by Anna Hackett
The ship roared overhead, lights illuminating the ground and engines kicking up sand as it landed.
“Holy hell.” Sam looked up, her gaze glued to the sleek ship.
Galen watched as the ramp at the side of the ship lowered, and his gladiators strode out.
Sam stared, taking them all in. “They sure know how to make an entrance.”
Raiden’s red cloak whipped around behind him. He had a sword held in his hand and Harper was by his side. Behind them came the rest of his gladiators, all carrying swords, axes, and staffs.
As Raiden neared, a smile lit up his face. “Should have known you wouldn’t wait for us to rescue you.”
“You were taking too long.” He and Raiden slapped each other on the back.
Saff pushed forward and gave Galen a tight hug. “Don’t do that again.”
He turned his head and saw that Sam was flanked by Harper and Blaine. They were smiling and hugging each other.
It was time to go home.
“We’ve had a hell of a few days.” Galen took Sam’s arm. “Let’s get Sam off her feet.”
He led her up the ramp and into the shuttle. The ship’s interior was decorated in shades of gray, and everything was slick and streamlined. Rows of comfortable seats filled the back of the shuttle, and the front narrowed to the high-tech cockpit.
Galen’s gaze fell on the man in the pilot’s chair. Rillian—owner of the Dark Nebula Casino—was, as always, polished and immaculate. Beside him, in the co-pilot’s chair, was his woman, Dayna. The human woman jumped to her feet and rushed over to give Sam a hug.
“It is so good to see you,” Dayna said.
“You too.” Sam glanced at Rillian, and then around the ship. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Our pleasure.” Rillian smiled as he tapped the console in front of him. “Now, everyone strap in. We need to get moving. This journey is testing the limits of the ship’s desert capabilities.”
Dayna quickly explained to Sam about minerals in the sand that messed up engines and technology. She led Sam over to one of the plush passenger chairs.
“Drakking good to see you alive, G,” Raiden said.
“Good to be alive.” Galen dragged in a breath. “It was touch and go, but we made it. Had some help from the local wraiths.”
He saw his gladiators strapping in and moved to sit in the space beside Sam. They hadn’t even left the trading post yet, and he found that he missed having her right beside him.
He pulled his belt on, and a second later, the ship rose straight up. Galen glanced out the long side window and watched the lights of Al-Maa disappear from view.
“Now, tell us what happened.” Raiden demanded.
Galen looked at Sam. Together, they recounted the story of their escape from Zaabha.
“Implants?” Raiden eyed the remains of Sam’s implant.
“The Thraxians are planning something,” Sam said. “And it involves the implants.”
“We just don’t have all the details yet,” Galen said.
“Sand suckers,” Thorin growled.
Saff crossed her arms. “Crudspawn.”
“Whatever they have planned, we will stop them,” Galen said.
“You have a plan?” Kace asked.
“I’ll need Zhim and Ryan to find everything they can on the implants. We need to reexamine Neve’s implant, plus get whatever we can off Sam’s, once it is removed.” He saw her fingering the remains still attached to the side of her head.
“There is one main Thraxian scientist in charge of the implant research,” Sam said. “He keeps everything on a data crystal in his lab at Zaabha.”
Galen nodded. “Then we’ll go in, destroy the data crystal, and capture the scientist. Then we free the prisoners and annihilate Zaabha once and for all.”
“And the Thraxians, the Srinar, and the rest of their allies?” Raiden asked, something hard in his gaze.
“They will suffer their own fate,” Galen said. “Imprisoned somewhere for the rest of their lives.”
“Coming up on Kor Magna,” Rillian called from the cockpit.
Galen unbuckled his belt, stood, and grabbed Sam’s hand. As he led her over to a larger window, he was conscious of everyone watching them. He pulled her to the glass. “Welcome to Kor Magna.”
“Wow,” she murmured. “It looks like a carpet full of glowing jewels.”
The lights of the city did look pretty against the darkness. “It’s not so pretty in the daytime, but it has a lot to offer. You have a home here.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you, Galen.”
“Thank you, Sam. I would have died at Zaabha without your help.”
“I’m not sure I believe that.” Her face turned serious. “I want in on the mission to end the Thraxians and Zaabha.”
Everything inside Galen instantly rebelled. He was a protector by nature, born and bred. She’d just escaped that sand-sucking hellhole, and he didn’t want her going anywhere near it again.
He didn’t want to risk her, especially after everything she’d been through.
But her dark gaze steadily held his. There might be fear hidden in there, but it was buried beneath steely determination. He knew she was a warrior, a fighter, a gladiator.
There was also another part of him rising up, one that he had little experience with. A part that wanted to see Sam happy and give her whatever she wanted. Whatever she needed.
“As you wish.”
Sam finally flicked off the hot water in the shower. She’d been in there for close to an hour, and it had felt heavenly.
Naked, she stepped out onto the cool tiles of the bathroom connected to her new bedroom.
She wrapped herself in a large, soft, drying cloth. Her new room in the House of Galen, in the Kor Magna Arena, in the city of Kor Magna, on the alien planet of Carthago. She shook her head. Her life had sure taken a few unbelievable twists.
She released a breath and looked at herself in the foggy mirror. She was trying to focus on her gorgeous, comfortable surroundings, but dark memories of her cell kept butting in. Even as she tried to take in the simple beauty of the room around her, she remembered cold rock, the scent of rotting food, the feel of arena sand beneath her feet, and the screams echoing in the air.
She sucked in another breath.
Maybe because none of this was really hers. She’d had nothing at Zaabha, and despite this luxurious suite around her, she still had nothing. Her wet hair dangled around her face, and she brushed it back, studying the metallic remnants of the implant stuck to her skin. She was getting the damn thing removed today, so maybe that would help her feel more normal.
The other human women were here at the House of Galen and in the city. They’d all survived, and Sam knew she would too. She’d make sure of it.
She moved out into the lovely bedroom. Gauzy, white curtains billowed over the arched windows looking out into the training arena below, and the room was dominated by the large bed she’d slept in the night before.
After only a few steps, she froze. Someone had been in her room while she’d showered.
The bed now had several soft-looking pillows stacked against the headboard, and a fluffy, gray blanket rested at the foot. Her chest tight, she moved over and stroked the fabric. It was exquisitely soft. Almost like a cloud.
On the bedside table was a large vase of alien flowers in a multitude of colors. A picture had been added to the wall. It was a painting of two full moons hanging in a beautiful night sky. It reminded her of riding on the beast in the desert with Galen.
Galen.
Sam pressed a closed fist to her heart. She stared at the things, the pretty things that she’d dreamed about, and dragged in some deep breaths.
Suddenly, the bedroom door slammed open and her fellow humans charged in.
“Time for breakfast,” the red-headed Rory called out.
Something touched Sam’s ankle and she looked down. A robot dog was sniffing at her feet.
“Don’t mind Hero,” Rory said. “He’s just memorizing your scent.”
“Where’s your baby?” Sam asked.
“Having some daddy time. My gladiator is gaga for that kid.”
“I have some clothes for you, courtesy of our generous imperator.” Madeline bustled forward with an armload of various-colored fabrics. “Get dressed while we get breakfast set up on the balcony.”
Sam just blinked at them. It had been so long since she’d spent time with friends. So long since anyone had cared. “Thank you.”
In the bathroom, she pulled on a supple pair of leather pants and a deep-red shirt. Before she knew it, she was stepping out onto her balcony.
Sweet, blonde-haired Regan and Harper were supervising the workers setting food on the low tables. The rest of the women, including the small, blonde Mia, were sitting on large, comfy cushions. The tables were laden with all kinds of food—most that she didn’t recognize, but that didn’t matter. It smelled good.
Then, Sam heard the sound of swords clashing. Her gaze went past the railing and on the sand below, she saw a group of gladiator recruits training. There was a flash of red, and she spotted Raiden, with the large Thorin by his side. Her gaze sharpened as she took in some of the training moves.
“I thought you’d be sick of fighting,” Regan said quietly.
Rory snorted. “I think she’s taking in the view.” The woman winked. “Can’t complain about the view around here.”
Sam picked up a green berry off a plate. “I’m more interested in seeing what the training involves.”
Harper smiled. “Once a security officer, always a security officer.”
Rory shoved a bread roll in her mouth. “Sure.”
“Are you okay?” Harper’s face was serious as she looked at Sam.
“To tell you the truth… No,” Sam answered honestly. “Everything feels surreal. I keep thinking that at any moment, someone is going to grab me and drag me off to a cell.”
The women fell silent, sympathy on their faces.
“We all understand, Sam,” Regan said. “I used to have nightmares when I first arrived at the House of Galen.”
“And none of us will ever forget the cells and captivity,” Harper added.
Sam stiffened her spine. She knew they’d all been through their own terrible ordeals with the Thraxians. “I keep waiting to wake up and find my escape was just a dream.” She managed to smile at Harper. “But I will be okay.”
Harper nodded. “It takes time. But just remember that you’re safe and free.”
“I had nightmares for a while too,” Mia said.
“Mine finally stopped.” Regan blushed prettily. “Especially when I’m snuggled up to my gladiator.”
Sam tried to imagine the huge, wild Thorin snuggling and failed. “I’m so glad you’re all okay.” She let her gaze rest on each of the women. They all looked happy and healthy. “You are all okay, right? No one is forcing you—”
Laughter broke out around the table.
Regan leaned forward. “We are all in love with protective, alpha-male, alien gladiators.”
“Galen took us in,” Madeline said. “He moved mountains to help rescue all of us.”
Regan nodded, her blonde hair shifting around her face. “He didn’t just rescue us, he gave us all whatever we needed to heal. Like my lab.”
“My job in maintenance,” Rory added.
“I’m in the arena,” Harper said. “Winter’s working in Medical, that’s why she isn’t here this morning. Madeline’s doing House administration, Mia’s performing at the Dark Nebula Casino, and even though Galen wasn’t happy about it, he let Dayna, Neve, Ever, and Ryan go with their men.”
“He’s a good guy,” Madeline said. “He never asks for anything in return.”
Sam felt all the women watching her expectantly. She cleared her throat. “I know. He’s a good fighter too. I would never have made it out without him.”
“I saw the way he was with you on the ship,” Harper said.
Sam reached out, grabbing a glass of some blue-tinted juice. “Galen watches everything, and he’s protective to the bone.”
“Yes, but he watches you,” Harper said.
Rory leaned forward. “Really?” There was a gleeful tone to her voice.
Sam sipped the drink. It was good. “I know all of you are in love and happy, and you want to spread the joy…”
Rory pouted. “So nothing happened between the two of you?”
“We fought a ton of Thraxians and their fighters, jumped off a floating desert arena, almost got eaten by a huge desert beast that tried to drag us underground, and barely survived the desert. That’s what happened between the two of us.”
The women all stared at her with open mouths.
Harper patted her arm. “I am so glad you made it.”
“Bummer,” Rory said. “God, I so want to know how that man kisses.” The redhead’s gaze turned distant. “He’s so controlled and in charge. I wonder what it’s like when he lets loose.”
Sam’s gaze narrowed. “Don’t you have a man?”
“Yes, but I’m still allowed to wonder what would make the oh-so-controlled Galen lose his control.” Rory grinned. “Don’t you wonder about kissing him?”
Sam looked away to the side and took another sip of her drink.
“Oh, my God,” Regan breathed. “You’ve already kissed him.”
The women all gasped.
“I’m not discussing this with you,” Sam said.
“Why not?” Rory asked.
Harper crossed her arms. “All right, ladies. Leave her alone.”
There was a knock on the bedroom door, and through the archway, Sam saw Galen enter her room.
The women all went silent, their eyes bugging out of their head. As one, they stared at him.
Sam did too. She figured that this was his standard uniform. Black leather trousers, a tight, black shirt that molded over his hard muscles, and a black cloak that fell back behind him. He looked hard and fierce and in control.
All the things that tripped Sam’s trigger. Big time.
The women were looking at Galen, but when Sam sat back in her seat, she realized that Regan was watching her. Then the woman’s gaze moved between her and Galen, and she giggled.
“Hey, G,” Rory called out with a smile.
Galen took them all in, his face impassive. “Good morning.” His icy-blue gaze zeroed in on Sam. “Sam, you’re due at Medical.”
For her implant removal. She stood and nodded at the women. “I’ll see you all later. Thanks for breakfast.”
As she left, she was followed by a wave of good-natured laughing and goodbyes.
She stepped into the hall with Galen. “Thank you.”
“For what?” he asked.
“Well, again for rescuing me, but also for the lovely things you put in my room.”
He looked ahead. “You’re welcome.” He was quiet for a minute, holding the door open for her. “You’ve been alone a long time, Sam, but you aren’t alone anymore.”
The warmth of his words carried her through the stone-lined corridors. She took in the House of Galen as they walked. It was clean, organized, and looked well-run. She’d expected nothing less. She glanced at one of the wall hangings on the wall, depicting gladiators in battle. It was a fine piece of art.
“I was hoping I could ask you something?” she said.
“Anything.”
“I’d like to speak with my family.”
He nodded. “I’ll contact Zhim and organize it.”
“Thanks.” He just kept giving her things. She wished she could give something back.
He led her through a set of doors and she took in the neat, tidy Medical area of the House of Galen. She spied Winter, who was working with some of the tall Hermia healers. The human woman bustled up to her with a smile.
“Hi, Sam. So wonderful to see you.”
That’s when Sam noticed several tall men standing behind Winter. Me
n with metal arms and several metallic implants. Sam instantly stiffened. Cyborgs. After having her own implant forced on her and seeing the implanted fighters at Zaabha, the cyborgs left her wary.
Another woman pushed past the largest of the cyborgs. It was Ever Haynes, a woman Sam had helped at Zaabha. The woman was cradling a baby.
“Hi,” Ever said. “I’m so glad you’re safe, Sam.”
“Ever.” Sam’s gaze fell on the baby. “I thought Rory had a baby.”
“She does. So do I.” Ever tilted the pink-wrapped bundle up to show a tiny, sleeping face with a cupid’s-bow mouth. “This is Asha. Crazy, isn’t it?”
Sam sucked in a breath. “You were pregnant at Zaabha?”
“Yes, and now I’m a mom.” Ever shook her head, her dark hair sliding over her shoulder. “It’s a crazy, complicated story, but my cyborg here is Asha’s daddy.” Ever nudged the big, silent Magnus Rone standing behind her.
Sam blinked. Somehow, Ever had given birth to the Imperator of the House of Rone’s baby. She shook her head.
“Asha’s name means hope, life.” Ever smiled at her baby. “Seemed appropriate.”
A hand touched Sam’s shoulder and she felt the electric zing of Galen’s touch.
“The House of Rone healers have more experience with implants and how they integrate with organic cells,” Galen explained. “I asked Magnus if they could assist my healers in removing your implant.”
Ever gripped Sam’s arm. “There’s nothing to it. They removed mine with no problems. This is Avarn.” She nodded to a nearby older man, who had long, white hair pulled back in a ponytail. “He’s head healer for the House of Rone.”
The man inclined his head.
Sam set her shoulders back. “Right. Let’s get this done, shall we?”
Following instructions, she climbed onto a bunk and lay down. She focused on the Hermia healer touching her head. The healer was tall and very slender, with a bald head and large green eyes. She knew they were genderless.
Someone shifted some equipment and a bright light shone in Sam’s face. Her breath quickened and her pulse jumped. She’d spent some unpleasant time in the lab at Zaabha.