Champion: A Scifi Alien Romance (Galactic Gladiators Book 5)

by Anna Hackett

  As they entered the warehouse, there was no sound, except for their footsteps on the stone floor. Inside, the building was full of neatly stacked boxes and barrels. Stores for the casino, Blaine guessed.

  Rillian lifted a hand to some guards, and led the House of Galen team down a row of shelves that almost reached the high roof.

  Then the man stopped and stepped back, his handsome face grim. On the ground between the shelves, Blaine spied a small body splayed facedown on the floor, black hair spilling out around her.

  His gut went tight. This was his fault. He should have prevented this. Winter had already been through so damn much. His nails bit into his palms. He should have had better control, and fought harder to stop the women being taken.

  “No,” Harper murmured weakly from nearby.

  Surprisingly, it was the gruff, quiet Nero who pushed past Blaine and knelt beside the body. He touched a large hand gently to the woman’s shoulder and turned her over, a terrible look on his face.

  Saff moved closer to Blaine, and he grabbed her hand like a lifeline. The breath he hadn’t realized he was holding rushed out of him.

  It wasn’t Winter.

  Or Dayna or Mia.

  The woman’s face was lined with ridges across her forehead, and some matching ones on the bridge of her nose.

  Blaine felt a rush of dizziness and Saff leaned into him, a quiet, steady support.

  Despite their argument at the party, she was still there for him, and warmth bloomed in his chest. He squeezed her fingers.

  “Drak.” Galen went down on one knee. The woman’s tattered dress was torn across her chest. The imperator pushed the fabric aside.

  The House of Galen logo had been branded into the woman’s skin.

  Galen hissed and rose. He turned and slammed his boot into a nearby barrel. Wood cracked. “This is another taunt.”

  “This smacks of the House of Thrax and those rats, the Srinar,” Rillian said. “They’re done trading blows with you in the arena, Galen.”

  “And they left her here because they knew you’d contact me,” Galen said. “You’re being dragged into this battle, too.”

  The casino owner lifted a shoulder. “I was already in it. I abhor what both of them stand for. They are no allies of mine.”

  “They’re out for blood,” Raiden said quietly.

  “I want to take them down.” Galen’s voice was icy. “Once and for all.”

  Rillian nodded, his gaze turning considering. “Every house must agree, if you are going to dismantle the House of Thrax.”

  “I’ll get them to agree,” the imperator said darkly. “Even if they’re not our allies.”

  Blaine studied the man’s face, feeling a shot of admiration. Something told him if any man could do this, Galen could, with his gladiators at his back.

  But Blaine wanted to make sure the most important thing didn’t get forgotten. “Finding Dayna, Mia, and Winter is the top priority.”

  Saff stroked his arm. “We will find them. No matter what it takes.” She looked at her boss. “Where do we look next?”

  A muscle in Galen’s jaw ticked. “None of my contacts have any more information. The Corsair Caravan was the strongest lead.”

  “You got intel that they were taken into the desert?” Rillian asked.

  Galen nodded. “When we reached the caravan, Corsair didn’t have them. He claims he never carries prisoners.”

  “So I’ve heard,” Rillian confirmed. “But other caravans do. Less scrupulous ones.”

  Blaine tilted his head, studying the casino owner. “You’ve thought of something.”

  Rillian crouched again and grabbed the dead woman’s wrist. He turned it over.

  Another brand was visible on her skin. A circle with an image of a woman with long, flowing locks inside.

  Rillian cursed. When he stood, he shoved his hands in the pockets of his sleek trousers. “The brand of the Gaia Oasis. It’s famous for its auction blocks.”

  Blaine felt his muscles cramp. He knew what was coming. “What do they auction there?”

  “Women. The more exotic the better.”

  Saff shook her head. “Gaia is a bad place. I know it’s buried somewhere in the middle of the desert, and I’ve only ever heard terrible things about it.”

  “And its black-market auctions,” Raiden added.

  “You think the women were taken there?” Galen asked.

  Rillian nodded. “If they were taken into the desert, there’s a good chance.”

  “And this poor woman was just another way to keep us away until the women are sold,” Galen murmured.

  “But she’s also given you another clue,” Rillian added.

  “Her death will not be in vain,” Galen said.

  “I’ll ask around,” Rillian said, “but I can tell you that the more beautiful and different the women, the more popular they are on the blocks. The more money that’s made.”

  “Scum,” Saff bit out.

  Blaine knew she was thinking of her past. Of her father.

  “I agree with you,” the casino owner said. “If you want to check out the Gaia Oasis, you’ll need one thing to get in.” His gaze scanned them, his dark eyes flickering silver. “A woman to offer for auction.”

  Blaine cursed, and the other gladiators did the same. Thorin let out a wild grumble.

  Rillian held up a hand. “I know, but that’s the reality of the situation. You’ll need a woman who’ll garner a lot of attention.” Silver flowed over his eyes now, like liquid metal, chasing out the black. “Any of your Earth women would fit the bill.”

  Blaine growled and took a menacing step forward. He sensed the tension in the other gladiators, as well.

  Saff slammed an arm across Blaine’s chest. “Rillian is just stating the facts. All of you throw some water on it.”

  Galen gave a single nod. “No one is going to put your women on the auction blocks.”

  “We all know they’ve been through enough,” Saff continued. “Rory’s pregnant, Regan and Madeline aren’t trained.”

  Harper pushed forward, avoiding Raiden as he tried to grab her. “I’ll do it.”

  Blaine had watched Raiden in the arena. The man could plow through a field of opponents and never once show any emotion on his face.

  But now the look on his face was fierce.

  “No.” Saff glanced at Galen before her gaze flicked up to Blaine’s.

  He knew the second he stared into her eyes what she was going to say. The air rushed out of his chest.

  “I’ll do it.”

  Chapter Eight

  Saff moved about her room, getting ready for their mission to Gaia.

  It was strange not to be pulling her fighting leathers on. Instead, she wore a dress. She wrinkled her nose. Her father had made her wear dresses for special occasions. Long, slinky things she’d hated.

  Thank the stars this dress was made of leather, and fit her body without hampering her ability to fight. It was fitted to her hips, the seams dotted with beaten-metal studs, and the skirt fell in a fall of plaited leather. It gave glimpses of her legs as she walked, but didn’t constrict her. Her leather shoes had ties that circled her calves.

  Most of all, she hated that she’d have no weapons. Her sword and nets would stay behind.

  She reached for the final object on her bed. A beaten metal collar.

  Saff held it in her hands, horrible memories rising like bony hands around her throat.

  “Don’t do this.”

  She didn’t turn to face Blaine. She didn’t want him to see her face right now. “I have to. For those women, your friends. They’re in trouble and they’re not as strong as I am. I have to stand up for them.” Like she’d wished someone had stood up for her when she was young.

  He came to her now, his big body pressing in behind her. His arm slid around her, and cupped her jaw. He tugged her head back until their gazes met.

  “Brave, and so fucking noble.” His voice was a deep rumble.

&
nbsp; He leaned down, his warm lips nipping at her ear. Fire raced through her.

  “You fight to protect everyone around you, don’t you?” he murmured.

  As his lips slid down her neck, she couldn’t concentrate on his words. She wanted to forget the horrors of her past. The horrors she knew she’d see at Gaia. “Touch me.”

  He groaned. “We have to go. The others are waiting.”

  “Just a little. Something to help get me through.”

  He made a noise and slid his hand down, cupping her breast through the leather. His fingers slid inside the neckline of the dress, touching her nipple. She pushed into his touch and he moved until his mouth met hers. Saff leaned into him and let him devour her.

  The desire was so much better than fear.

  She heard moaning and realized it was her. She was rocking against him, her tongue tangling with his. Finally, he drew back, nipping her bottom lip gently, before he turned her to face him.

  “You aren’t a young girl anymore. You aren’t defenseless, and you will never belong to anyone but yourself.”

  His words, spoken in his deep, strong voice, helped to steady her. She nodded.

  He stepped back, a hard, intense look on his face. He slid a hand down to adjust his trousers. She saw the very solid outline of his cock pressing against the leather.

  “You drive the last of my control away,” he said.

  And he didn’t like it. Saff was surprised to find that hurt. He wanted her, but he didn’t want to want her. “Bet you always imagined yourself with some small, sweet woman. Someone that you’re always in control around, someone you can easily hold back with.” Someone he’d take care of in bed, not someone he’d bite and wrestle with.

  Silence was the only answer she needed. But drak him, the man was misguided.

  Saff lunged fast, knocking Blaine back onto her bed. He bounced once, surprise on his face. She landed on top of him, her knees digging into his hips and her body pressed flush against his straining cock.

  “I can handle you, Blaine.” She shimmied her hips against him, and watched his lips part. “All of you. You don’t have to hold back with me.”

  He gripped her hips, his fingers tightening on her, something hot and blazing in his gaze.

  Then there was a knock at the door.

  “Time to go.” Raiden’s deep voice.

  Saff slid off Blaine and stood, forcing herself to focus on her mission. Her friends would have her back. Blaine would have her back. For all his issues, she had no doubt of that.

  Blaine stood and she saw he held the collar, his face looking like it was carved from stone. She gave a short nod and he fastened it around her. It felt like it weighed more than the stones of the entire arena.

  “You belong to you,” he murmured.

  In silence, they joined the others.

  “We can’t all travel into Gaia,” Galen said. “Blaine, Lore and Nero will go with Saff. Blaine, you’ll act as a seller, Lore and Nero will be your protection.”

  Blaine nodded.

  “The rest of us will stay just outside of Gaia. If you need help, we’ll be on standby to provide it.” Galen held out a small device. “I had Zhim put together two short-range communicators.”

  Zhim—the information merchant and tech guru who’d created the technology for them to send messages back to Earth. Blaine had yet to meet the man.

  “Comms devices don’t work well here on Carthago,” Galen said. “Minerals in the sand interfere with the signals, but you should be able to get a message through.” He handed one to Lore and one to Blaine. “Keep it hidden where no one can find it. You might be searched.”

  When they left the living quarters, she spotted Regan, Rory, and Madeline waiting for them.

  “Thank you,” Madeline said to Saff.

  Blaine touched each woman’s arm. “We’ll bring them home.”

  Soon, Saff followed Galen and the others back into Kor Magna. They followed the same route leading to Varus’ stables. When they entered, the scent of animals hit her, and she spotted young Duna standing by some tarnids. The young girl lifted a hand, her face grim.

  “You’re going to Gaia,” Duna said unhappily.

  Saff nodded. “We have to find our friends.”

  “It’s a bad place. I should be the one to lead you there—”

  “I said no,” Varus called out. “Girl’s been hounding me since I told her.”

  Saff gripped Duna’s shoulder. “We appreciate the offer, but Gaia is no place for a girl.”

  Duna’s mouth moved into a pout. “You’ll be careful.”

  “We will,” Blaine said to her.

  “We’ll even come and visit you when we get back,” Saff said. “Or better yet, how about coming to watch a House of Galen fight in the arena?”

  Duna’s eyes widened. “Really?”

  “Sure. You’ll be our special guest.”

  “Liquid,” Duna murmured.

  The girl helped Varus bring out their tarnids. They mounted their beasts and, this time, Saff sat in front of Blaine, like a good little captive, while Nero and Lore had their own animals and flanked them.

  “We’ll stay back,” Galen said as he climbed onto his tarnid. “We don’t want to make anyone suspicious.”

  Saff dragged in a shaky breath and nodded. Blaine wrapped his arm around her waist and kicked their beast into action.

  ***

  Despite the monotony of the trek through the desert, Blaine could feel that Saff was on edge. She kept fidgeting, and even the rocking gait of the tarnid didn’t seem to lull the tension away.

  His gaze fell to the bronze-colored collar on her neck and his anger spiked. That damn thing shouldn’t be on that elegant neck. He wanted to rip the offending thing off and toss it in the closest sand dune.

  “There’s the oasis,” Lore said.

  Saff stiffened. Blaine lifted his head, and spotted jagged, rocky cliffs rising up from the desert floor in the distance.

  As they got closer, he made out the dwellings carved into the rocks. A gap led into a canyon that he presumed housed the main Gaia Oasis. Up on the top of the cliffs, a sprawling, domed fortress clung to the rocks.

  Nero was studying the rocks ahead. “Still another hour until we reach the gates of the oasis.”

  They kept moving, all of them tense and silent. Dark thoughts crept into Blaine’s head. What if Dayna, Winter, and Mia weren’t there? What if they’d already been sold and shipped off somewhere else on this wretched desert planet? What if they were hurt?

  But he forced the thoughts away, and turned his attention to Saff’s stiff form. He ran a hand down her arm. “Okay?”

  “Yes.” A single, determined word.

  Ahead, he saw Nero pull his tarnid to a halt. The big man’s muscled chest was bare, and only crossed by fur-lined leather straps with various knives on them. He tilted his head, looking off into the desert sands.

  “What is it?” Lore stopped beside his fight partner and scanned around them.

  “I can hear…something.” Nero’s deep purple eyes scanned the horizon. “Someone’s coming. From behind us.”

  They pulled in closer, and Blaine yanked a spare sword from the saddlebags and handed it to Saff. He looked over his shoulder and spotted the cloud of dust in the distance.

  “There!”

  Slowly, several battered vehicles became visible through the dust.

  “Sand pirates!” Saff yelled.

  The four of them leaped off their tarnids. The creatures had picked up on the tension, snorting and stomping their hooves. Blaine kept his gaze on the incoming vehicles bumping across the rocky ground. They reminded him of low-riding, military Humvees, but these were beaten up, covered in what looked like salvaged and rusted sheets of metal. Behind them, he saw some other pirates riding tarnid beasts covered in makeshift armor.

  “I make twenty of them,” Blaine said.

  “Twenty-one,” Nero said.

  Either way, they were outnumbered.


  Something fired in Blaine’s blood. He had to protect Saff, and something in him, something wild borne of the fight rings, reared its head, wanting blood.

  Blaine lifted his sword. Bring it.

  The sand pirates roared closer. “Steady.” Nero kept his gaze glued to their incoming enemies.

  Suddenly, one smaller vehicle veered off, coming around to flank them. Blaine watched the pirate driving. He was wearing a mishmash of leather, fabric, and even metal as clothes.

  On the back of the small vehicle was a strange-looking machine. Blaine frowned. It didn’t look like a cannon or any other weapon. What the hell was it? The driver leaned back, the vehicle bouncing, and he flicked something on the machine.

  For a second, nothing happened. Then Blaine saw a funnel of wind spin behind the pirate’s vehicle. It grew larger, pulling in sand, forming a tornado.

  The funnel of wind and sand detached and headed toward Blaine and the others. As it traveled across the desert floor, it picked up more sand, turning into a massive, gritty tornado.

  “Sandstorm!” Blaine yelled. “The pirates are generating a sandstorm.”

  The gladiators cursed and they all braced. Blaine moved closer to Saff. The wall of sand bore down on them.

  It slammed into them. The wind blew around Blaine, catching at his hair and clothes. He couldn’t see a fucking thing and the sand blasted his skin, stinging.

  He realized he couldn’t see Saff or the others. “Saff!”

  Then he heard the roar of an engine and shouts.

  Blaine spun and saw a pirate rushing at him, holding an axe. Nearby, the sandstorm lit up green with what looked like lasers. Shit. They had projectile weapons as well.

  He heard metal hitting metal. Blaine tried to find that fighting calm he’d once prized, but instead, he felt the all-too-familiar hot rush of bloodlust hit.

  Saff was nearby, and he didn’t have time to calm himself. He needed to fight.

  He embraced the fighting rage and swung his sword. In a whirl, the pirate went down under the storm of Blaine’s blows. Another pirate rushed at him, and Blaine slammed his sword against his. As he defeated the next pirate, Blaine knew he needed to find the pirate with the sandstorm machine. He needed to shut the damn thing off.