Hunter: Galactic Gladiators #12

by Hackett, Anna

  Magnus had no idea what a Grinch was. He glanced down at the sleepy-looking baby in his arms. He knew Asha wouldn’t remember her first Christmas, but he decided not to tell Ever that.

  Ever and his child were the lights of his life. They’d made him the man he was.

  He leaned down and pressed his mouth to Ever’s. “Whatever you want, my love.”

  She shot him a saucy wink. “I’ve got to go and help with the eggnog.”

  His brows drew together. “Eggnog?”

  But Ever was gone.

  “It’s best not to ask,” Galen said. “Sam has been peppering me with questions about this party, and my opinion on things, for the last three days. I just nod and agree.”

  Magnus fought back a rare smile. No one would believe that the Imperator of the House of Galen would let anyone, especially a woman, run over him.

  Although as Galen’s eyes tracked the tall, athletic Samantha across the rooftop, Magnus knew that like him, Galen would do anything for his woman. He’d already risked his life and freedom to save Sam from the Thraxians. He’d used all his resources and skills to bring down the Thraxians and get justice for the survivors of Earth.

  Magnus rubbed his metal fingers against Asha’s cheek, his baby nuzzling into his touch. Love filled his heart to bursting. Some days, he almost wanted to thank the drakking Thraxians.

  “You look incredibly cute, Nero,” a feminine voice said. “And remember what I promised you.”

  “I look ridiculous, Winter.” Nero’s voice was a deep, grumpy rumble.

  The couple swept into view. The barbarian gladiator towered over the dark-haired doctor. Winter was laughing while Nero looked suitably bad-tempered. The gladiator was wearing his usual fighting leathers and harness, trimmed with gray fur, but today he was also sporting what looked like—Magnus peered closer at the top of Nero’s head—a set of antlers.

  Winter smacked a kiss on her lover’s cheek, then rushed off in a whirl of skirts. Nero crossed his muscled arms over his chest, while Magnus and Galen stared at the antlers.

  Nero’s scowl deepened. “Don’t ask.”

  “I believe that’s impossible at this point, Nero.” Galen was smiling.

  Magnus bit his tongue. This Christmas thing was completely mystifying.

  “Winter said something about reindeers, then promised me sexual favors if I wore these,” Nero grumbled.

  Magnus tilted his head, considering. Drak, if Ever had made him the same offer, he’d probably have done it as well.

  Another wave of kids rushed in through the doorway. They were shouting and laughing. Right behind them came a man with bandoliers crisscrossed over his loose desert shirt and the swagger of a man used to both taking risks and being in charge. He spied Magnus and Galen and raised a hand. Corsair, the master of the Corsair Desert Caravan, had his other hand tucked into the belt loops of the woman by his side—his Earth woman, Neve. A smile broke out on Neve’s face and she cut a straight path to Ever.

  The sisters hugged—both tall, with dark, curly hair. Neve was still slowly warming to Magnus. She was a sharper-edged version of her sister and very protective. Corsair threw an arm around Neve’s shoulders and bent down to kiss Ever’s cheek.

  Ever watched the couple, beaming happily. Magnus knew how pleased Ever was that her sister was happy and in love. When a young girl in desert clothing patted Corsair’s leg, he smiled down at her, then tugged on her pigtail. He was as dedicated to his caravan and his people—and now Neve—as any imperator.

  The kids from the Corsair Caravan mixed with those from the House of Galen, giggles filling the air. Then yet another wave of children came through the door. This time they were being herded by a tall cyborg gladiator. Magnus hid his smile. These children belonged to the workers from the House of Rone, and he’d tasked his second, Jaxer, with bringing them.

  Behind them were two of Magnus’ elite cyborg guards, Acton and Toren. The men were looking around the decorated rooftop, their faces carefully blank. All their enhancements and filters dampened their emotions, but Magnus knew all the cyborgs that he’d rescued felt far more than they showed. Right now, he guessed they were hiding a wealth of confusion and bemusement.

  Jax waved the children in. That’s when Magnus noticed Jax had a small boy clamped to his leg. The boy had a synthetic arm—a child the House of Rone had rescued and helped heal after he’d lost his arm in an accident. As Jax leaned down and smiled at the boy, his long, brown hair swung forward. He ruffled the boy’s hair and then led the Rone children over to where Raiden and Harper were giving out candy.

  A tinkling, musical laugh cut through the noise. A small, blonde woman rushed into the garden, glancing back over her shoulder. Mia was a former pilot and right behind her was her alien gladiator mate, Vek. The blue-skinned male followed along behind his woman and had a red hat on his head. Mia called out greetings to several of the Earth women, then hurried over to a small stage set up in one corner. Vek stood close by, looking like he was waiting for an alien beast to leap out so he could tear it apart before it threatened his mate. Mia moved over to a microphone and with no instrument, started singing.

  Magnus listened to Mia and decided she needed no music to accompany her. She had a voice worthy of being the star attraction in Kor Magna’s best casinos. In fact, she often sang at the Dark Nebula Casino to sell-out crowds. He listened to the lyrics, something about jingle bells, a sleigh, snow, and laughing all the way. He found himself smiling.

  Suddenly, someone clapped their hands. Magnus turned to see Galen’s partner, Sam, calling for attention.

  “Listen up, kids.” The tall woman smiled, her golden skin glowing in the sunlight. She wore slick leather pants and an emerald green shirt. “You’re in for a treat today. Today is Christmas, a special time on Earth, where many of us are from. And on this special day, a very important visitor comes.”

  “Is it a gladiator?” a child called out.

  Sam smiled. “No.”

  “An imperator?” another asked.

  “No. But it is someone who comes bearing gifts for all good, young children. So, I’d like you all to welcome Santa Claus.” She threw an arm out.

  Santa? Magnus followed the direction of Sam’s hand and saw a man in a red suit walk into the garden. He was tall and broad shouldered, with a huge belly stretching the red suit he wore. He also had long, white facial hair that was out of control and unruly. A red hat sat on his white hair. He was also carrying a large sack of gifts over his shoulder.

  Magnus narrowed his gaze on the man. It was clearly Blaine Strong, the lone male among the Earth survivors. Magnus knew for a fact that the man had no large belly or white hair. No, he was packed with muscle and a hell of a fighter.

  Blaine let out a deep, booming laugh, and headed toward the group of children. Beside him, his woman, Saff—one of Galen’s best gladiators—sauntered alongside her man. Her long, lean body was encased in some sort of green costume—green-and-white striped socks that reached her thighs, a short green dress that looked good against her dark skin, and a pointed green hat on her black, braided hair.

  She was smiling at the children, most of who were staring at “Santa” with uncertain looks on their faces. They looked like they weren’t sure whether to be excited or afraid.

  “Merry Christmas,” boomed Blaine. “I have gifts for everybody.”

  The kids got over their uncertainty and cheered.

  They mobbed Blaine, and he and Saff started giving out brightly wrapped gifts to all the children. Among the crowd was a tall man with a beautiful dark-haired woman with him. Bren and Mersi were Corsair’s right hands on his caravan. They were herding a young girl and a huge dog closer to Blaine and Saff. The girl accepted her gift, opening it shyly. When she looked up, Magnus saw her face was shining with happiness.

  Bren slid an arm around Mersi and then ruffled the girl’s hair.

  “Sorry we’re late,” a woman called out.

  Ryan and Zhim strolled into the party, arm
in arm. Magnus almost did a double take. The Earth woman was dressed in a very short dress covered with bold white and red stripes. Her straight black hair hung loose and small red-and-white-shaped canes hung from her ears.

  She turned around, went up on her toes, and pressed a kiss to Zhim’s lips before she hurried away. The information merchant stood with a pleased smile on his handsome face.

  “I’m liking this Christmas thing,” the man said. “I discovered it’s customary to give gifts, so I got Ryan a new component for her comp system.”

  Galen snorted. Magnus knew Galen hired Zhim and Ryan to take care of his tech, because he didn’t much care for it. The last gift Galen would want was comp parts, but Magnus wasn’t surprised that Ryan, a comp system genius, would be pleased with components.

  Zhim’s smile sharpened. “And Ryan gave me my gift in bed.” A heated look filled his eyes. “And have you seen that dress?”

  Galen just shook his head. Sam sauntered over, leaning into the imperator’s side. Galen wrapped a tattooed arm around her and held on tight.

  “Thank you for this, Galen,” she murmured. “I know you weren’t sure about throwing a Christmas party, but it’s made a lot of people happy.”

  Galen simply dropped a kiss to Sam’s lips.

  Asha gurgled and Magnus looked down at his daughter. She smiled back at him.

  Then he looked up and saw Neve and Ever smiling at each other. Several gladiators were sampling the different foods. The kids were yelling and laughing, showing off their gifts. It was all set to the soundtrack of Mia’s sweet voice singing Christmas songs.

  Jax stepped up beside Magnus looking like he’d just survived a fight in the Kor Magna Arena. “This is crazy. Large men in red suits with long white beards, decorations everywhere, screaming kids.” The cyborg shook his head.

  “No.” Magnus had just realized that it wasn’t crazy. This was about family. Whatever had sparked the tradition of Christmas on Earth, he realized now that it was a time for family and friends. A time to be together, to give, to celebrate.

  The women from Earth—Magnus glanced at Blaine—and the lone man, had changed everything for the gladiators of Carthago. They all had a lot to celebrate.

  Jax crossed his arms. “Well, I’m not convinced.”

  “Probably because you don’t have a sexy Earth woman warming your bed,” Nero said.

  Magnus watched as his second glanced over the party. Something moved through Jax’s eyes for a second before he hid it, pasting on a wide smile. “I don’t want a woman in my life, bossing me around, demanding things, and convincing me to have strange parties.”

  “Careful, Jaxer.” Galen pulled Sam close. “Sometimes the fates grant you what you least expect.”

  Sam elbowed the imperator.

  Galen smiled. “And I wouldn’t change a single thing, my imperatoress.”

  “I hope we haven’t missed anything important,” a deep voice drawled.

  Magnus turned his head and saw an elegant man in a dark suit and crisp white shirt. A woman wearing a sleek red dress was with him. Rillian—owner of the Dark Nebula Casino—and his Earth woman, Dayna. Behind them stood Rillian’s head of security, a gruff, taciturn man called Tannon.

  “Merry Christmas, Dayna.” Sam moved to hug the woman.

  Then Dayna moved over to Magnus, reaching down to stroke Asha’s cheek. “Hello, baby girl.”

  Magnus studied Dayna’s face. The former law enforcement officer wasn’t radiating the same excitement and fun like the other women.

  “What’s wrong?” He lifted his head to catch Rillian’s black-and-silver gaze. The casino owner wore a serious expression.

  “Tannon came to me. It’s the reason we’re late. He’s heard some more rumors of possible people from Earth being kept as slaves.”

  Magnus felt a hitch in his gut and shared a look with Galen. They’d been hearing rumors that more people from Earth had been snatched in the same attack that had enslaved the women they’d rescued. They’d been searching for these people for weeks. But every single lead they followed ended the same way—with nothing solid.

  The unsmiling Tannon nodded. “My security team keep feelers out for any information that could affect the Dark Nebula. I have informants in place across the city.”

  Asha started to fuss and Magnus jiggled her. “It’s been just whispers. Every lead we’ve had peters out. Even Zhim hasn’t been able to find anything.”

  The information merchant shook his head. “Every time I think I’m onto something, it goes up in a puff of taint smoke.”

  “They know we championed the survivors of Earth,” Galen said. “If there are slavers out there who have imprisoned humans from Earth, they’re going to ensure that word of it doesn’t reach us.”

  Beside Magnus, Jax went stiff. “We will not leave these people to be sold, abused, or killed.” There was a deep thread of anger in the cyborg’s voice. Once, Jax had been in a similar situation, when the military program he and Magnus had been in had deemed him defective. He was going to be decommissioned—killed and discarded without a single thought.

  “No, we won’t.” Galen’s voice held a hard edge.

  “Jax has been leading our investigation,” Magnus said. “Rillian, I suggest he work with Tannon to investigate this latest lead.”

  Rillian inclined his head. “I agree.”

  Jax straightened and Tannon nodded.

  “The children…” Jax said.

  “I’ve got them,” Magnus answered.

  “We’ll report as soon as we know anything,” Jax said.

  The two men walked out, shoulder to shoulder. Magnus released a breath. There was nothing they could do for now but wait.

  When Asha let out a squawk, he lifted her closer and pressed a kiss to her head.

  “That looks good on you,” Sam said with a smile.

  “It feels good too.” Magnus looked at the party again. The women of Earth had brought so much joy and love to their lives. And just thinking that there might be more humans out there… He made a vow to himself. No human would spend another Christmas lost and alone. Not if he and the House of Rone could stop it.

  Ever appeared with a wide smile, greeting Dayna and Rillian. Then she looked at Magnus and her smile faded. “What’s wrong?”

  “Later.” He didn’t want to ruin her first Christmas in her new home, or baby Asha’s first holiday.

  She stared at him for a beat. She knew him well enough to know it was important, but she nodded.

  “I have a present for you.” She nudged him away from the others, holding up a small box.

  Magnus shifted Asha and using his organic hand, opened the box. He stared down at the red lace, then back at Ever. “I don’t think it will fit me.”

  A sexy smile curled her lips. “It’s for me to wear, but for you to enjoy.”

  Magnus felt a bolt of desire. When Asha fussed again, he thought it wasn’t right to feel this aroused while holding his baby girl.

  But that was his Ever, igniting all kinds of emotions inside him. She’d done it from the first day he’d met her.

  “When can we leave this party?” Magnus knew his voice sounded strained.

  Ever wrapped her arms around him and smiled. “Soon, my cyborg, soon.”

  “Hey, you two.” Neve’s raised voice. “Get over here and join the party. I want to snuggle my niece.”

  “Magnus,” Galen called out. “You have to try this eggnog.”

  Ever’s smile was blinding. “Merry Christmas, Magnus.”

  He pulled his woman and child closer, aware of their family and friends surrounding them. “Merry Christmas, Ever.”

  * * *

  I hope you enjoyed this fun Christmas story!

  Read on for Alien Hunter, Tannon and Mina’s story.

  Alien Hunter

  Chapter One

  She was late.

  Again.

  Mina Lan’Gar ran through the streets, racing past the cream stone buildings that dominated K
or Magna. The vibrant city, the largest on the desert planet of Carthago, was busy as usual. Crowds of different alien species strolled the sidewalks—city locals, desert visitors, and off-world tourists.

  After several weeks of living in the city, Mina still hadn’t adjusted. She’d grown up in the endless desert sands that surrounded Kor Magna. Being so close to so many people and buildings still felt foreign.

  Pain throbbed in her head.

  Drak. These headaches were driving her crazy. She stumbled and bumped into a large man walking in the opposite direction.

  “Sorry.” She raised her hands.

  The dark-skinned man was clearly a gladiator from Kor Magna’s famous arena. He wore a leather harness studded with bronze metal across his muscular chest and a deep-green cloak.

  He scowled at her and she shot him a regretful smile before she kept running.

  Oh boy, she was sooooo late for her shift.

  Ahead, she saw the tall spires of the District. While most of Kor Magna felt old-world with two and three-story buildings made of stone, the District was all huge skyscrapers, glass, and blinking lights. It was littered with casinos, bars, clubs, and brothels. Off-worlders came to Carthago to watch the gladiators fight in the arena, but they stayed to spend their credits in the District.

  Her gaze snagged on the tall, black tower of the Dark Nebula Casino. It was the most famous and most popular in the city.

  It was also where she worked. If she didn’t get fired for being late again.

  Huffing and puffing, she darted around the groups of people on the sidewalk until she reached the back of the casino. At the staff entrance, she waved at the security guard wearing a fitted black uniform. She held her chipped wrist to the scanner on the wall.

  “Late again, Mina,” the guard said.

  “I know, I know.” The scanner beeped.

  With a shake of his head, the guard waved her through the door. She bolted down the hall and into the staff area. She found her locker in the long row and held up her wrist to open the electronic lock.