by S. E. Smith
“He told me that as well,” Gril said.
She released him when he pulled away to walk over to the metal box and pull the circuit board out. He stared down at it with a frustrated expression. She walked over and slipped her arm around his waist.
“We could always hike to the outpost,” she suggested.
He chuckled and shook his head. They both smiled when L’eon climbed up on her dresser and sniffed the circuit board. He was the one who had started this whole adventure by stealing it.
“Pretty rock,” L’eon said, pointing his front foot to the top box in her stack of boxes.
“What?” Gril asked.
Madas laughed. “L’eon likes to collect pretty rocks. I have a box of them. Hold on,” she said.
Turning, she walked over to the top box and opened it. On top was a wooden box filled with L’eon’s collection. She walked back with it, and opened the box in front of L’eon.
“Which pretty rock do you want?” she asked.
She giggled while L’eon rummaged through the pebbles, picking up several and examining them before putting them back until he held up the beautiful red rock that he had given her in the Goddess’s Fortress. She had forgotten about it.
“Pretty rock,” L’eon said with a grin.
“Yes, it is very pretty,” Madas agreed.
She frowned when L’eon climbed out of the box and made his way to the circuit board. Gril growled out a warning when L’eon pushed the red rock into the spot for the power crystal. He touched each end with his tail.
Madas released a squeak when she saw arcs of electricity dance on each end. Gril started to reach for the board, but stopped when the components lit up. L’eon sat back and grinned up at them.
“Pretty rock give power,” L’eon stated.
“Wow… it really does,” Madas replied in awe.
Three weeks later, Madas stood on the space port, looking down at Tearraid. Her throat felt tight with emotion. She had always wondered what the planet would look like from space—now she knew.
Gril had been in meetings on and off since they arrived. He was deeply concerned by what Devac had said right before her death—that what was happening was larger than either of them. Gril felt sure that whatever Devac had been involved in was important.
“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?”
Madas smiled when she saw the reflection of Joren standing behind her. She nodded. He came to stand next to her.
“I never did thank you for getting me out of there,” Joren said. “Gril said that he has a little pull and I could be accepted into the military academy.”
“I know, he told me,” she murmured.
Her gaze moved to Joren’s hand when he held out a worn leather notebook. Her throat tightened and tears burned her eyes. She hadn’t asked because she had been afraid of the answers.
“Father wanted you to have this. He said I would know when it was time—when you were ready to go to the stars. He was right,” Joren quietly explained.
Madas’s hand trembled as she reached out for the leather bound notebook containing her father’s most intimate thoughts. She lovingly ran her hand over the cover and nodded. Looking up at Joren, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you for keeping this safe for me,” she said in a voice thick with tears.
Joren caressed her cheek before he turned his head and smiled at Gril standing in the doorway. He quietly left the room. Gril walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
She placed her arm over his and leaned back, staring out at the stars beyond their planet. An intense longing to see what was out there and document it filled her. Gril must have seen the longing in the reflection of the glass.
“How would you like to travel through the stars?” he asked.
“I would love to—as long as I do it with you,” she murmured, twisting in his arms and capturing his lips.
L’eon sat invisible on the couch watching his two pets nuzzle each other. He had learned that the creatures on this ship were a little wary when he walked around, but that was alright. He would give them time. After all, it wasn’t every day that a Chameleon Lightning Lizard found a new world to live on, he thought as he snuggled down and closed his eyes with a wry grin on his lips.
Post scene:
Thirty years later: Palace on Kassis
“Wow! I… that is…,” River Knight whispered, staring at Madas.
“… Amazing. I’m so glad that you finally shared how you and Gril met. It is so romantic,” Star Strauss said with a sigh.
Madas smiled across at Star. “I never thought about it being romantic until now, but Gril is a very romantic mate,” she admitted, tenderly caressing the growing bump under her blouse.
“Now I want to know everything that has happened since,” Jo Strauss urged, leaning forward with her hand under her chin.
“Madas can tell us after we have some cake,” Star said, rising to her feet.
Madas gazed around Star and Jazin’s decorated living quarters. She had been shocked when she arrived for a prearranged visit and discovered that Star, Jo, and River had planned something called a ‘baby shower’ for her. Tears burned her eyes. She had become more emotional the further along her pregnancy developed and the eggs inside her grew.
There were dozens of people from a wide variety of species here. Her heart warmed that so many would come together to celebrate the coming birth of her and Gril’s offspring.
Madas looked to where Gril was standing on the balcony, talking with a group of the men who had attended the festivities. The men had quickly retreated to the balcony when she had started sharing how she and Gril had met.
Gril must have sensed her staring at him because he turned his head and lovingly returned her gaze. He absently nodded at something that Ajaska and Walter said, but she could tell he was completely focused on her. A slight flush warmed her cheeks when he looked down at where her hand was absently caressing her extended stomach and fire flared in his eyes.
“Madas, you better be careful! I think Mattie is going to try to talk L’eon into coming to live with her,” Jo laughed, drawing her attention away.
Madas chuckled when she saw the young animal trainer sitting crossed legged on the floor with L’eon on her lap. L’eon was lying on his back with his legs sprawled in abandon and his tongue hanging out, happily getting his belly rubbed. She shook her head in amusement. She looked up when she felt a warm kiss against her neck and Gril’s large hand covering her hers.
“Are you feeling well?” he murmured near her ear.
Madas relaxed back against her seat. “Yes. This is…. I am so lucky, Gril, to have you and friends like this. I love you so much,” she answered with a sniff, feeling emotional again.
He pressed another kiss to her neck, then wrapped his arms around her and rested his hands on her stomach. A shudder ran through his body and she heard him take in a slightly shaky breath. She rested her cheek against his head.
“I love you more, my beautiful forest warrior,” he finally said.
“Who wants cake?” Star announced.
Gril released her and stepped around the chair, holding out his hand for her. She placed hers in his, and for a moment, it was like they were the only ones in the room as she rose to her feet and moved into his arms. She had wanted to discover the universe, and among the stars she had found the magic of love with Gril and the true meaning of family and friendship among the stars.
Note from the Author:
When I first wrote a short scene in Star’s Storm: Lords of Kassis Book 2, where Madas started to share how she met Gril, I knew that I would need to write the story of Madas and Gril’s love.
Gril captured my heart in River’s Run with his understanding and concern; while Madas captured my imagination in Star’s Storm with her strength of character, intelligence, and her compassion.
I hope you enjoy their story as much as I do. S
ome characters deserve to have their own stories told and Madas and Gril—along with L’eon—are just a few of those who need their magical moments shared.
Enjoy, Susan aka S.E. Smith
About S.E. Smith
S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International, and Award-Winning Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Experience the stories:
If you loved this story by me (S.E. Smith) please leave a review! You can also take a look at additional books and sign up for my newsletter to hear about my latest releases at: S.E. Smith Website
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Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone Series
Calla Ryss has spent months languishing in a cell, surviving her captors—the metal-scavenging species known as the Edull—after being abducted from her home world. Deep in the deserts of the lawless planet of Carthago, she is desperate to find a way out. Yet when escape comes for her and her lone human friend, it doesn't lead to safety, but to the bone-chillingly dangerous cyborgs of the House of Rone. To her shock, Calla finds herself in the arms of a lethal cyborg with metallic silver eyes.
Zaden lives for the House of Rone. His cyborg enhancements help him keep a ruthless hold on his emotions. Loyalty, and the rare spurt of annoyance at the cyborg hunting cat that refuses to leave him alone, are the only emotions he allows himself to feel. He is perplexed when Calla falls into his arms and he begins to experience emotions he’s never felt before…a dangerous malfunction for a cyborg whose enhancements are in place not to increase his lethal abilities, but leash them.
Zaden vows to guard Calla and keep her safe—with some unsolicited help from a certain cyborg cat— when mysterious attackers attempt to snatch her. There is more at stake than just Calla’s safety. As they are drawn into an intoxicating storm of emotion, they will risk their hearts, their lives, and their freedom to rescue another innocent captive. Can they succeed against the odds, or will Calla find herself imprisoned once again?
Chapter One
She moved her arm in the moonlight, first left, then right.
Her brown skin still looked the same, and the moonlight still looked silver. It just wasn’t from the small moon that orbited her world of Rella.
Sighing, Calla Ryss lowered her arm and pulled her knees to her chest. Her gaze moved up to the dark sky above her, and the two huge moons hanging there.
The orbs draped the city in soft silver. From her perch on the balcony, she had a great view of Kor Magna—the capital city of the desert planet of Carthago. Here in the pretty moonlight, it reminded her of the ancient cities of Rella’s past. Most of the buildings were made of old stone that practically throbbed with a sense of history. Nearby, the imposing walls of the arena rose up. Lights shone from the stadium, and she heard a sound like distant thunder. It was the crowd, watching one of the gladiator fights.
Her belly clenched. She was so far from home.
She glanced at the few stars she could see in the sky. Up there, somewhere, was Rella. She had no idea where, since she was only a chef, not an astronomer or navigator. She, Calla Ryss, was nobody special.
She’d been so excited when she’d gotten the offer to join the crew of one of her planet’s first starships. Space travel was still a burgeoning area for Rella, much like she’d learned it was for the planet Earth.
Her parents had been upset at first, not wanting their daughter so far from home. Calla was pretty sure her mother just wanted to continue her attempts to find Calla a suitable mate.
Calla had been so proud that she’d been offered a position on the ship. Sure, she’d just been working in the kitchen, feeding the ship’s crew of scientists, pilots, and security staff. But that didn’t make it any less of an adventure.
Her family were all smart, dedicated workaholics. Her father was a healer, her mother ran her own successful business, and her brother was a renowned professor at the Rellan Academies. Calla had never felt like she fit in. She’d moved from job to job, never finding what she loved or was good at…until she’d started to cook.
A Ryss can be more than a cook, Calla.
The echo of her father’s voice made her hunch her shoulders. Another reminder that Calla never quite felt like she belonged with her family.
And she certainly didn’t belong here on Carthago.
She pressed her cheek to her knee. It had been exciting, at first, traveling among the stars. But then, everything had gone very wrong when her starship had been attacked by alien slavers.
Calla’s throat tightened. In her head were echoes of the screams, the sirens, and the huge, demon-like aliens who’d boarded the ship. She’d been so afraid. She’d been dragged by clawed hands onto a small, alien ship and thrown into a cell.
Swallowing, she tried to calm herself, but her heart beat like a trapped thing in her chest. You’re safe now, Calla.
The Thraxians had abducted others as well. They’d also attacked an exploration ship from Earth, and they’d brought their captives through a wormhole to the other side of the galaxy. To this lawless, desert planet.
She shivered. It had been explained to her that the wormhole had been transient and had since collapsed. There was no way home since Rella and Earth were on the other side of the galaxy.
Calla had been sold to the Edull—metal scavengers who lived in the depths of the desert. Somehow, even though there had been so many days when she was sure she’d die, she’d managed to survive the cells, the experiments, and rough treatment.
Mostly, it was all thanks to a woman from Earth—a fellow abductee—called Sage. The woman’s sweet nature and unrelenting optimism had kept Calla alive, even on the darkest days.
Then they’d been rescued by dangerous cyborg gladiators who’d brought them here to the House of Rone.
Calla still couldn’t quite believe she was safe. Suddenly, a high-pitched cry broke the quiet of the night. She lifted her head and glanced along the balcony, with its gentle arches of stone. It sounded like a cat…or a baby.
She looked over the railing. Down below lay the training arena. By day, it was packed with bare-chested gladiators and cyborgs, but tonight, it was empty. When she’d first seen the cyborgs, she’d been terrified. They were all fierce, and cold, and scary.
But they’d saved her and Sage from the Edull. And they’d already freed two others from Sage’s ship, the Helios—Quinn and Jayna.
Calla heard the plaintive sound again and scanned around once more. She couldn’t tell where the noise was coming from.
She sat back, her gaze moving to the night sky again. She was well aware that there were still more humans out there. She’d been the only Rellan taken—pain carved up her insides at the thought. Her ship had broken apart too fast for the Thraxians to nab any others.
Unfortunately, Calla and Sage had no idea how many other humans were being held prisoner. The Edull had kept them all separated, but they were out there, somewhere.
I hope you’re free soon.
She knew that the House of Rone cyborgs, and Quinn, the Helios’ security chief, were busy looking for them. Calla couldn’t really contribute anything to the search. Baking a perfect dessert, or making heavily frosted sweet treats, didn’t really help when you needed to find stolen slaves.
She sighed. She hadn’t cooked since her abduction, but just lately, she was starting to feel the urge again. To sink her hands into dough and create something delicious. Not that it mattered. The House of Rone had an entire kitchen of cooks to keep everyone who worked there fed.
The sharp, high-pitched cry came again and Calla frowned. This ti
me, it sounded more like a baby. Perhaps it was Ever’s daughter. The human survivor from Fortuna Space Station had been here far longer than Calla and the Helios survivors. Since her rescue, the woman had given birth and now had Asha, a sweet-faced baby girl. Ever was also in love with the Imperator of the House of Rone, Magnus Rone.
Calla shivered. That cyborg was beyond scary. She had no idea how Ever had ended up with the man.
Now, Calla heard laughter—sexy and lush.
She glanced over her shoulder to the room neighboring hers. It belonged to Jaxer Rone and Quinn Bennett.
Another human woman and cyborg who were very much in love. Oh, the pair were probably getting naked. Warmth filled Calla’s cheeks. Jax and Quinn always looked at each other with heat in their eyes.
Calla heard that mournful cry again and frowned. Now, it sounded feline, and it had definitely come from below. She shifted onto her knees and leaned out over the balcony. Her heart thumped.
There was a ledge just below her balcony, and it was covered with vines. The noise had come from there. Her heart thumped again and she pressed a palm to it. It was a shock to feel the smooth metal under her shirt. A reminder that her heart wasn’t actually her heart anymore.
Calla had been injured during her rescue. Her fingers flexed. Vague, blood-splattered memories hit her. A brutal fight. A hard hit to her chest. Firm arms catching her. A coldly handsome face and metallic silver eyes.
Her brand-new, cybernetic heart pounded. She still wasn’t quite sure how she felt about the fact that she had a lump of metal under her ribs. Beneath her fingertips, she felt the flexible metal skin that covered the hole in her chest.
She was alive. That was all she had to remember.