Ever peered through the gloom, straining for any glimpse of the off-worlders.

Nothing. Held tightly in Magnus’ arms as he jogged through the desert sand, all she could see was darkness.

They’d been following the group for hours, and night had fallen some time ago. Their team moved fast and was on high alert. She was well aware that night in the desert brought out dangerous beasts, as well. They hadn’t been able to ride the tarnids that were commonly used for travel in the desert, but she knew the off-worlders were riding the six-legged, scaly-skinned beasts.

She’d managed to jog for the first hour, surrounded by tough gladiators and her cyborg, but when her energy had flagged, strong arms had wrapped around her and lifted her up against a hard chest.

Ever hated the idea of being a burden, but she wouldn’t ever complain about being held in Magnus’ arms.

“Am I too heavy?” she whispered.

“Shh. I can carry you like this for days.”

There. She caught a glimpse of light ahead, and heard the faint sounds of talking and laughter on the warm desert breeze.

Just the thought of these bastards being excited to go to Zaabha made her feel sick. She leaned into Magnus’ warmth and tried to absorb some of his strength and calm.

Her suits were working. She glanced around them and saw no sign of Galen and the others. She sensed they were there, heard their feet shift on the sand, but they were virtually undetectable in the obscurity of the night.

Suddenly, Raiden flickered back into view.

“Stop,” she said.

They crouched and Magnus set her down. She quickly touched the side of Raiden’s suit. It was stretched seamlessly over all his hard muscles. She made the adjustment.

The camouflage flickered back to life.

“Thanks, Ever,” the rugged gladiator murmured.

They kept moving, having to stop a few times for her to adjust for the glitches. But all in all, her stealth suits were working far better than she could ever have imagined.

“Halt,” Galen whispered.

They all hunkered down at the top of a sand dune. Ever had a good view of the off-worlder’s entourage in the depression below.

“They’re making camp,” Magnus said, in the softest of whispers.

Ever watched several men setting up what looked like a fence around the perimeter of their space. Others were opening large, circular tents.

“The fence emits a signal that keeps the night beasts away,” Magnus told her. He lifted his cybernetic arm, and a small device the size of a large marble detached from the metal, and floated silently in the air.

“I haven’t seen a scanner bot that small before,” Galen said.

“New tech my weapons makers have been working on.” Magnus nudged the bot, and it flew off into the night. “It only has a tight range. But it’ll keep an eye on the off-worlders, and we can pull back a little and set up our own camp.”

Down below, the off-worlders had started a fire. There was loud laughter, more raucous than before.

“Pull back.” Magnus gripped Ever’s arm and helped her walk down the other side of the dune.

“Nero, you take first sentry duty,” Galen ordered. “Make sure no one leaves that camp.”

“On it, G,” the big gladiator rumbled.

At the base of the dune, their team moved to make camp. Ever watched the men pull out small devices. With the press of a button, they snapped out into dome-shaped, two-man tents.

“In you go.” Magnus held one tent open for her.

Ever gladly slid inside. She was tired. Inside wasn’t spacious, but she didn’t care. From Magnus’ pack, she pulled out some light blankets. The desert was warm tonight, so they didn’t need much.

“Eat.” Magnus sat down beside her, his big body dominating the space. He dropped a packet of…something…in her lap.

Ever opened it and munched on a mouthful of the tasteless, dried food. “What is this?”

“Protein.”

She wrinkled her nose and took a sip of water from one of the water bladders. Her body felt exhausted, but her mind was wired. She couldn’t forget that they were in the desert, and the Carthagoan deserts weren’t very hospitable.

And Zaabha and the Thraxians weren’t far away.

She felt a tug on her feet and glanced down to see Magnus stripping her boots off.

“Stealth suit, next,” he said.

She nodded and pulled the suit off. It would be too uncomfortable to sleep in. She tilted her head and listened, but didn’t hear any sounds from outside. These warriors certainly knew how to be quiet.

Magnus lay down and grabbed her hand. He urged her down beside him, tucking her close to his body. He was a big, hot, comforting presence behind her.

“We’ll find it, won’t we?” She thought of Sam, and all the others trapped in the floating desert arena.

“Yes. Tomorrow, Zaabha is ours. Our backup teams are prepped, and as soon as we find it, we’ll go in, storm the arena, and find Sam. Then, we’ll destroy the abomination.”

His tone was implacable. Ever nodded, picturing everything he said. He sounded so sure.

They lay there a few minutes longer, and she kept waiting for her muscles to relax. But as Magnus shifted against her, she felt another flame ignite.

Oh, no. The last thing she needed on a dangerous mission was to be feeling turned on again. Not now, hormones. She tried to stay still, but then she rubbed against him. His big hand splayed over her belly, and she rubbed again. She felt something hard prod her ass, and she smiled in the darkness.

Her breathing grew heavy, and she heard his deepen, as well.

“Magnus.”

“Shh.” His hands slid over her clothes, shifting them. He shoved her trousers down, and a hand slid in between her thighs. He started stroking her.

Yes. She made a small, husky moan.

“You have to be quiet, Ever.” His lips were hot at her ear. “Can you do that?”

She nodded. He kept stroking her, and she knew he couldn’t miss the fact that she was embarrassingly wet for him. She bit her lip, trying to control her cries.

She heard a rustle behind her and then Magnus lifted her leg, pulling it over his hip. A second later, his big cock slid into her from behind.

She moaned, biting down on her lip.

“Quiet.” His voice was strained. He thrust inside her, over and over again. His heavy body pressed against her, that thick cock filling her up. She couldn’t stop the tiny noises coming from her throat.

He reached over, pressing his palm against her mouth. She bit down.

With every thrust, his breath was a harsh expulsion in her ear. He kept his hand over her lips, while his other hand moved between her legs and stroked her clit.

Ever came hard. Her cry was muffled by his hand, her body shaking. He shoved into her one last time, his teeth sinking into her shoulder as he poured himself inside her.

When she could think again, she felt him shift, pressing gentle kisses to her skin. They were blanketed in darkness, the desert quiet around them. His big hands slid up her body, cupping her belly, and their growing baby.

Ever closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the feelings inside her. She couldn’t keep lying to herself. She was falling in love with Magnus Rone.

And it felt perfectly right.

He nuzzled into her, and she leaned back into his strength. She was falling in love with a strong, honorable cyborg, and they were having a baby. She’d never found a connection like this with anyone on Earth.

But unease filtered through her. Magnus had never experienced love…and she wasn’t even sure he believed in it.

She turned her face against his skin. It didn’t matter. She’d show him it existed.

But as sleep slowly dragged her under, she knew all they could focus on right now was rescuing Sam and surviving this mission.

* * *

Magnus woke, his internal clock telling him that dawn wasn’t far off. It was still mostly dark outside, only the faintest murky light creeping into the tent.

He took a moment to stay where he was, holding Ever’s sleeping body against him. It felt…so good. It felt right. He blew out a breath. He was relaxed and happy, and happy had never been a goal of his before she came into his life.

He stared down at her face in the faint light. Beautiful. He gently disengaged and watched as she turned farther onto her side. With a smile, he ducked out of the tent.

Galen was already up, crouched at the top of the dune with Raiden. They were staring down at the other side.

Magnus loped up the sand, studying the gladiators’ faces. “Problem?”

“It’s all quiet at the camp,” Raiden said.

Magnus frowned. “The scanner bot detected no one leaving the camp.” He’d checked it numerous times during the night.

Raiden lifted his shoulder, and his red cloak flared in the breeze. “Everything looks fine. No one’s moved since I took over the sentry post. But something feels off. It’s too quiet.”

The three of them knelt at the top of the dune, looking down at the off-worlder camp. Magnus detected no movement. He zoomed in with his cybernetic eye. The tents were all in place, and on one, a loose piece of fabric flapped in the breeze. There were no fresh tracks leading in or out of the camp.

He switched his vision to infrared and cursed. “There are no heat signatures inside the tents.”

“We’ve kept watch all night,” Galen said. “Nobody left.”

“Unless they have some stealth suits, too,” Raiden said with an edge.

“Or they flew.” Galen shifted, shaking his head. “You’re sure the scanner bot didn’t detect anyone leaving?”

“Yes. I don’t know how they did it, but they did.” Magnus’ neck prickled. “It’s a trap.”

Galen cursed. “You think they knew we’d follow them?”

Magnus gave a grim nod. He jogged back down the sand dune and straight to his tent. He lifted the flap. “Ever. You need to get up.”

“What?” She sat up, pushing her tangled hair out of her face. “What’s going on?”

“Somehow the off-worlders snuck out of their camp. We think it’s a trap.”

She scrambled to her feet and yanked on her boots. “Where the hell did they go?”

Suddenly, the howl of several beasts echoed off the dunes around them.

Magnus straightened, backing out of the tent. Around him, the gladiators pulled their swords, and Jaxer yanked out twin laser pistols.

“Stealth suits?” Raiden asked.

“They won’t hide our weapons,” Magnus said. “But everything helps.”

Ever rushed out of the tent, and Magnus pulled her close. Drak, no. His heart hammered in his chest. He didn’t want her in the middle of the fight.

“Ever, get your stealth suit on.”

She nodded and quickly yanked it over her clothes.

They all raced up to the top of the dune, and instantly he saw the beasts loping toward them. Predators of some kind. The desert beasts interbred often, creating new and varied monsters. There were four big, shaggy creatures running with mighty strides, riders sitting atop them.

A screech reverberated through the air and he lifted his gaze. Several giant flying creatures were also moving in, with large flaps of powerful wings. They also carried riders.

“Drak.” Galen kicked the sand.

“Ever,” Magnus said. “You need to stay down—”

“No.” She lifted a laser pistol he’d given her at the start of the mission. “I’m military trained, Magnus, and I’m a good shot.” There was steely determination in her face. “We all have a better chance of surviving if we all fight.”

“They’re getting closer,” Galen said. “They look like fighters from Zaabha.”

Magnus didn’t care who they were. He would protect Ever against anyone or anything that tried to hurt her.

“Here we go,” Raiden yelled, lifting his sword. He activated his camouflage and his body blinked out of view.

The others did the same. Magnus watched Raiden’s and Nero’s swords as the men raced down the dune, sand kicking up behind them. Scenting them, several beasts leaped in their direction.

Swords flashed, and blood sprayed the sand.

Magnus sensed Ever crouch and start firing. There was the whine of a second laser weapon and he knew Jax was firing as well.

Magnus glanced where he knew his second was standing. “Protect her.”

“With my life.”

Magnus grabbed Ever, feeling until he had a good grip…then he kissed her—hard and quick. “Stay safe.” Drak, he wished he could see her face.

Then he rose and turned his head. He scented Galen nearby.

“Let’s do this,” the imperator said.

Magnus broke into a run and the two of them sprinted down the dune.

A fighter leaped off one of the flying creatures, coming at Magnus with a metal staff. He ducked the weapon, turned, and then grabbed the end of it. The fighter tried to yank it free, but Magnus held it. With one squeeze of his cybernetic hand, he crushed the metal to dust. The fighter’s jaw went slack.

Magnus stepped forward, punching the man in the head, knocking him aside.

He turned to see one of the shaggy beasts rushing at him, teeth bared. Magnus dodged, then grabbed a fistful of fur. He yanked the beast around and heard it yelp. Then he swung the beast and tossed it into the air.

Its rider fell off with a scream. The beast slammed into one of the flying creatures and together the two crashed to the ground, in a tangle of fur, scales, and claws.

His stealth suit flickered and died. Drak.

“Watch out, Magnus!” Ever screamed.

He spun, ducking into a fighting stance.

A flying beast swooped in low. Magnus tried to dodge, but sharp claws raked his shoulder. His pain dampeners moved quickly to block the burning sensation.

Ahead, he watched as Galen, his suit no longer working, grabbed the wing of a second flying creature as it whizzed past. With a show of strength, the imperator leaped onto the beast’s back. He pulled himself up, knocking the rider out of the saddle.

Nearby, Raiden and Nero were still camouflaged blurs, battling the other fighters and ground beasts. Laser fire pulsed through the air from the top of the dune. Magnus turned his head, tracking the creature that had scratched him. He saw it wheel around, coming back for another attack.

As the beast flew closer, Magnus held up his cybernetic arm. A shadow blocked the morning sun just as claws clamped on his arm. He was yanked off his feet.

Flying into the air, Magnus swung his body in a smooth arc. He jerked free of the claws and climbed on top of the beast. An elbow to the face sent the rider tumbling off. The man screamed, arms flailing, as he fell the long way down to the sand below.

Magnus settled into the leather saddle, the beast letting out a displeased screech. He grabbed the reins, pulling on them gently. It only took a few moves to work out what the animal responded to. He leveled the creature out, air rushing into his face. A moment later, Galen appeared beside him, with a flap of the wings of his own flying beast.

“This should be fun,” the imperator said with a faint smile.

Magnus nodded. All he cared about was getting back to Ever.

Together, he and Galen swooped in over the fight. Magnus directed his beast to a fighter jogging up the dune toward Ever.

The creature snagged the man, and Magnus lifted them back up, high into the air. The fighter fell with a sharp scream.

Magnus wheeled the flying beast around again. As they came in close to the fight, Magnus patted the beast’s neck, then grabbed the rope reins and broke them off with a hard tug. “Fly free.”

He leaped off. When his boots hit the sand, he rolled.

As he stood, he saw he was right by the empty off-worlder camp. Galen stood beside a tent, his creature sitting quietly nearby with its wings tucked back. Raiden stood nearby, the hood of his stealth suit thrown back, smiling darkly. Nero crouched not far away, cleaning blood off his blade.

“Nice flying,” Raiden said.

Magnus nodded, looking back toward the dune where Ever and Jax had been firing from. There was no sign of them. He scanned the sand, ice sliding into his veins. Something was wrong.

Magnus broke into a jog. Maybe they were hiding somewhere, keeping themselves safe.

He reached the base of the dune. “Ever!”

The gladiators were right behind him. They crested the dune, and there was nothing before him, other than more sand. Where was she?

Nero crouched, studying some marks in the sand. Then the man stood and followed some sort of trail that Magnus couldn’t see.

“Drak. Over there.” Nero pointed.

Jax’s body was lying face down in the shadow of the dune. His stealth suit was shredded and a spear pinned his shoulder to the sand.

Panic like he’d never known filled Magnus. He raced forward, quicker than the others, skidding down the dune toward his friend.

“Jaxer.” He dropped to his knees. He gripped the spear and ripped it out, resulting in a faint moan coming from his friend.

Magnus gently rolled the man over. Jax opened pain-filled eyes. The wound on his shoulder was gory, and there was blood all over him.

“Strengthen your pain dampeners,” Magnus said.

Jax managed a wan nod. “Wound…already healing.”

Magnus knew Jax, like him, could direct the blood flow away from the wound, and increase his rate of healing. “Ever?”

Something flickered through Jax’s eyes. “I’m so sorry, Magnus. There were several Thraxians. They came out of the damn sand and attacked me. They took her.”

Magnus looked up, staring blindly at the dunes. Ever. Then he let out a chilling, feral roar.