DEFENDER

GALACTIC GLADIATORS: HOUSE OF RONE #2

ANNA HACKETT

Defender

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2019 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Melody Simmons of BookCoversCre8tive

Cover image by Paul Henry Serres

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-925539-80-6

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-925539-81-3

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 action romances

Action Romance Box Set

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Preview: Edge of Eon

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANNA’S ACTION 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

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CHAPTER ONE

“This the place?” Mace turned to look at Jaxer Rone.

The handsome cyborg nodded his head. “This is it.”

Good. Mace eyed the entry to the simple, stone building. He lifted his booted foot and kicked the door down.

Screams echoed from inside the apartment, followed by the sound of people running. Mace ducked through the doorway, followed by Jax and their fellow cyborg Acton.

Acton’s cybernetic eye glowed in the dim light. Half of the man’s face was metal, and he was the most cyborg-looking of the three of them. His cybernetic arms and metal face tended to intimidate people.

Jax was a little less intimidating, the charming second of the House of Rone, but piss him off or threaten anyone belonging to him, and the man would cut you down lethally.

Mace intimidated people simply because he was big and liked to fight.

Turning his head, he flexed his hand and let his enhanced vision adjust to the gloom inside the cramped quarters. Instantly, he zeroed in on the man cowering behind a table.

“Where are they?” Mace’s rumble echoed through the room.

The man—a sandsucker by the name of Gosht—quivered, as did the small set of antennae on top of his head. “You can’t just barge in here—”

“Just did.” Mace felt his anger stirring. This was Kor Magna, the capital of the lawless desert planet of Carthago. There was no formal law enforcement in the city, but instead, the gladiatorial houses of the Kor Magna Arena and some of the other powerful players in the city tended to take care of things.

And that included the House of Rone.

“Where. Are. They?” Mace let menace leak into his tone.

Gosht swallowed and made a choked sound.

Jax stepped forward. “We heard you’ve been keeping slaves, Gosht.”

The man shook his head. “They’re workers—”

“They aren’t here by choice, and you’re not paying them.” Acton’s voice was cold, like the sharpest blade. “And we heard you modified them.”

Mace’s lip curled. Drakking crudspawn.

“Enhanced.” Gosht licked his lips. “They’re cyborgs, like you.”

Mace growled and Gosht blanched. The man looked like he was about to wet himself. Gosht was a bug. One of those people who liked hiding in the small, dark corners of Kor Magna, doing dark things. While the city was known for the spectacular fights in the arena and attracted tourists from all around the quadrant, there were also plenty of dark alleys that hid scum like Gosht.

The man reminded Mace of the gang leaders who ruled his homeworld. A muscle ticked in his jaw, his anger catching fire.

Krenor was all dark alleys and fight rings. The entire planet revolved around the vicious bouts that the fight masters scheduled. Mace sucked in a deep breath, refusing to think of the sand-sucking hellhole. He’d left it behind a long time ago.

And he’d had enough of Gosht and his stalling.

Mace strode across the room, kicked a chair out of his way, and yanked a second door off its hinges. Inside the adjacent room, several people cowered. A man, a woman, a boy who looked to be in his teens, and a small girl who was clutching the boy’s leg.

They all had crude attachments on their arms and legs, for working in the factories.

Anger riding him, Mace stepped aside so Jax could see in. The other cyborg cursed.

The man pulled his family closer, stepping in front of the children. From the look of the perspiration on his face and the glint in his eyes, he was feverish. Mace glanced down and saw the man’s skin was red and swollen around the implant that had been crudely shoved into the skin of his arm.

The boy stepped forward. “Leave us alone.”

“We’re here to help you,” Mace said.

The boy looked at Mace, then at Jax, and back again. Uncertainty was stamped on his features.

Mace got it. He was a big, muscled bruiser. He’d been born a fighter, had his skills honed in illegal fights he’d been forced to survive, and he was still a fighter. He didn’t look like he was here to save anyone. Pound them to dust, sure. Save them, no.

Once, Mace had been this kid. Beaten, hurting, with no hope left. He’d been brought to Kor Magna and forced to fight in the underground fight rings. He’d been injured from weeks of fighting, and had been dying from severe internal damage.

Until the scariest cyborg he’d ever seen, Imperator Magnus Rone, had saved him.

Jax moved closer. He smiled more easily and could put people at ease. “We’re from the House of Rone, and you’re safe now.”

Hearing the name, the family gasped almost in unison. The father closed his eyes.

“We’re getting you out of here,” Mace added.

The little girl sobbed.

Mace felt emotion. His cyborg enhancements were all internal, and he didn’t have the emotional dampeners that Jax, Acton, and the others possessed. But Mace was also good at blocking his feelings. Krenor had taught him not to show any weakness. In the gangs, any whiff of vulnerability would be used against you. The predators were always good at scenting blood.

The only emotions Mace let himself feel were anger and annoyance.

He waved the family forward and they shuffled out of the room. They spotted Acton, and both the boy’s and the girl’s eyes went wide. They gave the cyborg a wide berth.

“Let’s go.” Jax ushered the people out of the apartment.

Mace turned back, looking at the sobbing Gosht. “We find out you have more slaves, you’ll regret it.”

“And you’ll face Magnus next,” Jax added.

Gosht’s head bobbed up and down.

They stepped back onto the street. Like most of Kor Magna, it was lined with two and three-story buildings made out of cream stone. The same stone made up the walls of the arena.

As they started down the sidewalk, Jax slid an arm around the feverish man, helping him walk. They hadn’t gone far when Mace realized the little girl was falling behind. Mace scooped her up in his arms.

Her little body went tense for a second, then she relaxed.

“Okay?” he asked.

She shot him a shy smile and nodded.

He was reminded of another female he’d recently rescued. Jayna, a human female who’d been abducted off her exploration ship near her planet of Earth. The drakking Thraxian slavers had brought her, and others from her crew, across the galaxy and sold them into servitude on Carthago.

The House of Rone was still trying to track down the rest of the human survivors. The Thraxians had attacked a space station and the ship, the Helios. All the space-station survivors had been rescued by the House of Galen. So far, a few Helios survivors were safe here in Kor Magna—Mina, Quinn, and Jayna.

But there were more out there, and right now, they were short on leads to find them.

Meanwhile, Jayna was still recovering. Still hiding in her own mind from whatever she’d suffered at the hands of the Edull who’d purchased her.

Mace’s jaw tightened. The Edull were metal scavengers who lived deep in the desert. They were also notorious for buying and mistreating slaves.

Everyone was waiting for Jayna to recover and start talking. He blew out a breath. He was aware that he thought about the small, Earth woman far too much.

He shook his head. He had no room in his world for females. His loyalty was to the House of Rone and that was it.

He had no softness in him, no give, and he was absolutely fine with that.

AN HOUR LATER, Mace entered his bedroom, and unclipped his sword from the sheath on his belt.

The family they’d rescued were with the House of Rone healers. Magnus spent a fortune ensuring they had the best healers and equipment on Carthago. He did this to ensure their gladiators stayed fit and healthy for the arena, and also, because the House of Rone specialized in cybernetic enhancements. Their head healer, Avarn, ran Medical with fierce dedication.

Mace set his sword aside. The family would need time to recover. Avarn and his team would remove the crude prosthetics, and replace them with new cybernetic limbs. Then, the family would need to heal and make a new life for themselves.

Something skittered across Mace’s enhanced senses. He stiffened and raised his head.

There was someone in his room.

He yanked his dagger off his belt. Then he moved with his cyborg speed across the chamber, immediately spotting the figure huddled down between the wall and his bed.

Jayna.

Relaxing, he took her in. Her long, brown hair was a tangled mess over her face, and she was looking at him through it.

“Jayna.”

She curled in on herself. He could see the intelligence in her eyes, but she still wasn’t talking. A few words here and there to Quinn, but that was it. Anger surged through him. The drakking Edull had hurt her. She’d been tortured, then sold to another Edull inventor called Gaarl.

Gaarl was dead, but Jayna still didn’t feel safe enough to find her way back. Avarn had cleared her medically. She had a new cybernetic hand—one she was currently clutching to her chest—but the healer was still concerned about her mental and emotional trauma.

Mace sat on the edge of his bed. She’d gained some weight in the week she’d been at the House of Rone. She was getting physically stronger each day.

She’d get better. He’d make sure of it.

She’d been some sort of a scientist on the Helios, but she hadn’t shown any interest in getting back to her work.

She shifted closer to the bed and he saw the pulse fluttering in her neck.

“You’re safe,” he told her.

“Nightmare.” It was the faintest whisper.

“The Edull can’t get you here.”

When he spoke the name of the aliens, she flinched. But Mace refused to baby her. She needed to confront what happened to her, and he knew she was strong. She’d survived, that was proof enough.

All these women from Earth were surprisingly tough, despite their small size.

“I won’t let them hurt you again,” he promised.

Suddenly, she rushed him. Mace caught her, pulling her against his chest. She pressed her face to his neck and held on.

Unfamiliar sensations cascaded through him, but, gritting his teeth, he shoved them back and simply held her. He didn’t really like people touching him. If he had physical contact with other people, it was generally to hit them. Sometimes he carried an injured person, but he didn’t hug or snuggle or hold people close. Still, he kept his arms around Jayna’s body.

Her hair was still snarled, but it smelled good. She burrowed against his chest and he pressed a palm to the back of her head.

“Don’t let them win.”

She stiffened.

“From what I’ve been told, you’re a smart woman. And I know you’re tough. But by hiding, you’re letting the Edull win.”

She pulled back, large, bronze eyes looking up at him.

“You’re a mess, not taking care of yourself. You need to get back to yourself.”

She made a hissing noise and something flared in her eyes.

Good. If he had to piss her off to get her to fight, he’d do it. It was harsh, but Mace didn’t know how to do kindness and gentleness.

In the fight ring, you stood up and swung. If someone beat you down, you fought the pain and got back up. If you cowered, you died.

Besides, he didn’t think Jayna needed gentleness. She got enough of that from the healers, and from Quinn, and Magnus’ mate, Ever.

“Stop acting like a wounded animal, and show the Edull that you can’t be ground under their boots.”

Jayna pulled away from him. Standing in front of him, her glare turned molten.

“Good,” he said. “Be angry. It’s better than being weak.”

She slapped him. For a second, the sound echoed in the room and neither of them moved.

Mace barely felt the blow. It was a tap. For him, it was nothing.

Jayna stared at him, then her hand, shock on her face. Then she spun and stormed out of his room.

Mace fingered his cheek. Yeah, he’d been a sandsucker, but if it helped her, it was worth it.

CHAPTER TWO

So much emotion welled inside her, like hot, swirling poison.

As Jayna ran back to her room, her feet quiet on the stone floor, a mass of pain punched through the walls she’d erected in her mind during her captivity.

The Edull had tortured her, poked into her brain, taken samples of her flesh and organs. Her heart thumped in her chest and her skin felt hot. She’d been strapped down and helpless, and she’d had to find a way to survive.

Pressing a fist to her mouth, she refused to let the memories through. She tried not to feel anything, to stay numb.

But that damn, big, surly cyborg made her feel too much.

And feeling hurt.

She stumbled into her room, her head a jumble. She couldn’t quite get her thoughts to line up and her head often felt foggy. Moonlight filtered through the arched windows and she dragged in a deep breath, waiting for her pulse to slow. Her head cleared a little. For the first time, she actually took notice of the pretty room she’d been given when she’d arrived at the House of Rone.

Just breathe, Jayna.

She shoved her hair out of her face, noting the snarled knots. She had curls and they got out of control easily. Mace, the tactless brute, was right. She was hiding. She flopped onto her bed. Still, she shouldn’t have hit him.

She had no idea why she felt so safe with him. She had, almost from the first moment she’d seen him in Gaarl’s underground hideout.

Just the name of her Edull captor made her stomach do a sickening tumble. With a shaky cry, she shoved the memories away.

You’re safe. Mace’s deep voice echoed in her head. The Edull can’t get you here.

Maybe she felt safe around Mace because he didn’t treat her like she was broken. Even when he was being rude, she knew in her bones that he wouldn’t hurt her.

Pushing herself up, she caught her watery reflection in the window. She winced. She looked like… “A mess.”

She’d inherited her curls from her African-American granddaddy. He’d gifted her with her hair, her love of music, and the darker shade to her skin. But now those curls were a snarled tangle.

He’d like to joke that she’d inherited the best bits of him, her grandmother, and her mother. Her scientist mother’s intelligence, her grandmother’s love of jewelry and style. Jayna looked at her bare arms. She used to love wearing loads of bangles.

Her gaze fell on her cybernetic hand and her belly tightened. She flexed the metal fingers, still not used to seeing them. She’d also loved all her silver rings, but the Edull had stripped her of those after her abduction, and then Gaarl had taken her hand.

Bile rose in her throat, and gritting her teeth, she tried to slow the rapid beat of her heart. Won’t let them win. Won’t let them win.

Instead, she thought of her family. Her grandparents were gone now, both passing a few years ago, within months of each other. Jayna’s parents must have been distraught when the Helios had gone missing. She was their only child and they were close.

Ever had said they had a way to communicate with Earth, and that when she was ready, she could contact her parents. She looked at her tangled hair. She couldn’t let them see her like this.

As she stared at the lost, broken woman in the glass, she felt a hollow pit in her stomach. She felt used up, broken into a thousand tiny pieces.

A throb started in her head, drilling into her skull. She wasn’t strong enough to find her way back. She wasn’t like Ever, Quinn, or Mina. The other survivors from Earth were all brave and strong.

She could never go back to Earth. Pain was like a hammer to her heart. The Thraxian slavers who’d attacked the Helios had used a transient wormhole to reach the Earth’s solar system. The wormhole was long gone now, and Earth was on the other side of the galaxy.

For better or worse, Carthago was home.

But even here, surrounded by the people who’d rescued her, she felt so horribly alone and lost.

Suddenly, Jayna couldn’t get any air. She leaped to her feet.

She had to get out. She had to breathe.

Rushing out the door, she sprinted down the corridor. She turned corner after corner, until she was hopelessly lost. She sprinted past a door and saw the cool face of a young cyborg man. He called out to her, but she kept running.

Thundering down some stairs, her heavy breathing echoing off the stone walls, she ran outside. The sand was gritty under her bare feet and she realized she was in the House of Rone training arena.

Thankfully, it was empty.

She dropped to her knees, fighting back her sobs. It didn’t matter where she ran, or how fast, she couldn’t escape the ugly memories of the Edull, couldn’t escape what had happened to her, or the fact that she would never go home again.

Her chin dropped to her chest. Once, she’d been strong and smart and smiling. She’d loved her work, lived to strum her guitar or listen to her favorite rock bands, enjoyed the company of her friends.

Now she had no idea who she was.

The more she tried to remember, the more her head throbbed. With each beat of her heart, pain stabbed into her brain.

“Jayna?”

Quinn’s voice made Jayna stiffen. The other woman walked closer, her boots crunching on the sand. The former security chief of the Helios crouched down, her blonde-brown hair in a braid that hung over one shoulder, concern on her strong face.

“You okay?

Jayna shook her head and pressed a palm to her temple. She fought the urge to rock herself.

“You’re safe. You’re doing fine.”

Jayna kept her gaze on the night-drenched sand. She wasn’t fine. Her head hurt, she could barely think, and all she wanted to do was hide in the shadows. “I’m broken.”

“Don’t say that. You’ve only been free a week, give yourself some time.”

Quinn hadn’t needed time. Jayna’s headache ramped up, like spikes driven into her eyes.

“What can I do to help you?” Quinn asked quietly.

“Nothing,” Jayna whispered.

With a nod, Quinn rose. Her fingers brushed Jayna’s shoulder and Jayna fought off the urge to stiffen. For so long, the only time anyone had touched her had been when they were hurting her.

“I’m here. We’re all here when you need us. I’ll find what you need.”

As Jayna listened to the other woman’s footsteps fade, she wrapped her arms around her middle. She looked at the night sky, at the pin pricks of the stars, and tried to remember her work. She was, had been, an astrophysicist. She loved the stars, planets, nebulae, and the patterns between them. Or she had.

She squeezed her eyes closed, her headache growing until her stomach churned.

A big hand cupped her cheek.

Jayna jerked, a cry lodging in her throat. Her eyes flew open and met Mace’s.

His green-rimmed dark eyes looked turbulent.

“Quinn,” Jayna murmured.

He nodded. “You’re in pain.” A callused thumb brushed her temple.

She wanted to push her face into his palm, but surely she could dredge some strength up. Find the woman she used to be.

“It’s okay to need help, Jayna.”

She fought back a sob. What did this strong cyborg know about needing help? He must think she was so weak.

Taking her hand, he rose, pulling her to her feet. For a second, all she could see was his bare chest. He always wore tough, worn leather trousers and left his chest bare. He was all hard ropes of muscle and intriguing bulges.

“Come with me.” He tugged her deeper into the shadows.

Jayna followed and again wondered why this one gruff cyborg was the one who made her feel safe.

MACE PUSHED through the metal gate, the hinges squeaking in the night. The scent of blooming flowers and the gentle trickle of flowing water hit his enhanced senses.

He felt Jayna’s fingers flex in his.

The small courtyard was hidden in a corner of the House of Rone, not far from the training arena. He was sure not many people used it, or even knew it was here. Sitting around small water features and relaxing wasn’t something cyborgs tended to do.

He stepped back, and with hesitant steps, Jayna moved forward. He saw her lips part and she walked toward the small pool of water, dropping down onto the low wall around the water feature. Water trickled down a stone wall, making what he guessed was a pleasant sound.

On the wall behind her, a vine grew, climbing the stone. It was loaded with white flowers. She trailed her fingers in the water and Mace crossed his arms, leaning back against the wall.

When an upset Quinn had told him that Jayna needed him, he hadn’t hesitated. In fact, he’d left a bewildered Acton mid-conversation.

Jayna’s shoulders relaxed a little and she drew in a deep breath.

“I’m broken,” she whispered. “There’s nothing left of me.”

He grunted. “You’re wounded. You’ll heal.”

She looked up at him through her hair. “You think it’s that easy.”

“I never said it was easy. But you survived this long, you escaped the Edull. You’ll heal.”

She wrapped an arm around her middle. “I’ll never be the same as I was.”

“Life changes us.” Mace thought of the synthetic organs inside him. The scars that no one could see, but he never forgot were there. “Happens to all of us.”

Her chin lifted. “I wasn’t weak or afraid before. I was confident. Loved my work. I didn’t need anyone to hold me up.”

He shifted closer. Drak, some unknown part of him wanted to touch her, but he ruthlessly kept his hands at his sides. He didn’t need to get anymore tangled up with Jayna than he already was. “You might not be who you were before, but you can be a new you.”

“I have so many broken pieces and I don’t know how to put them back together.” A sob escaped her and panic flared in her eyes. “All I can remember is pain.”

Mace crouched in front of her and gripped her knees. Her legs were so slender under his hands. “Remember where you are. Remember you’re safe.”

Her eyes turned unfocused and she clamped her hands onto the sides of her head. The sound she made was a keening cry of terror.

He realized she wasn’t seeing him. Was lost in her head. “Jayna.”

She swung her fist at him, fear etched on her face.

He caught her arm. “Jayna, stop—”

“Don’t hurt me! Don’t cut me open again.”

Drakking Edull. He pulled her close, even as she hammered at his chest.

“Leave me alone!”

“Jayna, stop.” He put all the command he possessed into his voice.

She froze.

“You’re at the House of Rone,” he said.

“Mace?”

“I’m here.”

Her breathing was too fast, her body trembling. “I was back there. In their labs.”

Mace frowned. “They had you in a lab?”

She pressed two fingers to her forehead and rubbed. “Yes…I can’t really remember.”

Scooping her up, he sat on the low wall and settled her in his lap. Her body was stiff.

“You can go,” she murmured. “Just leave me alone.”

He didn’t respond.

She tried to shove him away. “You don’t want to have to deal with this.”

“I’ve got you.” He tucked her face against his neck. She shuddered, her warm breath puffing against his skin. “Won’t let you go.”

“I’m…already gone.” Her voice was a harsh whisper.

“No, you’re not. You’re just a little lost.”

Then he felt the warmth of her tears. A quiet sob broke from her and then she was crying.

“Let it out.” He held her tighter, wondering for a second why he didn’t take her to Ever or Quinn. He’d never, ever comforted a crying woman. Never wanted to hold anyone skin to skin until they felt better.

Deciding not to analyze it too much, he held her until the sobs turned to small hitches of her chest. Then she cocked her head, her body going still.

Mace heard it. From the other side of the wall came the strumming of strings and the beat of a drum. Probably some house workers on a break.

Jayna lifted her head, her cheeks still streaked with tears and her eyes red. He set her on her feet and she moved to the wall, listening. She pressed her fingers to the stone and he watched her body slowly relax.

“You like the music?” he said.

“I’ve always loved music. I play…played the guitar.” Her eyes closed and a look crossed her face. It was the closest to peace that he’d seen from her.

They stayed there until the music stopped.

“Jayna?”

She turned to look at him, her face hidden by the shadows.

“I know what it is to be ground down by life. To feel so beaten that you can’t see a way back.”

She gasped, her hands clenching at the hem of her shirt. But her brown gaze watched him intently.

“You take it one day at a time. Healing is rarely clean and tidy. It’ll be messy and hard, but keep trying and you’ll get there.”

Her teeth bit down on her bottom lip. Mace’s gaze dropped. She had full, lush lips. Drak.

“I’ve heard people talk about you. Rough, gruff, not very friendly.”

He cocked his head. “Sounds about right.”

“Why are you helping me?” A quiet whisper he could barely hear.

Mace rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t drakking know.”

She stared at him for another beat. “I want to heal…but sometimes hope is harder than despair.”

He knew that better than anyone. “You keep trying, or you let the Edull win.”

CHAPTER THREE

Jayna woke to bright sunshine.

She blinked, fighting to clear her head. Echoes of thoughts and memories twirled through her head. A dull headache was threatening.

Sitting up, she did what she’d done every morning since her rescue. Reminded herself she was free, in the House of Rone, and went over the names of everyone who’d helped rescue her. It grounded her, because she never knew when her fractured mind would twist away and she’d be back in the fog.

She shoved her hair back, fingers tangling in the knots. Dammit, Mace was right. By staying trapped by her fears and ignoring life, she was letting the Edull win.

Jayna shuddered. She wouldn’t let those bastards have any control over her. Never again.

Rising, she walked into her bathroom. Her body felt a little shaky, making her realize how weak she was. Another thing her captors had stolen from her.

But you can get stronger, if you want. One day at a time.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She had a lovely wild woman look going on. She grabbed a pretty, bone-handled brush off the vanity, and started pulling it through her hair.

Tears pricked her eyes. Damn, every tug pulled on her scalp. Some of the knots were bad.

With even strokes, she kept methodically working the brush through her hair. Tears welled again, and with fierce determination, she fought them back and kept brushing until her hair was a glossy, thick mass of curls framing her face. There. She was no longer a cavewoman.

Walking back into her room, she grabbed one of the energy drinks that the healers kept forcing on her. It didn’t taste bad…she just didn’t want them. Until now. She sipped it and walked to the windows.

Fuck the Edull. She stared through the glass, barely paying any attention to the gladiators and cyborgs training in the arena below. She wouldn’t let them win. She’d do whatever she could to make them pay.

Her thoughts became clearer, the jumble of discordant images straightening out.

Jayna sucked in a breath. While she’d been busy protecting herself, she’d forgotten that there were other members of the Helios crew who were out there.

Still trapped like animals.

Lifting her free hand, she massaged her temple. She had to remember. Who were they? Where were they?

She’d been so focused on herself. Selfish.

She stared out the window once more, and up at the faded blue sky and its two big suns. I’ll help find you.

Deciding she was going to do whatever she could to get her strength back, she put her drink down and moved over to the lovely woven rug on the floor. She started doing some basic yoga poses, stretching out tight muscles. She smiled. It felt good. She kept going until her arms and legs were trembling. She’d never been a huge exercise fan, but man, she was out of shape.

Rising, she pulled in a steadying breath. For the first time in a really long time, she felt the faint hum of need to pick up her guitar. She thought of the strange, alien music she’d listened to by the water fountain. Despite it being so different to her beloved rock music, it had soothed something inside her. Her lip quivered. It was a shame her battered, well-loved instrument had been destroyed with the Helios.

Okay, time to venture out, Jayna. She headed out into the hall, fighting to keep her discordant mind focused. Turning a corner, a flash of movement near the floor made her freeze.

It was a cat. She stared at it and it stared back. It was like no cat she’d ever seen before. This animal had a powerful body, larger than a house cat, it reminded her of a lynx, but most unique of all was the fact that it was a cyborg.

“Hey,” Jayna said.

The cat’s cybernetic tail flicked. Its dark fur was dotted with metal limbs and enhancements, including the implant on one eye that glowed.

Then it strode past her, sauntering down the corridor.

Dismissed. With a shake of her head, she continued on. As she neared an open doorway, feminine laughter from inside caught her ear.

Tucking her hair back, she stepped inside.

Two women glanced up, and Jayna felt a thump in her chest. Both women were from Earth. Both had been through similar traumas to hers. Ever had been on the Fortuna Space Station when the Thraxians had attacked. She’d survived the desert here on Carthago and a lawless desert arena. She was now in love with Magnus Rone and had a daughter. The little girl was currently lying on the floor, playing with some colorful toys.

Quinn—strong, fit, and courageous. Quinn had survived the Edull. She didn’t let them break her, and had tried to escape so many times that they’d sold her to some desert junker.

She’d been rescued by the House of Rone, and now shared Jax’s bed.

“Jayna.” Quinn came forward, holding a hand out.

Beside her, Ever smiled. “Your hair looks lovely.”

“I’m done hiding.” God, her voice sounded rusty.

Quinn slid an arm around her while Ever grabbed Jayna’s cybernetic hand—Ever’s own fingers were cybernetic as well—and she squeezed.

Jayna knew making the decision to heal and move forward was only the first step, but she was taking it.

“We knew you just needed time,” Quinn murmured.

Yes, and a ruthless, hard cyborg to give her a push.

MACE STRODE DOWN THE CORRIDOR, walking beside Magnus. Jax flanked the imperator on the other side.

“Did you check on the injured children from the starship crash?” Magnus’ voice was deep, cool, and commanding. A collision at Carthago’s spaceport had resulted in a few injuries.

“Yes,” Jax replied. “One needs a new arm, and Avarn has scheduled it.”

Magnus nodded. “And those you rescued from Gosht?” This time, the imperator glanced at Mace, his cybernetic eye glowing neon blue.

Mace grunted. “Recovering from their surgeries.” He’d been in to check on them earlier, and to take a small toy to the female child.

“Good,” Magnus said. “Weapons shipments?”

“All on schedule,” Mace replied. “Except Maxon’s latest batch of swords is delayed.” Mace grunted. “He made a set, but wasn’t happy with the quality.”

“Perfectionist,” Jax said.

Mace grunted again. “You mean temperamental sandsucker.” The volatile weapons master regularly made Mace want to beat him to a pulp.

“The clients will wait,” Magnus said.

Yeah, they would. Maxon made the best weapons on Carthago.

“Next item is to discuss any updates on the search for the Edull and Bari Batu,” Magnus said. “We’ll meet in my office shortly.”

Jax nodded. “Toren and Acton will meet us there.”

“I need to check with the cyborgs taking the Gardill weapons out to the spaceport,” Mace said. “Then I’ll come.”

It only took him a few minutes to ascertain the cyborgs were following his orders and were prepping the completed weapons order for transport. As he headed for Magnus’ office, his thoughts turned to the Edull.

The Edull’s scrap city was hidden somewhere in the desert. They were working hard to find it, but there was very little intel available. From what they could tell, it was located on the far side of Carthago, deep in uncharted parts of the desert.

As he headed down the hall, Mace heard soft, female laughter.

The sound hit him in the gut like a punch. He couldn’t stop himself from walking closer.

He peered into Ever’s sitting room, and saw Ever and Quinn. Quinn was holding baby Asha and smiling.

And a gorgeous woman he didn’t recognize at first, with a mass of brown, silky curls, was laughing.

Jayna?

Mace stared at her, then dragged in a breath. Emotions rose in him, and this time, he struggled to subdue them.

He gritted his teeth. He knew anger, that was it. When he’d been trapped in the fight rings, he’d fucked women on occasion. Hard, rough tumbles against walls between bouts to burn off the adrenaline. But the stark truth was that he didn’t like someone else’s skin against his.

Jayna laughed again. It was still a little subdued, but there was a glow on her face.

Desire was like a burning flare in his gut. He swiveled, turning away from the doorway, his hands clenching into fists.

Mace didn’t want a woman. He didn’t want to be drawn to Jayna. He’d watched Magnus and Jax both fall in love… No, thanks. He just wasn’t capable of it.

He was well aware of how small and fragile these women from Earth were. Not in spirit. Their toughness continued to surprise him. But their bodies were tiny, and far less strong than most alien species. He looked down at his big, scarred fists. He could so easily break a small woman.

Shaking his head again, Mace continued to Magnus’ office.

All the elite cyborgs were waiting there. Jax stood with a hip against the edge of the desk. Acton leaned against the wall, and the final member of their group, Toren, sat in one of the chairs. The cyborg was eating a piece of fruit. He caught Mace’s gaze and nodded.

Toren’s blond hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck. He had metal enhancements embedded in his shoulders.

“Thanks for getting that family free of Gosht for me,” Toren said. “I’ve been busy with the starship-crash victims.”

Toren took the lead on helping people who needed cybernetic replacements. Mace’s job was focused on the other part of the House of Rone’s main business—weapons. They had the best weapons master in all of Kor Magna. Maxon was a genius at what he did, but had a temperament that made Mace look like sunshine.

“Update on the Edull,” Magnus said.

Jax blew out a frustrated breath. “Nothing. Zhim and Ryan have found nothing. Corsair is tracking down some very vague rumors, but I don’t expect them to pan out. Galen has nothing new to report.”

Zhim and Ryan were the city’s premier information merchants. If they couldn’t find anything… Corsair was a caravan master who knew the desert like the back of his hand. He was contacting all his desert informants to see if anyone knew where Bari Batu was. Galen was imperator of the House of Galen. They’d already rescued all the Fortuna Space Station humans, and were helping the House of Rone in the search for the Helios humans.

Nothing. They had nothing.

Drak. Mace wanted to pummel something.

“We won’t find intel here in the city,” Mace said. “The Edull stay well clear of Kor Magna.”

Magnus nodded. “The Thraxians sold the Helios survivors to the Edull on purpose. The House of Galen was already tracking down the human survivors from Fortuna, so the Thraxians got rid of the rest of them where we’d have trouble finding them.”

Mace stuck a hand on his hip. “So where does that leave us?”

Magnus met his gaze. “We need to know what Jayna can remember.”

Mace stiffened. “She’s been through enough.”

“There are others out there, Mace,” Jax said. “Others fighting for their lives.”

And Mace knew exactly what that felt like—to keep fighting, never knowing if you would ever escape. Always wondering if the next day might bring your death.

Drak. He wanted to protect Jayna, but they needed her to delve into her darkest nightmares.

CHAPTER FOUR

Jayna felt a stab of envy over Ever’s lab. Memories of her own astrophysics lab on the Helios hit her, and her throat tightened. It was gone now.

“It’s so nice in here.” Sunlight poured through the windows. She closed her eyes. Sweet, sweet sunlight.

“Magnus put the lab together for me when I first came to the House of Rone. He wanted me to have a place of my own.” The other woman smiled. “I was suffering with morning sickness, which made him a little panicky.”

Jayna could not imagine Magnus Rone panicking about anything, but there was absolutely no doubt about how the cyborg imperator felt about Ever. Jayna wandered the benches, touching various items. Her insides tingled a little bit. It was the need to explore, understand, find the patterns. She’d always been curious and loved solving problems.

“Jayna?”

Mace’s deep voice made her swivel. He stood in the doorway, his shoulders almost touching the sides of it. Every time she saw him, she was struck by his size. He was so big.

Ever looked over, a faint smile on her face. “I think I’ll pop out and make some ocla for us to drink. Be back in a bit.”

Ever slipped past Mace and out of the room.

Jayna lifted her chin.

He stepped closer. “Your hair—”

“I brushed it.”

“Good.”

She lifted her chin higher. “You were right. It’s time I started healing.”

“You needed to feel safe.”

She blew out a breath. “I do.” For some reason, being near you makes me feel safe.

She took in the rough-hewn lines of his face. He wasn’t handsome like Jax, but there was such a strength to him. It radiated off his big body.

Jayna couldn’t see any obvious enhancements on him like the other cyborgs. Curiosity curled inside. She wondered what exactly had been altered and enhanced on his body. The only metal she could see was a fascinating piercing he had in one nipple.

“All our leads on the Edull and Bari Batu have dried up,” Mace stated bluntly.

Her stomach dropped. Just the name of the Edull and the city made her feel sick. Stay calm. She gave a tight nod.

“We need to see if you remember anything. Anything that might help us.”

They wanted her to crack open her head and delve into her nightmares. She wrapped her arms around herself. The Edull had tortured her and she’d tried to block that out. The pain. The screams—hers, and the cries of others.

She strode across the lab, her steps jerky.

“Take your time—”

She spun to face him. “I can’t though, can I? We both know that. There are other humans out there—” A throbbing pain burst through her head and she staggered.

“Jayna.” He strode forward.

She stumbled, her hip slamming into one of Ever’s benches. Panic rose up, strangling her. She couldn’t breathe—

Big hands curled around her arms. “Take a breath.”

She tried, but it burned.

“Look at me.”

She looked up into dark eyes ringed with electric green.

“You’re safe,” he said.

Finally, she managed to get some air into her lungs. “I’m okay.”

“You’re not, but you will be.”

The throb in her head lowered to a dull ache. Images flickered, memories. “Wait. I remember something. I talked with another member of the crew from the Helios.”

Mace frowned. “Quinn. We know that you two talked through the cell walls.”

Jayna shook her head. “Someone else.” She touched her temple. Dammit, why couldn’t she remember?

“Here.”

She heard the crinkle of a wrapper, and looked up to see Mace holding out some sort of energy bar to her.

“I’m not hungry—”

“Eat,” he growled. “You need the nutrients.”

With a huff, she snatched the bar from him and took two quick bites. The damn thing was delicious, but she wasn’t going to tell him that.

He led her over to some chairs near the windows. “What else do you remember?”

She tucked her legs under her, trying not to let the panic rise again. “I remember that it was hot. I guess that’s no surprise, since we were in the desert.” She worried her bottom lip. “There was a low-level hum of energy to the place. And I remember the stone walls, screams echoing off the stone.”

Jayna couldn’t sit still any longer. She leaped up, taking a few steps away.

“So many screams.”

“Jayna—”

A sudden pain streaked through her head and down her neck. It felt like lightning. With a cry, her legs collapsed.

She bumped a bench and as she went down, she heard glass shatter.

She hit the ground, her body shaking. She couldn’t talk, couldn’t move.

“Jayna!”

As her body kept jerking, her muscles no longer under her control, her gaze locked onto Mace’s dark, dark eyes rimmed with green.

Then there was nothing.

JAYNA WAS HAVING some sort of seizure. Mace held her head so she wouldn’t bump it on the floor.

Fear, such an unfamiliar feeling, was racing through him.

He held her body as she convulsed, and for the first time in a very long time, Mace felt helpless.

“I’m here, Jayna. You’re safe.”

He needed to call for help, but unlike most of the other cyborgs, he didn’t have a built-in communication system. Drak, he couldn’t leave her.

It felt like an eternity, but finally she stopped shaking and her body went limp.

Figuring it was safe to move her now, he scooped her up off the floor, carefully holding her to his chest. He strode out of Ever’s lab, moving swiftly toward Medical.

He burst through the doors and spotted a female healer near some medical equipment. “Help her.”

The woman frowned and hurried over. “What happened?”

“She had some sort of seizure.”

The healer waved to a bunk and reluctantly, Mace set Jayna down.

“She was trying to recall her time in captivity,” he added.

With gentle hands, the healer checked Jayna over. She lifted a small scanner and ran it over Jayna’s still form. The healer made some unhappy noises.

Unable to withstand the lack of contact, Mace pressed his hand to Jayna’s arm. Her skin was warm.

The healer stepped back. “I need to call Avarn.”

Mace’s gut clenched. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know yet—”

“Help her. You need to—”

The female healer tapped on a screen, then turned to him. “Calm yourself or I’ll have you removed.”

Mace growled. “Oh? How the drak do you suppose you’ll do that?”

The healer’s eyes narrowed, just as the doors opened and Avarn bustled in. The older man’s long hair was pulled back at the base of his neck.

“Mace, sit down and stay out of the way. Murmil, tell me what we’ve got.”

Mace dropped into a chair, staying close to the head of Jayna’s bed. The healers pressed sensors to her skin and Avarn moved a scanner over her head.

Swallowing, Mace realized his mouth was dry.

“How the drak did we miss that?” Avarn muttered.

“What?” Mace demanded.

A frown on his face, the healer turned, pulling a tray of instruments closer to the bed. “There appears to be something metallic buried in her head, near her left temple.”

Mace sucked in a breath.

“It’s small, partly embedded in the bone. That’s why it was missed.”

“You can get it out?”

Avarn nodded. “I need you to go.”

Mace’s hand tightened on Jayna’s skin. “I’m staying.”

“Mace.”

Magnus’ cool, deep voice echoed through Medical. Mace’s head jerked up. Magnus was flanked by Jax and Acton, all of them watching him intently. Mace flexed his fingers.

“It’s a delicate procedure,” Avarn said, voice calm. “I’ll let you know as soon as we’ve removed the object.”

“She’ll be okay?”

Avarn’s mouth tightened. “It’s in a difficult location—”

“I’m staying.” Mace’s cybernetic heart thudded hard in his chest. What the healer wasn’t saying is that there was a risk to Jayna in doing this.

Magnus stepped closer.

“I’m not leaving,” Mace growled.

Magnus sighed. He didn’t say anything aloud, but obviously gave Jax and Acton an order. The three cyborgs jumped Mace.

There was an ugly, intense struggle. Mace fought, and they tipped over an empty bunk. Magnus, Jax, and Acton dragged Mace out into the hall, and kept him pinned against the wall.

“I told her I wouldn’t leave her,” he said between gritted teeth.

“You aren’t.” Magnus had Mace in a headlock. “We’ll stay here until Avarn finishes. Let him do what he needs to do.”

Drak. Mace tried to get a handle on the volatile rage choking him. “She’s so fragile. How the drak do you handle it with Ever and Quinn? Knowing someone could hurt them so easily.”

Magnus loosened his hold. “They aren’t easy prey, Mace. You know better than anyone that physical strength only takes you so far.”

Mace nodded and pulled away. This time, his friends released him. He stared at the door to Medical, trying not to picture what was happening inside.

It felt like endless hours, but finally, the doors opened and Avarn stepped out. The healer eyed them all, his gaze settling on Mace.

Mace heard the thud of his pulse in his ears.

“She’s fine. Still unconscious, but I believe she’ll wake up shortly.”

Sagging against the wall, Mace sucked in a deep breath. Magnus patted his shoulder.

“It was a small implant. Smaller than anything I’ve seen before.”

“What was it designed to do?” Mace demanded.

“From what I can tell, distort her brainwaves. Leave her confused, her memories clouded, her thought patterns uneven.”

Mace sucked in a sharp breath. “That’s why she’s had trouble healing? Why she couldn’t remember things?”

Avarn nodded. “She, of course, has some emotional trauma as well, but the implant would have been making it very difficult for her to think clearly.”

Mace let himself imagine being in a fight ring with the Edull who’d implanted it in her. Pummeling the crudspawn into bloody pieces. “So she’ll be okay?”

The healer nodded. “Her vitals are in normal ranges, and there doesn’t appear to be any adverse effects. I can’t guarantee her memories will come back all at once, but they should come back.”

Mace pulled in a shuddering breath.

Magnus shifted. “This doesn’t sound like typical tech for the Edull.”

Acton nodded. “They are known for fashioning scrap metal into highly useful and productive robotic creations, not small implants in organic lifeforms.”

“Branching out?” Jax mused.

“We’ll take a closer look once we’ve tracked them down,” Magnus said.

Mace stepped forward. “I want to see her.”

Avarn raised a hand. “She’s still unconscious—”

“Now.”

Magnus shot the healer a look and Avarn sighed. “Fine. You can sit with her until she wakes up.”

“Hey!” A female voice echoed down the corridor.

They all turned and saw Ever and Quinn marching toward them. Mace didn’t need to be an expert on women to know they were angry.

Magnus stiffened and Jax muttered under his breath.

“You didn’t tell them what happened to Jayna?” Mace said.

Acton watched the incoming women. “I believe that might have been the incorrect choice.”

“Yeah, thanks, Acton,” Jax said.

“I just heard—” Ever shoved her hands on her hips and glared at Magnus “—that not only did Jayna have a seizure, she required dangerous surgery.”

“We heard from a house worker,” Quinn clipped out.

“I wanted to know the outcome of the procedure before I told you,” Magnus said.

Ever pulled in a breath. “She’s our friend. You should have told us straight away.”

“I didn’t want you to worry,” Magnus added.

Looking to the floor, Ever rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Magnus, caring for someone, it comes with the ups and the downs. I know you want to protect me, but you can’t shield me from everything. Especially from the things I need to be a part of.”

Magnus nodded.

“Don’t do it again.” Ever walked into the imperator’s arms and he closed them around her.

Quinn pointed a finger at Jax. “What’s your excuse?”

Jax’s face was purposely blank. “I was following my imperator’s orders.”

“You’re throwing him under the bus.” Quinn shook her head. “Coward.”

Jax grinned. “Did it get me out of trouble?”

“No.” Quinn went up on her toes and nipped his ear. “How is she?”

“She’ll be fine,” Mace said.

Quinn’s direct gaze met his, assessing. Then she nodded.

Mace walked toward the doors. “Unlike your mates, I’ll let you know as soon as she wakes up.”

“Thank you, Mace,” Ever said.

Jax rolled his eyes, but Mace turned away and strode into Medical.

Jayna’s slim form was still on the bunk, still lit up under the bright lights. There was a bandage on the side of her head.

Swallowing, Mace sat on a stool, staring at her. Her thick hair was spread out on the table. Drak, it was gorgeous. Unable to stop himself, he fingered a lock of it, watching it curl around his thumb.

“Wake up.” He willed those brown eyes to open.

Memories from the fight rings—all the people he’d watched fall and never open their eyes again—battered at his head. He should get up and leave. Not let her get under his skin anymore than she already had.

But he stayed and tangled his fingers with hers.

CHAPTER FIVE

Mace was slouched in the uncomfortable chair when he finally saw Jayna’s eyelids flutter and her eyes open. Blinking, she looked around, her gaze finding him and locking there.

“What…happened?” Her voice was husky.

“You had a seizure.” He leaned closer, fighting the urge to touch her hair again. “You’re fine now.”

She fingered the bandage on her temple, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled it away. Then she reached up and touched his stubbled cheek. Mace stilled and couldn’t look away from her brown eyes. They were clear and alert.

“The more I look at you, the more handsome I think you are,” she murmured.

He grunted. “I’m not handsome.”

She smiled, then she blinked. She scrambled to sit up. “My head…”

“Slowly.” He slid an arm around her.

She gripped his hand and squeezed. “Mace, my head is clear. I can think without it hurting.”

Avarn appeared, his robes flapping around his body. “I see our patient is awake.”

Jayna managed a tremulous smile. “I feel more awake than I’ve felt in ages.”

“We found a tiny implant the Edull had left in your head,” the healer told her.

She gasped, her nails digging into Mace’s arm. “What?”

“It’s out now,” Mace reassured her.

“It was interfering with your brain function,” Avarn added.

She bit down on her lip, a shudder passing through her. “I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t broken. They made me that way.”

Mace gave her a squeeze.

Then Jayna’s eyes widened. “Sage.”

Mace frowned. “What?”

She straightened and he steadied her before she tumbled off the bed.

She pushed her mass of curls back off her face, and when she went to swing her legs off the bed, he pushed her back down. “Rest.”

A huff of breath. “Are you always this bossy?”

“Yes.”

“Well, when I’m fully recovered, you’ll find I’m not very good at following orders.”

He grunted.

“Sage,” she said again.

He frowned. “Is that a place?”

“No, a person. She’s one of the other captives from the Helios. She was in Bari Batu.”

“You remember her.”

Tears welled in Jayna’s eyes. “Yes. She’s so sweet. She was one of the medical crew. A paramedic. She was really nice and so relentlessly optimistic, even in the face of everything. God—”

Mace saw the worry on Jayna’s face. Worry that the Edull might have crushed this Sage’s spirit.

“I remember that on the ship, everyone liked being around her. She was always smiling. She was in the cell beside mine for a little bit, after Quinn was taken away.”

“Okay, that’s good you’ve remembered.” Cautiously, he watched her, checking for any sign that she might have another seizure. “Do you remember anything else about Bari Batu?”

“I was stuck in a cell, so I didn’t see much.” Then she sucked in a breath. “When they moved me, to sell me to Gaarl—” her chest hitched, but she gritted her teeth and kept going “—I got a glimpse of the sky before they blindfolded me. I remember clouds. A lot of clouds.”

Mace frowned. “There isn’t much water on Carthago, so there aren’t many clouds.”

She bit her lip. “That’s what I remember. God, what if it’s not real? What if thanks to whatever those bastards did to me, my brain is making things up?”

“Calm down.”

She looked at the floor, then stiffened. “Mace, I remember something else. The guards talking. They were talking about an Edull here in Kor Magna.”

Anticipation flared. “Go on.”

“I… Damn, my memories are like Swiss cheese. Holes everywhere.”

Avarn made a clucking noise. “I have no reason to think they won’t return. You just need some time.”

“I remember them talking about a shipment of robots being sold here in Kor Magna.”

“Did you hear any names?” Mace asked.

She grimaced. “No. I don’t remember.”

He patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. It’s a start.”

She nodded.

“You did well, Jayna.”

Her expression implied that she doubted his words. “I’ve been here a week, trapped in my own head, my own pain. Meanwhile, Sage and who knows how many of my crew mates are out there.” Her voice broke.

Mace growled. “We’re going to find them.”

Brown eyes met his, misery in their depths. “They’re probably suffering. Being hurt.”

He gripped her chin. “And I bet they’re survivors, just like you.”

“Help me find them, Mace.”

For the first time in his life, Mace found himself helpless. Helpless to resist one small woman from Earth’s plea.

JAYNA WALKED beside Mace as they approached Magnus’s office. Mace had taken her to Ever’s quarters first.

“I promised Ever and Quinn,” he’d told her.

The women had hugged her and she’d told them about Sage.

“We’ll find her,” Quinn had promised.

Mace banged a fist on the door.

“Enter,” a deep voice said.

Jayna swallowed. Magnus sat behind a huge desk, his hands steepled on the polished surface. There was a screen on the desk, and from it, a couple stared back at them.

“I’m glad you’re doing better, Jayna,” the imperator said.

God, the man was scary. She couldn’t read anything from his imposing face. How the hell could Ever be in love with the man?

“Hi, Jayna.” A cute dark-haired woman on the screen waved. Beside her stood a lean man with long, dark hair and nebula-colored eyes. “I’m Ryan.”

Mace had already explained who they were. Zhim and Ryan, the information merchants. Zhim definitely looked alien with his sharp, hawkish face and unique eyes. Ryan, however, was from Earth—a survivor from Fortuna Space Station. Her Japanese heritage showed through in her black hair and eyes.

“Hello,” Jayna said. “Thanks so much for helping.”

“We’ll rescue them all,” Ryan said fervently. “Whatever it takes.”

Zhim touched Ryan’s hair before facing the screen. “I ran some preliminary searches. Nothing relevant for anyone buying Edull tech here in Kor Magna.”

Jayna’s shoulders sagged, and Mace touched a hand to the small of her back. She glanced up at the small, comforting gesture.

Magnus asked some more questions, and Zhim talked about other search options.

“We’ll go deeper,” Ryan said. “Don’t worry Jayna, we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“I like going deeper.” Zhim grinned at his woman and Ryan playfully whacked him.

Jayna couldn’t help but smile. The couple clearly loved each other and enjoyed working together.

“If you remember anything else, Jayna, let us know.” Ryan smiled at her. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“I did want to ask something,” Jayna said. “I was hoping to contact my parents.”

Ryan smiled and nodded. “I’ll arrange it.”

“Thank you.”

The screen winked off.

Jayna tucked some of her hair back. “I need to focus on my memories. See what else I can—”

“You need to relax.” Mace’s scowl was deep. “If you push yourself too hard, you might have another seizure.”

She turned to him. “The implant is out now, and Sage, and whoever else are stuck out there, they don’t have time. They’re slaves, prisoners…they could be being tortured.” Her pulse sped up.

“Give yourself a break. The memories will come.”

“Mace is correct.” Magnus rose. His broad chest was bare today, just crossed by a simple, leather harness. The look showcased his metal arm and hard muscles. “You’ve pushed yourself today and had surgery, so it’s time to take it easy. You can come to the arena fight.”

“What?” Jayna said.

“The House of Rone is fighting the House of Aviar. The fight starts soon.”

Oh. She hadn’t been to a fight yet and was intrigued. She looked down at the simple trousers and shirt she wore.

Mace took her hand and tugged her out the door. “You look fine.”

She let him lead her through the corridors. They exited the House of Rone and made their way through the tunnels beneath the arena.

She hadn’t left the House of Rone since she arrived. Anxiety filled her about being outside, away from the safety of the house.

“Mace—”

His fingers squeezed hers. “I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

Her own cyborg protector. She tried to relax, but then felt a spurt of anger. Before her abduction, she wouldn’t have been terrified at the thought of going anywhere. She’d been easygoing, confident.

You still are. Give yourself a break.

Mace led her up a sloping tunnel and through a doorway.

She tensed. The sound and energy washed over her, and she blinked at the sudden, bright sunlight. The arena was amazing, and far bigger than she’d imagined. It felt like stepping into a professional sports stadium.

Mace tugged her down some steps. The tiered seating was packed with a multitude of different beings of varying species. The sand-covered arena floor lay in the center of the structure. It made her think of Rome’s famous coliseum.

A moment later, she spotted Quinn, Ever, Jax, Acton, and Toren near the railing.

Before she knew it, she found herself seated right against the railing. The women called out hellos, Jax smiled, Toren nodded, and Acton looked at her coolly. Mace shoved a bag of something into her hand.

“Eat.”

Always making her eat. She sniffed the contents, then lifted a small kernel of the food. It tasted like popcorn.

He was watching her. “It’s called mahiz.”

“It’s good.”

The crowd was filled with anticipation, and soon a mournful wail broke out across the arena.

“The fight’s about to start.” Mace sat down beside her, his big body crowding hers.

The House of Rone gladiators stepped out of the tunnel entrance on the far side of the arena, and the crowd roared its approval.

“That’s Xias,” Mace told her.

She eyed the dark-skinned muscled gladiator walking ahead of the others. He raised a fist in the air and shook it at the crowd. The crowd cheered.

“He’s our champion. Good fighter.”

She saw the other gladiators fan out around Xias and her eyes widened. “You have female gladiators?”

“Of course.”

There were two tall, athletic women standing on the sand, swords in hand.

“And female cyborgs?” Jayna asked.

“Yes. We have some in the lower ranks. Strong and tough. I believe Magnus is about to promote one, her name is Seren, to the elite group. Now that both Magnus and Jax are mated, they need help running house business.”

Suddenly, light shimmered overhead, and Jayna glanced up to watch an electronic net appear, covering the top of the arena. She frowned, and a second later, a wild screech split the air.

“The House of Aviar,” Mace said.

Giant birds flew out a tunnel, arrowing into the sky. She gasped, watching them circle the arena. The crowd went wild.

“They’re incredible.” They had glossy black feathers and huge wingspans.

The Aviar gladiators stepped onto the sand, waving to the crowd. They were big and muscled, and wore heavy gauntlets. They also wore helmets topped with black feathers.

The two groups of gladiators lined up, facing each other across the sand. A horn sounded, and the fight began.

The gladiators broke into a run, sprinting across the arena, weapons held high.

Swords clashed with a deafening clang, and then the fighters were dipping, whirling, and slashing. Jayna’s heart hit her ribs. She thought she’d find it brutal, but it was almost like watching a football game. Her father had made her sit through plenty, and while she couldn’t care less about the finer points of the game, she’d enjoyed watching the fit athletes move.

A shadow moved over her, and she watched a large bird swoop down. It dived at Xias. The big gladiator dodged, then grabbed a handful of feathers. He swung up onto the bird’s back.

The crowd clapped. Wow. He was pure power and skill.

“You like it?” Mace asked.

She nodded, shoving more of the snack food into her mouth. “It’s incredible.”

She turned her attention to a female Rone gladiator in a wild fight with an Aviar male. The woman was winning.

“None of your gladiators are cyborgs?” Jayna asked.

“Cyborgs are banned from the arena. The fights are to showcase skill and athletic prowess. Cyborgs have an unfair advantage.”

She suddenly realized the container in her hand was empty. She’d eaten all of the mahiz.

“I’m going to get some more of this.” She glanced over, and spotted a vendor standing nearby. The man was walking up and down the stands, selling snacks and drinks.

“I’ll get it.” Mace started to rise.

“No.” She touched his arm. “I want to stretch my legs.” And she wanted to prove she could do it.

He held up a small medallion. It was a shiny bronze metal, and was stamped with the House of Rone logo—a gladiator helmet over crossed swords.

Ever leaned forward. “Carthago’s answer to a credit card.”

Taking it, Jayna headed toward the vendor, getting in line behind the others waiting.

“I’m in a rush,” a big man called out. He shoved past Jayna.

She frowned. Once, he’d probably had muscle, but he’d gone soft. He elbowed past another man with green skin.

The green-skinned alien spun with a snarl. “Wait your turn.”

The first man snapped something back in an alien language that Jayna’s lingual implant didn’t recognize.

And then in the blink of an eye, the two men were scuffling.

Oh, no.

Suddenly, they started throwing punches. But before she could do more than take one step back, the big man raised his arm. As he moved to punch the other man, his elbow hit Jayna in the face.

Ow. Pain exploded and she fell backward with a cry. She hit the ground and her head cracked on the stone steps.

CHAPTER SIX

The sound of angry male voices made Mace jump to his feet. He turned, saw the altercation, and watched Jayna fall.

No. He charged in with a growl, anger boiling through his veins.

He grabbed one of the men and tossed him. He tumbled down the steps.

The green-skinned man froze.

“Move and I’ll tear your head off,” Mace snarled.

The man nodded, eyes wide.

Mace crouched beside Jayna, grateful to see she was conscious and trying to sit up. He wrapped an arm around her.

“Is she okay?” Quinn’s voice.

“I’m all right,” Jayna said.

“Your head’s bleeding,” he said.

“It’s not bad. I’ve had worse, thanks to the Edull.”

The words made him grit his teeth. He wanted to hunt down every Edull and make them pay. Painfully.

“Hey, calm down.” She touched his cheek.

Mace wanted to shake his head. Jayna was comforting him, when she was the one who was hurt. He pulled in a deep breath, fighting for some control.

“Are you okay, Jayna?” Ever appeared beside Quinn.

Quinn was scowling at the bystanders. “Everyone step back.”

“It was just a bump on the head,” Jayna insisted. “Help me up.”

Mace gently tugged her to her feet, checking that she was steady. She shot him a smile…just before she staggered.

“Jayna.” He caught her. “I’m taking you to the healer.”

“I… More memories.” She closed her eyes, breathing fast. “I remember a name. I remember the guards talking about someone in Kor Magna. Someone called Vron.”

Mace’s pulse spiked. They had a name.

“Is he Edull?” Jax asked.

“I’m not sure.” Jayna’s brow creased. “Maybe. Or maybe he was a customer?”

“Enough.” Mace shifted her higher. “I’m taking her to see Avarn.”

Jax nodded. “I’ll pass the name onto Zhim and Ryan.”

“We’ll come with you to Medical,” Ever said.

“No, stay.” Jayna waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. No point in everyone missing the fight.”

Mace had already turned, heading up the steps three at a time.

“I can walk, Mace.”

“You’re in pain.”

She sighed, the breath stirring one of her curls. “Am I that transparent?”

No. He’d just gotten used to watching her closely. This small woman from Earth who looked so fragile, but wasn’t.

With his ground-eating strides, it didn’t take them long to return to the House of Rone. Avarn was puttering around Medical when they entered.

“Back again, young lady.” The healer frowned. “Another seizure?”

“No, just some idiot who knocked me over.”

“She bumped her head. It’s bleeding.” Mace set her down.

Avarn checked her head, tilting it from side to side. “You’ll be okay. I’ll give you a mild painkiller.” He pressed the injector to her neck. “Just take it easy.” He cleaned the wound, then spread some med-gel on it to help it heal. “Don’t overexert yourself, and get some rest.” With that, they were dismissed.

Mace scooped her off the bunk.

“I really can walk, you know.”

“No.”

“Bossy.”

He entered her room and set her down on the bed. As he started to rise, she grabbed his arm.

“Don’t go. I don’t want to be alone.”

Being here, in her room, so close to her… He heaved out a breath. He was far too obsessed when it came to this woman.

He sat on the edge of her bed, feeling awkward. Knowing that there was a bed and having Jayna beside him made him think of things he shouldn’t be thinking about.

Scowling, he tried to think of something to say. He wasn’t very good at small talk, or giving comfort.

“Jax would have contacted Zhim and Ryan by now. They’ll start searching for this Vron.”

“Good. I hope it helps.”

Silence.

“Do you miss Earth?” he asked.

She nodded, sadness crossing her face. Drak, he was a sandsucker. He’d made her feel worse.

“I miss my family.”

“And did you have a man?”

Her nose wrinkled. “God, no. I’m glad to have half a galaxy between me and some of my exes.”

Mace stiffened. “They hurt you?”

Jayna smiled. “They’re all too far away for you to beat them up, Mace. No, they were just self-absorbed losers. I didn’t have a lot of time to date, but my radar was broken when it came to men.”

Mace nodded abruptly. He disliked thinking of any man being close to her, having the right to touch her…

She gave another small smile, before her gaze dropped to her fingers, which were plucking at the bedcovers. “I miss my music. My granddaddy was a musician.”

Music? Mace knew nothing about the topic. Music had no function or practical reason for existing. He thought it was a waste of time.

“I play guitar.” She tucked a curl behind her ear. “I was pretty good at it. Sometimes I’d play for hours and get lost in the music.”

Mace remembered how she’d reacted when she’d heard the music at the water fountain. The way it had soothed and relaxed her. A seed of an idea formed.

“Tell me about your planet,” she asked. “Or are you from Carthago?”

He shook his head. “I was born on Krenor. It’s run by gangs. Crime-ridden and dangerous.”

She gasped.

His hand curled. He was really terrible at distracting her.

“How did you get away from that?” she asked.

“I was a fighter. I was good at it.”

She smiled. “I’m not surprised. You’re so strong and skilled.” Her gaze skated down his arms.

He felt the throb of desire and locked it down. He refused to delve into the dark details of his life. The forced fights. The people he’d killed. The people he’d tried to save but had failed. The pain and blood.

“It was bad.” It wasn’t a question. Her voice was soft, filled with understanding.

He flicked his gaze up to hers. “Yes.”

“But you survived and found a place here.” She reached out and stroked his arm.

He loved her hands—slender, with long, beautiful fingers, and that included her cybernetic ones.

“I did. Magnus rescued me, and I’d give my life for the House of Rone.”

“I’m proud of you.” She leaned back on the pillows.

A sudden knot in his throat made it hard to breathe. No one had ever been proud of him. In the past, his gang leaders had been happy when he’d won fights, but Jayna wasn’t talking about his fighting skills.

Her eyes started to drift close.

“You’re tired.” He rose.

Her fingers grabbed his wrist. “Don’t go.”

He paused. “I won’t.” He pressed his fist to his thigh, and settled back down.

Before he could say anything else, she was asleep.

Because he couldn’t stop himself, Mace reached out and stroked her hair. Drak, she had so much glorious hair. He’d stay just a little bit longer, then he’d get far, far away from this tempting female.

JAYNA WOKE up with a heavy body resting beside hers.

She froze, until the scent of him hit her. Mace. He was so rawly male and so hot. He warmed places inside her where she’d been so cold.

Unable to stop herself, she reached out and stroked the tattoo on his arm. The ink portrayed images of wild, alien beasts that she didn’t recognize. It wasn’t pretty, but it had a rough kind of beauty that suited Mace.

God, it had been a long time since she’d slept beside a man. Being part of the Helios crew had left little time for relationships. She’d had a few hook ups, but nothing serious. Her work had consumed all of her time.

To be fair, there hadn’t been many guys she’d wanted to spend the night with.

Mace was still asleep, and she was able to take a good, long look at his face. She smiled. He wasn’t quite frowning, but even in sleep, he didn’t look relaxed.

Emotions tumbled around inside Jayna’s belly. It was crazy to feel this intense pull toward him. She barely knew him. She released a breath. But she knew what mattered. He was loyal and a protector. Despite the gruff, rough exterior, he had honor.

And his life before the House of Rone had been hard. He hadn’t said much, but she could read between the lines. She saw it reflected in the shadows in his eyes. He understood what she’d suffered.

His eyes opened, that circle of green around the iris so vibrant and beautiful.

“Jayna, how’s your head?”

She blinked. “Fine. I’d forgotten about it.”

She reached out and touched his chest. He had a fascinating piercing in one of his nipples and she really, really wanted to touch it. She fought a hot rush of arousal.

His face stayed like stone, but she kept stroking him, then tugged on the piercing. Suddenly, he groaned.

Her lips parted. “You like that?”

The muscles in his neck strained. She had to admit that she liked having her hands on this powerful man.

Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his. She tasted him, pulling in the dark musk that had her belly clenching. One of his hands slid into her hair.

“Jayna—”

“I’m not broken,” she said.

He sighed. “I know that.”

Shifting, she pressed her lips to one of his hard pecs, kissing his skin.

“I do not have attachments with women,” he said.

She blinked and looked up at him. “Oh? You haven’t had—”

“I’ve fucked. I don’t find it necessary. I don’t like people getting too close, and I like my life the way it is.”

“Why?”

He frowned, like the answer should’ve been obvious. “I don’t have the ability to care, to soften. If it was ever a part of me, it was beaten out of me when I was young.”

“You care, Mace. You’ve taken care of me, and I’ve seen the way you care about the House of Rone.”

“People die.” His voice was harsh.

She tilted her head. “And it hurts when they leave you.”

He sat up. “I want you safe and whole. That’s it.”

“Really?” He had to feel this connection between them. She stroked his skin again. “So you don’t want me?”

Another groan came from his throat. “Lust is a useless, and quickly dispersed, emotion.”

“Then prove it. Kiss me.”

He made a harsh sound, then his mouth was on hers.

He yanked her closer until she overbalanced against his chest. Her small cry was swallowed by his lips. His mouth was unforgiving, prying hers open and demanding entry. His tongue stroked into her mouth, tangling with her own tongue. She made a keening sound and pressed closer.

It took seconds for them to become lost in the kiss. Before she knew it, he’d pushed her to the bed, his big body on top of hers, a hard cock pressing against her belly.

Yes. Jayna hadn’t felt this alive for months. Years.

Then suddenly, Mace pushed her away and rolled across the bed. He shoved to his feet.

“I want to fuck you, but that’s it.”

Ouch. She sat up, pushing her hair off her face. For a second, his eyes snagged on her hair, something flashing in his eyes.

“You’re lying,” she said.

“Find someone else to be your security, Jayna. Someone else to hold on to when the darkness gets too much. It won’t be me. It can’t be me.”

Her lips trembled. He was pushing her away, and he wasn’t being gentle about it. Dammit, it hurt.

“Mace—”

He growled. “I can’t be what you need.”

She bit her lip, trying to hold in the emotions swirling in her belly. “You’ve been what I needed so far.”

His face spasmed. “I’m not soft. Not gentle. I don’t want what Magnus and Jax have with their women.”

She suddenly felt chilled. What right did she have to force her affections on him? Especially when he clearly didn’t want them?

She curled her legs beneath her, trying to find some warmth. Inside, an icy cold slid through her. “I’m sorry.” Her voice was wooden. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. It won’t happen again.”

He hesitated, an unreadable look on his face. He stared at her, something working behind his eyes.

Jayna slipped off the bed. She needed him gone. “You’ll tell me as soon as you hear anything about Vron?”

“Yes.”

Then she turned away, pulling all the shattered pieces inside her together. She felt like she’d lost something precious, which was silly, when she didn’t really have anything in the first place.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

There was no sound, but she knew he was gone.

CHAPTER SEVEN

In the training arena, Mace smashed his sword against Acton’s.

The cyborg’s brow creased. “You are extra aggressive today, Mace.”

“Less talking, more fighting.”

They shuffled back and forth across the sand. Acton’s cybernetic arms were strong, but Mace’s strength matched him.

Soon they stopped, both breathing hard.

“Do you wish…to talk about what’s upsetting you?”

Mace grunted. “You want to talk about how I’m feeling?”

Acton always told Mace that he didn’t feel anything. Or rather, he did feel flickers of emotion occasionally, but they were faint. Acton said he was happy with that.

“No,” Acton said. “But I’d prefer you were operating at optimum efficiency.”

“I had—” he wasn’t sure what to call it “—a disagreement with Jayna.”

“The woman has attached herself to you.”

“I saved her. It’s normal.”

“I’m sure this attachment will fade,” Acton said.

Mace frowned. It felt wrong to hear that. He did feel a connection to her, but he couldn’t allow it to grow and deepen. “I told her it couldn’t go any further. She agreed.”

Acton nodded. “Then the problem is solved.”

Mace just grunted again, and moved over to grab some of the water from the drinks table. He chugged it back, tipping some of it over his sweaty chest.

Nothing was solved. He’d seen the hurt on her face, the blankness that had entered her eyes. He’d hurt her. Not the Edull or the Thraxians this time, him.

“It’s still bothering you.” Acton tilted his head. “Do you want an attachment to her?”

“No.” Drak. Now, Mace felt like he was lying to himself. The first thing he’d done this morning was visit the House of Galen to arrange for a gift for Jayna. And thoughts of her were churning through his head.

“She is healing well,” Acton said. “And I can see that she is an attractive woman.”

Mace swiveled, lowering his water bottle. “What are you doing, noticing how attractive she is?”

“I have no feelings, but I can see perfectly fine. It won’t be long before she attracts a male.”

With a roar of fury, Mace spun, and threw his water bottle. It whacked into a training dummy and exploded into bits, water splashing everywhere.

Acton turned, his cool gaze taking in the mess. He turned back to Mace. “I believe you have some unresolved, conflicting emotions to deal with.”

“You think so, do you?”

“I suggest you talk with Jax. This is well beyond my scope of experience.”

“Shut up, Acton.”

Staring across the arena, he watched several gladiators and cyborgs training with various weapons. One tall female clad in an all-black suit caught his attention. Her black hair swung behind her as she whirled her twin swords through a fast fight routine.

Seren was a talented fighter, and combined with her natural and enhanced abilities, he knew she’d be a good addition to the elite group of cyborgs.

Suddenly, the sound of voices came into range. Mace turned to see Magnus, Jax, Quinn, and two other women step out into the walkway that ringed the training arena.

He recognized the tall brunette—Dayna Caplan. She was another survivor from Fortuna Station, who was now mated to the very wealthy and very powerful owner of the Dark Nebula Casino, Rillian. The shorter woman with blonde hair cut at her jawline was Mina Dixon—the first Helios survivor to be rescued. She was mated with Rillian’s head of security, Tannon Gi.

The group moved closer to Mace and Acton.

“Dayna and Mina have word on Vron,” Jax said.

Mace straightened. “What?”

Dayna looked him straight in the eye. It reminded him that she’d been some sort of law enforcement on Earth, and was now part of the Dark Nebula’s security team.

“We haven’t tracked down who he is, but I know that he has a link to the manufacturing area here in Kor Magna,” Dayna said.

Mina nodded. “One of Rillian’s contacts says this Vron has something to do with the Ordan Factory.”

Finally, a lead. Mace felt a burn to get out there. To do something to work off his tension.

Mace looked at Magnus. “We need to check it out.”

“It might pay to bring Jayna along,” Magnus said. “Something we see might jog her memory.”

Mace felt instant denial. He wanted her here—safe and protected. “Where is Jayna?”

Magnus studied him carefully. “You don’t know?”

Mace shook his head.

“Ever took her to Ryan and Zhim’s to make contact with her parents.”

Drak. He barely resisted the urge to curl his hands into fists. It would be hard on her. Talking to the parents she would never see again.

He should have been with her.

What the drak was wrong with him? He cleared his throat, focusing back on their mission. “Taking Jayna to the manufacturing district isn’t safe.”

“We aren’t taking her into the desert, Mace, just to a well-known part of the city.” Magnus’ neon eye glowed. “And she’ll be surrounded by cyborgs. She’d be well protected.”

Mace forced himself to nod. Drak. “She’ll want to come.”

“I want to come.” Mina cocked a hip, anger churning in her eyes. “Any chance to take the Edull down.” She drew in a breath. “But my guy would have a coronary.”

Dayna raised a brow. “And send in a team of Dark Nebula security operatives.”

“We’ll let you know what we find,” Magnus assured them.

“Then let’s go,” Jax said.

SUMMONED TO MAGNUS’ office, Jayna swallowed her nerves.

Her heart was still hurting a little, and her eyes were gritty from crying. She’d had a long talk with her parents. Their grief and sorrow had been palpable, and they’d all cried. Even her big, ex-footballer father had shed some tears. It had cracked her heart.

When she entered Magnus’ office, the big imperator’s cool gaze rested on her and she fought back a shiver.

“We don’t know who Vron is, but we have intel that links him to a factory in the manufacturing district.”

Oh, God. Excitement was a punch to her belly. She lifted her chin. “I want to come.”

Magnus nodded. “I want you to come. It might help you remember things that can help us find the Edull and Bari Batu.” Magnus glanced at a silent Mace.

Jayna glanced at him as well. It wasn’t hard to feel the anger pulsing off him.

“Let’s move,” Magnus ordered.

She followed the cyborgs to the entrance of the House of Rone. She was happy when she saw Quinn, dressed in fighting leathers, with a staff resting on her back.

“For you.” The other woman held out a small weapon.

Jayna’s fingers closed around the cool metal.

“Laser pistol,” Quinn said. “Point-and-shoot. It’s pretty easy.”

Jayna nodded, turning the pistol over until she slotted it into her pocket.

Then they headed out. She walked behind Mace as the group wound its way through the tunnels. He’d barely looked at her. She sighed. Meanwhile, looking at his broad, muscled back made her ache inside.

When they stepped out onto the street outside the arena, she felt goose bumps wash over her skin. She felt exposed. She looked around, at all the people on the sidewalks, the transports in the street.

Breathe. Forcing herself to follow the others, she battled her conflicting emotions. She was reminded again just how safe she’d felt inside the House of Rone.

Buck up, Jayna. She’d loved to be outside before her abduction. She would shake this shitty fear the Edull had left inside her if it was the last thing she did.

A light breeze brushed her face, and she let herself look around, feeling the pulse of the city. The sounds of people, alarms, transports—it was almost like a song, one she hadn’t heard in a long time.

She stayed close to Mace as they walked deeper into Kor Magna. There were beings everywhere, some rushing, others strolling. Gladiators, with lots of muscles and leather, immediately stood out in the crowd. Others, she guessed, were locals going about their business. There were also many strangely dressed creatures that somehow made her think they had to be tourists.

So many different alien species. While studying astrophysics, she’d dreamed about what making contact with an alien species would be like. She snorted mentally. She didn’t recommend getting abducted by alien slavers, but this method was certainly immersive and fascinating.

One tall alien walked by with a flying creature on a lead that followed, skimming just above her head. Jayna stared.

“Here.” Mace held out an energy bar to her.

“I’m not very hungry—”

“You need the energy.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re still underweight and need the fuel.”

“Fine.” She snatched it off him. God, did he have to point out her weaknesses. She munched on the bar, and glanced covertly at the confusing cyborg. She knew he was angry at her for coming on this trip. And she knew that he wanted some distance between them.

But then, at the same time, he did these nice things for her. Could the guy be any more confusing?

“How was it?” Mace said.

She glanced up at him. “What?”

“Talking with your parents.”

She bit her lip, tears instantly threatening. “Tough.”

He pulled her to a stop, his fingers brushing her jaw.

Dammit, he was going to really make her cry. “I…I can’t talk about it right now.”

He nodded, and urged her forward again. After a while, the buildings they passed changed and the crowds began to thin. The streets were dirtier, the structures more worn, shabby. The looming shapes of large factories and warehouses appeared ahead. Around her, she sensed the cyborgs’ attention sharpen.

Finally, they stopped in front of one large, stone building.

“It’s unguarded,” Magnus said. “I’m not detecting any biosigns.”

“Heavy security on the doors,” Jax noted.

Magnus pointed, and they circled the large building. At the back of it, Magnus scanned their surroundings, then bent his knees and jumped, landing easily on the roof of the warehouse.

Holy hell. He flew higher than she’d ever seen anyone jump before. Openmouthed, she watched Acton and Toren follow suit. Jax wrapped his arms around Quinn and propelled them both into the air.

Mace circled an arm around her waist.

“You can do that too?” she asked.

He nodded, then pushed off.

They flew upward, and Jayna gasped.

As their boots touched the metallic roof panels, she dragged in a breath. “You don’t have obvious enhancements like the others.”

“My species is naturally strong, and my enhancements are beneath the skin. Most of my organs are synthetic.”

She frowned, trying to imagine what had happened to him in the past that led to synthetic organs. But before she could say anything, he released her, and they moved to join the others.

She stared at Mace’s back. Just how badly injured did someone have to be to need new organs?

Magnus knelt down, gripped one of the roof panels, then tore it open like it was aluminum foil. The hole led directly into the warehouse below.

A second later, the imperator leaped into the building. God, did Magnus ever take a second to think things through before he dived in? Or maybe he was just quicker at assessing the odds than she was.

Mace wrapped his arms around her again, and they jumped through the hole. Jayna held her breath, her heart leaping into her throat as they dropped.

They landed in the center of the factory with a small thump.

It was dark, and she glanced around, her eyes slowly adjusting to the dim light. She froze.

Long construction lines with conveyors and robotic machines filled the space. Lasers whizzed around parts on the conveyors, glowing green in the dim light. The metallic clank of metal on metal was loud, and crates nearby overflowed with scrap parts.

Her heart started pounding. For a moment, she was back in the Edull’s domain.

“Jayna? Jayna?”

She swallowed and blinked rapidly. As Mace cupped her cheeks, she looked at him.

“You’re safe,” he said.

She nodded. “I know. Just a few bad memories.”

Shadows flickered in his eyes. “Those memories will never go away, but they’ll become dull over time. Just remember, they can’t hurt you anymore.”

She nodded again. He grabbed her hand and they walked between two rows of conveyors, watching the lasers dance.

“They’re making robots,” Magnus said.

The Edull were experts at constructing robots out of scrap metal. While their creations weren’t beautiful, they were strong, and worked well.

Jayna eyed the robots being created on these assembly lines. They were humanoid in design, with huge pistons for arms. Her heart pounded in her chest. She’d seen similar creations during her captivity.

“For work in construction, or a quarry,” Mace said, as though he were reading her thoughts.

“This way,” Jax said.

They kept moving. On a nearby bench, Jayna spotted several strange devices and screens. Suddenly, a loud noise broke the quiet hum of the machines. The sound of something rolling across the concrete floor.

The cyborgs swiveled. Quinn took a step forward, scanning the space.

Magnus lifted a hand. “Any biosigns?”

Jax shook his head. “None.”

“Then keep moving.”

They entered a section of the factory where the conveyors arched overhead, a series of robots dangling from them. As she walked, Jayna studied the machines. They looked complete. She stared at one in particular, which moved along at the same pace as her.

Lights were blinking on its chest panel.

She glanced up. It had no mouth or nose, but a sleek row of lights blinked where eyes would normally be. It almost felt like it was…watching her. Goose bumps broke out on her skin.

Then suddenly, the robot jumped from the conveyor and landed on the floor between her and Mace.

The Rone cyborgs all started shouting.

Jayna stared in horror as the robot turned to look at her, lifting one of its piston arms.

CURSING, Mace watched the robot slam a piston into the floor. The concrete shattered under the blow. Jayna stood there, frozen.

“Jayna! Run!”

Mace launched himself at the robot. He rammed his fist into the machine’s gut and met hard steel.

The robot barely moved. It was rock solid.

Another robot jumped off the conveyor, right near Jayna.

Drak. The first robot spun, lifting an arm. A metal panel on the machine’s chest opened and a weapon slid out.

Laser fire lit up the space.

Mace dived.

“Watch out!” Jax shouted.

“Take them down,” Magnus ordered.

Mace gave the mental command for his shield to form. His skin morphed, changing from the center of his chest and flowing out over his skin. It left him coated in silver metal.

He rose and heard Jayna scream.

He had to get to her.

Nearby, Jayna dodged one robot. She yanked out the laser pistol that Quinn had given her. She fired on the second robot as it advanced on her.

Mace rammed into the first robot. Its weapons swiveled, taking aim on him. The laser rebounded off Mace’s metallic skin.

He heard the rest of his cyborgs behind him. Acton leaped on one robot, punching his cybernetic arm through the construct’s head.

“They’re strong,” Acton yelled.

There was a crackle of electricity, followed by a flash of light. Magnus and Jax had both electrified their arms. Jax’s tattoo glowed with the power, and Magnus’ cybernetic arm shimmered silver-blue.

Nearby, a weapon rose up from an implant on Toren’s shoulder. He turned, his weapon swiveling as it took aim at the robots. A ricochet bolt hit one robot, before bouncing onto another, then another. The scent of burning metal filled the air. Quinn leaped into the air, her staff whirling as she attacked another robot.

Mace tried to shoulder past his opponent, but the robot sidestepped, pounding its piston arm into the floor. Beyond it, Mace saw the other robot stomping closer to Jayna.

She stumbled backward, still firing. But her small laser weapon wasn’t making any impact.

Magnus and Jax jumped in on either side of the first robot. They both touched it and the robot jerked and shuddered.

But it threw out its arms, knocking the cyborgs back. Magnus and Jax hit the concrete and rolled.

Mace curled his hands into fists, readying to attack.

Then he heard Jayna scream again.

No. He turned and saw that she’d fallen. The robot’s giant piston arm was coming down at her.

She rolled and the piston hit the ground. She rolled again, and the piston smashed into a conveyor with a crunch of metal.

Mace had to get to her.

“Go,” Magnus ordered. “We’ve got this.”

Magnus jumped high. He landed right beside one robot and punched his fist into the machine’s side. He punched again and again.

Metal dented, but that was it. The machine was still upright.

Scowling, Mace ran toward Jayna. He watched the robot in front of her raising its piston arm again, and as Jayna tried to get away, Mace realized she wasn’t going to be fast enough.

And her body would be crushed.

Mace threw himself forward. He dived in between the robot and Jayna.

The piston slammed into Mace’s gut.

It was like being hit by a transport at full speed.

The blow lifted Mace off his feet and he flew backward, ramming into the side of a conveyor. His head smacked against something hard and his ears rang.

“Mace!” Jayna’s screamed.

He shook his head, trying to find his balance. He saw that the robot was converging on Jayna again. She was still firing her pistol.

“Don’t you hurt him!” The robot got closer, and he could see there was no fear on her face. She aimed straight at the robot’s head.

Mace blinked. Did she mean him? Apart from his fellow cyborgs, no one worried about him. And even they didn’t worry about him in a fight.

With a bellow, Mace charged in. He landed hits and kicks on the robot’s back. The machine swiveled and slammed a piston into his gut. Pain shuddered through his body.

And anger.

“Watch out!”

Jax’s warning had Mace swiveling. Lasers from the assembly line were moving off the job, and taking aim at the cyborgs.

Drak. Acton and Toren were dancing their way through the deadly lasers.

“We need to retreat.” Magnus’ voice was grim.

The robot in front of Mace turned. It threw a punch. Mace dodged. It punched again, and this time, slammed into his shoulder. Agony shuddered through him. It felt like all the times he’d been hammered and beaten in the underground fight rings.

With a roar, Mace gripped the robot’s piston arm and yanked with all of his strength. With a screech of metal, he tore it off.

Then suddenly Jayna was there, jumping on the robot’s back. She pressed her laser to its head, point-blank.

She fired, and Mace felt an unfamiliar mix of fear and pride.

Smoke poured out of the robot’s damaged head. It staggered like it had imbibed too much ale.

Mace launched forward and snatched Jayna off the robot. Then he ran, dodging the lasers. He bent his knees and jumped up through the hole in the roof.

They landed on the roof and Mace ran toward the edge, wanting to put as much distance between them and the robots as he could. He leaped off the side of the building, and spotted Magnus and the others below.

He landed with a bend of his knees, still holding Jayna tight. His metallic skin retracted, morphing back to flesh.

“You got me out.” She pulled in a breath, her gaze on his face.

Mace nodded. “No one will ever hurt you again.”

Then his knees collapsed from under him.

As they dropped to the ground, Jayna cried out. “Mace!”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Oh, God, oh, God. Jayna’s pulse thundered in her ears. Mace had always seemed invincible, but seeing him on his knees, his face dazed, left her unable to breathe.

She dropped to her knees in front of him and cupped his face. “Mace?”

She sensed movement, and Magnus knelt beside her.

“He’s hurt,” she said.

She slid her hand down his side and spotted horrible, purple bruising appearing on his abdomen.

“Something…ruptured,” Mace pushed out. “Internal bleeding.” His brow was sheened with sweat.

Ruptured? Bleeding? Jayna could barely contain her fear, it knocked around in her chest like an enraged fighter. She stroked his rough cheek. So big, so strong. She’d seen his silver skin. Like a living shield. He couldn’t be hurt. He’d been protecting her from the moment he’d found her.

“He needs the healers,” she said.

“Reroute and block the pain,” Magnus ordered Mace.

“Trying… Damage too severe.”

Jayna swallowed back a sob.

“Let’s get you to Avarn.” Magnus rose.

Jax and Acton shifted in on either side of Mace. They lifted him to his feet, and then started moving down the street. Jayna broke into a jog to keep up with them as they hurried back to the House of Rone.

She barely remembered the journey. All she could see was that with each step, Mace’s face twisted further with pain.

God. God. She had to hold it together. He’d been her strength when she’d been hurt and lost, now she’d be his.

At the House of Rone, the guards pushed open the doors. Moments later, they strode into Medical.

“Over here.” Avarn and his team moved around them. The head healer’s face looked grim.

As the cyborgs laid Mace on the bunk, Jayna sensed the urgency in the room, and panic fluttered and threatened. He’d be okay. He had to be.

She stayed out of the way of the healers, moving close to Mace’s head. She stroked his dark hair.

“You’ll be fine.”

His eyes opened and locked with hers.

“The healers are taking care of you.”

He didn’t respond, and when she glanced up, she saw that Avarn was cutting open Mace’s abdomen. Jesus. She quickly averted her gaze and looked back at his face. She was terrible with blood.

“Can’t stop…looking at you.”

His words made her heart go pitty-pat. “I can’t stop looking at you, either.”

“Not…handsome.”

“Handsome often hides a lot of not-so-pretty things.” She thought of some of the guys she’d dated. “I prefer strength. A strong jaw.” She stroked his jaw line. “A strong nose.” She stroked her finger down the blade of his nose. “Far-too-sexy lips.” She brushed her thumb over his mouth.

“Jayna—” All of a sudden, his body jolted, his teeth grinding together.

She barely held back a cry.

“Cut off the pain, Mace,” Avarn said. “Shut it down.”

Mace gritted his teeth even harder. “Trying…”

“I’m going to sedate you.”

“No.”

“Yes.” Jayna tightened her fingers on him.

“No.”

When she glanced at his stomach, nausea swelled inside her. His middle was opened up, and Avarn was holding a clear, blood-slicked organ in his hand. Flashing lights blinked inside Mace’s body cavity.

“Synthetic organs,” she murmured.

“Better than the real thing,” Mace muttered.

“You must’ve been hurt badly.”

He shut his eyes. “Forced to fight. Weeks on end.”

Oh, God. She’d been so caught up in her own ordeal, she hadn’t stopped to realize that the others around here had survived terrible things as well.

Mace had been forced to fight, been injured, but they’d essentially tortured him with endless fights. Bastards.

Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead to his. He grimaced again.

Avarn frowned. “You need a sedative—”

“No drugs.”

“Yes.” Jayna used her best bossy tone. “Please, Mace. If it stops the pain, it’s worth it.”

“Don’t…” His words trailed off.

But she knew. He didn’t like being vulnerable. “I’ll stay with you. The entire time.”

His gaze locked with hers, and she sensed Avarn moving around, holding a pressure injector.

“For you,” Mace murmured.

Avarn injected him, and it only took seconds for Mace’s eyes to drift closed. Her shoulders sagged.

“Thank you,” Avarn said. “He is one of my most stubborn patients.”

She nodded, holding on tightly to Mace’s hand. It felt like time was dragging on forever, but finally, the healers relaxed and closed Mace up.

“He’s going to need the regen tank for a little while,” Avarn said.

Jayna stepped out of the way, as two burly healers cut the rest of Mace’s clothes off him and then lifted his huge form into one of the big tanks of blue healing gel.

Once Mace was floating inside it, Jayna pulled a chair up to sit beside the tank.

“You’re going to be okay.” She pressed a palm to the glass. “And I’ll be here when you wake up.”

MACE WOKE IN A REGEN TANK. It wasn’t his first time, and it wouldn’t be his last.

He shifted his body and he felt no pain.

Sitting up, he gripped the side and looked around the room. His chest went tight.

Jayna was asleep in a chair, her head tipped to one side, and her chin in her palm.

Emotion tightened his throat. No one had ever sat by his bed before.

One of the healers came over and helped him out of the tank. After a quick check of his now-healed wounds, the healer handed him a drying cloth.

Mace rubbed it over his skin, wiping off the last of the blue healing goo. He pulled on some loose, black pants that had been left for him.

Jayna finally stirred and her eyes opened. When she spotted him standing, she scrambled up.

“How do you feel?”

“Fine.”

She touched his arm, her gaze on his stomach. There were no scars, just slightly pink skin. He was completely healed.

“You’re sure?” Her teeth sank into her bottom lip. “You just had surgery.”

“Avarn and the regen tank are very good at what they do.”

She pulled a face. “I’m still getting used to it. Our medical capabilities on Earth don’t match what’s available here.”

Mace told himself to step back, to pull away. But he couldn’t make himself do it. Her fingertips brushed his abdomen, and he liked it. Too much.

Desire. It was a hot cascade that he couldn’t control.

“Jayna.” A quiet groan escaped his lips.

She snatched her hand back. “I’m sorry. I was worried—”

He pulled her close. “Don’t be sorry.” Drak, he couldn’t fight the pull of this woman any more.

“Mace.” A pause. “You didn’t want me to touch you.”

Drak. Drak it all. He lowered his head and took her mouth with his. He kissed her long and slowly, drowning in her. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, her body arching into his.

Mace hadn’t kissed much before. Now he found he wanted to take his time, draw in her taste. He felt like he could kiss Jayna forever.

When he pulled back, her face was flushed and her eyes dazed. “Jayna?”

She shook her head. “Sorry. Can’t form sentences yet.”

His lips curled.

She blinked. “My God, you smiled.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You did.” She licked her lips. “You kissed me.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re kind of giving me mixed signals here, Mace.”

He grunted. “Come on.” He tugged her into the hall.

“Where are we going?”

“To the gym.”

She groaned. “Why? You were just healed from life-threatening injuries, you shouldn’t be working out.”

“I need to stretch my muscles, and it would do you some good. I’ll keep it light. You need to continue to build your strength.”

He stopped by his room, quickly changing his clothes in the bathroom. That’s when he noticed the small package that had been delivered from the House of Galen. He pocketed it.

When they entered the gym, Jayna looked around dubiously.

“I usually avoid gyms. I prefer to walk or stretch. Or lie down.”

He snorted and handed her some light weights. “I am only ensuring your health and wellbeing.”

“Uh-huh.”

He showed her the correct way to lift them, and she smiled at him.

Mace finally admitted the truth to himself. He couldn’t fight what he felt for her. He blew out a breath. He wanted Jayna for himself.

He’d protect her—with all his strength, with his life. He’d try to give her everything she needed. Whatever he was capable of.

“So, the factory?” she said.

“I’m sure Magnus and Jax are working hard to find out more about it, and Vron.”

She lowered the weights. “You’ll go back?”

“Yes.”

She bit her lip.

He cupped her cheek. “Don’t worry. We won’t be caught unprepared again.” He slid a fist into her hair. There was so much of it. “I love your hair.”

Her gaze met his. “Mace. Mixed messages again.”

“I’m not good with women, or people in general.”

That teased a smile out of her. “I’ve noticed.”

“I don’t think I can fight the pull of you anymore.”

Her lips parted, heat in her eyes. “You’ve been fighting the attraction?”

“Yes.” He reeled her in closer, watching her chest hitch.

“But not anymore.”

Their chests bumped. “If that’s what you want.”

“I want you.”

He slid an arm around her, yanking her up. Then they were kissing again. He thrust his tongue into her mouth, loving when hers stroked his in return. He experimented with pressure and movements until he was swallowing her small, husky cries. Soon, they were both breathless.

“I have something for you,” he told her.

“More kisses?” Her cheeks were flushed. “Multiple orgasms?”

A jolt went through his body. Drak, he wanted her, but he wouldn’t let himself forget that she was still healing.

He lifted the box from his pocket.

She frowned. “What is it?”

He pressed a button and loud music rang out.

Jayna’s face lit up. “That’s my favorite band!”

“I had Mia from the House of Galen load it with music for you. Some local music, as well as some music that she’s had sent from Earth.”

“Thank you.” Janya pressed a hard kiss to his jaw. “Thank you, thank you.”

Things twisted inside Mace, things that had nothing to do with recently healed injuries. As she snatched the box from him, he watched the joy and pleasure on her face. This time, he didn’t fight the unfamiliar emotions that moved through him.

Perhaps he could get used to these emotions she stirred in him. Regardless, Mace knew that he’d kill to see this look on her face every day.

Unable to stop himself, he lowered his head and kissed her again. Her lips were so soft, and he wondered if other parts of her were soft as well.

“Mace, this is not what the gym is for.”

Acton’s voice had Mace lifting his head. Toren and Acton stood in the doorway, both in workout gear. Toren was smiling and Acton’s brow was furrowed.

Jayna made a sound which might have been a stifled giggle.

“We were just finishing up,” Mace said.

Acton strode across the mats. “I see you’ve been working through your emotions.”

Toren’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve been talking about your feelings? With Acton?”

Mace growled. “Shut up, or I’ll take both of you down.”

Pressing a hand to her mouth, Jayna watched them with a smile.

Toren straightened. “You couldn’t take both of us.”

“I could if you don’t use that fancy little weapon of yours.”

Ignoring the cyborgs, Acton turned to Jayna. “I believe Quinn and Ever were looking for you.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Yeah, we’ve been inundated by women from the House of Galen,” Toren added. “They’re all here to check on you.”

A soft look crossed her face, and Mace grabbed a strand of her hair and tugged. “Go.”

She turned. “You’ll let me know if you hear more on Vron?”

He nodded.

“Thanks for my gift.” As she ran across the gym, he watched her.

“It appears your conflicting emotions aren’t so conflicted anymore,” Acton noted.

Mace grunted. “Start your workout, Acton. When you have a woman of your own, then we’ll talk.”

Acton made a sharp sound. “I don’t want a woman. Ever.”

“That’s what I said too,” Mace murmured. And he was drakking glad a small woman from Earth had blasted into his world.

CHAPTER NINE

Jayna smiled at the women moving around her, feeling slightly overwhelmed, but truly happy. The ladies from the House of Galen were visiting. God, it was nice to hear the mix of accents from Earth. Wonderful to see all these women—of different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds—who’d all survived their abduction and come out the other side, stronger than before.

“Thanks for the music,” she told Mia.

The pretty, petite blonde smiled. “My pleasure. Your cyborg knew exactly what he wanted.”

Her cyborg. Jayna smiled. She liked that.

“I recognize that smile,” Mia said knowingly.

“What?”

“A woman falling in love. I saw it in the mirror myself when I fell for my guy.”

Mia’s guy was a blue-skinned alien gladiator who was currently standing by the wall, arms crossed over his broad, tattooed chest, watching Mia with intense gold eyes. Whenever Mia smiled at him was the only time Vek didn’t look scary.

Jayna tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’m still working to convince Mace.”

“These cyborgs do seem to need a little nudge.”

“And the gladiators didn’t?”

Mia laughed. “Oh, believe me, a few of them did.”

A little boy grabbed Jayna’s leg, tugging on her trousers. His grip was surprisingly strong for a little guy.

“Hello, there,” Jayna said.

“Finley.” The redheaded Rory appeared, an exasperated look on her face.

The sturdy boy shimmied up Jayna’s body like she was a tree. She laughed. “He’s fine.”

“He’s a little monster.” Rory grabbed her son, kissing his neck until he giggled.

As Jayna scanned the room, she could see that all the women were happy and content. They’d made a home for themselves here in Kor Magna. A home filled with love and laughter.

Across the room, Quinn was talking with Harper. There were two women who were cut from the same cloth—tall, athletic, and fit. Harper had been part of the security team on Fortuna Station, like Quinn had been on the Helios. Now Harper was mated to the champion of the Kor Magna Arena, and fought with the House of Galen gladiators in the arena. Jayna wondered if it wouldn’t be long before Quinn also stepped out on the sands, as well.

What these Fortuna survivors had achieved, Jayna, Quinn, and Mina would as well. They’d rescue the other Helios survivors. They’d free each one, and together they’d find a way to thrive here. With help from some cyborgs.

Speaking of cyborgs. A big form appeared in the doorway and she smiled at him. She walked toward Mace, but as she got closer, she noticed the serious edge to his rugged face.

“What is it?” she asked.

“We’ve tracked down Vron.”

Quinn appeared at Jayna’s shoulder. “Where?”

“Close to the warehouse where we were attacked. Ryan discovered that a lot of the buildings in the area are owned by him.”

Jayna swallowed. “Is he Edull?”

“Don’t know. Zhim and Ryan can’t find a picture of him, or any eyewitness accounts.”

“I want to come,” Quinn said.

“Me, too,” Jayna added.

Mace shook his head violently. “No. Quinn, you’re trained and Jax wants you on the team.” Mace looked down at Jayna. “You can keep in touch with us via the comm while we’re on the mission.”

“Mace—”

He gripped her arms. “You’re not trained, Jayna. You’re still recovering. This mission will take focus, and we’re not entirely sure what we’re up against.”

And if she was on the mission, his focus would be split—finding Vron and protecting her. She’d endanger him.

Memories of his injuries were still far too fresh in her head.

She blew out a breath. “Okay.”

Relief flashed in his eyes and he touched her cheek. “Thank you.”

“I’ll go and get ready.” Quinn slipped out.

Jayna took a moment to say goodbye to the House of Galen women, leaving them with Ever. She hurried down to Magnus’s office with Mace.

The cyborgs were clustered around a screen on the wall. There was one young cyborg with a silver implant buried in his dark hair. His gaze met hers and she swallowed a gasp. His eyes were a metallic silver. He gave her a small nod, but something about him made the hairs rise on her arms.

She turned her attention to the screen. Several images of a building were visible. It looked like a block of concrete—squat, ugly, no windows. Quinn appeared in her fighting leathers, slipping into the room.

“One door in,” Jax said.

“Roof?” Magnus asked.

“Maybe.” Jax pointed. “There is a ventilation opening here.”

Magnus nodded. “We’ll go in there.”

“We have no idea of Vron’s security?” Quinn frowned.

“No,” Jax answered. “Zhim exhausted all avenues. No schematics, and no one who’s been inside. Ryan found a few people who had purchased robots from him, but they never met him face-to-face.”

“We go in prepared for anything,” Magnus said.

Mace nodded. “Let’s do this.”

Jayna felt conflicting emotions. She wanted to find Bari Batu. She wanted to free Sage and her fellow crew members. But worry for Mace and the others was eating her up inside. She knew them now. She saw them as more than just augmented warriors.

As the cyborgs prepared to leave, Ever appeared in the doorway. She gave Magnus a quick, hard kiss.

“Where’s Asha?” the imperator asked.

“Our daughter is being led astray by Finley.”

Magnus grunted, clearly not liking any male near his precious little girl, even a toddler.

“We’ll watch the feed from here.” Ever grabbed Jayna’s hand. “I figured you’d like some company. We’ll have a direct link to everything that Magnus sees.”

Jayna nodded. She pressed her hands to her trousers, trying not to worry.

Mace moved closer and touched her shoulder.

“Be careful,” she said.

“I’m a cyborg.”

She rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t mean you’re invincible. I saw you get hurt, don’t do it again.”

He gave a single nod. “For you.”

God. Uncaring of all the others in the room, she went up on her toes and kissed him. She kept it quick, but when she pulled back, she watched Ever raise an eyebrow. The cyborgs’ expressions all looked unreadable, except for Jax, who smiled widely.

“Go,” Jayna said.

Mace nodded, and she watched him leave, her stomach jittery.

Ever leaned against her. “They’ll be fine.”

Jayna wouldn’t believe anything until Mace was back.

“So,” Ever drawled. “You and Mace?”

THEY MOVED FAST through the shadows.

Several of Kor Magna’s denizens—who only came out at night—spotted them. But recognizing the House of Rone, they immediately moved in the other direction.

Mace scanned the cyborgs. They all moved silently, alert and prepared. The high-tech earpiece was a tiny weight in his ear, allowing him to communicate with the others who all had built-in comms systems. His gaze fell on the new recruit who was with them—Zaden. He was a young telekinetic, and even from a distance, Mace sensed the power in the man. Acton had the ability to manipulate and create energy fields—a skill built into his cybbernetic arms—but Zaden’s abilities were natural to his species.

“There,” Jax said.

They all stopped, crouched in the shadows. Ahead lay the concrete block of the building that was their target. It looked more like some sort of fortification.

Magnus lifted a hand and pointed. Mace rose, moving with the others. They silently circled around it.

“Stop.” A flicker of annoyance crossed Magnus’ face. “Ever contacted me. Redirecting her comm line.”

“I see a ventilation conduit on the rear side of the building,” Ever’s voice came through the comm line.

Magnus shook his head. Ever and Jayna were supposed to be monitoring the mission, not getting involved. Mace wondered if Jayna was okay, then tried to force his mind back on the mission.

They located the vent.

“Mace,” Magnus said, quietly.

Mace nodded, letting his skin turn metal. As soon as the silver covered his body, he took a few steps back, and then ran forward. He rammed into the large vent covering.

The cover exploded inward, metal bending. He pushed through the opening and shoved inside the building.

“Clear.”

The others followed him in.

They were in a windowless room that was covered in comp screens. The screens displayed internal feeds from various factories—construction lines, conveyors, crates of scrap, and completed robotic creations.

“Any biosigns?” Magnus scowled at the screens.

“Nothing,” Jax replied.

Mace’s enhanced senses didn’t pick up any noises or scents. So where was this Vron?

Suddenly, there was a beeping sound, and an alarm started blaring. They swiveled, and Mace watched as small objects detached themselves from the wall.

Drak. Security bots flew up, hovering in the air. They had sleek, bullet-shaped bodies made of black metal, with several arm-like attachments dangling beneath them.

The arms moved, and he saw that several of them were laser weapons.

“Watch out!” Mace bellowed.

As the lasers fired, the room lit up. Mace jumped in front of the cyborgs, blocking the laser blasts with his body. His metal skin deflected them.

Acton raised his arms and sent out a pulse of energy. Several of the security bots crashed to the ground.

Then Zaden moved forward.

“Stay behind me,” Mace growled.

The young cyborg ignored him. He stepped up beside Mace and lifted a hand.

Suddenly, every single security bot in the room crashed together. There was the sound of crunching metal, then the bots twisted together into a ball.

The sphere of metal dropped onto the concrete floor.

Silence.

Mace lowered his arms. Drak. The young cyborg was powerful.

“Good work, Zaden,” Magnus said.

Zaden nodded, his eyes—a bright, metallic silver—glittering in the low light.

Magnus nodded his head toward the doorway, and they moved into another room.

A humanoid robot stood in the center of the empty space. Mace raised a brow. This bot had a very realistic face and metallic-gray skin. He had two realistic-looking eyes, a straight nose, but no mouth. His head was bald, just more smooth, gray metal skin.

“Where is Vron?” Magnus demanded.

“You are not welcome here.” The robot’s voice was modulated, emotionless.

“Vron.” Magnus let electricity crackle to life on his cybernetic arm. “Tell me where he is. Now.”

“Explain why you are looking for him, and why you have breached this property.”

Mace stepped forward. “Let me convince him to stop stalling and talk.”

“Easy, Mace,” Magnus murmured.

“We’re searching for abducted humans taken from Earth,” Mace said.

“Vron knows nothing of humans,” the robot answered.

Mace looked around. He knew Jayna was watching everything that was going on, and he could almost sense her. Was Vron watching too?

“The humans were sold to the Edull and kept in Bari Batu,” Jax said.

There was a pause, and it seemed like the robot was computing something. “Vron knows the Edull and their city.”

Mace stiffened. “You have the coordinates of the city?”

“I’m not authorized to give that information.”

A snarl slipped out of Mace. “Stop stalling. Where is Vron?”

Silence.

Anger stormed through Mace and he surged forward. He slammed the robot into the wall, his arm pressed to the bot’s throat.

But the robot pushed back and it was damn strong. They strained against each other.

“Talk, or I’ll break you into tiny pieces,” Mace growled.

“If you pursue this, you will make an enemy of the Edull.”

“Don’t care.”

“If you destroy me, you will also make an enemy of them.”

“They’re already our enemy,” Mace said. “Because they’re crudspawn who keep slaves.”

Magnus stepped into view, his cybernetic eye glowing blue. “You’re the Edulls’ salesperson here in Kor Magna.”

The robot nodded.

“So, who the drak is Vron?” Mace asked.

Magnus held up a hand, tilting his head. “Ever?” Magnus appeared to be listening to his mate. Then his face hardened. “Jayna remembered something.”

Then Jayna’s voice filled Mace’s ear. Magnus had redirected the comm line to all of them.

“I remembered,” Jayna said. “This bot, he is Vron. Vron is an artificial intelligence created by the Edull.”

Mace’s fingers spasmed.

“You’re Vron,” he said to the bot.

The robot’s eyes glowed gold. “Yes, I am.”

“Then you’re coming with us.”

CHAPTER TEN

Nervous and worried, Jayna paced the entry of the House of Rone.

“They’re all fine,” Ever assured her.

Jayna knew that, but she needed to see Mace to believe it.

The doors swung open, startling her.

Magnus and Jax entered first. Both men looked okay. Quinn was next, then all Jayna saw was Mace.

A tight knot inside her chest loosened. Acton and Toren followed, holding the arms of the robot.

Her stomach curdled. It looked humanoid, and it was definitely Edull construction. It looked eerily similar to some of the bots that had tortured her in the Edull labs.

The bot’s head turned toward her.

“One of the humans,” the bot said in a creepy voice.

It was looking right at her and Jayna fought off a shiver.

Then its gaze turned to Ever. “Another human.”

“Don’t look at them.” Mace jerked his head, and Toren and Acton tugged Vron forward.

“Put it in a cell,” Magnus ordered.

The cyborgs moved down the corridor, and Jayna stepped back to give them room. Suddenly, one of Vron’s arms pulled free of Toren’s hold. His metal fingers brushed Jayna’s arm. She hissed and jerked back.

Mace moved fast. He slammed into Vron’s body, pinning the bot to the wall.

“Do not touch her.”

“You are possessive of her.” It almost sounded like Vron was curious.

“She will never be touched by an Edull again. Or anything created by them.”

“Mace,” Magnus said.

Jax shouldered in. “Mace, see to Jayna.”

Toren and Acton gripped Vron harder, pulling him down the corridor. Mace turned to Jayna.

“I’m fine,” she told him.

But before she finished talking, he yanked her forward. His arms closed around her, and dammit, she liked the solid, secure feel of him way too much. She pressed into him and breathed in his scent.

“That machine will be locked in a cell.”

“I know.” She touched his back.

“I hate that it is even under the same roof as you.”

“I’m fine.” And she realized that she was. She pulled back. “I want to hear what he has to say.”

Mace’s brow creased. “You don’t have to—”

“Yes, I do.”

He stared at her for a beat, then linked his hands with hers. “Drak, you women from Earth are too damn brave.”

She smiled at him. They walked together down a set of stairs toward the cells.

As they approached, Jayna’s stomach tightened, but when they reached the bottom, she was grateful to discover that the House of Rone cells were nothing like where the Edull had kept her prisoner.

Here, everything was well-lit and tidy. Not fancy, but each cell had bunks, and a small, attached bathroom, cordoned off with a partition.

They reached the cell where they had Vron strapped to a chair. Magnus’ arms were crossed and he was glaring at the robot.

Jax looked at Mace and Jayna, shook his head. “Vron isn’t talking.”

“I told you, my programming won’t allow it.”

“Then we’ll change your programming,” Magnus said. “Jax, get Maxon.”

Jax groaned. “You want me to get him out of bed?”

“Yes.”

With another groan, Jax strode down the corridor and disappeared.

“Where is Bari Batu?” Magnus asked.

“It is useless to repeat your questions.” Vron looked straight ahead. “My programming won’t allow me to reveal that location.”

“Drak,” Mace muttered under his breath.

There was a noise at the end of the hall and Jayna turned her head. Her eyes widened. A big man, with shaggy hair framing a rugged face and a strong jaw, was stalking down the hallway. His tawny-brown hair was threaded with strands of gold. He made Jayna think of an action-movie star, and somehow, also a big, unhappy lion.

His scowl was impressive, and she realized that she’d finally met someone who was grumpier-looking than Mace.

“This better be worth my time,” the man growled. He had a deep, surprisingly smooth voice.

“Maxon, this is Jayna,” Mace said.

Maxon, the House of Rone’s weapons master, grunted. “Hi.”

She lifted a hand.

Then Maxon looked at Magnus. “What have you got for me?”

Magnus jerked his head toward the cell, and Maxon stopped at the bars, staring at Vron. That was when Jayna noticed that the weapons master was carrying a metal box at his side.

“Hmm.” Maxon nodded at Acton, who opened the cell door. The weapons master stepped inside and set the box down. He opened the lid, revealing an impressive collection of tools.

Maxon lifted out a slender device and turned to Vron. He circled around behind the bot, then started opening up Vron’s head.

“Interesting construction,” Maxon said. “Crude, but effective.” He lifted a metal panel off, exposing half of Vron’s head.

From where she stood, Jayna could see blinking lights and wires. Vron didn’t make a sound.

The weapons maker dug around in Vron’s head, making grunting noises. He lifted a small comp screen from his toolbox, studying something.

Finally, he lowered his tools. “I’m a weapons maker, and this is beyond me. You need an engineer.” He poked in Vron’s head again. “Even then, there’s no guarantee. This might be high-tech, but its drakking shoddy work. A real mess of parts and connections.”

“I am one of the best Edull creations,” Vron said.

“Yeah, but they’re lazy, slapping crap together. No artistry.”

The lights in Vron’s head blinked wildly, like he wasn’t happy with Maxon’s assessment.

“Keep trying,” Magnus said.

Maxon let out a harrumphing sound. His large hands moved again, opening up another part of Vron’s head.

The man was clearly good with his hands. Jayna didn’t see any enhancements on Maxon, and she wondered if he was a cyborg or not.

He connected the small comp screen to the inside of Vron’s head, muttering to himself.

Jayna stepped closer, her hands curling around the bars. “Where’s Bari Batu?”

Vron’s gaze zeroed in on her. “I’m not permitted—”

“I remember clouds. I remember screams.” The heavy weight of the memories made her mouth go dry. “I remember labs.”

Vron tilted his head, and she tried to remind herself that he was programmed to mimic those moves. “I cannot reveal the information.”

“Where?” she screamed. Anger churned through her, and she thought of others trapped there.

Mace’s arm circled around her, pulling her back against his hard chest.

“Where’s Sage? Where are my crew members? The other humans?”

Vron just stared at her. Like the Edull’s robots had when they’d invaded her mind and cut into her body. No emotion, no empathy, nothing.

“Come on.” Mace pulled her away from the bars.

“The Edull are hurting them. They’re out there, alone.” Her voice broke. “They don’t even know we’re searching for them.”

Mace held her tight, his lips close to her ear. “Breathe, Jayna. We’ll find them.”

Magnus stepped up to them. “Whatever it takes.” He lifted his cybernetic hand, his mechanical fingers brushing Jayna’s own cybernetic ones.

Something else the Edull had stolen from her.

“Mace is correct,” Magnus continued. “We will find them. The full power of the House of Rone and our allies are behind this.”

There was no doubting what the imperator told her. These cyborgs wouldn’t give up. Jayna sagged against Mace, absorbing his strength.

She just hoped Sage and her fellow crew members could hold on that long.

MACE TOOK Jayna to her room. By the time they got there, she hadn’t cooled down.

She was mad and raging.

“Why would the Edull think they can keep another living being captive?” She stomped into the room. “Why do they think they have the right to hurt and enslave anyone? The assholes! Bastards.” She snatched up a glass trinket off a table and threw it. It hit the wall and smashed.

She froze, a horrified look on her face

Mace pressed his tongue to his teeth. “Don’t stop now.”

He liked seeing her fire. He much preferred it to the hurt and pain he saw far too often in her eyes.

She dragged in a deep breath, put her hands on her hips, and slowly shook her head.

Mace spotted the small music player he’d gotten for her on the table beside her bed. He touched the controls and music filled the room.

Jayna turned and he moved to her, wrapping her in his arms.

She sighed. “Why do you make me feel so safe? Safe from harm, safe to be angry, safe just to be me.”

He started to shift his weight, swaying a little.

“Are you dancing?” she asked incredulously.

“Cyborgs don’t dance.”

That earned him a smile. She leaned into him and started moving her hips.

“Besides, I don’t know how to dance,” he added.

“Just feel the music.”

He frowned into her hair. He didn’t really want to dance, he just wanted to see the shadows on her face fade.

So they swayed together, their bodies brushing. Slowly, he felt her relax, and she began to stroke her hands up and down his back. He let his hands drift down her fascinating body, the one that haunted his dreams. His fingers grazed the sides of her breasts.

“Mace.” Her voice hitched.

Unable to stop himself, he cupped one breast. She made a purring sound and pressed into him. He flicked his thumb over her nipple and felt it harden.

“Do it again,” she murmured, pushing into him.

He flicked her nipple again. So pretty and so soft, this small human. Mace had never had anything soft in his life.

He’d never had something that was just his.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

They quickly pulled apart, Jayna looking dazed. Mace wanted to throw something.

“It might be important,” she said.

With a nod, he yanked the door open. “What?”

Jax raised a brow. “Everything okay?”

“It was.”

A smile flirted on Jax’s mouth. “Sorry.” Then the cyborg’s face turned grim. “There’s been an attack. We’re needed.”

Mace straightened. “Where?”

“In the city. The House of Galen is responding as well.” Jax drew in a breath. “That crudspawn Vron seemed pleased when he heard about it.”

“He knows something,” Mace surmised.

“Yeah, but we’ll have to deal with him later. Let’s move.”

Mace turned and grabbed Jayna’s hand. “I have to go.”

She nodded. “Be careful.”

No one had ever asked that of him. Hit hard. Fight harder. Win. Never be careful. “I will.”

When Mace strode out of the House of Rone with his fellow cyborgs, he forced his mind to focus on the mission. They moved swiftly to the location, and as they got closer, he heard the screams.

They turned a corner, and he took a moment to assess the situation. The building across from them was partially collapsed. On the street, robots were attacking people. They looked similar to the ones they’d seen in Vron’s factory.

The drakking sandsucker.

The House of Galen gladiators were already there, swinging swords and staffs. He watched the tattooed Raiden’s red cloak flare as he sliced his sword into a bot.

A wild roar filled the air, followed by a bellow. Blue-skinned Vek tore into two bots, and right behind followed Thorin. The big gladiator swung his axe with unrestrained power.

“House of Rone,” Magnus called out. “Let’s stop these bots.”

Mace threw his arms out, letting his silver skin flow over his body.

Then with a cry, he charged into the fight. He grabbed one of the bots and tossed it. It flew into the side of the building. He turned, grabbing another one. They wrestled, and his muscles strained. This one didn’t have pistons on its arms, but it was strong.

Mace threw the bot on the ground and stomped on it until metal crunched beneath his feet.

Then, a high-pitched scream pierced the chaos. He swiveled. A mother was clutching a child to her side, cowering as a robot closed in on them.

Mace broke into a run. He leaped high and landed on the robot’s back. It spun, and shook him loose. Mace hit the ground and rolled. The robot charged him, and Mace watched the woman snatch up her child and run.

The robot swung its metal arms and he dodged. Mace pulled out his sword, felt it heat up. Once the blade was glowing red, he attacked. He swung and thrust. He ran the sword into the robot’s gut. The hot blade cut through the metal, and he worked it in, sparks flying everywhere. The bot collapsed.

Mace was lost in the haze of the fight. With a roar, he turned and launched himself at the next bot. He kept fighting, taking down any enemy that got in his way.

“They’re all down,” a deep voice finally called out.

Mace turned, chest heaving, and saw a muscled man with a black cloak, and black eye-patch over one eye. Imperator Galen.

Looking around, Mace watched the House of Galen gladiators helping survivors from the wreckage of the building, and tending to the injured. Some survivors were clutching at each other, others were sobbing.

“We need the healers,” a tall, dark-skinned female gladiator called out.

“They’re coming, Saff,” Galen replied.

Mace saw the body of a woman lying face down in the street. She was a little taller than Jayna, but her hair was a similar color.

He crouched down beside her and turned her over. The woman’s vacant gaze stared upward. Dead.

Drak.

“These bots are Edull,” Magnus said.

Sandsuckers. “Vron organized this.”

Magnus nodded. “A warning or a taunt.”

Mace rose. “I’m going to rip every Edull into tiny bits.”

“Galen,” Magnus called out. “Do you have anyone who can tear open a robotic mind?”

“Maybe,” the other imperator replied. “Why don’t you let Rory have a try?”

The Earth engineer. Mace scanned the crowd again, this time, spotting Harper. She was working alongside Raiden to help the victims. A woman who could fight tirelessly, and then have a gentle hand for a child who needed it. He knew that these woman from Earth would do anything to help and save the others.

Drak. They’d risk their lives to save any innocents, regardless of species.

Jayna would never give up until they found Sage and the others. He needed to be prepared to help, all the way.

“We’ll do whatever it takes,” Magnus said.

Mace nodded. Whatever it took.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

When the doors to the House of Rone opened, Jayna was hovering in the corridor. The cyborgs filed in, each one of them sweaty and dirty.

Mace’s jaw was clenched in a hard line, and she knew that the fight hadn’t been a good one.

“Mace.”

He just pulled her close, his cheek pressed to her hair. She held on. For this big, tough cyborg to touch her like that, for his comfort, not hers, she knew it was her turn to take care of him for a change.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the bedrooms.

She led him into his room. “It was bad?”

He nodded.

“Take a shower. Get clean.”

He moved like a robot. While he was in the bathroom, she sat on the bed and nervously plucked at the covers. When he came out of the bathroom, his chest was bare, his skin damp, and he had a drying cloth wrapped around his hips.

God, don’t notice how big and cut he is right now, Jayna. She rose, and urged him to sit down on the bed.

“Talk to me,” she said quietly.

“It was an Edull attack. My guess is that Vron planned it. It was more robots similar to the ones in the factory.”

Her belly clenched. “Oh, God.”

“Seven dead. All women.”

Jayna pressed a hand to her mouth. “It was a message.”

Mace nodded. “A warning.”

“Screw them,” she bit out. “We won’t let them scare us.”

A faint smile appeared on Mace’s face.

But Jayna tried to find some control. He didn’t need anger right now. He was so tense and tired. She got up on her knees on the bed and moved in behind him. She put her hands on his head and started massaging his scalp.

He groaned, his head falling forward.

Jayna loved touching him. Her parents were always touching each other, and she’d never really understood.

“Never liked anyone touching me.”

Her hands stilled.

“Before you,” he added. “In the fight rings…people usually only touched me to beat the drak out of me.”

She wanted to wrap her arms around him and make that pain go away. She swallowed. But she knew it didn’t go away. They’d both been through their own versions of hell, and that didn’t disappear in a puff of smoke, no matter if you were safe and happy. But you dealt with it, coped, and moved on the best you could.

“I’m glad you got out.” She kneaded his skin.

“Me too.” He paused. “I want you, Jayna.”

Her hands spasmed. “I want you, too.”

He looked back at her over his shoulder. “I could hurt you.”

“No, you never would.” Not physically.

She leaned down and kissed the nape of his neck. He shuddered.

This big, powerful cyborg shuddered under her touch. How amazing was that?

“Jayna—”

“I know you’re tired, Mace. Just relax.”

She made him lie down and then lay beside him. The sheets and pillows smelled of him.

“Rory from the House of Galen is going to come tomorrow and try to crack open Vron’s head,” Mace said.

Jayna nodded. “She’s a good engineer, and she’s determined. Let’s hope she has better luck.” Jayna prayed that Rory could get some information out of the bot.

The Edull had hurt too many people. It had to stop.

She curled around Mace and he made a soft rumble. She smiled. She liked taking care of him.

“Sleep,” she murmured.

“I don’t need much sleep.” But his voice was a little slurred. She smiled again. He had to be tough to the end.

“Sleep,” she said firmly.

He rested his hand on her thigh. “You’ll stay?”

“I’ll stay.”

She heard his breathing slow, and she pressed herself against his back. Her cyborg had never had someone who cared for him before.

But he did now.

MACE STAYED CLOSE to Jayna as he led her into Ever’s lab.

When they stepped through the doorway, Jayna jerked to a stop. Vron was lying on a bench, held down by metal straps.

Rory raised her head, her red hair bright in the sunlight.

“Hey.” Rory raised her hand and waved. “Nice to see you guys again. That hunky gladiator over there is mine.” She jerked a thumb. “My baby daddy, Kace.”

Mace lifted his chin at the House of Galen gladiator. Kace was military trained, and it showed in his straight bearing.

“You have the cutest toddler,” Jayna said.

Kace smiled and Rory beamed. “Our little bundle of joy, crossed with oh-my-God-he’s-going-to-turn-my-hair-gray. Sam and Galen are babysitting him for us.”

Mace paused. He tried to imagine the imperator and his warrior mate caring for a small child, but the image refused to form.

“Okay, let’s get to work.” Rory cracked her knuckles, then rubbed her hands together.

“You will regret these actions,” Vron intoned.

“Yeah, yeah, yadda, yadda.” Rory didn’t look the least bit concerned as she opened Vron’s head.

Mace followed Jayna closer to the bench. There were lights and wires inside the robot’s skull. Rory took out several tools, digging around and pulling wires out. She looked at the comp screen resting on the bench beside Vron, making adjustments and humming quietly.

Jayna grabbed Mace’s hand. He ran his hand down her hair. Drak, he loved her hair. There was just so much of it.

“You will fail.” Vron’s voice slowed and started to slur.

“There.” Rory smiled. “No one wants to hear your crap. We want to know about Bari Batu.”

“You are from Earth,” Vron said. “You’re not advanced enough to deal with Edull tech.”

“Ooh,” Rory said. “Hear that, babe? I’m too dumb.”

Kace scowled and crossed his arms over his bare chest.

“I’ve learned a thing or two since I ended up here,” Rory said. “I was dragged here by the fucking Thraxians, who are buddies with your Edull, so I’m pretty motivated to pick you apart.”

She fiddled inside Vron’s head and the robot made a squawking sound.

Rory grinned. “Didn’t like that, huh?”

Suddenly, the robot stiffened. “What are you doing?”

“Just using that puny human brain of mine.”

Lights projected out of Vron’s head and Jayna gasped.

“What the—?” Mace stared at the symbols and lines projected into the air.

“It’s pretty,” Jayna murmured.

Mace stared at bright spots and lines of color, trying to make sense of the image.

“What is it?” Magnus’ voice.

Mace looked over and saw the imperator and Jax standing in the doorway. They were frowning at the projection.

“I’ll never tell,” Vron said.

Mace turned to stare at the image again, but he couldn’t detect a pattern.

“This was in a well-protected part of his system,” Rory said. “I’m guessing it means something.”

Jayna wandered closer, her face set in concentration.

“Jayna?” Mace said.

She stared at the light projection, thoroughly absorbed. “These look like astrometric charts. Star charts.”

“What?” Rory said.

Magnus nodded. “Jayna’s right.”

“They’re sky maps.” Jayna smiled, her face alight. “They show the stars in Carthago’s skies.”

Rory tapped on her comp screen. “I’m copying it now.”

Jayna turned to Magnus. “Do you have a database of star maps?”

The imperator nodded. “I don’t know how extensive they are, but I can get the data, if required.”

Jax nodded, moving over to another comp. He started tapping.

Jayna turned. “Rory, there must be times and dates on these maps somewhere.”

The redhead’s fingers danced over her screen. “And if we can match a star map to a date and time…”

“It’ll give us a location,” Jayna said.

Rory continued to dig around inside Vron’s head. More data, in an alien text, projected into the air.

Jayna beamed at Mace and he smiled back. This was it. Now, they could finally find Bari Batu and Sage, and any others left behind.

“Dammit!” Rory bit out.

Mace tensed and Kace straightened.

“He’s created some sort of virus.” Rory yanked on some wires. “It’s replicating in his system.”

Vron started shaking. “Even if you get close to Bari Batu, you’ll never get in. Access is coded into the residents’ skin.”

Jayna shot the robot a grim smile. “I’ve been there before. It must be coded in me.”

Mace fought back a growl at the thought of the Edull leaving anything in Jayna.

Vron jerked. “You’ll fail.”

“No, we won’t.” Jayna leaned closer, no fear on her face. “We’ll save the other humans.”

“But not the other one who was with you,” Vron said.

Jayna froze. “Sage?”

Vron remained silent.

Jayna stepped to the side of the bench. She banged her fist against the robot’s chest. “What about Sage?”

“The virus is growing too fast,” Rory cried. “I can’t stop it.”

“Get the data,” Magnus ordered.

“I’m trying, big guy.”

Mace reached past Jayna and gripped Vron’s throat. He squeezed, metal denting under his fingers. “Tell her what she wants to know.”

Vron stayed silent.

Mace gripped Vron’s arm…and ripped it off.

Jayna jerked, blinked, then turned back to Vron. “Talk, asshole.”

“The woman is to be executed.” The bot sounded almost smug. “Two days from now.”

“No.” Jayna’s voice was a harsh whisper.

Suddenly, Vron’s intact hand touched Jayna’s wrist. There was a pulse of energy.

She cried out and stumbled back. Magnus shoved himself between her and Vron. Mace grabbed her before she tripped.

“Sage.” Jayna’s eyelids flickered fast. “Memories…”

Mace dropped to the stool, pulling her into his lap. “Shh.”

“Smiling, even in the darkness. Red hair…more coppery than Rory’s.” A tear tracked down Jayna’s cheek.

“I can’t stop the virus.” Rory circled around the bench. “I think—”

There was a puff of smoke from Vron’s head, and he fell silent, the lights in his head going dark.

“Shit.” Rory kicked the bench, making everything rattle. “He’s fried.”

“Rory, did you get a date and time?” Magnus asked.

“I don’t know.”

Jayna made a small sound and Mace clutched her tighter.

“They’re going to execute her,” Jayna murmured.

“We’ll find her.” Mace hoped he wasn’t making a promise he couldn’t keep.

Rory picked up her comp screen, scrolling through the data. Then she went still, and a beaming smile broke out on her face. “We got it!”

Jayna turned in Mace’s arms. “Mace.”

“We got it.” He was proud of her. Facing down Vron and standing strong.

Jax looked up from his comp, frowning. “I’m no expert on these star charts.”

“Here.” Jayna moved closer, her gaze narrowing on the screen. “Rory, that data?”

“Sent,” the engineer replied.

Mace watched Jayna as she flicked through the charts. She nibbled on her bottom lip as she worked. Drak, she was something to watch. This was Jayna, completely in her element.

“Come on,” she muttered. Her fingers danced over the screen. “Wait a second.” She looked up, a beaming smile on her face. “We have a location.”

Pride filled Mace.

Magnus leaned over Jayna’s shoulder, studying the data. “It’s deep in the desert, on the far side of Kor Magna.”

“I don’t care where it is,” Jayna said.

Mace met Magnus’ gaze. “How far?”

“Far.”

Jayna gasped, her hands gripping Mace’s chest. “What are you saying?”

“Getting there and finding her in under two days…” They’d cut it very close.

“Mace—” Fear in Jayna’s voice.

He gripped her chin. “We’re going to find Sage and get her out.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Jayna knew there was no way she’d be able to sleep knowing that the clock was ticking for Sage.

Mace was silent behind her and she turned, anger molten in her veins. “When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow. We need to arrange a ship that can make the journey, and plan. That takes time.”

With a small scream, Jayna tugged on her hair. “Sage doesn’t have time!”

Jayna started pacing his bedroom. No way she could sit still, let alone lie down.

“I don’t want you anywhere near Bari Batu,” Mace said.

Her head whipped up. “I know, but I have to.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I know.”

Air shuddered out of her. “Thank you.”

He strode across the room and lifted something off a small side table. He held it out to her.

Jayna just stared.

“It’s called a diola.” He pressed the instrument into her hands. “Ever said it’s the closest thing we have here to a guitar.”

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Jayna stroked the wood. It was shaped a little like a guitar, but was smaller. The strings were made of a substance she didn’t recognize. She gave them a light strum, listening to the sound.

“Mace—”

“Play it, Jayna.” He dropped onto the bed, his gaze on her.

After taking a few steps, she dropped onto a chair, settling the instrument in her lap. The need to play rose in her, filling her chest. Taking a few minutes, she plucked the strings, finding what was the same and what was different. Her cybernetic fingers felt strange at first on the strings as she tuned the instrument.

Then she started to play. The music filled her, swelling inside her belly. Closing her eyes, she lost herself in it.

She moved from one song to the next. Her fingers moved over the strings and she forgot everything. The world around her melted away.

Finally, she finished, the last note fading. She lifted her head and her belly tightened.

Mace was watching her, his intense gaze glued to her.

She pulled in a breath and set the instrument down. The hunger in his eyes took her breath away. So sexy, strong, and dangerous, this cyborg.

This man who’d been there for her from the first moment she’d seen him.

And now they were about to head into a deadly mission.

Jayna rose and walked across the room. Mace didn’t take his eyes off her. She tugged him to his feet, then pressed a hand to his hard stomach, and heard him suck in a breath.

“Tonight, I want to be with you.”

“Jayna—”

She started undoing his harness. “Tonight, I want to touch you, and have you touch me.”

He sighed. “I can’t say no to you.”

She smiled, sliding the leather off. She stroked his chest. “You said you’ve had sex before.”

“Yes.” He paused. “When I was in the fight rings. It was…rough, fast.”

“We aren’t going to rush this.” She kissed him.

He made a hungry sound, his hands sliding around her. His tongue stroked hers, and her sound of pleasure vibrated through them both. His hard cock pressed against her belly.

She started unbuttoning his leather trousers and he grabbed her wrist.

“I want to see you too. Touch you.”

“I want that, too, Mace. We have all night. First, let me pleasure you.”

He pulled in a harsh breath. “No one’s ever cared about my pleasure.”

Jayna’s heart cracked. She was going to love this man—her strong, tough cyborg. She unfastened his trousers and his cock sprang out like the hardest steel. Oh, boy. He was in proportion and his cock was as big as the rest of him. She wrapped her fingers around him, and stroked. He groaned.

“So soft and hard at the same time,” she murmured.

He groaned again.

She ran her fingers over the mushroom head of him, spreading the wetness she found there. She spread it down his length.

“Jayna…harder.”

His hands moved over hers, and together they stroked him faster, harder. His big body was rigid, and he made a rumbling sound in his chest.

“I love how you feel.” She leaned forward and sank her teeth into his chest.

He threw his head back, pumped into her hand.

“I’m going to—”

“Come, Mace. Show me.”

A second later, he let out a harsh, tortured sound. His release was sticky on her fingers. His chest was working like a set of bellows.

She smiled. “Sit down. I’ll be right back.”

He slid a hand in her hair and kissed her, then dropped heavily to the bed. She slipped into the bathroom and cleaned up.

When she walked back to him, she started unfastening her shirt. His gaze locked on her hands. With a shrug of her shoulders, she let the shirt drop to the floor.

Then she shimmied out of her trousers. His gaze was hot, glued on her like a laser beam. Next, she discarded her underwear and kicked it away.

Naked, Jayna stepped between his strong legs. God, his thighs were huge and thick with muscle. His big cock was already hard again. His hands circled her waist, his callused fingers stroking her skin.

Tingles sprang to life all over her, fire spreading through her veins. As those fingers brushed her hip bones, she felt a rush of wetness between her thighs.

Mace leaned forward and put his mouth on her breast. She gasped, and he sucked on the nipple, tugging. Her thoughts turned to a chaotic jumble.

Then he lifted her off the ground.

She gave a startled cry. He pulled her closer, wrapping one of her legs over his shoulder. His hands slid under her bottom, holding her in place with the most intimate part of her right in his face.

“Mace—” God. “You can’t hold me like this.”

“With ease.”

He looked at her, right between her legs, and her cheeks stung. She knew she was blushing.

“So pretty and wet.” The green ring in his eyes was glowing. “Is this for me?”

“Yes.” Her voice was a breathy whisper.

He moved his head and licked her. She bucked in his hold, but he pulled her closer, his tongue delving into her folds.

Husky cries came from her throat. He held her up, only his hands and tongue touching her. Then his tongue found her clit and she cried out, jerking hard.

He made a rumbling sound, then rolled the small nub under his tongue.

“Oh, Mace—”

He sucked her clit into his mouth.

Jayna splintered apart. Pleasure crashed over her and she screamed his name. He switched to long, slow, tormenting licks as she continued to shudder and shake.

Afterward, she was barely conscious. He laid her on the bed, his hands stroking her twitching thighs.

“You are so beautiful,” he said.

As he rose and shoved down his trousers, Jayna thought he was the beautiful one. Hard and tough, yes, but beautiful as well.

His cock was erect again, rising up to his firm abs.

She held out a hand. “Let’s come together this time.”

MACE PUT one knee to the bed, leaning over Jayna. His body was a throbbing mass of need.

She pulled him down eagerly, her hand sliding into his hair. He was careful not to rest too much of his weight on her. She tugged him close for a kiss.

He could kiss her all night. As he plunged his tongue deep into her mouth, he savored the taste of her. He slid a palm up her slim leg, then pushed her thighs apart.

Lowering his hips, he nudged her softness with his cock. Despite his previous climax, desire was pounding inside him again.

“Yes.” She lifted her hips, his cock sliding through her wetness. “Come inside me, Mace.”

He knew Avarn had given her a contraceptive implant when she’d first arrived here. He pushed in, feeling her stretch to fit him.

She made a choked sound and wrapped her legs around him.

He paused. Drak, she was so tight, and he was so big.

“Don’t stop,” she panted. “Keep moving.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” Her hands gripped his shoulders. “Please, Mace, I need you inside me.”

He slid in more, and then pulled out, resulting in her loud gasp. Then, he sank into her again.

Heat raced over his skin. He craved her, every bit of her. Hot, unrelenting desire coursed through him. He kissed her again, and she responded, kissing him back, roughly, hungrily.

Mace’s control was threadbare. “Can’t…hold back.”

“Don’t.”

He drove into her on the next thrust. Then he picked up the pace, relentless and hard. Her husky, desperate cries filled the air.

“I crave you,” he growled. “I’ll never get enough.”

“You’re sexy as hell, Mace.” She reached up and grabbed the headboard behind her. The action pushed her breasts up to him, like an offering.

The bed rocked beneath them, with each of his thrusts.

“I need this,” she moaned. “I need you.”

Her words inflamed him, but he wanted to watch her come again, this time on his cock.

“How do I make you come again?” he growled.

“Touch my clit.”

He slid his hand down between their bodies. He shifted to his knees, keeping up his plunges into her warmth.

Then he found that small, intriguing nub. It was swollen and he pinched it. She cried out, her back bowing, her hands clenching on the metal headboard.

“Mace!”

Drak. Watching her pleasure, seeing it flood her face…

Her body clamped down on his cock, and he thrust into her with hard grunts—once, twice, three times.

He shoved deep, shouted her name, and then poured himself into his woman.

Mace’s chin hit his chest and he sucked in some air. He tried to pull his head together. He felt so drakking good. Relaxed and satisfied.

He lifted his head and saw she was smiling at him. Her brown hair was a wild tangle across his pillows, her skin glowed, and her lips were swollen from his kisses.

He’d never seen a prettier sight.

He pulled out of her and she moaned. Then he leaned forward and kissed her between her breasts. “Thank you.”

“I feel like I should be thanking you.”

No. She’d made this easy for him, had brought him pleasure, showed him what was possible.

“How do you feel?” she asked.

“Like I won the fight.”

She smiled. “Well, I hope you’re ready for the next round.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Mace.”

“Keep moving.”

His hands were on her ass and she was riding him. Jayna loved having Mace’s powerful body beneath her. Sensation arrowed through her belly. It was too much, not enough, so overwhelming.

She swiveled her hips, her hands curling into his hard chest. She moved up and down on his thick cock. She was sensitive from the night—where they’d slept in short bursts between devouring each other.

Her cyborg might not have had much sex in the past, but he was sure trying to make up for it.

Without warning, her climax crashed over her. She thrust her body down and cried out.

Mace reared up, turning her and pressing her down on her belly. She felt him behind her, felt him take his cock in hand, and then he thrust back inside her.

“Mace!”

He grunted and a second later, he was coming. He groaned, his big body shuddering above hers.

Jayna rubbed her cheek on the sheets, trying to calm her breathing. Then he collapsed beside her. He was always careful never to put his full weight on top of her. He pulled her close, his warm breath puffing on her neck.

It took a while, but eventually she could breathe normally and think again.

She nuzzled him. “I love your body. It’s beautiful.”

He blinked. “I’m not beautiful.”

He was to her. She kissed his nose. “You can’t change my mind.”

He cupped her breast. “You’re beautiful.” He slid a hand into her hair, playing with the strands.

During the night, he’d made it very clear that he liked her hair.

Then his face turned serious. “We need to meet Magnus and the others shortly.”

Reality. They’d pushed it aside for the night, but now Jayna could practically hear the ticking clock in her head. They had to rescue Sage.

Jayna’s fingers tightened on Mace. “We’re going to find her.”

He made a frustrated sound. “I don’t want you anywhere near the Edull. I don’t want you in danger.”

“You heard Vron, you need me to help get you inside.”

“I know, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I’m not afraid of them,” she said.

His gaze sharpened on her face. “No, I see that.” He tugged on her hair.

“And it helps to know that you’ll be with me. And the other cyborgs.”

The faintest smile touched his lips. “Something makes me think you’d be fine without us. Strong and fierce.”

Warmth filled her chest. She hadn’t felt strong or fierce for a very long time, but now…she was going to get her friend back.

Finally, they pulled themselves from the bed. Part of Jayna wanted to stay there, curled up under the covers with Mace.

But Sage and the others needed her.

“Quinn said she had some gear for me,” Jayna said.

“Good.” He kissed her lips. “Go. I’ll meet you at Magnus’ office.”

Fighting down her nerves, Jayna tracked down Quinn in her quarters.

“Hey.” Quinn opened the door, her blonde-brown hair pulled back in a braid. She was dressed in leather trousers with a blue shirt. “Come in.”

Quinn and Jax’s room was similar to Mace’s, but done in more shades of blue. The bed was unmade, and several swords rested on a nearby table.

“You’re not coming on the mission?” Jayna asked.

The other woman shook her head, her face twisting. “I want to and I had a pretty spectacular argument with my cyborg.” She blew out a breath. “They have enough on the team. I’ll stay and help out here.”

“Hi.” Ever appeared in the doorway, baby Asha in her arms. The brunette’s gaze zeroed in on Jayna’s neck and she smiled. “Did you know you have stubble burn on your neck?”

Jayna slapped a hand against her neck.

The other two women smiled.

“’Fess up,” Quinn said.

“Well, I can now say that I know how good cyborg sex is.” Jayna shivered.

The women laughed.

“You’re happy?” Ever asked, a hint of concern in her eyes.

“He’s…so real.” In her head, Jayna thought of Mace. “He’s been reluctant to let himself feel anything for me, but when I’m with him… Everything else falls away. For both of us.”

“You’re falling for him.” Quinn didn’t state it like a question.

“Hook, line, and sinker.” Jayna’s smile faded. “But right now, Sage is the important one.”

“You’ll bring her home,” Ever said.

Jayna gave a determined nod. “She’s so nice, so sweet. I worry that the Edull might have crushed her.”

“Let’s get her out first.” Quinn wrapped an arm around Jayna’s shoulders. “Whatever she’s been through, she’s tough, and she’ll have all of us to help her.”

“I’m so glad you rescued me.” Jayna hugged both of them, and dropped a quick kiss to baby Asha’s perfectly formed nose.

“Now—” Quinn turned to the closet. “I have fighting leathers for you to wear. Let’s get you decked out.”

Jayna set her shoulders back and nodded. I’m coming, Sage.

MACE STOOD at the light table in Magnus’ office with his fellow cyborgs.

“One of Rillian’s experimental desert ships has been prepped for us at the spaceport,” Magnus said. “His people spent the night adding modifications so it could make a longer journey.”

Mace stared at the maps on the table. A mineral in the desert sand played havoc with ship engines. The wealthy casino owner had been experimenting with new tech, but it hadn’t been perfected yet. “Will we make it to the coordinates?”

Magnus’ mouth firmed. “Undetermined. The pilot is doing everything he can to ensure we do.”

“We’ll go to the location we got from Vron and do some recon first,” Jax said. “We need as much intel as we can, then we go in.”

“Sage doesn’t have long,” Mace said.

Magnus pressed his hands to the table. “We’ll find her.”

Mace’s fingers curled into fists. He wanted to rescue the woman, but not by putting Jayna at risk. “Jayna cannot get hurt.”

“We’ll protect her,” Magnus assured him. “With all we have.”

“She’s mine.”

Jax grinned. “How’s that going?”

“She’s mine, and I’m not letting her go.”

Magnus’s lips curled into a small smile. Jax was grinning.

“I’m happy for you,” his imperator said.

“Good luck,” Toren said. “From what I’ve seen of Magnus and Jax’s mating dances, you’ll need it.”

Acton shook his head. “I’m glad I can’t feel. These women are disrupting our House.”

“For the better,” Jax said.

Acton’s expression was skeptical.

They were going over the plan one more time, when Mace sensed his woman. He lifted his head and saw Jayna in the doorway, wearing fighting leathers. Her hair was in a braid.

Seeing her battle-ready was like a punch to his gut. “Jayna.”

She smiled, and instantly, he was back in his bedroom with her in his arms. He could still feel her, taste her, hear her cries.

“One hour, and we’ll leave for the spaceport,” Magnus said.

Mace moved foward and she held her arms out. “Quinn decked me out. I’m a fighter now.”

He tugged her aside as the other cyborgs left.

“Here.” He held up the scarf he’d found for her. “It’s a new, high-tech fabric that Maxon’s team is testing. It’ll protect you from the desert sun and wind.” He wrapped it around her neck. “Do you still have the blaster that Quinn gave you?”

She pointed to the weapon holstered at her hip. “Point-and-shoot.”

“It has auto targeting as well. A good weapon for you.”

She sucked in a breath. “I think I’m ready.”

He wished he was. There would never be a day where he felt ready to take her into danger. “I’ll be with you. Every step of the mission.”

She smiled, but Mace was tense. He wouldn’t relax, not until they were back safely.

“We leave for the spaceport in an hour,” he said.

She nodded. “Okay.”

He reached down and cupped her ass.

Her eyes widened. “So, does my cyborg have any ideas on how to spend that hour?”

He kissed her. “A few,” he murmured against her lips.

The kiss deepened, took on a hungry, desperate edge. He yanked the tie out of her hair and the curls fell free.

“Hey, Ever braided that for me.”

His need was too great. He grabbed her hand and dragged her down the corridor. As soon as they reached his room, he spun and backed her against the door.

“Mace.” A hungry, breathy word.

He opened her vest and shirt, baring her breasts. Her frantic hands were at his trousers, yanking them open. His throbbing cock sprang free and she moaned.

Spinning, he backed her up until she hit the table he rarely used. Then he turned her and bent her over the smooth wood.

“Drak, Jayna, you drive me wild.” He shaped his hands over her ass.

“Mace.” She pushed back against him. He yanked her trousers down, peeling the leather over her ass. Then he thrust his fingers inside her. She cried out, pushing back eagerly. She was so wet, and her hungry sounds urged him on.

He shoved his own leathers down and circled his cock in one fist. He leaned over her and thrust inside.

“Yes,” she cried out.

He drove into her, the table rattling under the force of his thrusts. He pinned her there.

“Don’t stop,” she panted.

“I won’t last long,” he growled.

“Me neither.”

He looked down and saw she’d snaked a hand under her body and was touching herself. So drakking sexy, his woman.

He picked up the pace, each thrust causing her to cry out. A second later, she started coming, her body shaking. It triggered his own release. They came together, and Mace groaned through his climax, his vision going blurry.

Once he’d regained enough sense to think again, he kissed the back of her neck. She made a small mewling sound.

“You have to stay safe,” he said.

“I will.” She turned her head. “I want to make a life here, Mace. I want to make a life with you.”

Drak. What had he ever done to deserve her? She wanted to be with him. A man with blood on his hands, with no soft edges, who’d been a fighter all his life.

He held her close. “Let’s clean up. It’s almost time to go.”

She smiled, and they both tidied themselves and pulled their clothes back on. He helped her braid her hair, loving when she laughed at his attempts to get his huge fingers to plait the strands.

But when they headed down the corridor, he sensed tension seep back into her.

He’d keep her safe. Mace would give his life to protect her. She was his. He’d never had something or someone that was solely his.

Never had someone who he would risk it all for.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Wow. The spaceport was amazing.

Jayna had loved her high-tech lab on the Helios, but since arriving on Carthago, she’d spent most of her time surrounded by the low-tech elements of the desert and Kor Magna, despite the advanced enhancements of the cyborgs.

The spaceport, however, was slick and futuristic. Giant starships of all shapes and sizes were parked out on the tarmac. As they passed through the airy terminal building, she took in all the glass and shiny metal.

Magnus led them out a doorway, and soon they were striding across the tarmac toward a sleek, silver ship. A couple were waiting for them by the ship’s entry ramp.

Wowser, the man was gorgeous. He had the kind of face that made a woman look not twice, but fifty times.

“Rillian,” Magnus said.

“Magnus,” the man drawled.

So, this was the owner of the Dark Nebula Casino. The woman beside him stepped forward, holding out a hand.

“Jayna, we haven’t met yet. I’m Dayna Caplan.”

From Earth. Dayna had been a former cop before she’d joined security on a ship that ran supplies to Fortuna Space Station. She’d been abducted by the Thraxians as well.

“Nice to meet you,” Jayna said. “Great name, by the way.”

The human woman squeezed her fingers and smiled. “I love yours as well. I’m glad to see that you’ve come through your ordeal.” Dayna’s nose wrinkled. “Ordeal. Not the right word for the horror.”

No, but then again, no word was right. “Thank you. You too.”

Dayna glanced at Rillian and smiled. “Yes, I’m very happy to be where I am today.”

Rillian looked back at her, the man’s silver gaze on his mate’s face. They smiled at each other and Jayna shivered.

Mace touched Jayna’s arm, and as she witnessed the small move, a smile appeared on the other woman’s face.

“Good luck out there,” Dayna said.

Rillian nodded. “The ship is fueled and the pilot’s ready to go. He’s stocked up on spare parts.” The casino owner’s face took on a serious edge. “You’ll be pushing past the ship’s capabilities.”

Jayna pressed a hand to her churning stomach. They had to make it.

Rillian nodded. “Good hunting.”

“Bring them home,” Dayna added.

Following Mace onto the ship, Jayna tried to calm her nerves. Glancing around the sleek interior, she felt like she’d stepped onto some fancy private plane. The ship had wide, comfy seats at the back, and a cockpit with two pilots’ chairs up front, sitting behind an angular viewscreen.

The pilot, a stocky man with a neat beard, rose from his seat and waved them in. Jax slid into the copilot’s seat. Magnus lowered into a seat, facing forward.

“I’m Captain Dachard Millik.” The pilot’s voice was a deep rumble.

Jax nodded. “Rillian said you’re the best, Dachard.”

“I’ll do everything I can to get you where you’re going.” The man grunted and dropped back into his seat. “Hate slavers.”

Mace sat and gestured to the seat beside him. Jayna joined him, and behind her, Acton and Toren settled into their seats. Mace leaned over and helped her do up her straps. The engines rumbled to life, sending vibrations up through the seats.

The takeoff was smooth and Jayna smiled. She’d always loved takeoff. It gave her a sense of adventure.

But her smile quickly faded. The ship moved out over Kor Magna and she saw the desert ahead. There was nothing adventurous about this trip. It was dangerous, and Sage’s life hung in the balance.

Jayna gripped her armrests. Hang on, Sage.

“There’s a desert caravan.” Mace pointed out the long, narrow side window.

She spotted the line of animals and carts moving through the sand. She watched the desert pass by, and apart from a trading post and another group of travelers, there was nothing but sand.

“Can we make it all the way to the coordinates?” Jax asked the pilot.

The pilot kept his gaze forward. “Maybe. I’ve got extra fuel aboard, that’s the modifications we made last night. But I won’t lie, we’ll be pushing the ship to the limit, and we still need to get back to Kor Magna afterward.”

Jayna gripped Mace’s arm and he patted her hand.

“If the engines get too damaged, we’ll have to land. I’ve brought replacement parts with us.”

Mace leaned closer to Jayna. “The sand on Carthago contains a mineral that interacts with heat and engines. It causes a lot of damage. That’s why there aren’t many ships in the desert. Rillian’s been testing out this experimental ship for a while now.”

She nodded, staring out the window again. That was why it was easy for bastards like the Edull to hide in the desert. The sand stretched as far as the eye could see, blurring away into the horizon. All that sand…

The next thing she knew, she felt fingers in her hair and she blinked her eyes. God, she’d dozed off with her head on Mace’s shoulder.

“We’re getting closer,” he murmured.

She felt a low-grade tension fill the ship. The cyborgs were gearing up for battle.

“How long was I out?”

“A few hours.” He shot her one of his small smiles. “Guess I wore you out last night.”

“I can keep up with you, cyborg.”

His eyes flashed. “Oh, I know.”

Suddenly, alarms blared from the cockpit.

“Drak!” Dachard bit out.

“What is it?” Magnus demanded.

“Engines are failing. Been running over the limit for about an hour now.” The pilot stood. “Cyborg, can you fly this ship?”

Jax pressed a palm to the controls. “I’ve got it.”

“Hold us steady.” Dachard charged toward the back of the ship. “I need to rig a few things and see if I can keep us in the air.” He disappeared through a door.

Jayna gripped the armrests of her seat, her heart in her throat.

Acton rose. “I’ll see if I can assist him.”

The ship tilted and Jayna was thrown against her seat. Mace threw an arm out across her chest. She saw a tense look on his face, his jaw tight.

With a sickening dip, the ship tilted again.

“Jax.” Magnus rose, staggering toward the cockpit.

“I’m doing my best. We’ve lost one engine.”

Turning her head, Jayna saw a trail of thick, black smoke out the window. Bile rose in her throat. Behind them, Toren cursed under his breath.

Fear was a hot, ugly burn inside Jayna. “Mace.”

His fingers clenched on hers. “I’ll protect you.”

Jayna thought of Sage. It couldn’t end like this.

Dachard barreled out of the back of the ship, Acton on his heels. “Can’t fix the ship mid-air.”

More alarms blared.

“Everyone strap in,” the pilot yelled. “We’re going down.”

Mace undid his straps and her eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

“Told you I’d protect you.”

As the ship did a nosedive, and cursing came from the men in the cockpit, she saw silver flow over Mace’s skin. Despite the dire circumstances, she couldn’t look away. She’d never tire of watching his incredible abilities.

Then he threw his body over hers, curling around her. She clung to him.

“Hold on!” Magnus shouted.

Then impact.

Jayna was tossed around and heard Mace grunt. Swallowing a scream, she held on tight.

“EVERYONE OKAY?” Magnus’ deep voice rang out through the ship.

Mace heard groans from the other cyborgs, but it didn’t sound like anyone was injured.

He quickly levered himself off Jayna, letting his metal skin melt away. “Are you all right?”

She pressed her cybernetic fingers to her head. “I think so.” Then her eyes sparked. She slapped a hand against his chest. “You shouldn’t have unstrapped your harness—”

“I told you that I’d protect you.”

“But I don’t want you hurt in the process.”

He stared into her fierce face. This woman who was worried about him in a way no one had before.

Dachard stumbled past them. The pilot was holding a cloth to a gash on his head.

“Dachard,” Jax said. “How bad is that cut?”

“Pfft, it’s nothing.”

“The ship?” Magnus asked.

“Just ran a diagnostic.” The older man swiped at his bleeding head again. “Thank the sands, we didn’t sustain any critical damage in the crash. Engines are drakked, though. I need to get to work on fixing them or we aren’t going anywhere.”

Magnus frowned. “How long?”

Dachard blew out a breath. “A few hours, at least. Might be longer.”

Jayna made a small sound. Mace knew she was thinking of Sage.

“Toren, Acton,” Magnus said. “Assist Dachard.”

The two cyborgs nodded and followed the pilot into the back of the ship.

“Mace and Jax, we need to ensure the perimeter is clear of any unwanted guests,” Magnus said.

Yeah, they didn’t need any desert dwellers or sand pirates sneaking up on them. As they opened the side door of the ship, a rush of hot, dry air hit them. Jayna ducked outside, lifting her face to the afternoon sunshine.

But she wasn’t relaxed. He saw the tension in her shoulders.

“You’re thinking of Sage,” he said.

She nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m so worried about her.”

As Magnus and Jax moved away, circling the ship, Mace led Jayna toward some rocky outcrops. The ground here was rockier, only covered in a thin layer of sand.

“She’s running out of time,” Jayna murmured.

“We’ll get there. We have another day.” If Vron wasn’t lying.

Jayna crouched down, running some sand through her fingers. When she looked up, that ferocious Earth determination was on her face. “We’ll make it, and we’ll bring her home.”

He studied the lines of her face. “You aren’t afraid.”

She rose. “Hell no, I’m done being afraid, Mace.”

There were huge fighters he’d known who had less courage than this woman. They wandered a little and Mace scanned their surroundings. Just desert as far as he could see. No sign of any large or sentient lifeforms. He saw Magnus and Jax wave before the pair reentered the ship.

It would be night in a few hours and that’s when they’d have to worry. That’s when the night beasts came out to hunt and roam.

“Oh, look.”

He turned and saw Jayna pointing at a small creature that was watching them, partly buried in the sand. It was covered in beige fur, about the size of his palm, with over-sized ears.

He accessed his records. “It’s a rannabil. It’s harmless, and they’re known for their curiosity.”

Jayna held out a palm. “Hey there, little guy. You are super cute. You kind of remind me of a mouse from Earth.”

The tiny creature darted forward, whiskers twitching. It sniffed a little, then with a graceful leap, jumped onto Jayna’s forearm.

She jolted, then laughed. Drak, Mace loved that pretty sound. The small creature darted up her arm, sniffing and exploring. It got her hair and started batting at it.

“I guess not everything here in the desert is out to kill us.” She set the rannabil back down on the sand.

Mace grunted. He wasn’t quite as optimistic as she was.

“Let’s get back to the ship.” He wanted to keep monitoring the perimeter.

She rose. “There is nothing out here, except for cute little desert creatures. Pretty sure a horde of rannabils isn’t going to storm the ship.”

He shot her a look and tugged on one of her curls. She laughed again.

They’d barely taken two steps when he saw something rise up out of the sand. He stiffened and saw more shapes bursting upward, sand flying.

Drak. They were people, dressed in desert-colored gear. The closest man launched himself at Mace.

“Jayna, get back!” Mace swung his fist. With two hard punches, he took the man down.

He heard Jayna curse and spun. Another man had grabbed her arms. He lifted her and tossed her over his shoulder. She struggled wildly.

“Let her go,” Mace growled.

Three fighters rushed him. He kicked, ducked, and swung out. As he reached for his sword, a tall woman with braided, dark hair lunged at him.

She jabbed a weapon into his gut and he saw a bright light flare from it.

Mace felt his muscles go lax and things inside him shut down.

Drakking hells. It was a luma weapon. Designed to disrupt cyborg systems.

As he hit the sand with a thud, he heard Jayna try to scream his name but the sound was muffled. Fighting to stay conscious, he heard grunts and hands grabbing his ankles. He hoped the other cyborgs had heard the struggle, but he knew they were probably too far from the ship.

Then his body was dragged across the sand.

No. He was completely helpless and unable to move. Unable to defend Jayna.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Mace drifted in and out of consciousness. When the effects of the luma weapon finally wore off, he realized he was slumped on a rock floor, in a dark cell.

With a roar, he surged to his feet. He looked around. No Jayna. Pain ripped through his chest. Where was she?

He roared again, letting his rage free. There was some basic furniture in the cell—a bunk, a chair. He kicked and stomped them until they were nothing but broken splinters. He lifted one remnant of the chair and tossed it against the wall.

Chest heaving, he forced himself to find some control. Jayna needed him. He stared at the beige stone walls, then to the rough, metal bars. They couldn’t have gone too far from the ship, so he guessed they were underground. He knew lots of desert peoples made their home beneath the sands.

The sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears. A man and woman appeared at the cell bars.

The woman’s braids were resting over one shoulder. It was the woman who’d hit him with the luma weapon.

Mace studied the pair. Typical desert clothes—loose-fitting, light gear with leather accents. They were both lean, wiry, and had a hungry, desperate edge that put him on alert.

Desert dwellers often did whatever it took to survive in their harsh environment—stole, fought, enslaved, killed. It reminded him way too much of Krenor.

“Where’s Jayna?” he demanded.

“The woman?” The man raised a brow, shoving his long, brown hair back. It was shaved at the sides, but long at the top. “She’s safe. For now.”

Mace lunged at the bars. He shot a hand through the metal and grabbed the man around the throat. He clawed at Mace’s wrist, making choking noises.

The woman drew the luma weapon and pressed it to Mace’s temple. “Let him go.”

With a growl, Mace released the man. The crudspawn stumbled back, rubbing his throat, and glaring.

Mace glanced at the woman. “I want to see her. Now.”

The pair remained silent.

Fighting back a molten flood of anger, he gripped one of the metal bars and squeezed. Under his hand, the metal started to distort.

“Drak,” the man muttered.

“Now,” Mace said again. “Or I’ll tear this cell apart, then work my way through your base until I find her.”

The man swallowed, but the woman watched Mace, a lot working behind her pale eyes.

“You know what I am?” Mace said.

The woman nodded. “You’ll see her.” Swiveling, the woman looked down the tunnel. “Get him out and bring him to the Cage.”

Several big guards shuffled into Mace’s cell. They chained his hands and he didn’t bother to tell them the chains wouldn’t hold him. The woman, who he guessed was the leader of this little group, wasn’t far away, and she was far more intelligent. She shifted her shirt, showing him the luma weapon resting on her belt.

Mace followed his escort through the rough-hewn tunnels. They passed more cells, several were empty, but a few housed bored-looking aliens. Others were filled with snarling beasts.

Down other side tunnels, he heard conversations and the laughter of children. Whoever these desert dwellers were, they’d made a home here.

Then they stepped out into a large cavern. A crowd was gathered on rock-cut seating—eating, drinking. Kids were running around.

In the center of the space was a large cage.

Mace’s muscles locked. He knew what it was. Even from a distance, he smelled the sweat, the fear, the old blood.

“Can’t wait to watch you fight, cyborg.” One guard was grinning at him, several teeth missing. “See how much damage you can take.”

The female leader strode closer. “Welcome to the Cage.”

“Fights to the death,” Mace growled.

The woman lifted a shoulder. “We had to find a way to make credits out here. I have mouths to feed.” She flicked a glance toward the kids.

The guards shoved Mace forward and as he got closer to the cage, he saw another, smaller enclosure right beside it.

“There’s your woman,” the leader said. “If you want her, then you fight for her.”

The smaller cage was actually made of some glass-like material that had wire-mesh embedded in it. Jayna was wearing a flimsy white wisp of a skirt and top. He could see her nipples through the translucent fabric.

Anger scorched his veins and he tasted it in his mouth.

She lifted her head and spotted him. Her eyes widened and she smacked her palms against the wall of her cell. He saw her mouth opening, but her enclosure was clearly soundproof, as he couldn’t hear her, even with his enhanced hearing.

The leader leaned closer. “She’s your incentive, cyborg, because she’s the prize. Whoever wins in the fights wins her.”

Mace breathed through his nose, his hands curling into tight, tight fists. “You’ll die tonight.”

A smile flirted around the woman’s mouth, her gaze roving over his chest. “I like you.”

The guards opened the fight cage with a squeak of rusty metal. He was shoved in and before they could remove his chains, he jerked his arms apart, snapping the metal.

They all froze, eyeing him warily. They backed out fast and locked the door behind him.

The crowd was getting warmed up, cheering and booing.

Old, serrated memories beat through Mace. Of all the fights he’d endured. It had been a long time since he’d been forced to fight, to take a life for no good reason, to stain his soul.

He met Jayna’s gaze again and saw her face twist with so many emotions—fear, pain, sorrow. He was getting better at identifying all her feelings now. She’d shown him that, showed him the breadth of what it was possible to feel.

A young man with a bare chest came out of another tunnel, shouting at the crowd. The spectators yelled in a frenzy of sound. Mace saw several people making bets, coins and goods exchanging hands.

The fighter was let into the cage, and he bounced on his feet. He had black wraps tied around his hands. “I want that pretty woman.”

Mace heaved in a breath, then strode across the cage. The man smiled with anticipation.

With a well-aimed punch, Mace hit the man in the head. He crumpled and didn’t get up.

The crowd went silent and Mace turned to meet the gaze of the female leader. She stared back, then lifted a hand.

Guards dragged the man out.

The next two fighters were no match for Mace either. With simple blows, he took them down with no fanfare.

Now, he heard the crowd murmuring unhappily. They’d come for a show, for blood and sweat.

The leader’s jaw was tight. She made another hand signal, then looked directly at Mace. “If you want your woman to survive, then you’d better fight.”

Mace stiffened and looked at Jayna.

He saw she was agitated and looking down at her feet. That’s when he saw black sludge rising up from the bottom of her cell. It sloshed around her ankles and her face twisted.

It kept rising and horror bloomed on her face. Her brown gaze met Mace’s.

Drak. He pressed his fists to his thighs. He had to fight. Had to put on a drakking gory show for these lowlife sandsuckers. He had to dig up the part of him he’d vowed to leave behind.

But he’d do anything to save Jayna.

He had to show her the worst of him in order to save her. The darkest, ugliest parts of his soul.

Mace fought for air. To save her, he might just lose her.

The cage door opened and a huge fighter with gray skin stepped inside.

Mace allowed himself one last look at Jayna. Her palms were pressed to the glass, sorrow stamped on her features.

The big fighter took a step toward the center of the cage. Mace’s shoulders sagged, then he let out a roar and let his rage free.

JAYNA HAMMERED AT THE GLASS. The black sludge had risen to mid-thigh, but she ignored it as she focused on Mace.

She watched him throw his opponent against the side of the cage, rattling the entire structure. Her chest tightened like it was being squeezed by a giant fist.

Rage was written all over his face. She knew the horrid, bloodthirsty spectators only saw strength and power, but she felt his pain. He was being forced to fight again, his choices taken away. Plunged back into his nightmares.

She screamed until her voice was hoarse. She watched him mow through fighter after fighter. Very few were a match for his strength and skill, but she saw that he had bruising on his chest and was bleeding from several cuts.

The sludge kept rising steadily, hitting just under her breasts and making the stupid outfit they’d put her in stick to her skin. She refused to look down and kept her gaze glued to Mace.

When the fight cage door opened again, this time she saw two large beasts being prodded inside. She gasped. Oh, God. They looked like reptilian cats, with tough, scaly skin, massive fangs, and sharp claws. She pressed a fist to her throat.

The beasts threw their heads back and she could only imagine their fierce roars. They leaped at Mace.

He looked so cool and in charge. He gripped one animal and tossed it to the side. The next one took him to the floor and she saw several of the spectators leaped to their feet, cheering.

Get up, Mace. Her nails bit into her palms. Get up.

He rolled, got behind the creature, and with a powerful twist of his arms, broke the cat’s neck. The second feline came at him again, and with several hits, he took it down.

For a second he paused, chest heaving, then his head lifted.

His eyes boiled with rage and pain. Jayna tried to stay calm but tears pricked her eyes.

Then another fighter entered the cage. Mace roared and turned to meet his next opponent. He fought like a wild thunderstorm—hard, vicious, and unforgiving.

The sludge reached Jayna’s neck and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Life was so fucking unfair. Even to save her, she didn’t want Mace to suffer like this.

Suddenly, Mace tossed his foe at the cage side again. Then he strode over, purpose in his walk.

Jayna blinked. Damn, she hadn’t noticed before. Mace had been throwing each fighter at the same spot on the cage. She saw the metal had weakened. Mace punched his fist through the small hole and ripped the cage wall open.

The crowd all leaped to their feet and started running.

Mace jumped through the gap, then moved straight toward the female leader. The woman lifted a weapon, but an enraged Mace kicked it out of her hand. He grabbed the woman by the hair.

The sludge covered Jayna’s chin and she went onto her toes. She saw Mace drag the woman closer to Jayna’s cell.

His mouth was moving, but the woman shook her head. Then Mace slammed her against the glass and a second later, the woman awkwardly waved a hand. The front of Jayna’s cell swung open.

The sludge poured out and Jayna went with it, almost slipping over.

Strong arms grabbed her, pulling her up against a hard body.

“Mace,” she choked out.

He held her close, his arms tight enough to cut off her air.

“I’m okay. I’m okay.” She chanted the words. Strangely, the black crud didn’t stain. Her skin felt damp, but there was no staining on her skin.

Then she felt Mace’s muscles lock and he stepped back. Without his arms around her, she felt herself waver. His assessing gaze moved over her, then he turned to the female leader on her knees in front of them.

“Tell me the quickest way out,” he demanded.

The woman jerked her head toward a nearby tunnel. Then her hot gaze traveled over Mace. “I knew you’d be magnificent in the cage. I can pick a fighter with the heart of a beast with just one look.”

A muscle ticked in Mace’s jaw. Jayna took a step toward him.

“So brutal,” the woman continued. “So vicious.”

“Shut up.” Jayna stepped between the woman and Mace, glaring. “You don’t know the first thing about him.”

The woman smirked, and driven to the limit, Jayna kicked her. With a groan, the woman doubled over.

Voices echoed from a side tunnel.

The leader looked up, pale eyes glittering, and smiled. “My people are coming. I can’t wait to see you fight again, cyborg.” Her gaze flicked to Jayna, her smile twisting. “And see her die.”

Jayna lunged at the woman again, but Mace grabbed her. “Come on.”

He tugged her toward the exit tunnel. They jogged, moving at a pace that had Jayna panting.

“Mace—”

“Not safe yet.”

They took so many twists and turns that she was completely lost. But suddenly, Mace pointed at some rock-cut handholds gouged into the wall. She climbed up and saw the opening above. A second later, she hauled herself out into the desert night.

Mace pulled himself out of the hole and stood beside her. Night had fallen, draping the desert in darkness. She couldn’t see any sign of the ship.

But a second later, he pointed. “That way.”

He marched through the sand like a man on a mission. She tried desperately to match his pace.

“I can’t keep up,” she said breathlessly.

He slowed, but didn’t look at her. She felt a chill run over her skin.

Jayna licked her lips, glancing back over her shoulder. “Do you think they’ll come after us?”

“No.”

She pulled a face. “Queen Bitch seemed to like you.”

He shot her an unreadable look. “They’re desert dwellers. Survivors. They won’t come after us unless the odds are in their favor.”

“They’re assholes,” Jayna muttered. The cool desert breeze brushed over her bare skin and she shivered.

Mace was keeping a lot of space between them. She eyed the hard line of his jaw. He wasn’t looking at her or touching her, and she felt a sharp sting under her heart.

“Mace?”

“What?” He still didn’t look at her.

She stopped. “Mace.”

When he turned toward her, his eyes were dead, his face blank.

“You did what you had to do back there. I’m sorry you were forced into fighting.”

He lifted on broad shoulder. “It’s what I do.”

She made a small sound. “You used to fight. Now you’re House of Rone. A protector, a defender.”

He blew out a breath. “Jayna… What you saw, that’s me. The core of me.”

She hissed. “Bullshit.”

His brow creased. “What?”

“It’s an Earth saying.” She grabbed his arms. “You protected me. Saved me. You are not a man who fights because he gets off on it.”

“I used to.”

“Used to because you had to. Listen, I’ve seen ugly and cruel up close.” Her own nightmares rose up like specters and the pressure in her chest increased.

“Jayna.” Mace’s callused fingers brushed her jaw.

“I’m okay.” She looked into his beautiful eyes. “I see you, Mace. The man who makes me feel safe.”

His big body shuddered. She touched his hand and lifted it, pressing a kiss to his bruised knuckles.

Another shudder. “Jayna.”

“Thank you for doing everything you could to protect me.”

His brawny arms shot out, wrapping around her. She pressed her cheek to his chest and slid her arms around him. Somewhere in the distance, a beast howled.

Then he lifted his head. “The Rone cyborgs are here.”

Jayna didn’t see or hear a thing, but a few seconds later, she saw several forms melt out of the darkness.

Magnus’ cybernetic eye glowed in the dark. “Are you both okay?”

Mace nodded. “We are now. We got nabbed by some desert dwellers.”

“We need to teach them a lesson?” Jax asked.

Mace looked down at Jayna. “They threatened Jayna—”

“They made him fight.” The words burst out of her. “They were horrible and I want to rip them apart with my bare hands.”

Turning, she saw Mace’s lips quirk.

“It isn’t funny,” she hissed.

“It wasn’t, but it is now.” He tugged her closer. “I wanted to shut them down, but now…” He looked at Magnus. “I just want to get back to ship and get Jayna safe. We need to stay focused on our mission.”

“And I need a new outfit.” She grimaced. “I don’t think this look suits me.”

“You’ll have time to bathe and change, and to rest,” Magnus said. “Dachard hit a problem repairing the engines. We won’t be able to leave until the morning.”

Jayna sucked in a breath. “Sage.”

Mace’s arms tightened. “She has time.”

But not much. Jayna leaned into him. They all knew the clock was ticking.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“I don’t believe it,” the pilot said, his voice full of surprise.

Frowning, Mace clicked off his harness. Magnus was already pushing into the cockpit. Jayna slid her harness free and followed.

“What the—?” Mace murmured.

Clouds. There were huge, white clouds filling the viewscreen.

“Where are they coming from?” Jax asked.

Magnus stared ahead, scowling. “I don’t know.”

“No idea,” Dachard said. “There are no bodies of water on scanners, but there must be water somewhere.”

“I didn’t imagine them,” Jayna murmured.

Mace tugged her to his side. That’s where he’d kept her all night. After she’d washed and changed clothes, they’d spent the night in the ship, Jayna curled into him.

She’d seem unaffected by their time with the desert dwellers. So drakking tough and resilient. Every minute he spent with her, the more in awe of her he was. She’d slept against him, holding him tight, completely unfazed by what she’d watched him do in that cage.

Jayna liked him, just as he was, rough, harsh edges and all.

“The clouds are obscuring visibility,” Magnus noted.

“I’ll take us lower.” The pilot touched the controls.

The ship swooped lower, passing through the mountains of clouds. Mace forced himself to focus on the mission.

“Look,” Jayna cried.

A tower made of scrap metal pierced the clouds, just the very top of it visible. Mace tensed. They’d found their prey.

“Don’t get too close to the tower,” Magnus murmured.

Dachard veered away, and soon they were flying down below the clouds, the sand visible again.

“There’s a flat plain close by. We’ll land there.”

Mace urged Jayna back to her seat and the others followed. Moments later, they touched down.

She reached over and grabbed Mace’s hand. He squeezed it and saw the determination on her face.

“Let’s bring home your friend.”

She nodded. “And make some Edull very unhappy.”

Mace resisted the urge to crack his knuckles. Oh, he wanted to do more than that.

When the ship’s door opened, Mace checked his sword. He wanted this done. Then he could get Jayna back to the House of Rone, back safe and secure.

When they stepped out of the ship, a hot desert breeze swept over them—harsh and dry. Above, fluffy, white clouds filled the air.

They moved away from the ship, Magnus raising a hand to the pilot.

“I’ll work on any new damage to the engines,” Dachard assured them. “It’s minor, and shouldn’t take me long. I’ll be ready to go when you get back.”

“You’ll be out here alone.” Magnus frowned. “A ship like this is a big target.”

A smile lifted the corners of Dachard’s mouth. “Oh, my baby has a very nice security system. I can electrify the hull. Anyone tries to get close, they’ll end up fried and crispy.”

The Rone cyborgs set off into the desert, the sand loose under their boots. They headed toward where they’d seen the tower of scrap metal. On the positive side, the clouds provided some relief from Carthago’s hot suns.

Jayna jerked to a halt and Mace watched a patterned garda slither away from them. The serpents were harmless.

She shuddered. “I hate snakes.”

The sand here was different from what he was used to around Kor Magna, as well. It was made up of lots of different colors—beige, yellow, brown, red. The dunes ahead were banded with the colors.

“Let’s get to the top of the dune.” Magnus pointed.

They clambered up the large mound. The sand was deep, and after watching Jayna struggle for several minutes, Mace lifted her into his arms.

“I should tell you to put me down, but I’m not going to.” She nuzzled her face against his chin. “I kinda like it when you haul me around.”

And he’d happily hold her like this forever, if she’d let him.

At the top of the dune, they lay down on their bellies. Mace pulled out some binocs from his small pack and handed them to Jayna.

“What about you?” she asked.

“We all have enhanced vision.” He showed her how to zoom in, and then he turned his gaze toward the tower.

The structure was made of different types of metal—some rusted, some shiny and new. There were large sheets, as well as smaller, salvaged parts. The tower was wider at the base, moving up to a narrow tip. Defensive, metal walls surrounded the base.

“Drak,” Jax said. “Look at the base.”

Mace looked lower and sucked in a breath.

“What is it?” Jayna zoomed in her binocs. “Wait. Is that—?”

There was a huge hole beneath the tower. The tower was floating over the hole.

Jayna gasped. “It’s like a defensive moat.”

“What?” Magnus said.

“On Earth, centuries ago, people built castles and forts, and they protected them with a large ditch around them, often filled with water.”

“How the drak is the tower floating there like that?” Toren muttered.

Mace could only see one walkway across the hole, leading to the base of the tower.

Only one way in and one way out.

Magnus frowned, staring at the structure. “We know the Edull use a lot of magnetic tech in their creations. It’s possible they’re using some sort of magnetic force.”

“How deep is the hole?” Mace asked.

The imperator shook his head. “I can’t tell from here.”

“My guess?” Jax said. “Really deep.”

“We’ll wait for the suns to set, then go in under the cover of darkness,” Magnus said.

“There’s only one way in.” Jayna bit her lip. “That’s bad, right?”

Mace nodded. The entrance would be heavily guarded. If they got trapped in there, then there was only one way out.

“This can’t be Bari Batu,” Jax mused. “It’s only one tower.”

Jayna nodded. “I didn’t see much of the city, but what I remember is a vast, sprawling city of towers and scrap.”

“Some sort of outpost?” Acton suggested.

“Likely,” Magnus said. “Bari Batu can’t be too far from here.”

“But these are the coordinates Vron had for Sage’s location. She must be in that tower.” Jayna stared at it, worry on her face.

Jax shifted, the desert breeze catching his hair. “Whatever this place is, we’re going in and getting her out.”

“For now, let’s move closer and settle in until dark,” Magnus ordered.

They started back down the dune. At the base, Jayna pointed.

“Oh, look.” Tiny pink flowers were growing out of the sand. She crouched to look at them.

Mace frowned. Something about the flowers was familiar…but he couldn’t think why.

“What the hell?” Jayna jerked upward, throwing her arms out. Her body tilted to the side. Her boots were sinking into the sand.

Now he remembered. The flowers grew in quicksand.

“Jayna!”

He heard the others curse and move closer. She was sinking fast, and struggling to keep herself upright.

“Stop moving,” he growled.

Keeping an eye on the ground, he was careful to keep his boots out of the quicksand. He tried to reach her, but she was just out of reach.

“Mace.” Panic edged her voice. She’d sunk up to her chest.

Then she let out a sharp scream, and suddenly her body was jerked downward.

“Mace! Something wrapped around my leg. It’s pulling me down!”

“We need to get her out. Now!” Magnus yelled.

“Acton,” Mace bellowed.

The cyborg raced over, lifting an arm. Jayna rose up out of the quicksand, crying out as she floated into the air.

A thick tentacle was wrapped around her legs. Mace’s gaze narrowed. No, not a tentacle. The drakking thing was a plant.

He felt the rumble of something large beneath the ground.

“It’s a swarla,” Magnus said. “Flesh-eating plant.”

“What?” Jayna’s voice was a high-pitched screech. “Get me down.”

She twisted wildly, and the plant vine tightened on her. She cried out.

Drak this. Mace pulled his sword.

He backed up. “Hold her.”

“I have her,” Acton replied.

Mace leaped up, sailing through the air. He swung his sword, slicing through the dense vine.

A muffled screech came from under the sand. He somersaulted and landed on the other side of the quicksand. He spun.

Acton was moving Jayna toward him. Mace reached up and grabbed her out of the air.

“God!” She pressed her face to his neck and he squeezed her tight. Her heart was thundering, and so was his.

“Are you all right?”

She nodded. “I really, really hate the desert.”

“Me too.”

“It can be pretty, but dangerous as well.” She exhaled loudly and kissed him. “Like you.”

He scowled at her. “I am not pretty.”

“Long, pretty eyelashes. Pretty eyes.”

He set her down, but kept her close. He wasn’t letting her step away from him again. Holding her hand, he walked back to the others. “I’m a rough, tough cyborg.”

A smile broke out on her face, her fear fading. “My pretty, tough cyborg.”

NIGHT HAD FALLEN, and Jayna was sick of lying still, watching the tower. She wanted something to happen. She was itching to get inside and find Sage.

The woman was almost out of time.

The cyborgs stayed preternaturally still, which she found more than a little disturbing. Still, she couldn’t say that she didn’t feel safe. Mace stayed close, his powerful body pressed against hers. She felt like he was alert and ready to dive in front of her and fight off anything that got close.

Damn, she was so crazy about him.

Finally, Magnus gave the order, lifting his cybernetic hand and waving.

The cyborgs shifted to their feet, gliding through the darkness. They headed toward the entrance leading to the tower, using the night darkness as cover.

The cyborgs kept Jayna surrounded, and she couldn’t help but smile briefly. Protective, every one of them, and especially the one she wanted all to herself.

A wild howl cut through the night, sending a shiver down her spine. Desert night beasts. She’d heard plenty of stories about them. Glancing around, she didn’t see anything, but that didn’t mean they weren’t there. She sensed the predators out there in the dark, waiting and watching.

“Stop.” Jax’s near-silent whisper.

She glanced up and spotted lights ahead. There was a set of large, metal doors, and beyond them, must be the walkway across the chasm to the tower.

The doors were made of rusted and welded metal, and there were two guards flanking the doorway.

“One is Edull, and one indeterminate species,” Magnus murmured.

She stared at the Edull. He wore a leather mask over his face, only his eyes were uncovered. There was a valve in the center of the mask, and she knew that once you were close, you’d hear his raspy breathing. She shuddered. The Edull had blasters holstered at his hips.

The other guard was big, with desert-tanned skin, and towered over the Edull. He had a sword harnessed on his back, the hilt visible over his shoulder.

Jayna’s gut churned, but around her, the cyborgs were alert, faces impassive.

“You stay back,” Mace warned. “We’ll go in and neutralize the guards.”

She swallowed. “Stay safe.”

He cupped her jaw, emotion boiling in his eyes. Then he pressed a hard kiss to her mouth before he turned away.

“Toren?” Magnus murmured.

The blond cyborg nodded and stepped forward. A metal panel on his shoulder opened, and a weapon rose up out of his shoulder. It swiveled, taking aim, then fired.

Blasts of laser cut through the night.

The Edull guard jerked and went down. The other guard ducked, then dived to the ground.

The cyborgs rushed forward, sprinting with speed and power.

Wow. Magnus and Jax were practically blurs. Mace and Acton were raw power. Toren moved slower, still firing his weapon.

Magnus’ arm glowed, crackling with electricity. Mace had drawn his sword, swinging it to meet the big guard.

Swords clashed. As Mace kept the guard busy, Magnus thrust his arm forward, touching the guard’s back.

With a deep cry, the man’s body arched. His sword dropped and then his body followed.

Jax crouched and expertly tied the men’s hands and feet. Jayna hurried forward and Mace met her with an outstretched hand.

Magnus and Jax faced the double doors. Magnus tried to open them, but they wouldn’t budge.

Jax frowned. “I don’t see a locking system on it that I can hack.”

Jayna moved closer. “In Bari Batu, the guards just touched the doors and they opened.” She brushed her fingers against the metal. A tingle ran up her arm but nothing happened.

Oh, no. Her belly twisted.

“We can blow them, but they’ll hear us coming,” Toren murmured.

Jayna pressed both palms to the metal. It was still warm, having absorbed the heat of the suns.

There was a metallic squeak. The doors swung open.

Mace grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Inside, she saw a flat, paved area that led to the walkway.

Magnus and Jax moved inside. A second later, Mace nodded. She blew out a breath, and entered.

Ahead, the tower rose up above them, lights glimmering from the small openings and gaps in the scrap metal that formed it. She had to admit that it was fascinating—a crazy Frankenstein mix of scrap.

A scrap-metal walkway with low railings arrowed from their location, across to the base of the tower. Magnus moved forward and looked down into the hole.

Jayna followed, glanced down, and gasped. Beneath the enormous tower was a roughly square chasm. It had to be man-made, or rather, alien-made. And the tower was floating above the center of it. Incredible.

She glanced down again, into a deep, impenetrable darkness.

“My scans can’t detect the bottom,” Magnus said.

Jayna bit her lip. Falling down there would be a very bad idea.

Magnus waved his cybernetic hand and stepped out onto the walkway. The imperator started across.

With Mace at her side, Jayna stepped onto the walkway. She felt it depress a little under her weight, but it held. She followed the other cyborgs across.

“It’s so quiet,” she murmured.

Mace nodded, his gaze scanning around them. “Too quiet.”

Their boots made soft thuds on the metal plates of the walkway. They were halfway across, and she still didn’t see any guards or any other sort of security.

She smiled to herself. Maybe this was going to be easier than she’d thought. She’d been prepared for a full-scale attack, but they were almost there.

A droning noise broke the silence.

“Drak,” Mace muttered.

“Cannons!” Jax yelled.

Gasping, Jayna looked up. Large weapons were rising up at the base of the tower, aimed directly toward the walkway.

Blue-green energy began to coalesce inside the weapons.

Oh, crap.

Boom. Boom. Bolts of energy hit the walkway right in front of them.

Mace dived on top of her. They hit the metal floor hard and her bones rattled. She turned her head and watched silver sliding over Mace’s skin, turning him into a living shield.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Toren down on one knee, returning fire on the cannons.

But then there was another barrage of deadly laser fire, and she ducked her head down with a cry.

“Keep down,” Mace growled.

More laser fire. The walkway beneath them swayed.

They were pinned down.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Another volley of laser fire landed near Mace and Jayna. He cursed, curling around her.

He couldn’t move without exposing her.

Toren was firing, his ricochet bolts moving between the cannons. One of the cannons exploded.

“Go!” Magnus roared.

The Rone cyborgs leaped up, moving fast. Mace stayed back, keeping Jayna covered. He’d wait for the others to eliminate the threat. He wouldn’t risk her.

He waited, watching as another cannon started to smoke. Magnus was almost to the other side. Mace leaped up and scooped Jayna into his arms. He kept as much of her covered as he could.

Using his enhanced speed, he raced along the walkway, dodging rogue laser bolts.

“Incoming,” Jax yelled.

A massive laser blast hit the walkway, making it sway violently. Mace bent his legs and saw Jax jerk.

Drak. The cyborg had been hit.

Magnus grabbed Jax’s arm, righting him. Jax shook his head, as if to clear it. He glanced at his shoulder—one of his metal enhancements was smoldering—but then he nodded at Magnus and the pair kept running.

Acton reached the end of the walkway. He jumped into the air and leaped onto one of the cannons. He tore hunks of metal off the cannon, tossing the pieces over into the chasm.

Mace set Jayna down and tugged her forward.

“I can see now why not feeling anything is an advantage on covert missions.” Her hands were shaking a little.

He looked at her. “I’ll never give up what you make me feel. Not for anything.”

Her face softened. “Don’t make me want to kiss you in the middle of a dangerous situation.”

He smiled.

“I saw that,” she said.

“Get moving, woman.”

They were almost at the end of the walkway. Then Jayna gasped. “Mace.”

He felt it.

They weren’t far from the end of the walkway, but it was shuddering violently. He glanced back the way they came. Panels were dropping off, plummeting into the chasm.

He grabbed her hand. More panels were cracking and splintering.

“The lasers have damaged the walkway,” Mace yelled. “Run!”

They stumbled forward. Ahead of them, more panels dropped away, opening up a huge gap right in front of them. Jayna cried out, but Mace picked up speed, sprinting toward it.

“Mace!”

“Don’t stop,” he yelled.

They leaped over the hole and he pulled Jayna high. They landed on the other side and kept going.

All around them, pieces were falling into the abyss below.

Suddenly, Jayna stumbled and screamed. The panel beneath her feet was gone, and she was falling.

He yanked her up.

“God,” she said shakily.

“Almost there.”

They kept running, jumping over more gaps.

“Mace, hurry,” Magnus yelled from the base of the tower.

Ahead, there were only a few panels still in place. Focusing, Mace and Jayna leaped across them like large stepping stones.

Jayna looked down. “Oh, Jesus.”

“Eyes up. We’re almost there.”

He studied the gap in front of them. It was huge and still widening. The other cyborgs had already made it to the tower and were waiting, watching them with tense expressions. Acton had his arms raised, trying to hold the walkway in place, but there were too many pieces missing.

“Ready?” Mace said.

Jayna gripped his hand hard. “For what?”

He gripped her around the waist and lifted her. Then he threw her across the last gap.

She screamed, and Magnus caught her on the other side, snatching her out of the air.

Mace felt an intense sense of relief. She was safe.

Then he built up speed, powering toward the widening hole.

“Mace!” Jayna cried.

He launched himself into the air, arms windmilling, as he hurtled toward the platform around the tower.

He missed it by the smallest fraction.

Drak. His body dropped down into the chasm.

But then arms grabbed him, yanking him to a halt. He looked up into Toren’s and Acton’s faces. They’d grabbed his arms, and then pulled him up.

Blood thundering through his system, Mace collapsed on the ground, his chest heaving. Jayna jumped into his arms, throwing hers around his neck.

“God. God.” Her voice cracked.

He stroked her back. “We made it.”

Jax stood above them, looking back at the walkway. “Let’s hope there’s another way out.”

Mace and Jayna rose, and he turned to see the last of the walkway had fallen into the hole. Completely gone. Jayna shuddered.

“Let’s get into the tower,” Magnus said.

“There’s a doorway over there.” Acton nodded his head.

An archway of scrap-metal parts led into the base of the tower. There were no guards. No sign of any living beings.

“Creepy,” Jayna murmured.

They walked through the archway and into a long corridor. Faint lighting illuminated the metal walls with a blue-white glow.

“We’ll start on the bottom level,” Jax said. “We’ll search every room for Sage, or any other humans.”

“And if you find any prisoners, set them free,” Magnus added.

They turned a corner. A clanking sound echoed down the hall.

Mace’s spine stiffened, and ahead, robots appeared.

Drak. There were lots of them, and they were all Edull construction. Sturdy bodies made of scrap metal. Some were similar to what they’d seen in Vron’s factory, others were different designs, looking like various animals.

Mace shoved Jayna behind him.

Magnus’ arm lit up with electricity. “House of Rone, let’s show these bots that they are obsolete.”

With a grim smile, Mace pulled his sword off his back, watching the blade glow red. “With pleasure.”

THE CYBORGS BURST INTO ACTION. They moved with blinding speed, all except Mace, who stayed beside Jayna.

He turned to face her. “Stay back. Stay safe.” He kissed her—quick and hard.

She nodded. “Mace—”

He squeezed her shoulder, then he stepped back. His skin flowed with metal again, until he gleamed metallic silver. Then he rushed to join the others.

He moved like lightning. God, he was so fast and powerful. Magnus and Jax were working together, whirling like dervishes and electrifying bots until they were melted metal.

Acton used his power to lift several robots into the air. With a jerk of his arms, the bots flew into the wall with a loud crash. Toren was firing wicked bolts of energy from his shoulder weapon, leaving several bots lumps of smoldering metal.

Mace crashed into the line of bots like a battering ram. Then ahead, she watched as the robots formed a straight line.

Jayna frowned. What were they doing? A sudden hum of energy filled the air.

Metal pieces peeled off the walls, whizzing through the air. They flew at the cyborgs.

One of the metal projectiles hit close to Jayna, and she crouched down. Shit. She watched as two long strips of metal hit Jax, pinning him to the ground.

Another rusted sheet of metal slammed into Magnus, covering his cybernetic arm and wrapping around it. The imperator twisted and jerked, frozen in place.

Three metal sheets crashed into Mace and pinned him to the side wall. He strained and managed to tear one sheet off. But as soon as he threw it on the floor, another sailed through the air, slamming into his body.

Acton went down, robots piling on top of him. Toren was still firing, but the robots were closing in.

Mace pulled another sheet of metal off him, managing to take a couple of steps in the process. But several more metal pieces wrapped around him, covering his face and his body. He struggled violently against his bonds, his roar echoing down the corridor.

Mouth dry, Jayna looked around. God. All of the House of Rone cyborgs were pinned down.

No. She pulled out her weapon and came up firing.

She fired at the robots, and tried to move closer to Mace. She fired at the metal holding him, and he managed to tear some of the metal off his face.

“Jayna, stay back!”

“I’m helping you.” She fired again and again.

“Jayna! Watch out.”

Mace’s warning came too late. A rusted piece of metal hit her arm and clamped onto her bicep. Ow. It squeezed hard, and forced her to drop the blaster.

Cold metal gripped the back of her neck and she was lifted off her feet.

“Welcome back.” The rasping voice of an Edull.

Jayna raised her head and the bot holding her turned. An Edull stood in front of her, a black mask over his face, his respiration valve rasping with each breath. He had a vicious scar over one eye.

Bile filled her mouth and memories rammed against her skull. His face. She remembered. She was screaming and he was hurting her.

He was one of the Edull scientists who’d tortured her.

“I thought you were broken.” He stared at her, dark eyes glittering. “That’s why I sold you.”

Jayna glared at him.

“I would never have sold you to Gaarl if I’d known you’d recover.”

“Fuck you!” she shouted.

Nearby, she watched Mace struggling wildly to get free.

“Thank you for bringing me so many cyborgs to add to my labs.” There was a smile in the Edull’s voice. “I have lots of tests I can run on their unique physiology.”

“You’re a monster,” Jayna spat.

The alien shrugged. “I don’t expect you to understand the genius we’re working to achieve.”

“Leave them alone,” she said.

“I don’t think so.”

She shook her head. “You’ll never beat them. They’re too strong.”

The Edull made a harsh sound. “They don’t look strong from where I’m standing.” He waved a hand at the bots. “Take the cyborgs to the cells.”

The bots shifted to obey the Edull’s command, moving toward the cyborgs.

“And bring the woman to me.”

The bot holding her raised her another inch and stomped to follow the Edull.

“Jayna!” Mace’s roar.

A bot had reached him, yanking him away from the wall and wrenching his arms behind his back. Metal straps sprang out from the bot’s middle, containing Mace.

His gaze locked with hers.

Fear filled Jayna. Fear that she was facing the Edull again, being dragged back to this evil alien’s lab. But there was also anger.

This story wasn’t happening again. He wouldn’t break her. She’d get out of this, she’d survive, and, most importantly, she wasn’t alone this time.

She stared at Mace, struggling as she was taken away from him. Mace would fight for her.

Then the bot turned a corner, and Mace was gone from view.

I am not alone. She took a deep breath. I am not beaten.

MACE HEAVED against the metal pinning him in place. He lost sight of Jayna and the Edull.

That crudspawn had her. He grunted against his restraints. The bot holding him started to move.

He’d seen Jayna’s fear under her fierce courage. He wouldn’t let her get hurt again.

Heaving, Mace ripped one of the metal bands off his chest. “Acton!”

The other cyborg was being carried by another bot, and looked like he was unconscious.

Drak. Thinking of Jayna, fueled by what he felt for her, Mace pushed with all of his strength. He had reason, purpose beyond just loyalty and survival.

He would always protect the House of Rone, but Jayna…she owned him. His heart was hers.

And he had to get to her.

Mace got his fingers on one of the other metal pieces holding him in place and tore it off. He reached over and slapped Acton’s cheek. The cyborg blinked and opened his eyes. He was battered—metal enhancements dented, and skin smeared with blood.

Acton shifted, and then suddenly, there was a pulse of power in the air. The metal surrounding Acton and Mace flew off into the air, spinning off down the corridor. As one, the bots crumpled.

Mace dropped to the floor, catching his breath. He was bleeding and bruised, but he was still upright.

“Free the others,” he yelled.

Mace raced down the corridor after Jayna.

“Mace, wait—”

He couldn’t. Not when she needed him. The inside of the tower was a maze of tunnels. There was too much interference for him to pick up any sign of Jayna. He kept barreling down the hall, stopping near a doorway.

He looked in at what seemed to be a storeroom for scrap.

“Mace.”

He spun. Magnus and the others were limping down the corridor toward him.

“We do this together,” Magnus said. “We’ll find Jayna and Sage.”

Mace nodded.

Magnus gripped his shoulder. “Together.”

Mace swallowed. “Together.”

They kept moving, checking the rooms they passed, until the sound of shouting and moaning caught his ear. The cyborgs stepped into a large room lined with cells. Mace’s gut curdled.

Drakking Edull. Acton walked forward and raised a hand. The cell doors started flinging open.

The prisoners poured out, cheering.

“Find a way out,” Magnus yelled out. “And then get as far from here as you can.”

“If anyone needs help,” Jax added, “you can find the House of Rone in Kor Magna.”

With more jubilation, the prisoners rushed out into the corridor.

Grinding his teeth together, Mace looked at the empty cells. Where was Jayna? Sage? Any other humans?

The cyborgs moved in the opposite direction, climbing a ramp, heading higher into the tower. The thumping sound of machinery came from the next doorway. Mace shouldered open the door, revealing construction assembly lines like they’d seen in Vron’s factory.

But in this room, the workers were all slaves, holding tools, or with equipment implanted on their bodies. They all looked downtrodden, too thin, their clothes ragged.

“You’re free to go,” Mace called out.

Nearby, a man dropped his tool. “Who are you?”

“We are the House of Rone,” Mace said.

“And we are stopping the Edull’s reign of terror here,” Magnus added.

All around, the slaves set down their tools, looking at each other. They were hesitant, like they couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

Then the man who’d spoken nodded. “Everyone, go. Now.”

“The walkway into the tower was destroyed,” Mace said. “You’ll have to find another way across the chasm.”

The man nodded. “We know of another way. There are cables deep down that snake across the abyss.” The man inclined his head. “Thank you.”

Mace nodded, scanning the room. No sign of Jayna, or the Edull who’d taken her, here, either.

Suddenly, there was a touch on his arm. He looked down at a young woman, with straggly hair.

“You’re searching for someone,” the woman whispered.

Mace nodded. “My woman.”

“There’s a lab,” the woman said. “On the upper level.”

Mace felt his chest clench. “Thank you.”

Then Magnus touched his shoulder. “Let’s go find her.”

“If that sandsucker’s hurt her…”

Mace didn’t need to say the words, since he knew that Magnus would understand. If the Edull had hurt Jayna again, Mace would tear this place apart piece by piece.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The bot dragged Jayna through a doorway and she tried again to kick it. She twisted and squirmed, but the robot held her tight, pulling her up a set of steps. The Edull scientist walked ahead of them. Sauntering like he didn’t have a damn care in the world.

Asshole.

They’d gone up a lot of steps, so she knew they had to be high up in the tower. When the Edull pushed through some doors and the bot hauled her into a large room, the breath froze in her lungs.

It was a lab. Her gut curdled. There were large tanks lining the wall, benches filled with tools, and all sorts of strange equipment.

Her heart pumped hard, fear trying to take over. She turned her head and her gaze snagged on one of the tanks. There was a woman floating inside.

Bile filled Jayna’s mouth. God, it was Sage. Copper-colored hair floating up above the woman’s head and a flimsy dress clung to her body. Her chin was resting on her chest.

There were bubbles rising to the top of the tank where tubes and pipes ran out of the top. One of the tubes was connected to her mouth, clearly allowing her to breathe. Sage was still alive.

“You’re worse than a monster,” Jayna spat.

“I’m driven to create, experiment,” the Edull said. “My research and inventions will benefit all species.”

She heard the belief in his rapsy voice. The bastard believed his own rhetoric. “You have no right to use others to do it. To experiment on them and take their lives.” Her gaze went back to Sage.

“I will do whatever it takes to achieve my goals.” He eyed Sage, his gaze free of any concern. “Unfortunately, your fellow human is at the end of her usefulness. Tonight, I will administer the last experiment…which unfortunately will kill her.”

“Monster.”

The alien shrugged and yanked her from the bot. She tried to punch him, but he jerked her hard and dragged her over to an empty bench. He pulled her onto the flat surface, and started strapping her legs to the table.

Jayna fought him, managing to scratch the side of his head.

With an angry grunt, he thrust her down, a palm pressed to her chest. He wrenched a strap across her torso and tied her arms down.

“You’re not broken at all, are you? I was wrong to get rid of you before.”

She managed to smack him with her cybernetic fingers and saw him wince. He let out a raspy growl, his mask askew. He finished strapping down her other arm.

He straightened his mask. “You humans, you have a very interesting biology, even when you prove annoying to handle. I’d like to get my hands on more of you. My colleague at Bari Batu is reluctant to give up his specimens.”

“You’re all assholes. The House of Rone will annihilate you.”

“The cyborgs? Like the ones who came with you? They’re all dead now.”

Jayna’s heart spasmed. No. “I don’t believe you.”

The alien’s eyes glittered. “Then you’ll be disappointed when no one comes to rescue you.”

Mace. His name was a cry inside her head. He couldn’t be gone.

The Edull scientist moved around her and went to his bench. He started pulling out a selection of tools. Jayna turned her head to glare at his back, and spotted movement.

She sucked in a breath. An alien woman was crouched under another bench, chained to one of the legs, a length of chain on the ground beside her.

Jayna ground her teeth together. The poor woman was tied up like a dog. As the Edull walked past the woman, he kicked her, and she curled in on herself even tighter.

Then she looked up through her lashes, her brown gaze catching Jayna’s.

A ball lodged in Jayna’s throat. She saw despair, pain, and horror. She saw exactly what Jayna had felt when she’d been trapped.

Whatever it took, Jayna was getting this woman and Sage out of here. She prayed that Mace and the others were okay, but she knew she had to find the strength to save herself. She wasn’t weak, or worthless. She wasn’t broken. She’d find a way out—and free Sage, this woman, and anyone else she found.

The Edull stopped in front of Sage’s tank, staring through the glass. “It’ll be a shame to lose this one, but I need to run the tests that will kill her.”

Jayna glared at him and fought her bindings.

But they wouldn’t budge. As the Edull started to work, making some sort of grating, raspy sound, she continued to fight the bindings. But as the minutes ticked by, they wouldn’t budge. Tears welled in her eyes.

Dammit, she wasn’t giving up.

Suddenly, the alien woman crept closer and Jayna froze. She had brown skin, with a pretty, gold pattern that circled her temples and cheeks. Her eyes were dull, haunted, but after a quick glance at the Edull, she reached up and started to undo Jayna’s bindings.

“Thank you,” Jayna whispered.

The woman nodded.

“I’ll get you out,” Jayna promised.

“Save Sage,” the woman murmured. “She’s been hurt enough.”

Jayna nodded. “What’s your name?”

The woman bit her lip. “Calla.”

“We’ll all get out of here, Calla.”

Finally, Jayna’s upper body was free. She sat up, careful to ensure that the Edull wasn’t looking in her direction. Spying a knife resting on the bench beside her, she snatched it up. Her legs were still tied down. She’d just hidden the knife by her side when she saw the Edull start to turn.

Shit. Calla crouched back down under the bench, and Jayna quickly laid back down. Her breathing was too fast, but she tried to look like she was still strapped to the bench.

Suddenly, an alarm started blaring somewhere and the Edull cursed. “Drakking cyborgs.”

Jayna’s pulse leaped. So they weren’t dead.

“Let’s see how they like my latest creations.” The Edull’s hoarse laugh was grating.

He spun, his gaze narrowing on Jayna. “And I’m going to make you watch, human.”

He swiveled a screen off the wall so she could see it. On it, she saw the House of Rone cyborgs moving down a corridor, fighting through several guards.

They’d gotten free. Her heart swelled. They were coming for her.

Her gaze went straight to Mace, drinking him in.

Then she saw the cyborgs tense.

Her belly clenched and she saw several wheel-shaped machines roll into view. They looked to be about waist high, and she knew they couldn’t be anything good.

As the Edull laughed again, dread filled her veins.

MACE POWERED DOWN THE HALL. When several Edull guards came into view, he smashed through them, his gaze covered in a haze of anger.

Jax surged past him, ramming his electrified arm against another Edull. The alien shuddered and dropped to the floor.

Just ahead of them, Magnus punched another guard. The Edull fell to the ground, groaning and clutching his abdomen.

The grinding sound of rolling metal caught Mace’s ear.

He lifted his head as a number of spinning wheels came into view.

Jax frowned. “What now?”

Toren stepped forward and fired his weapon.

Suddenly, shields rose up in front of the wheel machines, the blue energy shimmering as they absorbed Toren’s ricochet bolts.

“Drak,” Toren muttered.

There were several snick sounds, as panels opened on the wheels. Projectiles—long, ragged, pieces of metal—flew out of the bots.

The shards rained down on the cyborgs. One cut into Mace’s shoulder, slicing through his metal skin. Drak.

He dived to the floor and heard the machines rolling forward.

Nearby, Magnus was shouting and pressing a hand to his gut. Blood was oozing through the imperator’s fingers. Magnus grabbed the projectile lodged in his stomach and ripped it out, tossing it on the ground.

Jax sprinted forward, dodging projectiles. He had several cuts on his arms and face. Acton strode forward, throwing his arms up—metal shards stuck out of the metal of his cybernetic arms.

Acton managed to toss several of the wheel bots into the wall, but more were coming down the corridor. A never-ending wave.

“Down,” Toren bellowed.

Suddenly, fire exploded from Toren’s shoulder weapon. Mace dropped, along with the other cyborgs. Large laser bolts exploded above the wheel bots, the searing light forcing Mace to close his eyes.

When he finally opened his eyes, several of the bots were completely destroyed. Metal pieces were strewn around the corridor, one bot still burning, the metal glowing red hot.

Mace jumped up, racing toward the remaining machines. Projectiles flew at him, hitting his skin, but he ignored the pain. He’d walk through fire to get to Jayna.

He reached the nearest bot, tearing it apart with his bare hands. With a roar, he ripped the metal open.

The other cyborgs leaped into the fray. Magnus and Jax electrified several bots, Acton was punching into another with his cybernetic fist, and Toren was firing his ricochet bolts.

Soon, all the bots were down, the hall littered with scrap metal.

“Mace?” Magnus said.

Mace wobbled on his feet. He’d lost a lot of blood, even though his body was working hard to stem the flow. He dropped down to one knee, his vision turning blurry.

No. Jayna needed him. He pictured her face in his head, and that gave him the strength to push back up to standing.

“Have you stopped the bleeding?” Magnus asked.

Mace nodded.

Jax appeared, yanking some small adhesive med patches off his belt. He slapped them over the worst of Mace’s lacerations.

“We keep moving,” Mace said.

Magnus nodded. As a group, they turned and stepped over the destroyed wheel bots.

Toren was limping, and one of Acton’s arms hung uselessly by his side. Magnus’ gut was still bleeding sullenly, and Jax’s cheek was gashed open.

They turned a corner, and the ominous sound of more wheels rolling forward rumbled down the hall. Drak, there were more wheel bots inbound.

When he raised his head, he saw them. But this time, behind them were a row of humanoid bots holding weapons.

Double drak. He and his fellow cyborgs were in no shape to take them on.

Jayna. Her name was a pained cry in his head.

A muscle ticked in Magnus’ jaw and Jax shook his head.

“The odds are not in our favor,” Acton said coolly.

Mace’s hands curled into fists, his knuckles bleaching white. He couldn’t get to her. He’d die here in this corridor trying to rescue her.

All of a sudden, several of the wheel bots rose up in the air and then smashed violently into the ceiling. They came down again, crashing into the floor, before they twisted together into one hunk of ruined metal.

Mace stiffened. What the drak?

“Thought you guys might need some backup.”

The female voice had Mace turning around. His eyes widened. Quinn, wearing a blue House of Rone cloak, stood behind them, her staff in hand. With her were Zaden, Xias, and the female cyborg, Seren.

“Quinn.” Jax’s face was a mixture of pride, annoyance, and worry. He moved to his woman, sweeping her in for a kiss.

Zaden stepped forward, raising his hand. The rest of the bots flew into the wall. Seren moved forward, and suddenly she winked out of existence. Mace turned and saw her appear right near the bots, fighting like a vicious storm with her dual swords.

Mace smiled ferociously. I’m coming, Jayna.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A huge explosion lit up the screen, blinding Jayna. She blinked, desperate to see how Mace and the other Rone cyborgs were holding out against the wheel bots.

But the Edull cut the screen off.

Jayna swallowed. Mace had been bleeding. They were all hurt and badly injured. She tried to calm her breathing. Mace was tough. He’d be okay and he’d keep fighting. He’d keep coming for her.

But she also knew that this Edull would keep trying to hurt him. Heat flooded her. She was going to stop the asshole.

The Edull scientist came closer. Calla tried to skitter out of his way, but he grabbed a handful of her dark hair and yanked.

As the alien woman cried out, Jayna reared up, lifting the knife. She stabbed the Edull in the neck and bright-red blood splattered.

The Edull gave a raspy cry and staggered, clutching at his neck. He collapsed to the floor, blood flowing everywhere. Jayna quickly tore at the bindings on her feet.

Then she was free.

Sliding off the bench, she went straight to Calla. She yanked on the chain, and saw it was just looped around the bench leg. She gave the bench a hard kick and the chain came loose.

“Come on.” She pulled the woman to her feet and tugged her over to Sage. “We have to get her out.”

Seeing Sage floating in that tank, so still and lifeless, made Jayna want to cry.

“It has an opening at the top,” Calla said.

Jayna saw where the pipes connected to Sage ran out of the top of the tank. She dragged in a breath. There was no way she was strong enough to haul Sage out the top of the tank.

Dammit, think, Jayna.

Looking around, she spotted a stool made from scrap metal. She hefted it up, realizing with satisfaction that it was heavier than it looked.

“Step back, Calla.”

Then Jayna spun, whirling the stool, and whacked it against the glass. Nothing happened. Taking a breath, she lifted it and swung again. And again and again.

Her arms started to ache, but the tiniest crack appeared in the glass.

Jayna bit her lip. It was working. She just had to keep going.

“Jayna!” Calla cried.

Suddenly, the blood-covered Edull reared up. He dived, tackling Jayna around the waist.

They hit the ground and they slid together across the tiles. The stool slipped from her hands and clattered away. Grunting, she wrestled the alien, trying to knee him in the gut. They rolled into the leg of a bench, knocking items off the counter. Glass and metal rained down around them.

The Edull managed to get on top of Jayna. He lifted a hand and slapped her in the face. Pain exploded along her cheekbone and her ears rang.

Calla appeared, clutching a metal tool from the bench. She whacked the Edull in the head and he flew sideways.

Jayna scrambled up, stepping in front of Calla.

The Edull laughed, harsh and rasping. He dragged himself over to a comp control panel, smearing blood across the floor. He hit the controls.

“She’ll be dead before you get her out,” he rasped.

In the tank, Sage started jerking.

“No!” Jayna cried. “What did you do?”

“I cut off her air.”

With a cry, Jayna snatched the tool out of Calla’s hand and charged at the Edull. She swung her makeshift weapon, hitting him in the side.

With a raspy growl, he grabbed her hair, yanking her head back. “This time, I will break you.”

Suddenly, the lab door flew open.

Gasping, Jayna swung around. She expected to see bots, but the House of Rone cyborgs charged inside.

Her chest swelled. They were all battered and bleeding, but they were alive.

Mace’s gaze locked on her, and he stormed across the lab, tossing things out of his way. Jayna saw Quinn in the background, holding her staff. A dark-haired woman was at her side.

“We need to help Sage!” Jayna screamed.

Sage was no longer moving. She hung in the tank, frighteningly still.

Mace reached Jayna, scanned her, then continued past her to the Edull. The scientist was trying to drag himself to his feet. With a fierce growl, Mace gripped the Edull’s robes, lifting him off the floor.

Acton raced past them and thrust his cybernetic arms out. He smashed into the tank and the glass shattered. Fluid rained everywhere, and the cyborg caught Sage’s body in his arms.

“You’ll never stop us,” the Edull cried out. “You’ll never stop our genius.” He flailed an arm out, managing to stab at another button on the control panel.

Magnus brushed past them and dragged the Edull from Mace. “Today, the House of Rone will end you.”

The groan of metal forced them all to turn. Panels were sliding open on the metal wall beyond the tanks.

Weapons unfolded from within.

Jayna froze. Oh, no.

The weapons fired, long, sharp projectiles whizzing through the air.

Mace was already dragging Jayna to the floor. Magnus jerked the Edull in front of him, using him as a shield. The other cyborgs dived for cover, but Acton was caught in the line of fire, still clutching Sage.

All of a sudden, Calla threw herself in front of the projectiles.

Her body jerked, projectiles ripping into her body. Blood spurted.

“Calla!” Jayna screamed.

Calla’s body flew backward and Zaden caught her.

Jayna glanced at the controls. She scrambled out from under Mace’s grasp and pounded her fists on the panel, trying to find a way to turn off the weapons system. Mace reached past her and smashed his fist into it, the control panel crumpling under the force.

The weapons stopped firing.

“Oh, God.” She threw her arms around Mace, hugging him tight.

“You’re okay?” He patted down her body.

“Yes.” He was covered in blood, and everywhere she touched, there were scratches and gashes. But she felt the solid beat of his heart under her fingers.

Calla. Sage. Chest hitching, Jayna turned. Sage was unconscious in Acton’s arms, her waterlogged hair dripping onto the floor.

“She’s alive,” Acton said.

Then Jayna’s gaze moved to Calla. “Oh, no.”

The alien woman’s chest was a bloody mass, and Zaden was crouched over her.

“Calla,” Jayna murmured.

Magnus stepped into view. “Zaden?”

The younger cyborg looked up, his metallic-silver eyes glowing brightly. “Her heart is destroyed. I can use my abilities to keep the blood flowing around her body for now.”

The young man looked back down, and Jayna saw that somehow, Calla was still conscious. Her gaze was locked on Zaden’s.

“She helped me,” Jayna said, her voice cracking.

“Shh.” Mace lifted Jayna off her feet. “It’s okay. We’ll help her.”

“Keep her alive, Zaden,” Magnus ordered. “We’ll get her to the healers.”

With a nod, Zaden lifted the grievously wounded woman into his arms.

Mace carried Jayna out of the lab. The journey out of the tower was a blur of stairs and corridors. When they reached the chasm, the group stopped at the edge.

“Hey, Jayna.” Quinn touched her face. “Doing okay?”

“How did you get here?”

“I hate being left behind.” She glanced at Jax. “Something in my gut just told me that my man needed help.”

Jax shook his head. “How the drak did you make it across the desert?”

Quinn grinned. “Rillian had a second ship.”

“And you made it all the way here?”

Xias came up behind Quinn and the dark-skinned gladiator slapped her on the back so hard, Quinn almost stumbled. “Your woman is one part courage, one part crazy. The ship’s engines were on fire but she refused to land.”

Quinn sniffed, swinging her staff onto her back. “We did an emergency landing just outside the tower.” She winced. “I hope Rillian isn’t too pissed.”

“Emergency landing.” Xias’ laugh was deep and loud. “We crashed, Quinn.”

The woman narrowed her gaze on the other man. “You say crash, I say emergency landing.”

“Your pilot?” Magnus asked.

Quinn glanced away.

Xias laughed again. “Poor guy is tied up back at the spaceport. Zaden flew. Quinn was concerned the pilot might not let her fly the ship past its limits.”

Quinn lifted her chin. “I knew you needed help.”

Jax’s face softened and pulled her close. “You’re trouble.”

Magnus raised a brow. “Looks like I’ll have to do some damage control with Rillian.”

Jayna bit her lip, fighting the urge to laugh.

The tall, dark-haired woman stepped forward. Her long body was encased in a liquid-black suit, her hair spilling over her shoulder. Jayna blinked. The woman was gorgeous and imposing. She had purple-blue eyes, black markings that winged out from her eyes and down her cheeks, and small, horn-like metal implants on her forehead.

“We set up a zip line to get across the chasm. Over there.”

“Thanks, Seren,” Magnus said.

Jayna saw the sturdy cable arrowing across the hole. She didn’t dare look down, but instead, just pressed her face against Mace’s chest.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured.

She smiled against his chest. “I know.”

One by one, the cyborgs tied on and zipped across the chasm to the other side. As Mace tied onto the line, Jayna clung onto him.

As Mace leaped off the edge, she squeezed her eyes closed. They zoomed across the chasm, and on the other side, Magnus helped them off. Jayna turned to look back, and saw Toren bringing up the rear.

When the cyborg touched the ground, his face was grim. He turned, his weapon rising up out of his shoulder enhancement.

“Bring it down,” Magnus ordered.

“Wait.” Jayna stepped forward. “Aren’t there other prisoners?”

“We freed the captives,” Mace told her. “They said they knew of a way out.”

“We noted several biosigns heading away from here into the desert,” Xias added.

Toren aimed on the tower and fired.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Jayna jerked in Mace’s arms and watched the explosions rock the Edull tower.

When the scrap started to break apart and the tower started to collapse, she felt a savage sense of satisfaction. She watched the metal rain down into the chasm.

But her feelings were tempered with sadness. “There are others still trapped at Bari Batu.”

“Don’t worry about that for now,” he said. “We got Sage out. And Calla.”

If the alien woman survived. Jayna’s gaze moved to Zaden. He was holding Calla carefully in his arms, and Jayna knew it would be touch and go.

They headed out into the desert. The suns were rising, washing the desert with a bright, yellow glow.

Ahead, a sleek ship—a sister to the one they’d traveled on—was crashed into the sand. It was badly dented, with one side slashed open.

Jax made a choked sound and spun to face his woman. “Emergency landing?”

“It was all under control.”

Jax closed his eyes.

“We’ll let Rillian know when we get back,” Magnus said. “Hopefully, he can salvage it.”

“We’ve set the security system.” Quinn smiled. “So if anyone tries to scavenge it, they’ll be in for a rude surprise.”

It was a quiet journey back through the desert to the first ship. The sunlight brightened around them. Sage and Calla were still unconscious and every time she looked at them, Jayna had to fight back tears.

Finally, she spotted the glint of metal ahead. The pilot ducked out of the ship, waving at them.

Their tired, ragged group boarded. It was a tight fit with their extra passengers, but as soon as everyone was settled, the pilot wasted no time taking off and heading back to Kor Magna.

Mace held Jayna in his lap.

“The Edull scientist told me he’d killed you,” she said.

“I’m too tough to die.”

“Good. I want you alive and healthy for a very long time.”

The corners of Mace’s mouth tipped. “Why?”

Jayna leaned closer, her fingers gripping the nape of his neck. “So I can have my wicked way with you whenever I want.” She brushed her nose against his. “I’m in love with you, Mace.”

He went still.

“I love your body,” she continued. “You’re so strong and tough. I love your loyalty and persistence. I love your grumpiness, especially knowing that it hides a good heart. You’re a good man.”

“You bring it out in me.” His mouth brushed hers. “With your strength, your resilience, the way you care about others. That all helps me to be a better version of myself. I’m no expert in love, but what I feel for you, Jayna, it’s more than I’ve ever felt before.”

She made a choked sound and kissed him again.

When they finally broke apart and looked up, the others were all smiling, except for Acton. He sat near the unconscious Sage, shaking his head.

“I love your hair as well,” Mace murmured.

Jayna laughed. “And I love your beautiful body.”

He scowled. “I’m not beautiful.”

“You are to me.”

“Then you’re the only person on the planet who sees me that way.” His face turned more serious. “Only you see beneath my skin.”

And beneath the scars that life had left behind.

“Mace.” She hugged him tight and he buried his face in her hair.

“I’ll spend every day showing you how much I love you, Jayna.”

“I can really get onboard with that.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

After being treated by a healer, Jayna didn’t want to leave Medical, but Mace bullied her into the shower.

Finally clean, she came out of the bathroom to find Mace setting food down on the table.

“Still feeding me,” she murmured.

He eyed her carefully. “Eat.”

“I want to be with Sage and Calla.”

“Nothing you can do right now.” He pointed at the plate.

Jayna thought she wasn’t hungry at all, but found herself eating. She still felt hollow inside, and so damn tired. Looking up at Mace, she eyed his bare chest. He was still covered in nicks and cuts. “You didn’t give Avarn enough time to heal you up.”

“I’m fine, and Avarn has other people to heal.”

God, poor Calla. Jayna set the small roll she was eating down. She’d been so horribly injured.

Big hands settled on her shoulders. “They’ll be fine.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do. Avarn is the best.”

As his fingers closed over hers, his touch steadied her. It was damn nice to have someone looking out for her. “I need to see Sage and Calla.”

He sighed. “Figured I couldn’t hold you off for long.” He tugged her up. “Let’s go.”

When they entered Medical, a tired-looking Avarn glanced up. The healer pushed his long hair back over his shoulder. “I guessed you’d be visiting soon.” He eyed Mace. “You need a little more healing.”

Mace grunted. “I’m fine.”

Avarn rolled his eyes.

Jayna glanced over and saw Calla lying motionless on a bed, covered by a thin sheet. Surprisingly, Zaden was still sitting beside her.

“Is she going to be okay?” Jayna asked.

The healer nodded. “I’ve given her a new cybernetic heart. Her body needs some time to recover and adjust, but thanks to Zaden’s abilities and stubbornness, she’ll be fine.”

Jayna felt air finally fill her lungs. “And Sage?”

Avarn smiled. “Why don’t you see for yourself?”

Jayna turned and saw Sage rushing at her, her copper hair clean and brushed out.

“Jayna!”

Jayna wrapped her arms around the woman, pulling her close. They both started laughing and crying.

“You’re okay.” Jayna took in Sage’s pretty face.

“I am now.” Sage smiled, gripping Jayna’s hands. “Thanks for coming for me. Thanks for getting me out. I never gave up hope.”

Jayna held the woman close. Sage’s unrelenting positivity shone through. God, the woman had been through hell, and here she was, smiling.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Jayna,” Sage murmured.

“It was rough for a while, but now—” she looked at Mace “—I’m better than ever.”

Sage raised a brow at Mace. “I see that.” Then Sage’s smile dissolved, and she turned to look at Calla on the bed. “I’m worried about Calla, though.”

Jayna slid an arm around the other woman. “The head healer said she’s going to recover.”

Sage nodded. “Good. She was abducted as well, and deserves a chance.”

The doors opened, and Ever and Quinn appeared. There were more hugs and tears. Sage was still smiling, even as she dashed her tears away.

“We made it,” Sage said. “I knew we would.”

Jayna moved closer to Mace, enjoying the feel of his arm sliding around her. “But there are still others out there. Did you see anyone?”

Sage nodded. “I briefly saw one woman. A scientist from the Helios. She’s got some Asian heritage, with long, black hair. Simone.”

“God.” Quinn frowned. “I remember her. Dr. Simone Li.”

Sage nodded. “That’s her.”

A look crossed Quinn’s face and it made Jayna’s muscles tense. “What is it?”

Quinn ran a hand over her hair. “Dr. Li was one of the few people aboard the Helios who brought family with her on the ship.”

Sage gasped.

Jayna leaned into Mace. “What do you mean?”

“She had her daughter with her. A little girl about five years old.”

Squeezing her eyes closed, Jayna let Mace take her weight. A child. Opening her eyes, she saw Sage had a fist pressed to her mouth.

“Sage, did you see a little girl?”

Sage’s copper hair moved around her face as she shook her head.

“We’ll find this Simone Li,” Mace rumbled. “And if her daughter is here on Carthago, we’ll find her too.”

Jayna nodded. “Whatever it takes.”

Ever managed a smile. “My cyborg is daddy to a little girl now. I can assure you, he’ll tear the planet apart to find this child.” Ever touched Sage’s arm. “Come on, I’ve planned a small gathering to welcome Sage to the House of Rone. I want everyone there.” She glanced at Calla. “I know we’re all still worried, but we have a lot to celebrate as well.”

Soon, Jayna found herself in the midst of a small party on the balcony off Ever’s sitting room. Mina Dixon arrived with her man Tannon. The other Helios survivor was thrilled to see Sage. Dayna and Rillian accompanied the couple as well.

She’d brought her music player, and right now, Imagine Dragons was playing in the background. Across the balcony, Sage tried to get Acton to sample some of the food. The cyborg frowned and shook his head, and Jayna swallowed a laugh.

“She seems okay.” But Jayna was worried. Sage was all smiles, but she’d been through so much.

“Everyone copes differently,” Mace said.

True, but Jayna still felt like Sage hadn’t processed her ordeal. “I’m worried she’s heading for a breakdown. But whatever she needs, we’re here for her.”

“Always.”

Ever called Jayna over, and she left Mace with a kiss. She watched him head over to join Toren and Acton.

It felt like a long time before Mace was finally found her again, his arm slipping around her waist. She pulled in the scent of him. God, she was crazy about him.

“You want to slip away?” she murmured.

“Yes.” There was hunger in his eyes.

They slipped out of the party and wasted no time getting to his quarters.

“I want this to be our room,” he said.

Jayna paused, warmth blooming inside her. “I’d like that.”

His big hands sank into her hair. “Be mine, Jayna.”

“I already am.”

MACE PRESSED Jayna against the wall and dropped to his knees. He heard her breath hitch.

“I’m hungry for my woman.”

She licked her lips. “Mace.” Her voice turned husky.

He lifted her skirt, nipped her thigh, then buried his head between her thighs.

“Mace!” Her hands clenched in his hair.

He shoved her underwear aside and lapped at her soft folds. Drak, nothing tasted as good as his woman’s arousal.

He licked and sucked, driven on by the hungry sounds she made. Her hips undulated against his face.

“You’re too good at this,” she gasped.

“Haven’t had much practice.” He licked again. “Gonna have to keep working on it.”

She moaned. He stabbed his tongue inside her until she came with a cry, his name echoing off the walls.

Catching her limp body, he carried her to the bed. It took him seconds to pull the rest of her clothes off. Then he stood and yanked off his own.

She watched him lazily. “Beautiful.”

He growled, covering her body with his, and shoving her legs apart. He lifted her legs up until her ankles rested on his shoulders. His cock rubbed against her wetness.

She sucked in a breath and jerked. Then Mace plunged inside her.

Jayna moaned. “Oh, so deep.”

The feel of her drove him out of his mind. “I love the feel of you wrapped around me.”

As he pumped inside her, she ran her nails down his back, scoring his skin. “Oh, yes. I love having you inside me. Filling me up.”

They moved together in a storm of desire and love. Mace could barely hold back his own release. It drummed at the base of his spine.

“Come again,” he growled.

“I…” She did, her back arching.

Mace let himself go, roaring as he poured his seed inside her.

Exhausted, he rolled off her and onto his back. He pulled her close, playing with her hair.

She stirred. “It amazes me that with everything that’s happened, I can feel this good.”

He knew exactly how she felt.

When she climbed out of bed, he let her go, watching her pick up the diola. Sitting naked on one of the armchairs, she started playing.

He propped himself up on one elbow, watching her. He could watch her do this for days. He loved the look on her face when she lost herself in the music.

He also loved that she was playing a happy tune. A hopeful one.

Finally, her hands stilled, the music fading away. She looked at him, smiling.

“I love you.” His tone was gritty, and the words didn’t flow easily, but he meant them.

“I love you more.” She set the instrument down. “Ever talked to me at the party. She’s asked me to do some work with her in her lab. I can use my astrophysics experience.”

“Is that what you want to do?”

She nodded. “I think so. At least for now.”

“Then do it.”

Her lips twitched. “As simple as that?”

“Life doesn’t have to be complicated, Jayna.”

She moved back to the bed and Mace sat up, pulling her against him.

“I can’t stop thinking of Simone, her little girl, and any others,” she whispered.

“Jax is still focused on the search. We won’t abandon them. The Edull tower was an outpost of Bari Batu, so the main city has to be close. We’ve narrowed down the search area, so we’ll find it.”

Mace had no doubt about that. The House of Rone always achieved its objectives.

Jayna nodded and smiled. “Well, I have learned that cyborgs can be pretty hardheaded and persistent.”

“When we want something, nothing will stop us from getting it.” He tipped her chin up. “I know you’ll worry about them, but in the meantime, you still get to be happy.”

“Lucky.” She crawled over his body. “Because I’m incandescently happy right now.”

And he’d do everything in his power to keep her that way.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Sage

“You’ll love the arena,” Jayna said. “The fights are amazing.”

Sage McAlister smiled. “Awesome.”

They were hurrying through the House of Rone on their way to the arena. She glanced around, taking in the smooth, stone walls and beautiful wall hangings, mostly done in rich, royal blue.

Her new home.

Her mouth felt dry and she swallowed. She’d been rescued and she was free. Even if she could never go back to Earth, at least she was surrounded by friends.

What she hadn’t told anyone was that she felt cold inside. Numb. Unsettled. She forced her smile up another fraction. She’d never tell Jayna or the others. They’d all risked so much to save her, and she didn’t want them to think she was ungrateful. Or to continue to worry about her.

“Calla’s in her own room now?” Jayna asked.

Sage nodded. “She’s doing so much better. I think she’ll be back up on her feet in just a few days.”

Sage was thrilled that her new alien friend was healed and doing better. It would take some time for Calla to adjust to her new, cybernetic heart, but she was alive, and that’s what counted.

Mace was waiting for them at the entrance of the House of Rone. Sage took in the massive cyborg and mentally shook her head. He looked so intimidating. She watched Jayna smile and throw herself into the man’s brawny, tattooed arms.

As the couple kissed, Sage felt a punch of envy.

She’d had a boyfriend back on Earth. She and Daniel had never been as passionate as these two, but they’d been comfortable and happy together.

Sage had already taken advantage of the amazing wormhole communication system in place and sent a message to Earth. A lump lodged in her throat. Her mother, never the most maternal woman on a good day, had been mildly pleased to hear Sage was alive.

Daniel, meanwhile, had assumed she’d died. He was now engaged to someone else, with a baby on the way.

So Sage was truly alone. She shivered. She guessed she should feel more upset about it all, but she felt nothing more than cold numbness.

Jayna turned back and Sage smiled at her.

“Let’s get to the arena,” the brunette said.

Sage nodded. She enjoyed the distraction of people watching as they maneuvered through the tunnels toward the main arena. There were so many different alien species. As a paramedic, Sage had always been interested in the human body and how it worked. Now, she had a bunch of alien bodies she could learn about.

If she wanted to. She tugged on her earlobe. She wasn’t really sure what she wanted.

Early days, Sage. Give yourself a break.

When Mace and Jayna led her out of the tunnel and into the arena stands, Sage looked around, her mouth widening. This was unbelievable.

A punch of sound hit her. The vibration of stomping feet rattled beneath her.

This was just the distraction she needed.

She looked with interest at the sea of colorful spectators—so many species of beings. Her gaze moved down to the arena floor. It was covered in a layer of sand, and the gladiators were already out there, swinging their weapons and performing for the crowd before the fight began.

It would take time to get used to her new home, but she could do it. She was no longer a prisoner or a lab guinea pig. The Edull couldn’t hurt her anymore.

She pulled in a breath. Besides, she really didn’t have much of a choice.

Her stomach curdled, and she quickly moved to the House of Rone seats near the railing. Jayna waved her in and Sage sat down next to Acton.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hello.”

His voice was as cool as ice, his face as emotionless as glass.

This was the man who’d saved her from the Edull lab and carried her out of her nightmare. Her memories of her rescue were a little muddy and disjointed, but she did remember the coolness of his cybernetic arms.

“You enjoy watching the fights?” she asked.

“I don’t feel joy. But the fights are interesting displays of skill.”

She tilted her head, taking in the metal half of his face. He was really quite handsome. His smooth skin contrasted with the even smoother, silver metal. “You don’t feel anything?”

He hesitated. “Very little.”

Very little was more than nothing. Unable to stop herself, Sage reached out and stroked his cybernetic arm. “Do you feel that?”

“Yes.” His brows drew together. “I have pressure sensors embedded in my metallic skin.”

She reached up and touched his organic cheek. His skin was warm. “That?”

“Yes, of course, but I have no emotional reaction to the stimulus.”

Sage stroked his skin again. The man had ridiculously high cheekbones.

Acton cocked his head. “You don’t find my appearance…repugnant?”

She blinked. “No. Why would I?”

“Many people find my metal enhancements unsettling.”

“You’re unique, and I’ve always liked unique.”

He was silent for a moment. “If you’re looking for some sort of physical comfort from me, I’m the wrong choice.”

Sage bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from laughing. Apparently, several women from Earth shacking up with his fellow cyborgs had disturbed this man who claimed he didn’t feel.

She smiled, and it felt like the first real smile she’d done in ages. “How about we be friends?”

Acton blinked slowly. “Friends?”

“I know you have friends, Acton. People to talk with. Who look out for each other.”

A pause. “That would be acceptable.”

She bumped her shoulder against his. “You can teach me about Carthago and the House of Rone.”

“Yes. And you can explain perplexing emotional reactions to me.” He glanced over at where Ever, Quinn, and Jayna were laughing with Mace, Jax, and Magnus. “I believe I will need additional understanding as our House fills with more humans.”

She laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Suddenly, she noticed that Acton was looking intently at her lips. His gaze moved back to hers, those cool, icy-blue eyes on her.

“It’s a deal, Sage McAlister.”

Sage leaned into him. There was something comforting about Acton. She felt no pressure to prove that she was happy and cheerful with him. She could just be herself. “Deal.”

JAYNA JERKED awake from her nap, her heart hammering against her ribs. She stared at the ceiling, shifting on the bed, waiting for the last of the panic to fade.

“Hey.” Mace’s hands slid into her hair. “Okay?”

She swallowed, turned to look at him sitting on the edge of her bed. She managed a nod.

Dammit, they’d spent a few hours tangling up the sheets. He’d given her not one, but two very satisfying orgasms, and then they’d drifted off to sleep.

None of that should have triggered a bad dream.

“I’m fine,” she said.

His dark brows drew together. “You had a nightmare.”

She dragged in a breath. “Yes. I was back in the Edull lab…” She fought off the last remnants of old fear. “It’s stupid.”

“Jayna, you suffered. For months. That doesn’t go away in a few weeks.” He tugged her closer, his thumbs brushing her jaw. “It will probably never go away.”

“I’m safe. I’m happy. My body is getting stronger. I shouldn’t be going back to those bad times.”

“Our bodies and minds all heal differently.” He ran his tongue over his teeth. “Sometimes, I still have bad dreams of the fight rings.” His eyes darkened. “Of the people I killed.”

“Oh, Mace.” She wrapped her arms around him.

“Being safe or happy isn’t a magic cure.” He ran a finger down her nose. “Although, I wasn’t truly happy until you landed in my arms, so I can’t judge yet. Maybe happiness will be a cure.”

She smiled. “It might not be a cure, but I’m pretty sure it’ll help.”

He tugged on her hair. “Now, time to get your sexy but lazy ass out of bed. I want you to wear a pretty dress.”

Jayna raised her brows. “Why?”

“Surprise. Now get moving.”

She took her time getting dressed and putting on a pretty, floaty dress in aquamarine that Ever had given her.

Before she knew it, Mace was towing her along a corridor at a speed that made her jog to keep up with his long stride.

She choked back a laugh. “Where are you taking me, Mace?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said.

With Mace, that could mean anything. “Why did you tell me to wear a dress?”

“Because I like you in a dress.”

Jayna smiled, simply happy to be with her man. As he led her down the stairs, strains of music caught her ear.

She lifted her chin, following along as he pulled her out into the training arena. She gasped.

The arena had been transformed, with lights strung up across the buildings and along the balconies. There were people everywhere, and she spotted Mia with some musicians, playing in the center of the space.

Oh, God. She didn’t recognize the instruments, but she loved the sounds and her hands itched to try them out.

Everyone was there. All the cyborgs, the House of Rone gladiators, most of the House of Galen gladiators and their mates. Everyone was sharing drinks and nibbling food. Even Calla was present, sitting in a chair off to the side. Her face was still pale, but the woman was smiling. From beside Calla, Sage winked at Jayna.

Jayna just stood there, heart bursting, drawing it all in.

“Ever told me that it’s a tradition on Earth to have a ceremony to celebrate a union between two people,” Mace said.

Jayna’s mouth dropped open and she stared at him. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

“No.” He frowned. “I’m not asking you, you will marry me.”

Jayna rolled her eyes. “So bossy.” She went up on her toes and kissed him. “Traditionally, you’re supposed to ask me, first. Luckily, I love you.”

Sage came forward, holding a small bouquet of flowers. “For the bride.”

“Oh, God.” Jayna took them, tears welling in her eyes. “Mace, are you sure this is what you want?”

He cupped her cheeks. “All my life has been about survival. About being the strongest, fighting the hardest. With you, I’m just me.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

He brushed his thumb over her lips. “When you cry, I’ll be there to wipe your tears. When you laugh, I’ll be there to enjoy listening to it. When you’re in danger, I’ll be there to defend you. When you want to drag me to bed, I’ll be there to—”

She laughed. “I get the picture.”

Magnus stepped into view. “It would be my honor to conduct a ceremony for you both.”

Jayna held out her hand and Mace took it. She smiled at him and watched his mouth tilt into a grin. Her rough, gruff cyborg. He was perfect.

Together, they stood in front of their imperator, their friends, and the new family that they’d made at the House of Rone. They traded vows of love, and then Mace swept her off her feet. He spun her around, and Jayna knew there was nowhere safer she could be than in this cyborg’s arms.

“I love you, Mace.”

“Now and always,” he said. “I’m never letting you go, Jayna.”

“There is nowhere I’d rather be, my beautiful cyborg.”

He growled. “I am not beautiful.”

Jayna’s delighted laugh rang out across the training arena. “You are to me.”

I hope you enjoyed Jayna and Mace’s story!

Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone continues with CENTURION, the story of icy cyborg Acton and human paramedic Sage. Coming the October 2019.

Also keep an eye out for the House of Rone novella, DARK GUARD, starring cyborg Zaden, alien survivor Calla, and a nosy cyborg cat. Coming as part of the Pets in Space 4 anthology in October 2019.

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, action romance info, 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.annahackettbooks.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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m a USA Today bestselling author and I’m passionate about action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I’m a sucker for that moment when the team is walking in slow motion, shoulder-to-shoulder heading off into battle. I write 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.

My books are mixture of action, adventure and sexy romance and they’re recommended for anyone who enjoys fast-paced stories where the boy wins the girl at the end (or sometimes the girl wins the boy!)

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Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

What readers are saying about Anna’s action romances

Action Romance Box Set

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Preview: Edge of Eon

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author