Defender: A Scifi Alien Romance (Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone Book 2)

by Anna Hackett

  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 re
actions 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.”