by Anna Hackett
Pfft. She needed sex. She needed him.
“We have a meeting at the House of Galen shortly.”
She groaned. “How long have we got?”
“Thirty minutes.”
She smiled. “Luckily, my cyborg knows how to be very efficient.” She stroked his lips. “I need you, Magnus.”
He backed her toward the doorway. “I do live for efficiency, and I live to please you.”
In minutes, Ever found herself bent over the bed, her clothes gone, and one warm and one cool hand holding her thighs apart. Magnus’ mouth was between her legs, his tongue stabbing into her.
“Yes. Harder.”
But just as her orgasm was threatening, he pulled that clever, efficient mouth away.
“What? No!” She reared up.
A firm hand pushed her back against the bed. “So impatient and hungry.”
A second later, she felt the brush of a thick cock between her legs. Heat turned molten in her belly. She pushed back against him.
Magnus entered her with one solid thrust. Ever groaned. God, he filled her up. All the empty spaces.
He started a firm, punishing rhythm. “You will not get hurt again,” he ground out.
She made a choked sound, her hands clenching on the bed.
“You will not die, Ever. Never.”
“Magnus—”
“Everything I am is yours. Without you, I’m empty, with no heart or soul.”
God. Her orgasm pulled her under and shattered her. She cried out his name, and then held on as his thrusts increased. A moment later, his hands gripped her hair as he groaned in her ear. His release was warm inside her.
Ever felt like liquid. She nuzzled her cheek against the bed, enjoying the feel of Magnus’ big, strong body pressed against her, still inside her.
“I love you,” she said.
He pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. “You taught me what love is.” He was silent a moment. “I hope you’ll help me love our child, and show him what he means to me.”
She looked over her shoulder. “Him?”
Magnus smiled. “Just a guess.”
“Not very exact for a cyborg. And it’s a girl.”
Magnus grunted and rose.
Ever glanced at the timepiece beside the bed and squeaked. “Looks like I’m teaching you some bad habits, as well. Like being late.”
He followed her gaze and cursed. “Get dressed, my sweet cyborg.”
As it turned out, they were ten minutes late reaching the House of Galen. Ever fought not to feel guilty about enjoying being alive and in love. Galen and Sam were trapped at Zaabha, and she hated to think what they might be suffering.
As they entered the long corridor lined with beautiful wall hangings woven in red and silver, Ever hoped the glow on her face didn’t scream “I just had several orgasms.”
They turned a corner, and the sound of footsteps reached her. Several women were hurrying in their direction.
“Ever!” Rory called out.
She found herself engulfed in warm hugs, and with gentle pats on her belly. Then Magnus got a few hugs as well, which left him looking stiff and perplexed.
“Oh, wow.” Rory grabbed Ever’s new hand. “I’m sorry it had to happen to you, Ever, but I would love something like this.”
“What matters is you’re safe,” Harper said. “And for that, we are very glad.”
“Thanks.” Ever tugged Magnus with her, as the women ushered them toward the meeting room. But her happiness didn’t last long.
When they entered the living area of the high-level gladiators, she saw the tense, grim faces of the gladiators sitting around the table. The rest of the House of Galen allies were there, as well. Rillian beside Dayna, Ryan sitting in a chair with Zhim standing behind her. Corsair and Neve were near the end of the table.
When her sister saw her, Neve strode over. Ever met her halfway, and they wrapped their arms around each other.
“You’re okay?” Neve hugged her hard, not letting go.
“I’m fine. The baby’s fine. No need to kill my cyborg.”
Neve had been to see Ever every day since they’d returned from the desert. Her sister’s gaze dropping to Ever’s hand. “How’s the new appendage?”
Ever flexed her fingers. “I like it. I’m getting used to it.”
She’d expected Neve to lose her mind about Magnus amputating Ever’s hand. But strangely, her sister had looked at Magnus with grudging respect. She’d even stopped calling him “the cyborg.”
Raiden rose, clearing his throat. He stood near the head of the table, beside Galen’s empty chair. The room quieted.
“Galen dedicated his life to me.” Raiden’s direct gaze moved over all of them. “As my royal bodyguard, my friend, my mentor, and my imperator. Everything he’s done has always been to better my life.” Raiden blew out a harsh breath, and Harper shifted to stand close beside him. “He is the best man I know, and I will do the same for him.”
Murmurs of agreement and assent echoed around the room.
“And Sam Santos is a good woman,” Harper added. “She’s been through enough.”
Raiden straightened. “Whatever it takes, we bring Galen and Sam home.”
“Yes,” Thorin’s voice boomed.
“My desert informants are working overtime,” Corsair said. “If they find out anything about Zaabha, they’ll let me know immediately.”
“Ryan and I have search bugs out everywhere in the system,” Zhim said. “Any mention of Zaabha, and we’ll know in an instant.”
Rillian gave a nod, his arm wrapped tight around Dayna. “If any of my contacts come through with information, I’ll call straight away.”
Harper slipped her hand into Raiden’s. He slid an arm around her, pulling her close, like he needed the support.
“We are all a part of this,” Harper said. “The Thraxians ripped us away from our home, and Galen took us in. He gave us a new home.”
All around the room, the people from Earth leaned into their loved ones.
“And we will fight to protect our home,” Harper said. “And our new family.”
“For honor and freedom,” Raiden said.
“For love,” Harper added.
Magnus twined his arms around Ever, his big palms resting over her swollen belly. “For love.”
She smiled at him. Her home and family were right here. And Harper was right, she would fight to protect them. She would stand with the cyborg who’d captured her heart.
She traded a glance with her sister, and Neve nodded, before turning into the arms of her own man.
“We’ll meet again tomorrow.” Raiden gripped the back of the empty chair at the head of the table. “Daily war meetings until Galen is back in this chair. Whatever it takes.”
Ever knew that no one in this room would give up.
“Let’s go, my love,” Magnus murmured. “I’ve been analyzing your hormone levels, and I believe you’ll be needing my help in about ten minutes.”
His voice carried, and from nearby, Zhim snorted.
Ever slapped Magnus’ shoulder. “You just told everyone we’re going home to have sex.”
His gaze dropped to her belly. “Something tells me they are aware that we have sex.”
Suddenly, her stomach contracted, like a hard band was squeezing her. She gasped and felt Magnus go rigid. A gush of fluid rushed between her legs.
“Ever?” His hands gripped her shoulders.
She raised her head to look into panicked blue eyes. “Um, I think I’m in labor.”
Magnus paced the corridor outside of Medical in the House of Galen.
He’d been ejected from the room a few minutes before. It had taken Jax, Acton, and Mace to pull him out. He’d already tossed Thorin into a wall and knocked Raiden into a bed.
Everything had happened so fast. Ever’s labor had moved at lightspeed and they hadn’t even had time to get back to the House of Rone. Avarn had arrived to aid Galen’s Hermia healers. But Eve
r had been screaming. The baby was too big for her small body.
He’d gone crazy and they’d dragged him out.
He should never have touched her. He raked his hands over his head. If something happened to her…
Sensing a presence at his side, he looked down and saw Neve. Ever’s sister was standing there, staring at the doors like she could will them to open.
Without a word, she slipped her hand into his. He closed his eyes and held on tight.
“She always wanted kids,” Neve said. “We lost our family when we were so young. She always dreamed of making a new one.” Green eyes flicked up to him. “She always dreamed of a man by her side who loved her completely. I’m glad she found you.”
He felt like she was carving out his insides. “I love her more than anything.”
“I know.”
The doors opened and Avarn stepped out. His face was sheened with sweat but he was smiling. “Imperator Rone, congratulations on becoming a father.”
Magnus felt like his legs were going to go out from under him. He pushed toward the doors. “She’s okay?”
“Both your females are perfectly fine,” Avarn said.
Magnus’ breath caught. Ever was propped up in a bed, cradling a tiny bundle to her chest. He reached her, grabbing her hand.
“Magnus.” She beamed at him. “We have a little baby girl.”
He dropped his mouth to hers before looking at the baby. His daughter had a shock of dark hair and was fast asleep. He drank her in. A miracle. She had tiny, perfectly formed lips.
“I love you, Ever.”
She smiled. “I know. And this little beauty will share our love. We made this perfect little being.” She held the baby up to him.
Drak, she was so tiny. Avarn appeared, helping Magnus settle the baby in his arms. Emotion like he’d never felt engulfed him and he welcomed it. He had a new addition to his House. No, to his family.
There was commotion as all their friends pushed into Medical, ignoring the Hermia healers’ complaints. Neve rushed to her sister and Magnus found himself surrounded. There were oohs, ahhs, and pats of congratulations.
Jax slapped Magnus’ back. “Well done, my friend. You deserve this.”
Magnus looked at his sleeping baby. He had so much more than he’d ever dreamed of having in his life. Once, he thought of himself as empty, just a flesh and metal shell created in a lab. But now he was filled to bursting.
He looked around the room. They’d all made something special and meaningful here. His daughter was a symbol of that. They’d made a life, a home, a family here on Carthago. And every person in this room would give their lives for it, and that included bringing Galen and Sam home.
He caught Ever’s shining gaze. She watched him holding their child, love on her face, and she smiled.
Magnus knew she’d fight with everything she had to protect all of this, just as all these humans would. Just as he and the gladiators would.
The Thraxians had no clue what was coming at them.
I hope you enjoyed Magnus and Ever’s story!
Galactic Gladiators continues with IMPERATOR, the story of the imperator of the House of Galen, Galen, and champion of the Zaabha arena, Sam. Read on for their adventure.
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Imperator
Galactic Gladiators #11
Anna Hackett
Chapter One
Galen swung his sword in a massive arc, cutting down his opponent.
Swiveling, he ducked under an arm and rammed his boot into the gut of another attacker.
Pulling back, he raised his short sword, his chest heaving. Every muscle in his body burned, and his chest and head ached. He was tired. So tired.
He watched as even more fighters raced across the sand of the lawless desert arena. He stayed motionless, and waited, savoring the brief respite. He’d fight. He’d keep fighting. And he’d never give up.
The wooden stands that surrounded the arena were packed with screaming spectators. They shouted and jeered and booed in a deafening cacophony of noise. Overhead, the desert suns beat down on the floating platform that housed the arena.
Sweat dripped into Galen’s right eye. He reached up, swiping it away and adjusting the eyepatch that covered his useless left eye socket. He pulled in a shuddering breath. He’d lost track of how long he’d been here at Zaabha.
Three days? Four? They hadn’t let him sleep or rest. They just kept him fighting. Fighting and fighting, waiting for exhaustion to do him in.
Drakking Thraxians.
The large, horned aliens had always thrived on enslaving and hurting others. And he’d been their enemy a long time.
Galen lifted his sword another fraction and watched the fighters come. They wore ragtag clothes, and most of their faces were filled with both terror and determination. But their essences mixed in the air, hitting his senses. All Aurelians had the ability to feel a being’s personality. He sensed weariness, exhaustion, and resignation. They were victims too. People snatched from their ships and planets, and forced to fight for the entertainment of sand-sucking cowards.
He saw several fighters pull ahead, coming closer. He spotted the glint of silver at their temples and his gut curdled. The Thraxians had been experimenting with implants, and it looked like they were perfecting their tech. Galen felt the pale shadows of their essences. They’d been turned from unwilling, unruly slaves into ruthless, obedient fighters.
The closest fighter—a big, green-skinned Ergite—charged at Galen with a roar. Their swords clashed. Galen swung and ducked, but he knew he was getting sluggish.
He slashed with the sword and then drove it deep. The Ergite fell and Galen spun to face another opponent. But he was too slow. He felt the cut on his arm, but the burn just melted in with all the other aches and pains.
A giant alien stomped into view, towering over Galen. He couldn’t place the species, but with shiny, bronze skin and ropes of muscle, the man was formidable.
Galen dredged up some energy and moved to kick the alien. But the alien blocked him and slammed his own blade against Galen’s sword. Galen staggered back, falling on the sand.
Get up, Galen.
What did it matter? His people had gotten away. Raiden, the prince Galen had been bred to protect, was safe. The others from the House of Galen—the house he’d sweated to create and cultivate—were safe.
He saw a war axe slamming down toward him and he rolled just in time. It sliced into the sand near his head.
Fighting was what Galen knew. Honor and duty were in his blood.
So he’d fight. He pushed to his knees, and the pain made him grit his teeth. He was so drakking tired, and maybe he was getting too old for this.
The pitch of the crowd’s shouts suddenly changed. They hammered their feet against the boards and their screams turned feverish. He spotted another fighter running toward him. The alien who was almost on him swung his head away from Galen.
A crash of swords echoed across the arena, and then Galen saw her.
She leaped into the air, flying over the heads of several fighters. She landed, one leg out to the side, her palm touching sand.
Then she stood.
She was tall for a woman from Earth, and being the Champion of Zaabha had honed her body to strong, lean muscle.
They’d given her a ridiculous outfit, but it did show off her body. The metal corset covered her breasts but displayed a toned abdomen and arms. The leather battle skirt came to mid-thigh, and showcased her muscular legs.
She swung her sword in a flashy circle and then she charged.
She had brown hair threaded with streaks of gold, burnished by the hot Carthago suns. The strands flew out behind her as she attacked. The shattered remains of an implant were visible at her temple.
/> Samantha Santos sent the fighters flying. She fought her way through the group and reached Galen. Her essence hit him like a warm breeze: strong, steadfast, and threaded with steel.
“Get up, Imperator.”
She had a throaty voice, and he could tell she was used to giving orders.
“Not sure I can,” he replied.
Deep-brown eyes met his. “Yes, you can.” Her voice was firm and unyielding.
She spun, whirling fast. A new wave of implanted attackers rushed at them. Without hesitation, she launched herself at them.
As she fought, Galen managed to get himself off the sand.
Over the last few days, they’d sometimes let her in to fight with him. As an opponent reached him, swinging a staff, Galen attacked. Grunting, he drove the female fighter back, sending the staff spinning away. His gaze flicked over to watch Sam. She moved like water—strong and graceful, but with power. Watching her shook off some of his lethargy.
She was magnificent. Galen had spent decades honing and training gladiators for the Kor Magna Arena. He knew within seconds of watching a fight who would make it and who would fail, who was good and who could be great.
He watched her sword move through the air. She was sure, true, and relentless.
Galen dragged in a breath. He was Imperator of the House of Galen. A force to be reckoned with in Carthago’s gleaming capital of Kor Magna. He thrust his sword at an incoming fighter, and sent the man staggering. The Thraxians, the sand suckers responsible for this abomination of an arena, were his sworn enemies.
And they were going down.
Filled with new energy, Galen strode forward. He was going to grind the Thraxians to dust beneath his boots.
He reached Sam’s side, and together, they fought their way through the fighters. He kept moving his sword, trying to only wound the attackers. He could easily see that most were neither good nor skilled, just desperate. They were forced to fight and were trapped, just like him.
