She whirled and spun her fighting forks, moving with deadly force. She stabbed one pirate in the arm, then spun and lunged, stabbing a second one in the gut.

  Xias’ sword slammed against a big pirate’s axe. They scuffled, but the man was no match for Xias. He trained for the arena every day. With several blows, he cut the man down.

  He turned to see the last pirate running at Seren’s back.

  “Seren!” Xias yelled.

  He started running across the sand, but he was too far away.

  She turned, just as the pirate rammed his sword at her. Then poof, she was gone in a blink.

  The pirate stumbled and frowned.

  Seren winked back into existence behind him, dark smoke curling around her. She ran her fork into his back and twisted.

  With a strangled cry, the man pitched forward.

  She yanked her fork back, staring down as the bleeding pirate dropped to the sand.

  By the sands, she was a hell of a woman. Then Xias saw her face turn white.

  Drakking hell. He lunged the last few steps between them and caught her before she hit the sand.

  She grimaced. “My systems can’t compensate for all the pain.”

  “Stubborn, independent, stone-headed woman.” She was losing too much blood. “We have to pull the projectile out.”

  She nodded. “Do it.”

  He gripped the spike, and didn’t bother warning her. He yanked and she cried out.

  Xias tossed the metal away and quickly grabbed the bandana he always carried from his pocket. He pressed the fabric to her bleeding wound. Then he scooped his arms under her and carried her to her tarnid.

  “I don’t like being carried,” she said.

  “Well, I thought about letting you crawl to the tarnids…”

  She scowled.

  “…dripping blood all over the sand.”

  “You made your point, gladiator.”

  “I’m going to take care of you, Seren. Deal with it.”

  He set her down in the shade cast by her tarnid’s big body. Then he fished around in the pack on his own beast before coming back with a compact med kit.

  Next, he reached for the fastenings at the neckline of her leather suit. As the leather parted, it gave him a view of smooth, unblemished skin that was far lighter than his own.

  He swallowed, desire tying his gut in a knot. Great, just great. He took out some antiseptic solution, poured it on the cloth, then started cleaning the wound. It was a small, ragged hole high on her shoulder. He tried to ignore the top of the plump, full breast that was right by his hand.

  Next, he pulled out a tube of med gel and smeared the blue, healing substance over the injury.

  “There.” He pressed a bandage over the worst of it.

  “It feels much better,” she said.

  “Say ‘thank you, Xias,’” he prompted.

  Those purple eyes glared at him. “Thank you, Xias.”

  Every word sounded ripped out of her. Drak, she was something.

  “Now, let’s get to Kaffit before I have to rescue you again.”

  Her eyes flared. “You didn’t rescue me. You aided me.”

  “You say aided, I say rescued.”

  Her growl was the sweetest sound he’d heard all day.

  Chapter Three

  They arrived in the city of Kaffit.

  Huge stone walls surrounded the city and as they passed through them, Seren was assaulted by the noise and chaos of the desert settlement.

  Unlike Kor Magna, where most of the stone buildings were of similar designs, Kaffit had a rambling feel to it. Some buildings were topped with domes, others were crooked and looked about ready to topple over, while some were newer with gleaming glass windows.

  A crowd of kids in loose desert clothes ran up to them, laughing and shouting.

  Seren felt a twinge in her shoulder but controlled her wince. The injury was already healing, but it was painful.

  She glanced at Xias. He was a drakking good fighter, she had to admit. In a real-life fight, he fought with no flash or showmanship, just tough, brutal skill.

  And he’d helped her. He’d treated her wound with a gentleness that had surprised her.

  “You’re staring,” he said.

  She looked away. “Where is this Zonan’s place?”

  “West side of the city. Magnus said we can’t miss it.”

  They walked their tarnids slowly through the city streets. She watched Xias wave to the kids and call down some jokes to them.

  When he wasn’t looking, she pulled out some ekta sweets. The soft, chewy candies were her secret addiction. Growing up, she hadn’t been allowed anything sweet, and at the House of Rone, she’d discovered she loved sweet things.

  She threw the ekta down and the kids grabbed the treats, grinning at her. Seren fought a smile.

  “I saw that.”

  She jerked and glanced at Xias. “Saw what?”

  He smiled. “You like to pretend you’re all tough cyborg, but I see you, Seren.”

  “I am all tough cyborg.”

  He grunted. “And apparently that’s hiding a soft heart that gives candies to kids.”

  She scowled and tightened her hands on the reins. “Is not.”

  “Is too.”

  “Is not.” Ugh, she was arguing like a child.

  He winked. “I think we’re here.”

  She looked ahead. Drak.

  At the end of the street was a sprawling castle. Flags fluttered on the top of ornate walls, and Seren blinked to make sure the desert residence was real. It looked like a sand castle she’d seen children make in sand boxes at Kor Magna’s underground markets. Zonan’s place was a rambling structure where each part of it was a different design. In places, towers speared up next to single-story, fortress-like blocks. Some parts were boxy, others curved and sinuous, while other parts looked airy and delicate.

  They pulled up in front of the building and servants rushed to take the tarnids.

  Hands gripped her waist.

  “Back off,” she snapped.

  “Nope.” Xias grinned up at her.

  “I’ll kick you.”

  “I might like it.” With an easy flex of his arms, he lifted her down from the tarnid.

  “I don’t like you,” she muttered under her breath.

  “Think you’re lying again.”

  He set her down just as the doors at the top of the stairs opened.

  A man in robes of a wild mix of colors swept out.

  “Xias! Welcome. It’s such an honor to have you in my home.”

  And she’d thought Xias was showy.

  Zonan wore clashing colors that hurt her eyes and so much jewelry she wondered how he managed to walk. He had long brown hair that reached his waist.

  The man’s gaze switched to her and widened. “Who is this gorgeous creature?”

  He stepped toward her, and Seren whipped up one of her forks and pressed it to his stomach.

  “I’m his bodyguard. I’m not here to look pretty or play.”

  A flare of excitement bloomed in the man’s eyes. “She’s incredible.”

  Xias pushed Seren’s arm down. “We’re happy to be here, Zonan. But we are tired and dusty.”

  “Of course.” The man clapped his hands and servants swarmed around them. “I’ll have you shown to your rooms.” He smiled. “And then you need to get ready for dinner and the fight tonight.”

  “You have something to give to me for Magnus?” Xias said.

  Zonan’s face turned sly. “You’ll get it after the fight.”

  Crudspawn.

  “Now, I’ll let you go and rest with your bodyguard.” Zonan winked.

  Seren’s muscles bunched, her hand itching to hit the man.

  Xias slid an arm around her and she stiffened. He was warm and hard against her.

  “That’s exactly what we’d like.” Xias lowered his voice. “Don’t kill him.” He raised his voice again. “Lead on, Zonan.”

  * * *

  Xias stepped out of the shower feeling much fresher. He snatched up a drying cloth and rubbed his wet hair.

  He wandered into the opulent bedroom—the bed was huge, the furnishings lush and colorful. He’d expected no less of Zonan.

  Seren had the adjoining room to his. He glanced at the closed door and wondered if she was naked and wet too.

  He shook his head. He was getting fixated on the prickly, dangerous cyborg.

  His lips curved. She’d be a challenge, and he suspected well worth the effort if he got under that smooth skin of hers. He made a humming noise. He’d never taken the easy route before. As a street rat living for scraps in Kor Magna, he’d had to fight hard to feed himself and his sister.

  Suddenly, the door between the rooms opened and Seren strode in.

  “I hope you’ve finished preening—” She froze.

  Xias froze too.

  She’d changed, and it was the first time he’d seen her in anything other than her black fighting leathers.

  She’d traded the black suit for a white dress. It crossed over one shoulder, leaving the other muscular arm bare. The fabric fit her torso like a harness—slicking over taut curves. From her hips, it fell in a silky rain of fabric, with splits up both legs to give her good movement.

  He guessed her forks were strapped to her strong thighs. Her black hair was in its usual ponytail—the black a stark contrast to the white fabric of her dress. It also accentuated the black marks at the corner of her eyes and on her cheeks.

  That’s when Xias realized she was staring at him.

  Rather at his naked body and half hard cock.

  “You’re naked,” she said slowly.

  He pressed his tongue to his teeth. “Yes.”

  “Very naked.”

  An interesting flush of color appeared in her cheeks.

  “Do you like what you see?” His voice sounded grittier than usual.

  “Maybe.” There was curiosity in her tone. “I’ve not paid much attention to the male anatomy before.”

  Xias had expected her to turn and leave, so her words left him shocked. That edge of curiosity that made him even harder.

  Her eyes widened. “I’d heard the rumors that you were large.”

  Xias made a choking sound.

  She moved closer.

  “Don’t stare at me like I’m a science experiment,” he muttered.

  “It’s a little hard not to stare, you’re naked, and your reproductive organ is very noticeable.”

  He groaned. “I like a little intimacy when a woman’s devouring me with her eyes.”

  Her purple gaze narrowed. “I’m not devouring you. I’m a cyborg. I have no emotional reaction.”

  “So why are your cheeks pink?”

  The shade deepened.

  “You feel, Seren, even if you like to pretend otherwise.” He took a step toward her. He was only a little taller than she was and he liked that. She matched him in so many ways.

  “I don’t feel,” she insisted.

  “Prove it.”

  “How?”

  “Kiss me.”

  This was probably a really bad idea, but he couldn’t stop the words tumbling out of his mouth. He was sure she’d balk. She’d spit some acid words at him and stalk off.

  When she stepped closer, he sucked in a breath.

  When she pressed her hands to his bare chest, his heart slammed against his ribs.

  Then her mouth pressed to his, and something inside him exploded.

  Drak.

  It felt like being hit with a stunner.

  Xias groaned and opened his mouth. She made a sound and then he slid his arms around her. He spun her back into the wall. She opened her mouth and the kiss went wild.

  She gripped his shoulders, her tongue stroking his, matching his movements. Drak, she tasted better than anything he’d had before.

  He cupped her ass and pulled her closer.

  She rubbed against his now rock-hard erection, and the small sexy sounds she made reverberated through him.

  Drak, drak, drak.

  Then suddenly, she pulled back, breaking the kiss.

  Panting, she pushed at him until he stepped back. Her hair was askew and her lips swollen.

  When she stepped away, she swayed a little.

  “Don’t feel, my ass,” he said.

  She straightened and fixed her hair. “It was an interesting experiment.”

  “Really?”

  She tossed her head back. “I didn’t feel anything worth mentioning.”

  He grinned. “Must have been something if you feel the need to lie.”

  Her purple gaze turned chilling. “We have a mission to do, Xias. We don’t have time for this. Now get dressed for the party.”

  “Before this mission is over, Seren, you’ll beg me to kiss you again.”

  She rolled her eyes. “So arrogant.”

  “Confident. There’s a difference.”

  She snorted. “Clothes, now.”

  “You’ll beg me to take my clothes off too.” He picked up his leather trousers off the bed.

  She strode out the door. “I don’t think so.”

  We’ll see, prickly Seren, we’ll see.

  Chapter Four

  Seren was feeling some emotion right now—annoyance.

  She was annoyed for a lot of reasons. First, was this party.

  She circled the open-air terrace. They were outside Zonan’s desert home on a large patio lined by long columns of fire spearing into the night sky from fire pits. Partygoers were everywhere. They were all too loud—laughing, screeching, talking.

  A couple clutching tall drinks stood in her path and she scowled at them. They quickly scurried off.

  She was holding a glass that someone had shoved into her hand. Her nose wrinkled, and she poured the frothy, yellow fluid into a potted plant.

  Nearby, a dancer was whirling burning poles around. The woman was naked. Okay, not naked, but Seren didn’t classify the woman’s delicate metal jewelry as clothes. The crowd cheered and clapped at the woman’s display.

  Yes, Seren was annoyed at the party full of annoying people. It was also very irritating that Zonan wouldn’t give them the map. The man was playing games.

  The crowd parted and she spotted a lanky, teenage boy with dark hair. He had some black markings on his face and something inside her stilled. She looked again, but the boy was gone. She shook her head. Some other species had markings similar to hers.

  Then she heard a deep, masculine laugh.

  She turned.

  And there was the final reason she felt annoyed. One big, bold, handsome gladiator.

  Xias was talking with a group who was hanging off everything he said. He glanced up, lifted his drink at her, and smiled. Instantly, she was back in his room, their mouths locked together.

  Don’t go there, Seren.

  She turned away, and suddenly, saw several young children looking up at her. They were dressed in similar clothing to the servants. Zonan appeared to have a lot of children in residence.

  She frowned. “Are you supposed to be here?”

  They stared at her, then one little girl with golden hair shook her head.

  “Do you live here?” Seren asked.

  The girl nodded, then she reached out a hand to finger the fabric of Seren’s dress.

  Seren felt strange emotions move through her. She did feel. She had lied to Xias earlier, but she tried hard to control her feelings in order to be a good cyborg. More often than she liked to admit, sensations leaked through.

  She reached into one of the pockets in the folds of her dress and pulled out her stash of sweet ekta. She crouched down and held some out. The girl took them shyly, then she lifted a hand and traced Seren’s facial markings.

  “Virin,” the girl whispered.

  Frowning, Seren checked her systems for any reference to the word virin. Nothing.

  The girl stashed her sweets in the skirts of her simple dress, then disappeared into the crowd with the other children.

  Rising, Seren swiveled, just as a man stepped in front of her.

  “You are exquisite.” He had a breathy, accented voice and he was eyeing the implants on her forehead.

  “Touch me and I will hurt you,” she warned.

  The man licked his lips. He was far shorter than her, with a stick-thin body and a shirt in an eye-watering orange.

  “The markings…do they cover your entire body?”

  She glared at him. “None of your business.”

  He lowered his voice. “I’d love to find out. I’m very talented with my tongue.”

  “And I’m very talented with a sword.”

  The man paused. “A real sword? Or are you using a euphemism for something else?”

  She just stared at him.

  He shuddered. “So exquisite.” He reached out a hand—

  Seren punched him in the face.

  It wasn’t a hard blow, but he staggered backward and fell into a table of food. It and the man tipped over with a loud crash.

  Guests gasped and cried out.

  “Making friends again?” Xias stepped up beside her.

  She scented him and he smelled so good. Why did he have to smell so good?

  “He tried to touch me,” she said.

  Xias’ trademark grin appeared. “And if I try to touch you?”

  She raised a brow. “Why don’t you find out, gladiator?”

  “My special guests.” Zonan leaped up onto a table, his arms held wide. “Welcome to this wonderful evening. A night filled with fine food, amazing company, and stimulating entertainment. It is my pleasure to announce that the fights will soon begin.”

  The crowd cheered and hollered.

  Seren scanned around. “Animals.”

  “Some are,” Xias conceded.

  “And I have a very special treat for you,” Zonan continued. “All the way from the Kor Magna Arena, a true champion gladiator, and a favorite of mine.” Zonan looked down at Xias. “Xias of the House of Rone.”

  Clapping broke out, along with whistles and cheers.

  Xias raised a hand and waved.

  “The warm-up fights are starting now, but it will all culminate with Xias fighting our very own Champion of Kaffit, Phalgor.”

  A huge alien warrior lumbered into view. He was a head taller than Xias, with a lightly furred body made of packed muscle.