by Anna Hackett
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 meta
l 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.