Defender: Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone #2

by Hackett, Anna

  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 i
n 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.”