into a fist.

The sand-cursed Edull had built a horrid battle arena. They raced nightmarish battle bot creations to the death, using innocent slaves as drivers.

“What’s the mission?” Seren asked.

“A sometimes ally of ours has been in touch. He says he has a detailed map of the battle arena.”

Xias raised his brows. This was a lucky break.

“He attended races at the arena once, but didn’t like what he saw.”

Yes, Xias imagined that most people wouldn’t like seeing slaves forced to race to the death.

“He’s agreed to give us the map,” Magnus said.

“You want me to retrieve it?” Seren asked.

“It’s not that simple.” Magnus sat back in his chair. “The ally is Zonan.”

Xias groaned. Zonan was a rabid fan of his. He sent Xias gifts and attended the arena fights as often as he could. He invited Xias to attend his parties, and to his home in the neighboring city of Kaffit, to fight in his small fight ring.

To borrow an Earth phrase, Zonan was a pain in the ass.

“Zonan is a very dedicated fan of Xias’,” Magnus said.

Seren glanced at Xias, looking unimpressed.

“He won’t give us the map unless Xias goes to retrieve it.” Magnus glanced from Xias to Seren.

“Sounds simple enough,” Xias said. He was happy to travel to Kaffit and put up with Zonan for a day.

Magnus’ mouth firmed into a line. “He will only hand over the map if you fight in his fight ring.”

“I’ll do it.” Xias didn’t hesitate. He’d always said no to Zonan’s invitations before, but this was important. The battle arena had to be closed down and Bellamy Walsh set free.

Once, Xias had failed to save his sister. He wouldn’t fail another woman.

Magnus inclined his head. “Thank you, Xias. But I don’t trust Zonan, and I don’t trust the Edull not to hear about this and try to stop you. Seren will go with you.”

Both Seren and Xias stiffened.

“As a cover story, she’ll travel with you as your bodyguard.”

Xias jumped to his feet. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

Seren grimaced.

“You are both two of my most skilled fighters. You will both go to Kaffit and get that map.”

Drak. The map was what was important, not his own ego. Xias sucked in a breath and nodded.

“When do we leave?” Seren asked.

“Now,” Magnus answered.

Turbulent purple eyes met Xias’. For all her calm, Seren wasn’t happy.

This should be fun.

CHAPTER TWO

Seren held the reins lightly, urging her tarnid around a slow-moving transport.

The city was behind her and the desert road stretched ahead. They were following a hard-packed path through the desert sands.

She heard humming and her mouth tightened.

Xias rode beside her on his own six-legged, scaled beast. He rode easily, smiling to himself. The man didn’t appear to take anything seriously.

“How long will it take to get to Kaffit?” she asked.

“We’ll be there before nightfall.”

She wrinkled her nose. That meant they had a long, boring day ahead of them.

“Relax, Seren. Enjoy the view.”

She scanned around, looking at the beige sand dunes. “There’s nothing to look at.”

“Look at the changing colors of the sand. The rock formations to the west. The mountains to the south. Not to mention the wildlife.”

Her brow creased. “Wildlife?”

“Look up.”

She arched her head to look at the faded blue sky, with its two large suns high overhead. She saw a bird of prey floating on the breeze, large wings outstretched. She blinked again. It was gorgeous. It had the sleek, streamlined shape of a predator.

When she looked back down, she saw that the sand on the next dune was banded with different shades of red, orange, and gold. Grudgingly, she agreed that the desert did have a stark beauty to it.

“You’re from Carthago?” she asked.

“Born and raised.”

She imagined he’d had a plush, easy life. He was always smiling, so she guessed he’d never faced hardship. Never faced loss.

“And you came from Dan Nonia.”

“Yes.” Her muscles stiffened.

He paused. “You know, there’s this thing called a friendly conversation.” He leaned back in his saddle. “We trade pleasantries, get to know each other.”

She grunted.

“Yes,” he noted. “I already knew you were amiable and that you talk too much.”

“You talk enough for both of us.”

He laughed. He threw his head back and the rich sound boomed out of him. Shaking his head, he grinned at her. “You should try being friendly, Seren. It’s not hard.”

“I don’t want to be friendly. And I don’t want to get to know you. I have a job to do and that’s all I’m interested in.”

“All work and no play, is no fun. You need to relax. You’re allowed to have fun and feel pleasure, even if you are a cyborg.”

That’s not what she’d been taught. Her father had drummed duty into her mercilessly. It had been his job to hone Dan Nonian cyborg soldiers to the sharpest edge, so that they only focused on their mission. He’d been even tougher on his only child.

They’d been bred to protect the planet, and Seren had been one of the rare few of her species born with the ability to teleport. She’d been segregated from a young age and trained hard. Yet they hadn’t been prepared for the microscopic virus that had ended their world.

It had been her father who’d shoved her into an escape pod and jettisoned her into space. She remembered screaming at him, fighting to get free. She’d wanted to stay and help. Instead, she’d drifted for days before she’d been picked up by a cargo ship heading to Carthago. She’d been found starving, with no voice from her screaming. It was then that she’d learned that her entire species had been wiped out, her planet devoid of any life.

Seren shoved the dark feelings away. She would continue to honor her father and her planet—and not by having frivolous fun.

They kept riding and the hours passed. Xias hummed, sang, and sometimes sat in silence, but even silent, the man still radiated a presence.

It annoyed her.

A crowd of travelers came into view ahead. As they moved closer, Seren saw that there were lots of animals being ridden by travelers, and tarnids pulling loaded carts behind them.

“We should trade for some fresh fruit,” Xias suggested.

Seren noted that there were a few sellers set up on the carts with buckets of fresh fruit and other foods. Xias slid off his tarnid and strode over to the closest cart. He moved with swagger, all tightly packed muscle that drew the eye.

She found her gaze on his leather-clad ass before she jerked it up. Now, she was looking at his bare back and glossy, dark skin. He had superb musculature that he didn’t bother to cover with a shirt.

“By the sands, you’re Xias,” someone shouted.

“It’s the gladiator champion Xias!”

A small crowd mobbed him. He smiled, waving and shaking hands.

Kids ran around him and two women moved up toward him, clamping onto him like sand leeches. They smiled and simpered until Seren rolled her eyes. Another man and woman were talking to him, waving their hands with excitement.

Seren looked away. Xias was lapping it up. She’d seen the arena flutterers who fawned over him during the arena fights. Word was that Xias had a very large cock and knew how to use it. He apparently left his bedmates starry-eyed and well-pleasured.

Not that Seren cared. She’d tried sex once not long after she’d come to Carthago—it had been unpleasant. She saw enough kissing and touching among the mated couples at the House of Rone. She had no desire to participate herself.

Xias eventually came back with some red and orange fruit in his hand. “Friendly lot.”

She glared at him.

The big gladiator tossed a piece of the fruit at her, and she caught it before it slammed into her face.

“Can we get moving now?” she asked. “Or did you want to fit a party with your adoring fans into your schedule?”

He bit into his fruit and moaned. “Oh no, all I want to do is spend more time in your charming company, sweet Seren.”

XIAS WATCHED Seren ignore him and smiled. Drak, it was fun needling her.

She arched her back, stretching her neck. His gaze fell to her chest, molded by her slick suit. His cock took notice.

Drak.

He shifted on his tarnid, trying to find a more comfortable position.

The women back with the travelers had made him all kinds of interesting, whispered offers. Unfortunately, he’d found that he hadn’t been interested by a single one of them.

No, it appeared his body was taking notice of the one woman he wasn’t interested in. He blew out a breath. Okay, he was lying. He’d noticed Seren a long time ago.

Suddenly, her tarnid reared its front legs into the air.

What the drak? She was struggling to control it.

“Seren?” he yelled.

“There’s a serpent on the track,” she bit out.

His tarnid sidestepped and he saw the long, sinuous shape ahead on the sand. Then he frowned. The serpent wasn’t moving. It was dead, or this was a…

Drak. “Seren, watch out! It’s a trap!”

Several bodies leaped out of the ground, sand pouring off them.

Xias cursed loudly. They were either desert pirates or thieves. It was common that scoundrels attacked and robbed travelers in the desert.

A projectile hit Seren, knocking her off her tarnid.

No. Xias leaped off his beast, a projectile just missing him. He used the tarnid for cover and ran over to where Seren was sitting on the ground.

She had a large metal spike lodged in her shoulder. Blood was splattered all over her leathers.

“Drak.” He knelt beside her.

“I slowed the bleeding and I’m utilizing my system to block the pain,” she said dispassionately.

He looked at her face. He saw the lines bracketing her mouth. She might be able to block some of her pain, but not all of it.

“We have five incoming attackers,” she said.

Sometimes, Xias wished he had cyborg systems. “I’ll deal with them.”

She made a scoffing sound. “There are five of them and they’re all armed.”

Xias rose and reached over his shoulder. He drew his sword from the scabbard on his back. “I like those odds.”

She pushed to her feet, and with a curse, he moved to help her. She glared at his proffered hand.

“I’ll assist you,” she said.

“You’re injured.”

She raised a brow. “I like those odds.”

And Magnus thought Earth women were stubborn.

Seren reached for the metal fighting forks sheathed on her thighs. She drew them and he stared at the beautifully crafted weapons.

He whistled. “What did Maxon demand in return for those?”

Maxon was the House of Rone’s weapons master. He was grumpy and opinionated, a genius when it came to crafting weapons, and he grudgingly parted with every exquisite weapon he created.

“Maxon likes me,” Seren said.

“Maxon doesn’t like anyone.” Xias paused, hearing the attackers getting closer.

“I don’t talk him to death,” she said.

“Hmm, you do have similar personalities.” Xias paused, listening to a foot dragging in the sand. “Here they come.”

She nodded and together, they rounded the tarnid.

They didn’t wait for the attack, instead they exploded into action.

Xias swung his sword, the movement second nature to him. A pirate screamed, blood blooming on his chest.

A projectile whizzed past Xias and he ducked. Then he swiveled and saw Seren fighting.

Drak, she was magnificent.

She whirled and spun her fighting forks, moving with deadly force. She stabbed one pirate in the arm, then spun and lunged, stabbing a second one in the gut.

Xias’ sword slammed against a big pirate’s axe. They scuffled, but the man was no match for Xias. He trained for the arena every day. With several blows, he cut the man down.

He turned to see the last pirate running at Seren’s back.

“Seren!” Xias yelled.

He started running across the sand, but he was too far away.

She turned, just as the pirate rammed his sword at her. Then poof, she was gone in a blink.

The pirate stumbled and frowned.

Seren winked back into existence behind him, dark smoke curling around her. She ran her fork into his back and twisted.

With a strangled cry, the man pitched forward.

She yanked her fork back, staring down as the bleeding pirate dropped to the sand.

By the sands, she was a hell of a woman. Then Xias saw her face turn white.

Drakking hell. He lunged the last few steps between them and caught her before she hit the sand.

She grimaced. “My systems can’t compensate for all the pain.”

“Stubborn, independent, stone-headed woman.” She was losing too much blood. “We have to pull the projectile out.”

She nodded. “Do it.”

He gripped the spike, and didn’t bother warning her. He yanked and she cried out.

Xias tossed the metal away and quickly grabbed the bandana he always carried from his pocket. He pressed the fabric to her bleeding wound. Then he scooped his arms under her and carried her to her tarnid.

“I don’t like being carried,” she said.

“Well, I thought about letting you crawl to the tarnids…”

She scowled.

“…dripping blood all over the sand.”

“You made your point, gladiator.”

“I’m going to take care of you, Seren. Deal with it.”

He set her down in the shade cast by her tarnid’s big body. Then he fished around in the pack on his own beast before coming back with a compact med kit.

Next, he reached for the fastenings at the neckline of her leather suit. As the leather parted, it gave him a view of smooth, unblemished skin that was far lighter than his own.

He swallowed, desire tying his gut in a knot. Great, just great. He took out some antiseptic solution, poured it on the cloth, then started cleaning the wound. It was a small, ragged hole high on her shoulder. He tried to ignore the top of the plump, full breast that was right by his hand.

Next, he pulled out a tube of med gel and smeared the blue, healing substance over the injury.

“There.” He pressed a bandage over the worst of it.

“It feels much better,” she said.

“Say ‘thank you, Xias,’” he prompted.

Those purple eyes glared at him. “Thank you, Xias.”

Every word sounded ripped out of her. Drak, she was something.

“Now, let’s get to Kaffit before I have to rescue you again.”

Her eyes flared. “You didn’t rescue me. You aided me.”

“You say aided, I say rescued.”

Her growl was the sweetest sound he’d heard all day.

CHAPTER THREE

They arrived in the city of Kaffit.

Huge stone walls surrounded the city and as they passed through them, Seren was assaulted by the noise and chaos of the desert settlement.

Unlike Kor Magna, where most of the stone buildings were of similar designs, Kaffit had a rambling feel to it. Some buildings were topped with domes, others were crooked and looked about ready to topple over, while some were newer with gleaming glass windows.

A crowd of kids in loose desert clothes ran up to them, laughing and shouting.

Seren felt a twinge in her shoulder but controlled her wince. The injury was already healing, but it was painful.

She glanced at Xias. He was a drakking good fighter, she had to admit. In a real-life fight, he fought with no flash or showmanship, just tough, brutal skill.

And he’d helped her. He’d treated her wound with a gentleness that had surprised her.

“You’re staring,” he said.

She looked away. “Where is this Zonan’s place?”

“West side of the city. Magnus said we can’t miss it.”

They walked their tarnids slowly through the city streets. She watched Xias wave to the kids and call down some jokes to them.

When he wasn’t looking, she pulled out some ekta sweets. The soft, chewy candies were her secret addiction. Growing up, she hadn’t been allowed anything sweet, and at the House of Rone, she’d discovered she loved sweet things.

She threw the ekta down and the kids grabbed the treats, grinning at her. Seren fought a smile.

“I saw that.”

She jerked and glanced at Xias. “Saw what?”

He smiled. “You like to pretend you’re all tough cyborg, but I see you, Seren.”

“I am all tough cyborg.”

He grunted. “And apparently that’s hiding a soft heart that gives candies to kids.”

She scowled and tightened her hands on the reins. “Is not.”

“Is too.”

“Is not.” Ugh, she was arguing like a child.

He winked. “I think we’re here.”

She looked ahead. Drak.

At the end of the street was a sprawling castle. Flags fluttered on the top of ornate walls, and Seren blinked to make sure the desert residence was real. It looked like a sand castle she’d seen children make in sand boxes at Kor Magna’s underground markets. Zonan’s place was a rambling structure where each part of it was a different design. In places, towers speared up next to single-story, fortress-like blocks. Some parts were boxy, others curved and sinuous, while other parts looked airy and delicate.

They pulled up in front of the building and servants rushed to take the tarnids.

Hands gripped her waist.

“Back off,” she snapped.

“Nope.” Xias grinned up at her.

“I’ll kick you.”

“I might like it.” With an easy flex of his arms, he lifted her down from the tarnid.

“I don’t like you,” she muttered under her breath.

“Think you’re lying again.”

He set her down just as the doors at the top of the stairs opened.

A man in robes of a wild mix of colors swept out.

“Xias! Welcome. It’s such an honor to have you in my home.”

And she’d thought Xias was showy.

Zonan wore clashing colors that hurt her eyes and so much jewelry she wondered how he managed to walk. He had long brown hair that reached his waist.

The man’s gaze switched to her and widened. “Who is this gorgeous creature?”

He stepped toward her, and Seren whipped up one of her forks and pressed it to his stomach.

“I’m his bodyguard. I’m not here to look pretty or play.”

A flare of excitement bloomed in the man’s eyes. “She’s incredible.”

Xias pushed Seren’s arm down. “We’re happy to be here, Zonan. But we are tired and dusty.”

“Of course.” The man clapped his hands and servants swarmed around them. “I’ll have you shown to your rooms.” He smiled. “And then you need to get ready for dinner and the fight tonight.”

“You have something to give to me for Magnus?” Xias said.

Zonan’s face turned sly. “You’ll get it after the fight.”

Crudspawn.

“Now, I’ll let you go and rest with your bodyguard.” Zonan winked.

Seren’s muscles bunched, her hand itching to hit the man.

Xias slid an arm around her and she stiffened. He was warm and hard against her.

“That’s exactly what we’d like.” Xias lowered his voice. “Don’t kill him.” He raised his voice again. “Lead on, Zonan.”

XIAS STEPPED out of the shower feeling much fresher. He snatched up a drying cloth and rubbed his wet hair.

He wandered into the opulent bedroom—the bed was huge, the furnishings lush and colorful. He’d expected no less of Zonan.

Seren had the adjoining room to his. He glanced at the closed door and wondered if she was naked and wet too.

He shook his head. He was getting fixated on the prickly, dangerous cyborg.

His lips curved. She’d be a challenge, and he suspected well worth the effort if he got under that smooth skin of hers. He made a humming noise. He’d never taken the easy route before. As a street rat living for scraps in Kor Magna, he’d had to fight hard to feed himself and his sister.

Suddenly, the door between the rooms opened and Seren strode in.

“I hope you’ve finished preening—” She froze.

Xias froze too.

She’d changed, and it was the first time he’d seen her in anything other than her black fighting leathers.

She’d traded the black suit for a white dress. It crossed over one shoulder, leaving the other muscular arm bare. The fabric fit her torso like a harness—slicking over taut curves. From her hips, it fell in a silky rain of fabric, with splits up both legs to give her good movement.

He guessed her forks were strapped to her strong thighs. Her black hair was in its usual ponytail—the black a stark contrast to the white fabric of her dress. It also accentuated the black marks at the corner of her eyes and on her cheeks.

That’s when Xias realized she was staring at him.

Rather at his naked body and half hard cock.

“You’re naked,” she said slowly.

He pressed his tongue to his teeth. “Yes.”

“Very naked.”

An interesting flush of color appeared in her cheeks.

“Do you like what you see?” His voice sounded grittier than usual.

“Maybe.” There was curiosity in her tone. “I’ve not paid much attention to the male anatomy before.”

Xias had expected her to turn and leave, so her words left him shocked. That edge of curiosity that made him even harder.

Her eyes widened. “I’d heard the rumors that you were large.”

Xias made a choking sound.

She moved closer.

“Don’t stare at me like I’m a science experiment,” he muttered.

“It’s a little hard not to stare, you’re naked, and your reproductive organ is very noticeable.”

He groaned. “I like a little intimacy when a woman’s devouring me with her eyes.”

Her purple gaze narrowed. “I’m not devouring you. I’m a cyborg. I have no emotional reaction.”

“So why are your cheeks pink?”

The shade deepened.

“You feel, Seren, even if you like to pretend otherwise.” He took a step toward her. He was only a little taller than she was and he liked that. She matched him in so many ways.

“I don’t feel,” she insisted.

“Prove it.”

“How?”

“Kiss me.”

This was probably a really bad idea, but he couldn’t stop the words tumbling out of his mouth. He was sure she’d balk. She’d spit some acid words at him and stalk off.

When she stepped closer, he sucked in a breath.

When she pressed her hands to his bare chest, his heart slammed against his ribs.

Then her mouth pressed to his, and something inside him exploded.

Drak.

It felt like being hit with a stunner.

Xias groaned and opened his mouth. She made a sound and then he slid his arms around her. He spun her back into the wall. She opened her mouth and the kiss went wild.

She gripped his shoulders, her tongue stroking his, matching his movements. Drak, she tasted better than anything he’d had before.

He cupped her ass and pulled her closer.

She rubbed against his now rock-hard erection, and the small sexy sounds she made reverberated through him.

Drak, drak, drak.

Then suddenly, she pulled back, breaking the kiss.

Panting, she pushed at him until he stepped back. Her hair was askew and her lips swollen.

When she stepped away, she swayed a little.

“Don’t feel, my ass,” he said.

She straightened and fixed her hair. “It was an interesting experiment.”

“Really?”

She tossed her head back. “I didn’t feel anything worth mentioning.”

He grinned. “Must have been something if you feel the need to lie.”

Her purple gaze turned chilling. “We have a mission to do, Xias. We don’t have time for this. Now get dressed for the party.”

“Before this mission is over, Seren, you’ll beg me to kiss you again.”

She rolled her eyes. “So arrogant.”

“Confident. There’s a difference.”

She snorted. “Clothes, now.”

“You’ll beg me to take my clothes off too.” He picked up his leather trousers off the bed.

She strode out the door. “I don’t think so.”

We’ll see, prickly Seren, we’ll see.

CHAPTER FOUR

Seren was feeling some emotion right now—annoyance.

She was annoyed for a lot of reasons. First, was this party.

She circled the open-air terrace. They were outside Zonan’s desert home on a large patio lined by long columns of fire spearing into the night sky from fire pits. Partygoers were everywhere. They were all too loud—laughing, screeching, talking.

A couple clutching tall drinks stood in her path and she scowled at them. They quickly scurried off.

She was holding a glass that someone had shoved into her hand. Her nose wrinkled, and she poured the frothy, yellow fluid into a potted plant.

Nearby, a dancer was whirling burning poles around. The woman was naked. Okay, not naked, but Seren didn’t classify the woman’s delicate metal jewelry as clothes. The crowd cheered and clapped at the woman’s display.

Yes, Seren was annoyed at the party full of annoying people. It was also very irritating that Zonan wouldn’t give them the map. The man was playing games.

The crowd parted and she spotted a lanky, teenage boy with dark hair. He had some black markings on his face and something inside her stilled. She looked again, but the boy was gone. She shook her head. Some other species had markings similar to hers.

Then she heard a deep, masculine laugh.

She turned.

And there was the final reason she felt annoyed. One big, bold, handsome gladiator.

Xias was talking with a group who was hanging off everything he said. He glanced up, lifted his drink at her, and smiled. Instantly, she was back in his room, their mouths locked together.

Don’t go there, Seren.

She turned away, and suddenly, saw several young children looking up at her. They were dressed in similar clothing to the servants. Zonan appeared to have a lot of children in residence.

She frowned. “Are you supposed to be here?”

They stared at her, then one little girl with golden hair shook her head.

“Do you live here?” Seren asked.

The girl nodded, then she reached out a hand to finger the fabric of Seren’s dress.

Seren felt strange emotions move through her. She did feel. She had lied to Xias earlier, but she tried hard to control her feelings in order to be a good cyborg. More often than she liked to admit, sensations leaked through.

She reached into one of the pockets in the folds of her dress and pulled out her stash of sweet ekta. She crouched down and held some out. The girl took them shyly, then she lifted a hand and traced Seren’s facial markings.

“Virin,” the girl whispered.

Frowning, Seren checked her systems for any reference to the word virin. Nothing.

The girl stashed her sweets in the skirts of her simple dress, then disappeared into the crowd with the other children.

Rising, Seren swiveled, just as a man stepped in front of her.

“You are exquisite.” He had a breathy, accented voice and he was eyeing the implants on her forehead.

“Touch me and I will hurt you,” she warned.

The man licked his lips. He was far shorter than her, with a stick-thin body and a shirt in an eye-watering orange.

“The markings…do they cover your entire body?”

She glared at him. “None of your business.”

He lowered his voice. “I’d love to find out. I’m very talented with my tongue.”

“And I’m very talented with a sword.”

The man paused. “A real sword? Or are you using a euphemism for something else?”

She just stared at him.

He shuddered. “So exquisite.” He reached out a hand—

Seren punched him in the face.

It wasn’t a hard blow, but he staggered backward and fell into a table of food. It and the man tipped over with a loud crash.

Guests gasped and cried out.

“Making friends again?” Xias stepped up beside her.

She scented him and he smelled so good. Why did he have to smell so good?

“He tried to touch me,” she said.

Xias’ trademark grin appeared. “And if I try to touch you?”

She raised a brow. “Why don’t you find out, gladiator?”

“My special guests.” Zonan leaped up onto a table, his arms held wide. “Welcome to this wonderful evening. A night filled with fine food, amazing company, and stimulating entertainment. It is my pleasure to announce that the fights will soon begin.”

The crowd cheered and hollered.

Seren scanned around. “Animals.”

“Some are,” Xias conceded.

“And I have a very special treat for you,” Zonan continued. “All the way from the Kor Magna Arena, a true champion gladiator, and a favorite of mine.” Zonan looked down at Xias. “Xias of the House of Rone.”

Clapping broke out, along with whistles and cheers.

Xias raised a hand and waved.

“The warm-up fights are starting now, but it will all culminate with Xias fighting our very own Champion of Kaffit, Phalgor.”

A huge alien warrior lumbered into view. He was a head taller than Xias, with a lightly furred body made of packed muscle.

Seren scowled. “You have to fight him?”

Xias shrugged, apparently unconcerned.

“He’s huge,” she said. “And likely more powerful than you.”

“It’s skill that counts,” Xias said.

The man was so cocky. “I can’t take you back to Magnus broken or dead.”

“Worried about me?”

She sucked in a breath. “No.”

“Come on, you can help me warm up for the fight.”

“Do I get to hit you?”

He winked. “If you’re quick enough.”

STEPPING DOWN ONTO THE GRASS, Xias stripped off the shirt he’d worn for the party. He drew his sword off his back, swinging it through the air. They found a quiet, shadowed spot on the lawn, away from the party. Zonan must spend a small fortune to keep the gardens so green.

Xias turned and his heart kicked his ribs.

Seren strode toward him, the skirt of her dress flaring behind her. The slits parted, showing off her legs. She reached inside the slits and pulled out her fighting forks.

And just like that, Xias’ cock was hard.

She was so drakking gorgeous.

“Ready?” She moved into a fighting stance.

He lifted his sword. “Ready.”

She moved blindingly fast, even without her teleportation ability. She was a formidable fighter. They whirled and danced across the grass. His sword hit her forks, metal ringing on metal.

She spun away and Xias followed.

She ducked, then lunged, the tip of her fork raking across his abdomen.

He grunted and looked down. A pink mark welled on his dark skin.

She rose, the corner of her mouth lifting.

They lunged at each other again. Xias managed to knock one fork out of her hand.

She spun, her dress flaring, and their bodies slammed together.

“You got lucky,” she said.

“Skill, not luck.”

Her eyes narrowed and she whirled away.

The next attack was hard and fast. He blocked a huge hit, and they moved farther away from the party crowd and deeper into the shadows. Even with only one fork, she was deadly.

“I think you’re warmed up.” She lowered her arm, her chest rising and falling fast.

Xias sucked in some air. Drak, his sister would have loved Seren.

He lowered his sword. “I’m feeling very warm right now.”

Seren’s gaze locked with his.

“You’re very beautiful, Seren. Especially when you fight.”

Her lips parted.

He watched her face. “No one’s ever told you that before?”

She tucked her fork away, scooping down to pick up the one he’d knocked onto the grass. “Beauty was not important on my planet. Intelligence, strength, skill, and discipline, those were prized.”

Dan Nonia sounded like somewhere Xias would have hated. “You’re all those things.” He moved closer. “But you’re beautiful as well.”

Their bodies brushed and she sucked in a breath, her breasts skimming his chest.

He felt the way her nipples pebbled and he swallowed a groan.

She moved closer and he knew that she could hardly miss his hard cock jabbing her belly.

“You’re aroused,” she said.

Drak, that cool tone got to him. But he heard something beneath it. “Yes, very much. You’re attracted to me too.”

She arched a dark brow. “Attraction isn’t something I pay much attention to.”

“Has a man kissed you before, Seren?” He cupped her jaw and her eyelids fluttered. “I know you kissed me earlier, but I don’t think a man’s kissed you.”

“No.”

“Do you want me to kiss you? Properly?”

“I’m not sure.” Her lips were a whisper away from his.

“You have to decide.”

She didn’t say anything, instead she just closed the gap.

That was answer enough for him.

Her lips moved on his and he opened his mouth. She mimicked the move, and then they were devouring each other.

She gripped him, their tongues tangling. A hungry noise escaped her and one of her hands slid into his short hair.

Drak. So good.

Then there was the sound of a clearing throat.

“Xias, if you and your bodyguard are finished, it’s time for the fight.”

He tore his mouth from hers. He kept his hands on her hips to keep them both steady, then looked over his shoulder. Zonan watched them with an amused smile.

“I’m ready.” Xias forced himself to step away from Seren.

He had a fight to win.

An innocent woman was out there in the desert, and Magnus was counting on Xias to win in order to save her. He’d failed his sister, but he wouldn’t fail his imperator or Bellamy Walsh.

CHAPTER FIVE

Seren watched Xias climb into the open-air fight ring.

It was sizable, but nowhere near as large as an arena. This would be close-quarters combat.

Her lips were still tingling from their kiss. Other parts of her were tingling as well. It was like he’d torn away years of training and discipline from her.

She took a deep breath, her brain forcing her to relive that hot kiss. She grabbed a drink from a passing server and drained it in one gulp.

The crowd started cheering, all amped up and ready to watch the fight.

She hated that Xias had to do this. Dancing to Zonan’s twisted beat.

Then she saw the huge warrior climb into the ring—Phalgor. Her stomach tightened. Drak, the alien was really big.

Zonan climbed through the ropes and spun into the center of the ring, his arms held high. “Please, finish placing your bets.”

All around, Seren saw credits, coins, and hunks of glittering metal trading hands.

She lowered one hand, fingers stroking her fighting fork through the folds of her dress. She wanted this to be over. She wanted the map so she and Xias could get out of there, and get back to the House of Rone.

She looked at him in the ring. He was stretching, a smile on his face. But she knew him a little better now—he wasn’t taking any pleasure in this.

A drum sounded from somewhere—the beat heavy and striking. The crowd hushed.

“Let the fight begin,” Zonan yelled, leaping over the ropes and out of the ring.

There were no weapons. This worried Seren a little, as Xias usually fought with a sword.

Phalgor strode forward and Xias watched him come. An electric energy filled the air.

Then Xias moved.

Seren couldn’t look away.

She’d seen him fight before, but somehow this was rawer, more primal.

He was quicker than Phalgor. He whirled, landing sharp jabs against his opponent’s side.

Phalgor roared and swung his huge fists. Xias ducked, then hammered several punches home.

Her breath hitched. She watched Xias’ gleaming muscles flex and bunch as he fought. Shockingly, the spot between her legs pulsed, growing damp.

One of her hands curled into a fist. Xias landed a blow, sending Phalgor to one knee.

Then Xias looked through the ropes and caught Seren’s gaze. He winked.

So cocky.

Phalgor pushed up and charged. Xias dodged, but on the next charge, Phalgor caught Xias and lifted him off his feet. They crashed to the floor of the fight ring.

The crowd booed, hissed, and yelled.

“Get up, Xias,” she whispered.

He jerked free and rolled. Then he was up again. He rained blows down on his opponent and Phalgor shuddered under the brutal hits.

Seren felt like her skin was on fire. She wanted this finished, but a part of her couldn’t look away. Emotion swelled inside her, and she tried to push it away, but it was too strong.

In the middle of another wicked combination of hits, Xias caught her gaze again. It seared through her—molten hot.

Her breasts felt heavy, her belly was full of sharp flutters. Right now, she was not the disciplined cyborg she always tried to be. She looked away, staring blindly at the crowd. For the second time in her life, since the destruction of her planet, she really, really wanted something for herself.

The first had been to become a House of Rone elite cyborg.

And now, she wanted to know how it felt to have Xias’ powerful body moving inside her.

She caught a glimpse of something in the crowd. It was the teenage boy she’d spied earlier. He was watching her.

He definitely had facial markings—stark black that spread out from the corner of his eyes and some patterns on his cheeks. She frowned and the crowd shifted, blocking her view.

Who was he and why was he watching her?

The spectators gasped and she spun back to the fight.

Phalgor had Xias pinned to the ropes. The big warrior was hammering Xias with his massive fists. Concern shot through her.

“Move, Xias,” she whispered.

Xias grunted and caught her looking. Then the damn man winked.

“Move, you cocky gladiator,” she bit out.

Like he’d heard her whisper, Xias shoved Phalgor off and erupted into a flurry of brutal hits and kicks.

His powerful, muscled body moved like a well-programed machine. Each blow was smooth, powerful, and on target.

The crowd went wild.

Another hit to Phalgor’s head and he went down, crashing to the ground.

The shouts from the crowd were deafening.

Seren stood in the center of the mass of people, breathing heavily. She felt like excess energy had been pumped into her.

She needed to do something to alleviate this feeling inside her.

For the first time in her life, she felt electrically alive.

XIAS THRUST his hand into the air.

Blood pumped thickly through his veins. It always felt good to win.

He’d lost the most important battle of his life when he’d failed to save Jinna. His bright, young sister has fallen prey to the taint dealers in Kor Magna’s dark back alleys. They’d made her impossible promises, then gotten her hooked on the illicit drug.

Xias hadn’t been able to save her and she’d died of an overdose. He never wanted to lose again.

Zonan was back in the ring, droning on to the crowd and grinning like a crazy man.

Xias searched for Seren among the spectators. He spotted her and their gazes locked.

Drak. It was like a jolt to his already vibrating body. Desire hit him—hot, thick, and undeniable. He saw the echo of it in her purple eyes.

“Congratulations to our champion, Xias.” Zonan grabbed his hand and lifted it into the air.

“I want my prize, Zonan,” Xias said.

“Of course. In the morning, it’s all yours.”

Xias growled. “Now.”

Zonan smiled. “I keep it in my secure vault inside. I don’t have it with me. I promise you, in the morning, after you’ve rested, I’ll give it to you.”

Xias swallowed another growl. “You play me, you play Magnus and the House of Rone, then we’ll have problems.”

“The morning, I swear.”

Disgruntled, Xias turned back, looking for Seren.

She was gone.

Edgy need filled him and he leaped over the ropes. He was instantly mobbed by fans, and he nodded, accepting the thanks and praise. But he didn’t stop to chat.

Right now, he had another mission.

He strode away and into the house. Each step vibrated through him, his body heavy, his nostrils flared.

His long strides carried him down the corridor, and without knocking, he pushed open the door to her room. It slammed into the wall beside him.

The lights were on low. She stood by the window, a night breeze making her dress flow around her like water.

Drakking gorgeous. Desire was a heavy thud inside him. His cock pressed painfully to the front of his trousers.

Seren turned, her eyes ablaze.

Xias was still covered in sweat and some blood from a few scrapes. But he didn’t care.

He slammed the door closed behind him and crossed the room. “Be sure, Seren.”

She licked her lips, but didn’t say anything. Nor did she look away.

“I won’t stop,” he growled. “I’ll take everything I want.”

She shivered, but still didn’t move. “The map?”

“Zonan said in the morning.”

Her mouth tightened.

“I know. If he keeps stringing us along—” Xias smiled “—then we’ll have to convince him to hand it over.”

“I liked watching you fight.”

He reached up and unclipped his harness, pulling it off his chest. She watched every move, her breathing fast.

Drak. He couldn’t wait any longer.

He closed the distance between them and lifted her off her feet, their mouths crashing together.

She moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist. He slid his hands beneath her and cupped her ass.

They kissed wildly, all tongues and teeth, moans and groans. He backed her against the wall.

Drak. Drak. Need pulsed in his gut. She made a husky, hungry sound.

“I’m covered in sweat,” he said.

“I don’t care.” She bit down on his lip.

He growled. Then he set her down and spun her around.

“Hands against the wall,” he ordered.

She hesitated, but finally obeyed. He crouched behind her, sliding his hands up her legs and under the silk of her dress.

She trembled, but otherwise didn’t move.

Xias gripped the dress in one fist and pushed upward. He drank in her gorgeous, smooth skin.

By the sands. His cock hurt and it was hard to keep his body still. His fingers brushed the leather ties wrapped around her strong thighs, holding her fighting forks in place.

And then he saw the smooth cream of the simple panties that covered her perfect ass.

“You drive me wild, Seren. Right to the edge of my control.”

Her legs trembled. “Do something.”

He stroked up her thigh, undid the leather, and removed her fighting fork. Then he toyed with the leather on her other thigh before undoing it as well. He heard her breathing quicken.

Then he reached up and palmed her ass.

“You want to know what I have planned?” he asked.

She pushed back into his hand. He reached around her, gripping the neckline of her dress. He pushed the fabric off her shoulder, and she shifted, the silk slithering down her body to her feet.

Drak. His chest locked. The black markings ran across her shoulder blades and down her spine. So drakking beautiful.

His hands clenched on her. “I’m going to eat you now.”

“What?” She tried to turn.

He held her in place. “Between your legs, where you’re wet and needy.” He stroked a hand over her flat belly and down to finger the silk between her thighs.

She jerked and cried out.

“I’m so hungry for you. I’m going to lick you, tongue you, suck you.”

She gasped. “Do it, drak you.”

Xias dropped lower, his eyes on her ass. With one pull, he ripped her panties off and then cupped those toned cheeks. Then he gripped her hips, tilting her, and lowered his head between her legs.

“Oh…” Her voice was strangled.

He lapped at her. So wet, all for him.

She pushed back against his mouth. “More.”

He licked harder and growled against her sensitive flesh.

Xias took his time, reading her body and the sounds she made. He found exactly what drove his tough cyborg wild.

“Xias…” Her voice was high and breathy.

He spun her away from the wall and dragged her down onto the rug on the floor.

She was spread out before him, her face flushed and her purple gaze wild.

He leaned over and kissed her, and knew that she’d taste herself on his lips.

Then he pushed her back, running his hand between her gorgeous breasts, and lower down to her legs. He pushed those thighs apart and lowered his head again. He licked her, his tongue stabbing inside her.

She screamed, her back arching as she came.

Xias had won so many fights in his life, that he’d lost count of them. But winning this one was the best of all.

CHAPTER SIX

Seren lay on the floor, unable to move.

Clearly the partner she’d selected to try sexual relations with before had not been very skilled.

Right now, it felt like her nerves were on fire, her heart rate was elevated, and pleasure coiled in her belly.

She opened her eyes, saw Xias above her, like a dark predator.

An extremely satisfied-looking predator.

“You liked that?” he asked.

“I think that was obvious.”

“We’re not finished yet.” He palmed the heavy bulge straining the front of his trousers.

Seren licked her lips. “Let me.”

She reached up and unfastened his leathers. His very large cock sprang free.

She blinked. “That can’t possibly fit inside a woman.”

A choked laugh broke out of him. “It does, I promise.”

She reached for him again, but he caught her wrist. “Not yet.” He rose to his feet. “Wait here.”

“Where are you going?”

He strode toward the bathroom. “I’m washing the fight off me before I touch you again.” His molten gaze drifted over her. “Don’t move.”

She lay back, feeling wanton and indulgent lying naked on the floor. Yet another thing she’d never, ever done. And yet, she didn’t move. Couldn’t move.

He didn’t take long. When he came back, he was naked, his dark skin damp, and his impressive cock was hard.

Dropping back to his knees beside her, he smiled. “Now, where were we?”

She reached for the part of him that she was curious about and stroked. It was so dark, so thick. “I’d heard you were well endowed.”

He gave a low laugh, until she stroked him again. The laugh turned to a groan. “Drak, that feels good.”

“I want to make you feel good.” He’d given her so much pleasure before, and she liked seeing what she was doing to this powerful man. With each stroke, she saw the way his body tensed.

She ran her other hand over his chest, tracing down over his hard abs.

“Tell me what to do. What do you want, Xias?”

He shuddered. “Anything. Everything.”

She pulled him closer until he was straddling her chest with those massive thighs.

She eyed his thick cock. “I want to put my mouth on you, like you did to me.”

“Drak.” He exhaled a shaky breath.

She pulled him closer, until the thick head of his cock was near her lips. Keeping her fingers wrapped around the base of his swollen length, she licked.

“Drakking drak,” he shouted, his cock pulsing.

Seren sucked his cock into her mouth. He cursed again and she sucked harder, and was rewarded with a deep groan. She liked the taste of him—salty, musky.

“You like that, don’t you?” His voice was gritty. “Driving me crazy.”

She nodded.

He thrust into her mouth, the muscles in his magnificent body bunching.

“So good, Seren.” His face was intense. “You like the taste of me?”

She nodded, sliding her tongue around the head of his cock.

“I’ve tried not to imagine being with you like this,” she murmured. “A good cyborg doesn’t fantasize about cocky gladiators.” She licked him again.

He hissed out a breath. “You’re allowed to feel, Seren. To experience pleasure. To live.”

“I wasn’t allowed before.” She licked him from head to root. She moaned, loving exploring him. “Before, pleasure was not acceptable, only hard work and dedication to our planet.” She slid her hand around him, gripping one muscular ass cheek.

His breathing turned to harsh bellows. “Tonight, you’ll experience pleasure, Seren. I promise you.”

She sucked him deep, her belly contracting.

“Enough.” That big body rose off her.

“What? But—”

He lifted her like she weighed nothing. She settled into his arms, his skin hot against hers. She was very aware that her muscle mass and enhancements made her heavy, yet he carried her to the bed with an ease that made her heart flutter.

After setting her down, his hot gaze traced over her.

“I want time with these gorgeous breasts later.” He took his cock in hand and pumped it.

Her belly spasmed. “Xias, I… I need…”

“What do you need, gorgeous? I’ll give it to you. Anything you want.”

Seren wasn’t sure she could put it into words. She felt an emptiness inside, a gnawing need. One she needed him to soothe.

He knelt between her legs and his big hands stroked up her thighs.

“You’ve done this before?” he asked.

She’d never done anything like this before. “Once.”

He made a rumbling sound, then stroked through her folds. She jerked and moaned. Then one big finger slid inside her.

She swallowed a gasp.

“I need to make sure you’re ready for me.” Another finger stretched her, a strange invasion.

She moaned and he pumped his fingers inside her until she was back at the trembling edge of another climax.

Xias shifted, pushing her legs apart, and covered her with his body. He pulled her legs around his waist and the blunt head of his cock pressed against her entrance.

Seren bit her lip. He felt huge.

“Ready, gorgeous?”

She wasn’t sure, but nothing could make her pull away. “Do it.”

There was no cocky smile now, just intense, dark eyes that locked on hers.

“Keep looking at me, sweet Seren.”

She couldn’t look away. No one, except this man, had ever called her sweet before.

He slid a hand down to her hip, tilting her. Then he pushed inside.

Her body parted, taking him in. He moved slowly, bit by bit, spreading her wider. She clung to him, moans escaping her throat.

His big body was shaking above hers and she realized that he was fighting to hold himself back. To stop from plunging deep inside her.

He was looking after her.

“I won’t break,” she told him.

“You’re not used to this.”

She hooked one leg higher. “I won’t break, gladiator. I want you. All of you.”

She pushed up against him.

With a harsh groan, he thrust deep, lodging fully inside her.

Seren cried out his name. He was so deep and the throb between her legs so intense.

Nothing had ever felt so right or so good.

DRAK. Seren was wrapped tight around him.

Xias felt like a wild desert sandstorm was tearing through him. There was a searing need inside him, but there was more as well. The seeds of something huge.

Hungry, purple eyes were locked on his face.

“Show me.” Her voice was throaty, demanding. She undulated her hips.

Sensation rippled up his cock. Oh, his sweet cyborg would never be meek or gentle. She’d push, demand, and challenge.

He growled. “You like my big cock inside you?”

Her eyes flashed. “Yes. But I’m hoping there’s more.”

“Oh, there’s more.”

He pulled back, then plunged deep.

She moaned and clung to him.

“You want it hard and deep, Seren?”

“Yes.” Her short nails bit into his shoulders. “Give it all to me.”

He did. He set a brutal pace, his need riding him harder than ever before. Their flesh slapped together, pleasure a sweaty, raw explosion between them.

She made sexy noises that drove him on.

“You love this, gorgeous. Taking me deep.”

“Yes,” she panted.

He felt her body tighten, knew her orgasm was building. But he saw something he’d never seen from Seren before. A flash of fear on her face.

He knew what was running through that sharp mind. Giving up her control was hard.

“You can let go,” he said. “Fly for me, sweet cyborg. I’ll hold you safe.”

On his next thrust, she let go and came, bucking hard against him.

Xias heaved back, sitting on his knees. He lifted her in front of him, working her up and down on his cock. His thrusts became rougher, his rhythm gone.

“Come inside me, Xias,” she demanded, gripping his shoulders.

He took her mouth and pulled her down, his cock buried deep inside her. His release ripped through him and he roared her name against her lips.

“Seren. Seren.”

It took a while for Xias to come back down from his high. His heart was thundering in his chest. He held her tight as he tried to get his brain working. She lay slumped against him and didn’t seem inclined to move.

He’d had a lot of women, mostly for a night or two, but a few he’d kept around a little longer. Sex had always been about fun, pleasure, and laughter. With Seren, it was intense, possessive, all-consuming.

He’d never felt this possessive need to claim a woman before.

“I realize now why people enjoy doing this so much,” Seren mumbled.

He shifted, his cock slipping out of her. She made a small sound of disappointment. He lay down on the bed, pulling her into his arms. Her black hair spilled over him and he loved it. All that gorgeous silk and an even more gorgeous woman. He held her tight, a part of him expecting her to try and leave.

An unfamiliar fear gripped him. What if she wasn’t feeling what he was?

“Is sexual intercourse always like this?” she asked curiously.

“I don’t know. It’s never been like this for me before.”

She tipped her head back, her brow creased. “It hasn’t?”

He shook his head and gripped her jaw. He ran his fingers over her soft skin. “This is something rare. Something once-in-a-lifetime.”

Her eyes widened, looking like purple jewels.

“Don’t complicate things,” he said.

“Me complicate things?”

“There’s something strong between us, Seren. I think we’ve both known it’s been there a while.”

She sat up, clearly preoccupied since she didn’t cover her naked breasts.

“Are you talking about…a relationship? Mating?”

She said “mating” like he’d offered her a rabid desert night beast for a pet.

“Not today or tomorrow,” he told her. “But I’m giving you fair warning, Seren. I’m planning to fuck you again.” He was fighting the urge to pin her down right now. “There’s going to be an us.”

“I’m a cyborg. A fighter. That’s what I do. All I do.”

“This isn’t Dan Nonia. Other House of Rone cyborgs have mates and lives. You can too.”

“You think life is always easy.” Her face twisted. “All fun and pleasure.”

“I grew up living on the streets of Kor Magna. I have vague recollections of my mother dying when I was a child, and no idea who my father was.”

Seren stilled. “What?”

“My sister and I lived on what we could steal or earn. It was just the two of us. Sleeping on the rooftops to avoid the people who preyed on kids. I started fighting so I could protect and feed Jinna.”

Seren swallowed. “Where’s your sister now?”

“Dead. I was eighteen when the taint dealers got to her. She started working for them, then started using.” Xias fought back the grief. “She needed me, but I was too busy fighting to see what was happening. I failed her. I failed to protect her, failed to save her.”

“No, Xias.” Seren shook her head. “It sounds like you protected her your entire life, when you were just a child yourself. The taint dealers are the ones who killed her.”

He fought back the ugly pain. “When I buried her, I promised her that I’d find success. That I’d be a champion gladiator one day and experience everything good that life offered.” He stared into Seren’s eyes. “Including finding a woman who captured all my senses, and my heart. A woman who would belong to me in every way.”

Seren bit her lip, uncertainty stamped all over her strong face. “Xias, I don’t know how to belong to someone else.” She turned away to get off the bed.

He gripped her leg and yanked her back until she was flat on her belly.

She started to struggle, but he pressed a kiss to the center of her spine, right on those beautiful black markings.

She froze.

“Just feel, Seren.”

She made a needy sound and pushed back against him. He rubbed his hardening cock against her ass.

Then he reached down, snaking a hand beneath her, and then between her legs.

He started to stroke. “All you have to do right now is feel.”

She turned her head and he moved to meet her mouth, kissing her as they both let go again.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Seren woke with powerful arms banded around her. Xias held her like he thought she’d try to escape.

After the spectacular sex they’d shared, he’d held her all night while they’d slept.

Seren had always slept alone, but sleeping with Xias—who dominated the bed—had been nice.

Okay, she’d loved it.

His big legs were tangled with hers, his hot skin pressed against her. She felt secure.

Lips pressed to the base of her neck. “Morning.”

She swallowed. “Good morning.”

He rolled her to face him. “Sleep well?”

She was trying to pick her words.

“Don’t think,” he said. “Just feel.”

“Yes. I enjoyed sleeping with you.”

“There.” He nuzzled her nose with his. “That wasn’t so hard.” He reached out and traced the marks on her cheeks. “I love holding you. I love your gorgeous body pressed to mine.”

She blew out a breath. He wanted things from her that she had no idea how to give.

He touched a strand of her hair, rubbing it between his fingers. That such a big, strong man, who fought so fiercely and with such strength, could also be so gentle made her heart skip a beat. From the way he’d talked about his sister, it was clear he’d loved Jinna. He was a man filled with life and emotion.

He leaned in and kissed Seren. “We’ll talk more about us when we get back to Kor Magna. Right now, we have a map to retrieve.”

“Xias…I don’t know if I can give you what you want.”

He climbed off the bed, and stood there, gloriously naked and unashamed about it. He flashed her that wide, glamorous smile. “You already are, sweet Seren. You don’t need to be anything other than yourself.”

He strode to the bathroom, his ass muscles flexing. Seren just lay there, her belly fluttering. Her stomach had never fluttered before Xias.

He appeared to like her just as she was—a lethal cyborg with numerous enhancements, a sometimes surly woman, a loner, a fighter.

Warmth bloomed.

He was getting out of the shower when she got in. He shot her an appreciative look but didn’t touch her. She understood. They had a mission to complete.

Soon, they were both dressed and headed down to breakfast.

Zonan sat at a table on the patio outside in the morning sunshine. All signs of the party were gone except for the empty fight ring.

“Good morning, my honored guests.” Grinning, he rose from his chair, his long hair loose around his garish yellow-green tunic.

Seren did not like this man.

“Zonan, it’s been a pleasure,” Xias said.

“I’m sure your night was very pleasurable.” He winked and glanced at Seren.

Xias moved fast and gripped the man’s throat. Zonan gasped.

“You don’t talk about her like that.” Xias’ tone was sharper than his sword. “Ever.”

Zonan nodded.

Xias dropped him back on his feet, then morphed back into the jovial gladiator he usually was. “Good.”

Seren was beginning to realize that there were so many sides to Xias—handsome gladiator, showman, warrior, generous lover, intense protector.

She was starting to like them all.

“We need to get back to Kor Magna,” Xias said. “We have a long day of travel ahead. So please hand over the map you promised us.”

Zonan sat slowly, lifted some food, and chewed. Then he grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth. “There’s no rush.”

Seren tensed. She saw Xias’ shoulders stiffen.

“Enjoy some breakfast,” the man cajoled. “I’ll go and get the map now.” He rose, and with a nod, headed back inside.

Xias sat at the table, but looked unhappy. He thrummed his fingers against the tabletop.

Seren paced. “Something is off.”

“Agreed.”

Suddenly, the teenage boy from the party rushed up from the garden and onto the patio. “You’re in danger.”

Xias rose and Seren moved closer.

The boy cast a furtive glance into the house. His markings were so similar to hers, yet different. Was he Dan Nonian?

“Who are you?” she asked.

“I live here.”

“You’re a servant?”

He nodded. “Zonan takes many of us in as children. I remember no other home before here.”

She guessed that made for loyal staff, with limited options. Zonan was a sandsucker. “Are you Dan Nonian?”

The boy frowned and cocked his head. “What’s Dan Nonian?”

“Forget it. What do you mean we’re in danger?”

Xias had moved to her back, pressing close.

“Several Edull arrived in the night,” the boy said. “I don’t think Zonan will give you what you want. And I don’t think the Edull will let you leave here alive.”

Drak.

XIAS MET Seren’s steely gaze.

“We need to get that map,” she said.

“And then we need to get out of here—”

Before he finished, the patio doors blew open from the force of a massive explosion. Glass flew everywhere, and they were picked up off their feet and thrown across the patio.

Xias hit the pavers, rolling. His ears were ringing. Drakking hell.

He looked over and saw Seren on the ground. She was shielding the boy.

The table was still standing, but everything on top of it was shattered and blown away.

Xias rose, just as a group of Edull stormed onto the patio.

They all wore billowing desert robes. Brown masks covered most of their faces, with a small valve in the center, over their mouths. Every breath they took made a hard, rasping sound. Black eyes, with a pin-prick of a silver pupil, looked over the top of the masks. They all clutched weapons.

“Drakking Zonan,” Xias muttered. “I’m going to rip his arms off.”

Seren stepped up beside him. “I’ll help you.” She glanced at the boy. “Get under the table. Stay down.”

The boy’s blue eyes were wide with fear, but he dived under the table.

Seren yanked her forks out, and Xias pulled his sword free of its scabbard.

“Feel like a fight, sweet cyborg?”

“Don’t call me that.” Her lips twitched. “At least outside the bedroom.”

He grinned. “I can’t wait to have you stretched out on my bed back at the House of Rone, naked, and all—”

“Xias. The Edull.”

“Right.” He swung his sword in a flashy circle that the crowd always loved.

His cyborg rolled her eyes. “It’s a miracle you haven’t lost a finger.”

With a laugh, he turned, and they both charged.

Xias’ sword crashed into an Edull’s staff. He roared, shifted, and sliced through the alien’s midsection.

Beside him, Seren teleported in behind several Edull fighters. Her wicked forks flashed as she leaped and whirled.

The air filled with her black smoke and the startled rasps and cries of her prey.

Xias smiled. He could fall completely in love with that cyborg.

As an Edull ran at him, Xias fell into fight mode. His gaze narrowed and he focused solely on his opponents.

A second Edull swiped out with a staff topped with spikes.

Xias sidestepped and slashed with his sword. The blade sliced through the alien’s cloak and flesh with ease. The Edull weren’t physically strong and didn’t make good opponents.

Suddenly, a blow slammed into Xias’ back. It drove him to his knees and he felt something sharp tear into his skin.

With a roar, he spun and rolled.

Dishonorable, sneaky crudspawn.

An Edull loomed over him, holding a staff topped with claw-like spikes.

Xias leaped up, attacking in a frenzy of slices. He cut the Edull down, stabbing through the alien’s chest to ensure that crudspawn was dead.

Heaving in air, Xias yanked his sword free and ignored the blood dripping onto the floor.

He realized the patio was silent, and everything came back into focus, as did the pain burning down his back.

The floor was littered with Edull—either writhing or dead.

There was no sign of Seren.

His pulse spiked and he turned. Where the drak was she?

A noise made him spin and he saw the boy with the markings eerily similar to Seren’s rise.

“They took her,” the boy said.

“What?” Xias barked.

“Two Edull. They got some glowing collar on her. She couldn’t ghost.”

“Ghost?”

“Move with her mind.”

Xias stilled. “What’s your name?”

“Virin.”

“Do you ghost, Virin?”

The boy licked his lips. “It’s a secret. I don’t tell anyone. Especially Zonan.”

The boy was Dan Nonian.

“Okay Virin, your secret’s safe with me. Now, we need to get to Seren.” Xias felt fear trying to take over. He couldn’t fail her. He couldn’t lose her. “Will you help me?”

Virin nodded.

“Let’s go.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Seren wanted to rip somebody’s head off.

An Edull shoved her down the corridor. The collar around her neck glowed, burning hot against her skin. She controlled her wince. She wasn’t letting them get any reaction from her.

They moved through a doorway and Zonan came into view.

The room was clearly his office. He stood in front of a big desk, wringing his hands. He didn’t meet her gaze.

“I did as you asked,” he stammered. “You’ll give me the slaves I want?”

“Yes,” one of the Edull rasped.

“I want her too. The cyborg.” Zonan met her gaze and flinched. “I’ve been trying to breed a teleporter for years.”

Seren felt a burst of anger and tried to use her ability. The collar flared, zapping her with energy. Her muscles locked and she shuddered through the agony.

The Edull beside her hit her in the lower back with his staff.

She tried to breathe through the pain and the nausea rolling up her throat. The collar clicked off and she sucked in air. She hated the drakking thing. It rendered her implants inactive.

Where the drak was Xias? Her stomach tightened. Was he okay?

“You will destroy your map of the battle arena?” one of the Edull said.

Zonan nodded.

“You can’t have the cyborg,” the Edull closest to her rasped. “She’s ours.”

Seren met black eyes above his mask.

“She will be a message we send to her imperator.”

The other Edull gave a husky chuckle. “When we send her back in pieces.”

She raised a brow. “Am I supposed to be intimidated?” She kept her voice a bored monotone.

The aliens both glared at her.

A crash sounded out in the hall and Zonan gasped. “The gladiator! He’s coming for her.”

“Is the door sealed?” an Edull asked.

Zonan nodded. “It’s reinforced. Even someone of Xias’ strength can’t break it.”

“Get in the cage, cyborg.” The Edull closest to her shoved her forward.

That’s when Seren’s gaze fell on a waist-high cage sitting on the floor beside Zonan’s desk. She sucked in a breath, staring at the horrible contraption. It was made of the same glowing material as the collar around her neck.

There was no way she’d ever let herself be locked up.

“Drak you!”

The collar activated and electricity skated through her body. Her teeth clicked together and she swung an arm, trying to hit the Edull. But her reflexes were off and she missed.

“Increase the charge,” the other Edull rasped.

Pain ran through her body, making her feel like every vein, every cell was on fire. She screamed and dropped to her knees.

“She can’t survive that,” the first Edull said.

Seren smelled something burning. Drak, it was her skin.

One of the Edull shoved her and she fell into the open door of the cage.

He leaned closer. “We’re going to dissect you, and find the secret of your ability.”

All her life, she’d been valued for her skill, had just been a commodity, even to her father.

But he had saved her.

At the House of Rone, the others had tried to draw her out. They saw her as more than just a cyborg fighter.

And one man saw the woman beneath it all. One man gave her pleasure and challenged her to feel, to be more, to live.

Another brutal rush of pain radiated from the collar. She screamed through her teeth, and she heard the door to the office shudder under another fierce blow.

“You’ll kill her,” rasped an Edull.

“So be it,” the other said.

No, Seren wanted to live. She wanted Xias. She wanted to lie naked on his bed, to have him teach her how to laugh, to learn to love him.

She felt the strength draining out of her body.

Then she saw black smoke hanging in the air. What the drak?

She saw the teenage boy wink into view and unlock the door.

The door slammed open and Xias charged in.

He swung his sword, the blade glinting as it whirled. He beheaded one of the Edull and turned to the other with a roar. He lunged with his sword and stabbed the second Edull in the gut.

The alien made a wet, coughing sound behind his mask and collapsed.

As he dropped the controller, the collar around her neck cut off. Seren moaned and collapsed.

“Hang on, gorgeous.” Xias was there in a second, stroking her hair as she lay on the floor.

“I’m…okay,” she choked out.

His dark eyes were turbulent, but he managed a faint smile. Then he turned to face the cowering Zonan.

“Th-they blackmailed me, I—”

Xias snatched a knife off his belt and threw it. It pierced the man’s shoulder and knocked him back, pinning him to the wall.

Zonan screamed, blubbering as he tried to free himself.

The boy knelt beside her. “Let me…” He undid the collar.

The drakking thing clattered to the floor.

“Thank you.” Her throat was so dry.

He nodded.

“What’s your name?”

“Virin.”

Virin. “You’re Dan Nonian, like me.”

He nodded. “I never knew. I only remember this place, but Zonan told me that my mother was like me.”

Seren reached out and took his hand. “Thank you for helping us.”

Zonan’s scream echoed off the walls. With Virin’s help, Seren pushed to her feet. Drak, her legs were shaky.

Xias had put another knife through Zonan’s other shoulder.

“The map,” Xias demanded.

“There never was one. I…”

“It’s in his safe.” Virin nodded toward the heavy door set into the side wall.

“I’ll kill you,” Zonan spat.

Xias skewered the man with another knife in his side. Zonan let out a high-pitched scream.

“You can’t get in,” Zonan sobbed. “It only opens to me, at a certain preset time.”

Virin blinked away, and was back a second later, holding a rolled-up map.

“You will release all your slaves,” Xias said. “We know they aren’t servants.”

Zonan opened his mouth—

“Or I’ll kill you right now,” Xias said in a low, dangerous tone.

The man swallowed. “Yes, yes, fine.”

“The House of Rone will be watching you.”

Zonan shivered.

Xias turned and slid an arm around Seren. Concern lit his eyes.

“I’m already healing,” she said.

“When I saw you were gone—” He pulled her close, his face pressed to her hair.

She heard the darkness in his voice. She knew he’d thought of his sister.

“You saved me, Xias. Thanks for coming for me.”

He looked at Virin. “I had some help.”

She smiled. “I’d really like to get out of here. Before my legs give out.”

Frowning, Xias moved to lift her into his arms.

She glared at him. “Don’t.”

With a shake of his head, he grinned and tightened his arm around her. “Ah, there’s my sweet-tempered cyborg. Let’s go home.”

AS THEY ENTERED KOR MAGNA, Xias was almost sorry to leave the pretty sand dunes behind.

On the tarnid ride home, he’d said a final goodbye to Jinna.

He realized that he’d been holding onto a core of grief and guilt, and that it had been time to let her go. Time to remember her cheeky grin and not how she’d died.

His gaze flicked to Seren sitting straight and tall on her tarnid beside his. Of course, she’d refused to ride with him. Her black hair was loose, shifting in the breeze. Beautiful.

That was his future right there. And he couldn’t wait to get started on it. Together.

She’d healed on the trip back thanks to her cyborg systems and the almost full tube of med gel he’d used on her. She’d made him save some of the gel so she could tend to the scratches on his back.

He glanced the other way. Virin looked miserable. The boy had never ridden a tarnid before, and while the first few hours of the trip had been fun, the way the boy shifted now said he had a very sore ass.

They finally reached the arena to find Magnus and Jax waiting for them.

“Everyone okay?” the imperator asked.

“Not Zonan,” Seren said. “Xias filled him with knives.”

“He deserved it.”

Xias slid off his tarnid and moved over to Seren. He shifted to lift her off, and she glared at him, warning him not to touch her. He ignored her, gripped her waist, and lifted her down. He made sure to let her slide down his body.

The look she shot him was like a laser.

Turning, he smiled. He discovered Magnus and Jax watching them both with interest.

“You got the map?” Magnus asked.

Seren nodded and handed it over. “With Virin’s help.”

The boy slid off his tarnid gracelessly, then shifted on his feet.

“Virin, this is Imperator Magnus Rone,” Seren said.

The boy bowed his head.

“I was hoping we could offer him sanctuary at the House of Rone,” Seren said.

Magnus’ gaze narrowed, a faint neon glow visible from his cybernetic eye as he took in the markings on the boy’s face. “If Seren wants you at the House of Rone, you are welcome.”

Virin smiled. “Thank you.”

Jax lifted a hand, waving to the tunnel entrance. “Let’s get inside.”

“Zonan betrayed us.” Walking down the tunnel, Xias moved closer to Seren. “He was working with the Edull and breeding slaves.”

Magnus cursed. “Not any longer. I have people in Kaffit who I’ll task to ensure that Zonan does not cause any more trouble.”

Seren sidestepped away from Xias and he frowned. She was being skittish and putting distance between them. No. He wouldn’t accept that. He wanted the world to know that she was his.

Ahead, the double doors to the House of Rone appeared. The cyborg guards flanking them swung them open and their group stepped inside.

There was a crowd waiting for them.

“Did you get the map?” Dark-haired Simone stood at the front of the group. Toren stood behind her with an arm wrapped around her hip.

All the women from Earth were there with their respective cyborgs. Magnus’ mate Ever stood with their baby, Asha, squirming on her hip. Jax’s warrior mate, Quinn, stood beside her. Jayna and Sage were side by side, their cyborgs towering over them. Mace had his arms crossed over his chest, and Acton rested one prosthetic hand on Sage’s shoulder.

Simone’s daughter, Grace, was crouched on the floor playing with Cat. Deadly cyborg Zaden was holding his mate Calla’s hand.

“We got it,” Seren said.

Cheers broke out.

“About drakking time,” grumbled a deep voice.

Maxon stepped into view, the weapons master looking surlier than usual. His scowl was fierce and his tawny hair looked shaggier than usual. His eyes were bloodshot. “We can finally plan a mission to Bari Batu and take down the battle arena.”

“And rescue Bellamy,” Simone added quietly.

Toren’s arm tightened on his mate.

Maxon’s eyes flashed. “Yes, and rescue Bellamy.”

“This is Virin,” Seren said. “He’s joining the House of Rone.”

Ever bustled forward, handing Asha to Magnus. The little girl snuggled into her daddy’s muscular arm.

“Hey, there, Virin. Welcome. I’m Ever.”

The boy nodded shyly.

“Ever will get you settled in your room,” Magnus said.

“My own room?” There was a hint of wonder in his voice.

“Yes,” Xias confirmed. Drakking Zonan.

“And you two probably want to wash the dust off,” Ever said to Xias and Seren.

“Drak, yes.” Xias slid an arm around Seren and yanked her into his body. “And I’m going to convince my sweet cyborg to shower with me.”

Shocked gasps filled the air. Seren stiffened.

“Oh, my God,” Jayna said. “You two are—?”

Seren turned and punched Xias in the stomach. “Cocky gladiator.”

He bent over. “Gorgeous—”

“He called her gorgeous.” Sage sighed and clapped her hands together.

Seren swiveled, but Xias grabbed her, lifted her off her feet, and tossed her over his shoulder.

“This is an interesting development,” Acton said.

Everyone erupted into laughter and giggles.

Xias strode down the corridor. A second later, Seren teleported off his shoulder and he found himself clutching air.

She reappeared directly in front of him. He dodged her punch, and she teleported again—halfway down the corridor.

Laughing, he chased her.

He managed to grab her again and charged into his room. She lifted her head, then disappeared in a swirl of black smoke.

Drak. He spun toward the door, but she didn’t reappear.

He turned and every muscle in his body tensed.

She was lying on his big bed.

Naked.

Her skin looked beautiful against the brown fur covering on his bed. It was from a beast he’d hunted in the desert. Her fingers stroked the fur and he could tell that she liked it.

“Xias, would you take your clothes off? Please?”

His cock instantly stiffened.

“Then join me.” She arched her back, her breasts on display. “And would you kiss me? Please?”

“Are you begging me, sweet Seren?” He strode toward her, shedding his clothes as he went.

“Yes.”

“You never have to beg.” He pressed a knee to the bed. “I’ll give you anything you ask for. Everything you want.”

She wrapped her arms and legs around him. “I just want you, Xias.”

“You’ve got me.”

“Will you show me how to love? How to live?”

His heart filled with light and he pressed his mouth to hers. “Every minute of every day, my sweet cyborg.”

I hope you enjoyed Xias and Seren’s story!

Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone concludes with WEAPONS MASTER, the story of temperamental cyborg Maxon and human survivor Bellamy. Coming in July 2020.

If you’re interested in learning more about the House of Galen gladiators and the strong, smart women from Earth they helped rescue or Magnus and Ever’s story, then check out Galactic Gladiators.

For more action-packed romance, read on for a preview of the first chapter of Edge of Eon, the first book in my best-selling Eon Warriors series.

Don’t miss out! For updates about new releases, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.

Visit here to get started: www.annahackett.com

PREVIEW: EDGE OF EON

She shifted on the chair, causing the chains binding her hands to clank together. Eve Traynor snorted. The wrist and ankle restraints were overkill. She was on a low-orbit prison circling Earth. Where the fuck did they think she was going to go?

Eve shifted her shoulders to try to ease the tension from having her hands tied behind her back. For the millionth time, she studied her surroundings. The medium-sized room was empty, except for her chair. Everything from the floor to the ceiling was dull-gray metal. All of the Citadel Prison was drab and sparse. She’d learned every boring inch of it the last few months.

One wide window provided the only break in the otherwise uniform space. Outside, she caught a tantalizing glimpse of the blue-green orb of Earth below.

Her gut clenched and she drank in the sight of her home. Five months she’d been locked away in this prison. Five months since her life had imploded.

She automatically thought of her sisters. She sucked in a deep breath. She hated everything they’d had to go through because of what had happened. Hell, she thought of her mom as well, even though their last contact had been the day after Eve had been imprisoned. Her mom had left Eve a drunken, scathing message.

The door to the room opened, and Eve lifted her chin and braced.

When she saw the dark-blue Space Corps uniform, she stiffened. When she saw the row of stars on the lapel, she gritted her teeth.

Admiral Linda Barber stepped into the room, accompanied by a female prison guard. The admiral’s hair was its usual sleek bob of highlighted, ash-blonde hair. Her brown eyes were steady.

Eve looked at the guard. “Take me back to my cell.”

The admiral lifted a hand. “Please leave us.”

The guard hesitated. “That’s against protocol, ma’am—”

“It’ll be fine.” The admiral’s stern voice said she was giving an order, not making a request.

The guard hesitated again, then ducked through the door. It clicked closed behind her.

Eve sniffed. “Say what you have to say and leave.”

Admiral Barber sighed, taking a few steps closer. “I know you’re angry. You have a right to be—”

“You think?” Eve sucked back the rush of molten anger. “I got tossed under the fucking starship to save a mama’s boy. A mama’s boy who had no right to be in command of one of Space Corps’ vessels.”

Shit. Eve wanted to pummel something. Preferably the face of Robert J. Hathaway—golden son of Rear-Admiral Elisabeth Hathaway. A man who, because of family connections, was given captaincy of the Orion, even though he lacked the intelligence and experience needed to lead it.

Meanwhile, Eve—a Space Corps veteran—had worked her ass off during her career in the Corps, and had been promised her own ship, only to be denied her chance. Instead, she’d been assigned as Hathaway’s second-in-command. To be a glorified babysitter, and to actually run the ship, just without the title and the pay raise.

She’d swallowed it. Swallowed Hathaway’s incompetence and blowhard bullshit. Until he’d fucked up. Big-time.

“The Haumea Incident was regrettable,” Barber said.

Eve snorted. “Mostly for the people who died. And definitely for me, since I’m the one shackled to a chair in the Citadel. Meanwhile, I assume Bobby Hathaway is still a dedicated Space Corps employee.”

“He’s no longer a captain of a ship. And he never will be again.”

“Right. Mommy got him a cushy desk job back at Space Corps Headquarters.”

The silence was deafening and it made Eve want to kick something.

“I’m sorry, Eve. We all know what happened wasn’t right.”

Eve jerked on her chains and they clanked against the chair. “And you let it happen. All of Space Corps leadership did, to appease Mommy Hathaway. I dedicated my life to the Corps, and you all screwed me over for an admiral’s incompetent son. I got sentenced to prison for his mistakes.” Stomach turning in vicious circles, Eve looked at the floor, sucking in air. She stared at the soft booties on her feet. Damned inmate footwear. She wasn’t even allowed proper fucking shoes.

Admiral Barber moved to her side. “I’m here to offer you a chance at freedom.”

Gaze narrowing, Eve looked up. Barber looked…nervous. Eve had never seen the self-assured woman nervous before.

“There’s a mission. If you complete it, you’ll be released from prison.”

Interesting. “And reinstated? With a full pardon?”

Barber’s lips pursed and her face looked pinched. “We can negotiate.”

So, no. “Screw your offer.” Eve would prefer to rot in her cell, rather than help the Space Corps.

The admiral moved in front of her, her low-heeled pumps echoing on the floor. “Eve, the fate of the world depends on this mission.”

Barber’s serious tone sent a shiver skating down Eve’s spine. She met the woman’s brown eyes.

“The Kantos are gathering their forces just beyond the boundary at Station Omega V.”

Fuck. The Kantos. The insectoid alien race had been nipping at Earth for years. Their humanoid-insectoid soldiers were the brains of the operation, but they encompassed all manner of ugly, insect-like beasts as well.

With the invention of zero-point drives several decades ago, Earth’s abilities for space exploration had exploded. Then, thirty years ago, they’d made first contact with an alien species—the Eon.

The Eon shared a common ancestor with the humans of Earth. They were bigger and broader, with a few differing organs, but generally human-looking. They had larger lungs, a stronger, bigger heart, and a more efficiently-designed digestion system. This gave them increased strength and stamina, which in turn made them excellent warriors. Unfortunately, they also wanted nothing to do with Earth and its inferior Terrans.

The Eon, and their fearsome warriors and warships, stayed inside their own space and had banned Terrans from crossing their boundaries.

Then, twenty years ago, the first unfortunate and bloody meeting with the Kantos had occurred.

Since then, the Kantos had returned repeatedly to nip at the Terran borders—attacking ships, space stations, and colonies.

But it had become obvious in the last year or so that the Kantos had something bigger planned. The Haumea Incident had made that crystal clear.

The Kantos wanted Earth. There were to be no treaties, alliances, or negotiations. They wanted to descend like locusts and decimate everything—all the planet’s resources, and most of all, the humans.

Yes, the Kantos wanted to freaking use humans as a food source. Eve suppressed a shudder.

“And?” she said.

“We have to do whatever it takes to save our planet.”

Eve tilted her head. “The Eon.”

Admiral Barber smiled. “You were always sharp, Eve. Yes, the Eon are the only ones with the numbers, the technology, and the capability to help us repel the Kantos.”

“Except they want nothing to do with us.” No one had seen or spoken with an Eon for three decades.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Okay, Eve felt that shiver again. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a platform, about to be shoved under the starship again.

“What’s the mission?” she asked carefully.

“We want you to abduct War Commander Davion Thann-Eon.”

Holy fuck. Eve’s chest clenched so tight she couldn’t even draw a breath. Then the air rushed into her lungs, and she threw her head back and laughed. Tears ran down her face.

“You’re kidding.”

But the admiral wasn’t laughing.

Eve shook her head. “That’s a fucking suicide mission. You want me to abduct the deadliest, most decorated Eon war commander who controls the largest, most destructive Eon warship in their fleet?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Eve, you have a record of making…risky decisions.”

Eve shook her head. “I always calculate the risks.”

“Yes, but you use a higher margin of error than the rest of us.”

“I’ve always completed my missions successfully.” The Haumea Incident excluded, since that was Bobby’s brilliant screw-up.

“Yes. That’s why we know if anyone has a chance of making this mission a success, it’s you.”

“I may as well take out a blaster and shoot myself right now. One, I’ll never make it into Eon space, let alone aboard the Desteron.”

Since the initial encounter, they’d collected whatever intel they could on the Eon. Eve had seen secret schematics of that warship. And she had to admit, the thought of being aboard that ship left her a little damp between her thighs. She loved space and flying, and the big, sleek warship was something straight out of her fantasies.

“We have an experimental, top-of-the-line stealth ship for you to use,” the admiral said.

Eve carried on like the woman hadn’t spoken. “And two, even if I got close to the war commander, he’s bigger and stronger than me, not to mention bonded to a fucking deadly alien symbiont that gives him added strength and the ability to create organic armor and weapons with a single thought. I’d be dead in seconds.”

“We recovered a…substance that is able to contain the symbiont the Eon use.”

Eve narrowed her eyes. “Recovered from where?”

Admiral Barber cleared her throat. “From the wreck of a Kantos ship. It was clearly tech they were developing to use against the Eon.”

Shit. “So I’m to abduct the war commander, and then further enrage him by neutralizing his symbiont.”

“We believe the containment is temporary, and there is an antidote.”

Eve shook her head. “This is beyond insane.”

“For the fate of humanity, we have to try.”

“Talk to them,” Eve said. “Use some diplomacy.”

“We tried. They refused all contact.”

Because humans were simply ants to the Eon. Small, insignificant, an annoyance.

Although, truth be told, humanity only had itself to blame. By all accounts, Terrans hadn’t behaved very well at first contact. The meetings with the Eon had turned into blustering threats, different countries trying to make alliances with the aliens while happily stabbing each other in the back.

Now Earth wanted to abduct an Eon war commander. No, not a war commander, the war commander. So dumb. She wished she had a hand free so she could slap it over her eyes.

“Find another sacrificial lamb.”

The admiral was silent for a long moment. “If you won’t do it for yourself or for humanity, then do it for your sisters.”

Eve’s blood chilled and she cocked her head. “What’s this got to do with my sisters?”

“They’ve made a lot of noise about your imprisonment. Agitating for your freedom.”

Eve breathed through her nose. God, she loved her sisters. Still, she didn’t know whether to be pleased or pissed. “And?”

“Your sister has shared some classified information with the press about the Haumea Incident.”

Eve fought back a laugh. Lara wasn’t shy about sharing her thoughts about this entire screwed-up situation. Eve’s older sister was a badass Space Corps special forces marine. Lara wouldn’t hesitate to take down anyone who pissed her off, the Space Corps included.

“And she had access to information she should not have had access to, meaning your other sister has done some…creative hacking.”

Dammit. The rush of love was mixed with some annoyance. Sweet, geeky Wren had a giant, super-smart brain. She was a computer-systems engineer for some company with cutting-edge technology in Japan. It helped keep her baby sister’s big brain busy, because Wren hadn’t found a computer she couldn’t hack.

“Plenty of people are unhappy with what your sisters have been stirring up,” Barber continued.

Eve stiffened. She didn’t like where this was going.

“I’ve tried to run interference—”

“Admiral—”

Barber held up a hand. “I can’t keep protecting them, Eve. I’ve been trying, but some of this is even above my pay grade. If you don’t do this mission, powers outside of my control will go after them. They’ll both end up in a cell right alongside yours until the Kantos arrive and blow this prison out of the sky.”

Her jaw tight, Eve’s brain turned all the information over. Fucking fuck.

“Eve, if there is anyone who has a chance of succeeding on this mission, it’s you.”

Eve stayed silent.

Barber stepped closer. “I don’t care if you do it for yourself, the billions of people of Earth, or your sisters—”

“I’ll do it.” The words shot out of Eve, harsh and angry.

She’d do it—abduct the scariest alien war commander in the galaxy—for all the reasons the admiral listed—to clear her name, for her freedom, to save the world, and for the sisters she loved.

Honestly, it didn’t matter anyway, because the odds of her succeeding and coming back alive were zero.

EVE LEFT THE STARSHIP GYM, towel around her neck, and her muscles warm and limber from her workout.

God, it was nice to work out when it suited her. On the Citadel Prison, exercise time was strictly scheduled, monitored, and timed.

Two crew members came into view, heading down the hall toward her. As soon as the uniformed men spotted her, they looked at the floor and passed her quickly.

Eve rolled her eyes. Well, she wasn’t aboard the Polaris to make friends, and she had to admit, she had a pretty notorious reputation. She’d never been one to blindly follow the rules, plus there was the Haumea Incident and her imprisonment. And her family were infamous in the Space Corps. Her father had been a space marine, killed in action in one of the early Kantos encounters. Her mom had been a decorated Space Corps member, but after Eve’s dad had died, her mom had started drinking. It had deteriorated until she’d gone off the rails. She’d done it quite publicly, blaming the Space Corps for her husband’s death. In the process, she’d forgotten she had three young, grieving girls.

Yep, Eve was well aware that the people you cared for most either left you, or let you down. The employer you worked your ass off for treated you like shit. The only two people in the galaxy that didn’t apply to were her sisters.

Eve pushed thoughts of her parents away. Instead, she scanned the starship. The Polaris was a good ship. A mid-size cruiser, she was designed for exploration, but well-armed as well. Eve guessed they’d be heading out beyond Neptune about now.

The plan was for the Polaris to take her to the edge of Eon space, where she’d take a tiny, two-person stealth ship, sneak up to the Desteron, then steal onboard.

Piece of cake. She rolled her eyes.

Back in her small cabin, she took a quick shower, dressed, and then headed to the ops room. It was a small room close to the bridge that the ship’s captain had made available to her.

She stepped inside, and all the screens flickered to life. A light table stood in the center of the room, and everything was filled with every scrap of intel that the Space Corps had on the Eon Empire, their warriors, the Desteron, and War Commander Thann-Eon.

It was more than she’d guessed. A lot of it had been classified. There was fascinating intel on the four Eon homeworld planets—Eon, Jad, Felis, and Ath. Each Eon warrior carried their homeworld in their name, along with their clan names. The war commander hailed from the planet Eon, and Thann was a clan known as a warrior clan.

Eve swiped her fingers across the light table and studied pictures of the Desteron. They were a few years old and taken from a great distance, but that didn’t hide the warship’s power.

It was fearsome. Black, sleek, and impressive. It was built for speed and stealth, but also power. It had to be packed with weapons beyond their imagination.

She touched the screen again and slid the image to the side. Another image appeared—the only known picture of War Commander Thann-Eon.

Jesus. The man packed a punch. All Eon warriors looked alike—big, broad-shouldered, muscular. They all had longish hair—not quite reaching the shoulders, but not cut short, either. Their hair usually ranged from dark brown to a tawny, golden-brown. There was no black or blond hair among the Eon. Their skin color ranged from dark-brown to light-brown, as well.

Before first contact had gone sour, both sides had done some DNA testing, and confirmed the Eon and Terrans shared an ancestor.

The war commander was wearing a pitch-black, sleeveless uniform. He was tall, built, with long legs and powerful thighs. He was exactly the kind of man you expected to stride onto a battlefield, pull a sword, and slaughter everyone. He had a strong face, one that shouted power. Eve stroked a finger over the image. He had a square jaw, a straight, almost aggressive nose, and a well-formed brow. His eyes were as dark as space, but shot through with intriguing threads of blue.

“It’s you and me, War Commander.” If he didn’t kill her, first.

Suddenly, sirens blared.

Eve didn’t stop to think. She slammed out of the ops room and sprinted onto the bridge.

Inside, the large room was a flurry of activity.

Captain Chen stood in the center of the space, barking orders at his crew.

Her heart contracted. God, she’d missed this so much. The vibration of the ship beneath her feet, her team around her, even the scent of recycled starship air.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” a sharp voice snapped.

Eve turned, locking gazes with the stocky, bearded XO. Sub-Captain Porter wasn’t a fan of hers.

“Leave her,” Captain Chen told his second-in-command. “She’s seen more Kantos ships than all of us combined.”

The captain looked back at his team. “Shields up.”

Eve studied the screen and the Kantos ship approaching.

It looked like a bug. It had large, outstretched legs, and a bulky, segmented, central fuselage. It wasn’t the biggest ship she’d seen, but it wasn’t small, either. It was probably out on some intel mission.

“Sir,” a female voice called out. “We’re getting a distress call from the Panama, a cargo ship en route to Nightingale Space Station. They’re under attack from a swarm of small Kantos ships.”

Eve sucked in a breath, her hand curling into a fist. This was a usual Kantos tactic. They would overwhelm a ship with their small swarm ships. It had ugly memories of the Haumea Incident stabbing at her.

“Open the comms channel,” the captain ordered.

“Please…help us.” A harried man’s voice came over the distorted comm line. “…can’t hold out much…thirty-seven crew onboard…we are…”

Suddenly, a huge explosion of light flared in the distance.

Eve’s shoulders sagged. The cargo ship was gone.

“Goddammit,” the XO bit out.

The front legs of the larger Kantos ship in front of them started to glow orange.

“They’re going to fire,” Eve said.

The captain straightened. “Evasive maneuvers.”

His crew raced to obey the orders, the Polaris veering suddenly to the right.

“The swarm ships will be on their way back.” Eve knew the Kantos loved to swarm like locusts.

“Release the tridents,” the captain said.

Good. Eve watched the small, triple-pronged space mines rain out the side of the ship. They’d be a dangerous minefield for the Kantos swarm.

The main Kantos ship swung around.

“They’re locking weapons,” someone shouted.

Eve fought the need to shout out orders and offer the captain advice. Last time she’d done that, she’d ended up in shackles.

The blast hit the Polaris, the shields lighting up from the impact. The ship shuddered.

“Shields holding, but depleting,” another crew member called out.

“Sub-Captain Traynor?” The captain’s dark gaze met hers.

Something loosened in her chest. “It’s a raider-class cruiser, Captain. You’re smaller and more maneuverable. You need to circle around it, spray it with laser fire. Its weak spots are on the sides. Sustained laser fire will eventually tear it open. You also need to avoid the legs.”

“Fly circles around it?” a young man at a console said. “That’s crazy.”

Eve eyed the lead pilot. “You up for this?”

The man swallowed. “I don’t think I can…”

“Sure you can, if you want us to survive this.”

“Walker, do it,” the captain barked.

The pilot pulled in a breath and the Polaris surged forward. They rounded the Kantos ship. Up close, the bronze-brown hull looked just like the carapace of an insect. One of the legs swung up, but Walker had quick reflexes.

“Fire,” Eve said.

The weapons officer started firing. Laser fire hit the Kantos ship in a pretty row of orange.

“Keep going,” Eve urged.

They circled the ship, firing non-stop.

Eve crossed her arms over her chest. Everything in her was still, but alive, filled with energy. She’d always known she was born to stand on the bridge of a starship.

“More,” she urged. “Keep firing.”

“Swarm ships incoming,” a crew member yelled.

“Hold,” Eve said calmly. “Trust the mines.” She eyed the perspiring weapons officer. “What’s your name, Lieutenant?”

“Law, ma’am. Lieutenant Miriam Law.”

“You’re doing fine, Law. Ignore the swarm ships and keep firing on the cruiser.”

The swarm ships rushed closer, then hit the field of mines. Eve saw the explosions, like brightly colored pops of fireworks.

The lasers kept cutting into the hull of the larger Kantos ship. She watched the ship’s engines fire. They were going to try and make a run for it.

“Bring us around, Walker. Fire everything you have, Law.”

They swung around to face the side of the Kantos ship straight on. The laser ripped into the hull.

There was a blinding flash of light, and startled exclamations filled the bridge. She squinted until the light faded away.

On the screen, the Kantos ship broke up into pieces.

Captain Chen released a breath. “Thank you, Sub-Captain.”

Eve inclined her head. She glanced at the silent crew. “Good flying, Walker. And excellent shooting, Law.”

But she looked back at the screen, at the debris hanging in space and the last of the swarm ships retreating.

They’d keep coming. No matter what. It was ingrained in the Kantos to destroy.

They had to be stopped.

Eon Warriors

Edge of Eon

Touch of Eon

Heart of Eon

Kiss of Eon

Mark of Eon

Also Available as Audiobooks!

PREVIEW - HELL SQUAD: MARCUS

In the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on…

In a world gone to hell, Elle Milton—once the darling of the Sydney social scene—has carved a role for herself as the communications officer for the toughest commando team fighting for humanity’s survival—Hell Squad. It’s her chance to make a difference and make up for horrible past mistakes…despite the fact that its battle-hardened commander never wanted her on his team.

When Hell Squad is tasked with destroying a strategic alien facility, Elle knows they need her skills in the field. But first she must go head to head with Marcus Steele and convince him she won’t be a liability.

Marcus Steele is a warrior through and through. He fights to protect the innocent and give the human race a chance to survive. And that includes the beautiful, gutsy Elle who twists him up inside with a single look. The last thing he wants is to take her into a warzone, but soon they are thrown together battling both the alien invaders and their overwhelming attraction. And Marcus will learn just how much he’ll sacrifice to keep her safe.

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

Roth

Noah

Shaw

Holmes

Niko

Finn

Theron

Hemi

Ash

Levi

Manu

Griff

Dom

Survivors

Also Available as Audiobooks!

ALSO BY ANNA HACKETT

Team 52

Mission: Her Protection

Mission: Her Rescue

Mission: Her Security

Mission: Her Defense

Mission: Her Safety

Mission: Her Freedom

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Treasure Hunter Security

Undiscovered

Uncharted

Unexplored

Unfathomed

Untraveled

Unmapped

Unidentified

Undetected

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Eon Warriors

Edge of Eon

Touch of Eon

Heart of Eon

Kiss of Eon

Mark of Eon

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone

Sentinel

Defender

Centurion

Paladin

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Galactic Gladiators

Gladiator

Warrior

Hero

Protector

Champion

Barbarian

Beast

Rogue

Guardian

Cyborg

Imperator

Hunter

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

Roth

Noah

Shaw

Holmes

Niko

Finn

Theron

Hemi

Ash

Levi

Manu

Griff

Dom

Survivors

Also Available as Audiobooks!

The Anomaly Series

Time Thief

Mind Raider

Soul Stealer

Salvation

Anomaly Series Box Set

The Phoenix Adventures

Among Galactic Ruins

At Star’s End

In the Devil’s Nebula

On a Rogue Planet

Beneath a Trojan Moon

Beyond Galaxy’s Edge

On a Cyborg Planet

Return to Dark Earth

On a Barbarian World

Lost in Barbarian Space

Through Uncharted Space

Crashed on an Ice World

Perma Series

Winter Fusion

A Galactic Holiday

Warriors of the Wind

Tempest

Storm & Seduction

Fury & Darkness

Standalone Titles

Savage Dragon

Hunter’s Surrender

One Night with the Wolf

For more information visit www.annahackett.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled contemporary and science fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I live in Australia with my own personal hero and two very busy, always-on-the-move sons.

For release dates, behind-the-scenes info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for the latest news here:

Website: www.annahackett.com

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

What readers are saying about Anna’s romances

Anna Hackett Box Set

Dark Guard

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

House of Rone Short Story

House of Rone: Beginnings

Cyborg Guard

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Preview: Edge of Eon

Preview - Hell Squad: Marcus

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author