Chained by the Cyborg (Cyborg Protectors Book 5)

by Alyse Anders

  Or maybe it was exactly the right time.

  He was currently standing by the Kraken with Rykal and Hallam, though none of them appeared to be speaking. Not that they were ignoring each other; based on the expressions on their faces they were painfully aware of each other.

  Lena sauntered over to her and smiled when she saw where Mags was looking. “The Fallen can communicate via their cybernetic links when they are in proximity of one another. They have no idea how weird it looks when they’re standing there staring.”

  “I have a lot to get used to.” The pain in her neck throbbed once again. “I was hoping to get some painkillers from the doctor.”

  “Yeah, I should have warned you about that. I wasn’t certain that they’d all do the biting thing, but more than twice is a pattern.” Lena nodded toward an exam table. “I think they have injectors here with some stuff for emergencies. We can take a look.”

  “Thanks.”

  It took a little rooting around, but Lena found the meds. “Ha! This will help.” She pressed the injector to the side of Mags’ neck.

  Within a few seconds, the throbbing pain was reduced to a dull ache. “Any idea why they do that?”

  Lena shrugged. “I think it probably has something to do with claiming a mate. It’s weird because I get the impression that the Grus don’t act that way toward their partners. It probably has something to do with their cybernetics and link to us.”

  There were so many unanswered questions – probably more than Mags even thought to ask – that they were all basically fumbling around in the dark doing their best to figure shit out. “He doesn’t want me to come with him to the prison.”

  Lena’s eyes widened. “That’s surprising. Rykal struggles to let me out of his sight. Our first encounter was him kidnapping me at the thought of not being able to be next to me.”

  Mags didn’t know how she would have reacted if Zee had done something so drastic. “I seem to have the opposite problem. There’s definitely a connection between us, but he seems adamant about not wanting me to follow him. I think he’s worried that I’m going to get myself killed.” While Mags might not have crazy good skills when it came to self-defense, she was more than able to handle herself in a difficult situation.

  “I haven’t heard too much about the prison.” Lena frowned as she looked over Rykal’s way. “We’ve been more than a little preoccupied with sorting out what’s going on between us and the Fallen, getting attacked by a hostile alien race and keeping the Grus from wanting to murder us.”

  Mags couldn’t help but shake her head at that. “But I thought the cyborgs were there to help protect the Grus. Why would they want to kill us if he meant angering the Fallen?”

  “They have a complicated history. Basically, they’re scared of losing control over the one thing that can help keep them safe in the event of another attack.” Lena looked back once again at the group, frowning deeply. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on over there, but Rykal is less than pleased.”

  “You know what he’s feeling?” God, how many changes was she going to have to prepare for?

  “Sort of. It’s more like I get an impression of his emotional state. And mostly when it’s quite strong. He seems to have a stronger impression on his end, knowing exactly what I’m feeling at any moment. It’s proven useful a more than a few times already.” The blush on Lena’s face betrayed the fact that those times most likely had to do with sex.

  And that held a lot of promise for Mags as well.

  She was about to say as much when Zee let out a shout, spun on his heel and stared directly at her before marching out of the docking bay through a door on the far end. “I guess he really is leaving me behind.”

  There’d been a part of her that had assumed he was simply trying to keep her at arm’s length more out of a sense of duty than anything. After what they’d done in the room not that long ago, and the growing connection between them that was strengthening with each passing moment, Mags had hoped he’d change his mind and bring her with him.

  Maybe she was also developing an awareness of his emotions, because there was no mistaking his anger.

  Rykal and Hallam came over to them, both looking less than pleased. Rykal shook his head as he came to stand beside Lena. “He’s always been a stubborn asshole, but this is a lot even for him.”

  “He really doesn’t want me at the prison.” Mags felt her throat tighten as a pang of regret washed through her.

  “He’s worried that you’ll be used against him once the prisoners learn of your presence,” Hallam said as his attention shifted to the door behind them. “He’s also concerned about Rennick.”

  It was only then that Mags realized that Tara was there as well. She’d been standing off to the side watching events unfold but holding herself apart. Even now, when they were all obviously aware of her presence, she made no move to join their conversation. Mags couldn’t imagine what it was like to know that the man she was destined to be with was a killer. Someone who was forever supposed to be locked up beneath the planet’s surface, held apart from the rest of the population.

  If Mags was in that situation, she would want to go see him.

  There’d be nothing that would hold her back from standing in front of her mate, so she could look him in the eye and make her own determination as to the nature of his character.

  Ignoring the others, Mags made her way over to where Tara stood. “How much of that did you hear?”

  “All of it.” Tara clearly had tremendous control over her emotions, as her face was as passive as if they were discussing the weather. “What are you going to do?”

  That was the question of the moment. “Probably get my things together and head over to the prison.” It would no doubt upset Zee, but if they were in fact mates who were destined to be together, then he better get used to the fact she wasn’t going to be left behind like an inconvenient secret. “I’ll make sure that Rykal or Hallam helps us get there safely. I assume you want to come too.”

  Tara blinked slowly before giving a quick nod. “Everything Zee told me keeps bouncing around inside my head. I’m not going to be able to move on if I can’t at the very least see him for myself.”

  “What’s your mates name?”

  “Rennick.” There was an odd note in Tara’s voice that made his name sound nearly reverent. “There has to be more to matter than him simply being a killer.”

  Mags reached out and took Tara’s hand on impulse, ignoring her surprised gasp. “I’m sure there is. We’ll go together and help one another out.”

  For the first time since Mags had met Tara, the woman looked a bit uncertain. “I’m not used to doing things with other people. I’ve always been a bit of a loner.”

  “I don’t think that’s much of an option for any of us out here. We need to know that we have one another’s backs in case we run into trouble. But if you want to keep low-key, we can do that. Besides, I think the fewer of us involved will be for the best, especially if things are as dangerous at the prison as everyone seems to imply.”

  That seemed to satisfy her. “Most of my belongings are still on the Kraken.”

  “Mine too. I’ll talk to Lena and we’ll get what we need and head over. Just the essentials in case we need to make a quick escape for whatever reason.”

  “Okay, yes. Let’s do this.”

  With their pact made, Mags left her and went back over to the group. “Tara and I are going to the prison, and I’d appreciate it if no one tried to stop us.”

  The men looked more than a little surprised, but Lena didn’t. “I take it you want to collect some items from the ship before you go?”

  “If that’s okay? We won’t take a lot, just a few essentials until we have the chance to get a grasp on the situation.”

  “Zee isn’t going to be pleased.” Hallam widened his stance and crossed his arms. “While I might not agree with his method, he isn’t incorrect in his statement that the prison isn’t the place for anyon
e who doesn’t need to be there.”

  “But being separated from his mate, especially now that they’ve begun to bond may cause more problems that we can anticipate.” Rykal cocked an eyebrow before nodded toward Hallam. “Can you imagine being separated from Ina. Even for a few hours?”

  A muscle in Hallam’s jaw jumped. “No.”

  “Zee hasn’t taken the time to adjust, to realize how fixed this tether is between our peoples.” Rykal looked away and down at the ground for a moment. “I’ll bring you there and see that he lets you in. But then you’ll be on your own.”

  Mags knew they were about to walk into the most dangerous place she’d ever been in her life, but there was no way she’d be able to live with herself if she didn’t at least make the attempt to prove herself to him. “We’re willing to take any risks that come along. Let’s get our things.”

  It didn’t take very long for Lena to help them pull together two travel packs and the few essentials they’d need for an extended stay away from the Kraken. Clothing, food, scanners and a few personal items were all they could carry. If things went well for them, there would be time to send for the remainder of their belongings. And if things didn’t work out, then there was that much less for her to have to worry about bringing back.

  The prison wasn’t too far away by shuttle, which meant Mags didn’t have a lot of time to spend worrying about whether or not this was going to backfire on her in a truly spectacular fashion. No, the only thing she needed to worry about was what she was going to say to Zee once they were alone together. Did she want to tell him exactly how hurt she’d been to watch him walk away from her after she’d only just learned he was the reason for her coming all the way out here? Or did she let the full impact of her emotions bleed out from her and let him make that conclusion all on his own? Either way, she was going to have a serious talk with him about the best way to start a relationship.

  Rykal piloted the shuttle with ease and it took no time at all before they were touching down on a landing pad a short distance away from what appeared to be a bunker sitting out in the middle of nowhere. “I knew the prison was underground, but I’d assumed there would be something more on the surface than this. How do you keep people from simply riding up the elevator and leaving?”

  “If they’re able to make it to the transportation tube, then they’ve deserved their freedom.” Rykal held up his hand as both Mags and Tara began to stand. “I’m going to need both of you to do exactly as I say until Zee lets you in. The people within these walls are some of the most dangerous beings in the galaxy. Other planets will send the worst of their criminals to this place, knowing most of them will never survive. If someone tells you to run, you run. To hide, then you hide. There might not be time to say it again. Understood?”

  Shit, this was a horrible idea. “Understood.”

  “Yes.” Tara sounded far less confident than she had before leaving the medical facility. “Do you think he’ll agree to let us in?”

  “I’m not sure. And you should both be prepared for that possibility.” Rykal stood, the tension in his body obvious. “Grab your things and follow me. Single file.”

  The air on this part of the planet was far dustier and colder than it had been outside of the medical facility. It was hard to see the bunker as they made their way across the open landing pad. She felt as though someone were watching them as the approached; no doubt there was some sort of monitoring field cataloging every inch of the place. As they got close to the bunker, she felt a shift deep inside herself; a heightened awareness, an increased emotional state that wasn’t hers.

  Zee.

  She looked past Rykal’s broad back and saw that Zee now stood in the opened doorway of the bunker, his arms straight at his sides with his hands clenched. “What the frak are you doing here?”

  Mags knew Rykal was going to try and make their case for them, but she also knew that Zee was stubborn enough to ignore him. Instead of waiting, she stepped past his mass and marched over to Zee. “You left me behind.”

  The anger that Zee had been directing at Rykal was suddenly fully focused on her. “This is a place of death. I’m not letting you inside.”

  “Earth was a place of death. Space travel on a ship with no defenses was a place of death.” She crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “We survived all that and made it here. I’m not about to be left behind because of fear. I boarded the Kraken knowing full well that I was likely to die out here, and I came regardless. Who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do? Where I can and cannot go?”

  “I’m the warden of this prison. It’s my duty to keep the prisoners locked away and everyone else safe. Including you.”

  She knew he believed what he was saying, but she could also tell there was a part of him that was pleased she’d come. Mags pulled the pack from her back and set it on the ground so she could step against Zee’s body unimpeded. She didn’t hug him the way she wanted, simply got as far into his personal space as she could manage without physically merging with him.

  “I’m a part of you now, just like you’re a part of me.” She dropped the tiny grasp she’d put in place over her emotions at letting herself feel everything; pain, fear, attraction, and confusion all at once. “We’ve only known each other for a short time, but I know in my heart that if I don’t come with you something terrible will happen. We need to stay together, be together no matter what the risks might be.”

  Zee sucked in a trembling breath; his gray eyes wide as the light in them glowed brighter. “You might die here. They’ll learn who you are, and they’ll find a way to hurt me by hurting you.”

  “There’s nothing they can do to me that would hurt more than you leaving me behind.”

  He looked down for a moment before his gaze latched onto Tara. “She cannot come here.”

  “It’s the same for her. You might not like that she’s connected to Rennick, but she is. If nothing else, she needs to see who he is for herself. Even if it’s only to come to terms with the idea that he’s a killer and they can never be together.”

  Zee closed his eyes and she knew that they had won. “I hope you understand the risk that you’re both taking.”

  “We do. And if the consequences mean that we are hurt or worse, you don’t need to blame yourself. We’re prepared to accept whatever may happen.”

  Zee sucked in a breath, looked up at Rykal and narrowed his gaze. No doubt they were communicating through their cybernetic link. In the next instant, Zee reached down and grabbed Mags’ pack from the ground. “Hurry up the two of you. Do exactly what I say or else you won’t live long enough to prove me right.”

  Mags fell into step behind him, ignoring Tara and Rykal. “Right about what?”

  “That this is a terrible idea.” He held his arm out and ushered them both inside the elevator. “Welcome to hell.”

  Chapter Eight

  Zee had never wanted to kill another person – except for Rennick – as badly as he wanted to strangle Mags. He’d left her safe and sound back at the medical facility in the care of Hallam and the others, knowing that life for her here at the prison would be nothing short of brutal. He should have known that she was far too stubborn to stay where he’d know she was safe. Though his anger at her careless actions was tinged with the faintest hint of relief.

  The moment he’d left the medical facility, there was a part of him that had wanted to turn back around to gather Mags in his arms and never let go. It was selfish to want her by his side where he’d not only be able to keep an eye on her, but take solace in her presence. But he knew the risks of having her even visiting the prison, let alone coming to stay there on any permanent basis. As the warden there were too many people who would use her to get to him; hurt, torture or kill someone who he cared about. If the inmates discovered that Mags was his mate, she’d forever have a target fixed on her.

  There was no amount of pleasure that was worth putting her life at risk.

  And yet, she now stubbornly stood
beside him in the transportation tube on their way down to the main area of the prison. Not to mention that she brought the last person he’d ever wanted to step foot inside the prison. Tara was quiet and seemed to be taking in her surroundings, while Mags stood with her back to the wall and stared at him.

  Foolish woman.

  The transportation tube slid to a halt and the doors opened, revealing the open area that greeted everyone who came to this place. To the untrained eye, the openness was almost inviting, giving the underground structure a sense of space that defied the claustrophobic state of being deep beneath the planet’s surface.

  This open foyer was in actuality a kill zone.

  In his decades as warden, they’d only needed to use this area for its intended purpose once. There’d been a faction of prisoners from off world who’d been transported to Zarlan to serve out the remainder of their life sentences after they’d nearly escaped from another prison. They’d tried to overpower the Grus guards as soon as they’d reached the bottom. The automatic laser defense system made short work of them, and Zee and his team cleaned up bits of prisoners for weeks afterward.

  And now his mate was walking into the same spot.

  Mags stepped out of the transportation tube and into the prison. “So, this isn’t intimidating at all.”

  “It’s not too late for you to turn around and go back to the medical facility.” Everything would be for the better if she’d listen to him and do that. “I can have one of my men take you immediately.”

  Instead of listening to reason, Mags snorted and walked deeper inside. “I think we should probably find accommodations first. And then we can discuss how Tara can best meet her mate.”

  “I warned you that meeting Rennick was never going to happen.” Not only was it a foolish idea for a human who was physically unable to defend herself against an unstable cyborg, she’d have to be walked into the deepest part of the prison, announcing her presence to many of the prisoners. “There’d be too many risks I’m unwilling to take.”