Sam didn’t want to be anywhere else.

She was lying in Galen’s big bed, pressed up against his warm, hard body. She slid her hands down his chest and over the ridges of his belly. His now-healed body.

He was asleep, and she took the moment to explore him. She wouldn’t easily forget seeing him, horribly injured, with a pool of blood forming around him.

She wouldn’t easily forget the fear that she might lose him.

Sam circled his hardening cock, stroking it.

He woke with a jolt. “Buenas tardes.”

She smiled at her man. He kept surprising her with some Spanish. “It’s a very good evening.”

For three days they’d mostly stayed in Galen’s bedroom, resting, eating, and making love. Yes, everything was pretty darn perfect.

She pressed a kiss to his chest, right over where the bolt had pierced him. It had been close to the slash scars he’d kept for so many years. Her chest filled with warmth. He’d finally allowed the Medical team to heal both his new wounds and the old scars.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Like I’m the luckiest man in the galaxy.” His hand slid into her hair. “Like I love you more and more every day.”

“Dios, I love you too, Galen. Your strength, your protectiveness, your sense of right and wrong.”

“Te amo,” he murmured.

Her life had been destroyed, like his had, but now she felt like the pieces were coming back together. Maybe with some scars that would never quite fade, but those scars helped make them stronger. Helped them appreciate what they had. Glowing with happiness, Sam kissed him.

“I’m feeling the urge to get creative,” he murmured against her lips.

Her belly spasmed. Over the last few days, Galen had proven that he could get very creative when he was in the mood. And when he did, it usually ended with her screaming.

She could hardly believe that Zaabha was gone. That the House of Thrax no longer existed, and all remaining Thraxians that had been involved with Zaabha had been rounded up. She knew they were headed to their new life at the ShadeFury mines.

Zaabha’s prisoners had been freed, and she knew Madeline had been working overtime coordinating with the other houses to help get the former captives home.

The nightmare was over, and now they had to get on with living.

She stroked Galen’s cock again and he groaned. She smiled. She really liked having him at her mercy.

Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open. Galen cursed and Sam yanked the sheet up over their naked bodies.

“Okay, you guys have been here for days,” Rory complained. She had Finley on her hip.

Regan stood shyly beside her. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Madeline bustled across the room. When she reached the windows, she yanked open the curtains.

Harper stood in the doorway, grinning unrepentantly. “There’s a party planned. All the Houses are coming, and you two are the guests of honor.”

“So out of bed.” Mia strode in, holding a dress. “This is for you, Sam.”

Hero jumped onto the bed, walking around in circles like he was looking for a place to sit.

Galen growled.

Sam laughed, dropping her head to his shoulder. “Do you regret taking in these Earth women?”

He gripped her hip. “Never.”

Sam sat up. “All right, you guys. You got our attention. Out!”

The women headed for the door, Finley cooing. Hero bounded off the bed to follow. Rory was last out, winking at them as she closed the door.

“Time for a shower.” Galen scooped Sam up.

She leaned into his hold, feeling his hard cock brush against her. “I don’t think getting clean is the only thing on your mind, Imperator.”

“No.” His voice deepened. “I have some very dirty things planned as well.”

He carried her under the spray and a moment later, his slick hands cupped her breasts. She moaned. Any touch from him and she felt like her body went up in flames.

“You look good wet,” he murmured.

“You look good all the time.”

Her back hit the tiles and his hands cupped her ass. As she wrapped her legs around his hips, his thick cock thrust inside her.

Pinned to the tiles, she cried out.

“That’s it.” His deep voice vibrated in her ear. “I want to hear you scream my name.”

“Make me,” she breathed.

He pounded deep, his face hard and intense. He looked down at their connected bodies. “Drak, Sam, I love watching you. I love seeing you take me. I love being joined to you.”

Pleasure was a violent tidal wave washing over her. Her nails bit into his shoulders. “Don’t stop.”

“Never.”

She thrust back against him as much as she could. “Don’t stop.”

“Now, Sam.”

An order she was happy to obey. Her screams echoed off the tiles. Then he spilled inside her with a deep groan, lowered his head and bit that special, sensitive spot on her neck. Sam felt another pulse of pleasure and cried out again.

Galen left her feeling flushed and happy as he headed back to the bedroom to get dressed. She watched that tight, muscled ass of his as he left and sighed. All hers.

She dried her hair and in the mirror, she saw the dark mark on her neck. She smiled. Every time it looked like it was starting to fade, he bit her again. He was possessive, but never made her feel like a possession. She used some of the makeup the women had left for her. She accentuated the golden glow of her skin and did some smoky eyes. Then she turned to the dress Mia had brought for her. It hung on the back of the bathroom door.

Sam hadn’t really looked at it before, and now she gasped. She loved it.

Quickly, she slipped it on. She turned to face the mirror, the skirt sliding around her legs. The dress was red and silver. House of Galen colors.

The silver beaded bodice clung to her torso, giving an almost armor-like effect. Red, silky fabric flowed down to the floor, long slits on either side giving glimpses of her legs.

She walked out of the bathroom and her breath caught in her throat.

Galen turned from contemplating the view out the window. A fierce, possessive look crossed his face.

Sam guessed her face looked the same. Mine. All mine.

He was wearing his trademark black cloak, but there was no black shirt covering his torso. His hard chest and chiseled abs were on display, as were all his tattoos.

“So damn handsome.” She walked toward him.

He closed the distance, his arm circling her. “So drakking beautiful.” He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “I love seeing you in my colors.”

“Ready to celebrate, my imperator?”

“Yes.” He offered her his arm.

She linked her arm through his and they headed out. They walked through the corridors of the House of Galen, passing several workers, who smiled broadly at them. When he smiled back at them, Sam saw surprised, pleased looks on their faces.

As they neared the training arena, she heard the sound of music and lots of voices.

Then they stepped outside.

Sam smiled. The training arena had been transformed. Lights were strung up everywhere, and in the center of the arena, round lanterns appeared to float in the night sky. Mingling bodies filled the arena and the arched walkways surrounding it. She could see people from all the Houses. Workers moved through the crowd with loaded trays of food and drink.

Galen pulled her forward and the crowd parted. Right in the center, the House of Galen gladiators and their partners stood, smiles on their faces.

They all lifted their glasses to Sam and Galen.

She looked up and saw emotion working over Galen’s face. He was looking at Raiden, who was standing with Harper.

The men shared a look that Sam knew held so much. Her hand tightened on Galen. It was an acknowledgment that Galen’s job was done.

Then Galen’s blue gaze moved over all his gladiators, and the women who’d captured their hearts and enriched their lives.

Nearby, Rillian stood, elegant as ever, with Dayna tucked against his side. Beside them were Zhim and Ryan, Corsair and Neve, and Magnus and Ever, holding their baby Asha.

“Your family,” she murmured.

Galen nodded. Then he looked down at her. “My world.”

Sam threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, right there in front of everyone.

Cheers erupted all around them.

“Okay, enough of that,” Rory called out. “Let’s get this party started.”

Sam found herself pulled away from Galen, and a drink shoved in her hand. She met dozens of people whose names she couldn’t remember.

Finally, she stood with her friends, sipping her drink. She watched a bare-chested Kace walk past with Finley strapped to his torso.

“That man is hot,” Sam said.

Rory sighed. “I know. So is yours.”

Sam followed Rory’s gaze to Galen. He was sitting in a chair that had been set up at the edge of the party. A blue-haired young woman was leaning over him, using some sort of machine to add more tattoos to his body. Apparently, she was Raiden’s tattoo artist.

Galen’s gaze met Sam’s, and she shoved her drink at Rory. That icy gaze glittered with a heat that was all for her. She was addicted and didn’t care. As she walked toward him, she heard Rory laughing.

The tattoo artist smiled. “Almost finished.”

“Thanks, Vessa.” Galen held out a hand to Sam.

She took it and looked down at Galen’s body and gasped.

The new ink graced part of his chest and side. It looked gorgeous on his bronze skin, and her heart squeezed. The tattoo on his chest was her face, set with fierce concentration. There was another image, too, of both of them fighting together inked over his ribs. They had their swords raised. And another tattoo of the two of them that Vessa was just finishing—Sam standing in Galen’s arms, their gazes locked, looking like they were about to kiss.

Her throat went tight. “They’re beautiful, Galen. I love you.”

“All finished.” Vessa stood. “I think I deserve a drink. This is some of my best work.” She gave them a nod and headed toward the drinks table.

“You’re it for me, Sam.” Galen stood and pulled her close, holding her just like the image that was etched on his skin. “Your body, your hair, your eyes. Your scent, your taste.” His hands slid down her body. “Your strength.” He rested his palms over her belly. “One day this might swell with our child. Every day, I will stand proudly by your side. One day, we’ll grow old, and even when my hair is all gray, I will still be here, your heart, your shield, yours.”

Emotion burst through Sam, and tears pricked her eyes. “When I look at you, Galen, I see strength, honor, and courage. When I look at you, I see the rest of my life.”

* * *

Raiden smiled as he watched Galen and Sam, lost in each other. He recognized the look on his friend’s face. Love.

Turning his head, Raiden glanced across the crowd to find his own woman. His gaze found Harper instantly, drawn to her. His warrior, his gladiator, his heart. Inside, he felt the deepest contentment, something he hadn’t felt since he was a child. She’d helped fill the holes inside him.

Harper turned, and when she saw him watching her, a smile lit her face. Her dress left one toned shoulder bare, and he saw the ink on her skin. His mark. He had matching tattoos on his own skin, all dedicated to the Earth woman he loved.

But that ink was nowhere as indelible as the mark she’d left on his heart.

* * *

Thorin listened to Regan’s giggle. She was laughing at something Rory had said and was pressed firmly against his side.

The sound of her laugh and the feel of her warmed his insides. She was his heart. She’d accepted him completely as he was, all of him.

His sweet Earth girl.

That such a small thing—her head barely reached his shoulder—could bring him to his knees should have worried him. But it didn’t. He was grateful every day to have Regan in his life.

She looked up at him, her eyes luminous. No, she didn’t just accept him, she gloried in loving him. He slid his big hand around her hip and splayed his fingers over her belly. They’d discovered today that he’d planted a child inside her.

Emotions worked through him—a blend of exhilaration, fear, and excitement. She smiled. They hadn’t shared their secret with anyone, yet. It was theirs for a little while longer before they shared it with their friends and family.

A child made in love.

A child Thorin would protect with his life.

A child who would be the best of both of them.

* * *

Kace listened to his wife roar with laughter. Rory did everything at one hundred percent. Her work, her friendships, being a mother, and loving him. She threw herself into life with a lust and gusto he never tired of watching.

He stroked her shining red hair, and she turned and blew him a kiss. As she went back to talking to her friends, Kace looked down at the baby snuggled to his chest.

Kace’s son looked up at him—sweet, precious, and innocent. Finley had his mother’s green eyes, but Kace also saw himself in the shape of his child’s face and his sturdy, little body.

Once, Kace had only believed himself a weapon, incapable of much else. But Rory had changed that. One bold woman from Earth had given Kace everything. She loved him fiercely, and she’d taught him how to love her back.

“We are very lucky, little man.”

Finley gurgled and gave his father a gummy grin.

* * *

Lore watched as his wife moved through the crowd. She was so beautiful and elegant, his dushla.

Madeline’s gown was a slender column of midnight blue that accented her slim curves. It had been one of Lore’s proudest moments when he’d taken this woman as his. They’d shared their joining ceremony over the comm line to Earth with her son.

“You’d love her, Yelena,” he whispered to the sister he’d lost so long ago.

Lore saw Madeline was checking in with the House of Galen workers, ensuring the party was running smoothly. Always working. Only he could coax her into letting loose. Only he knew how deeply she really cared and loved.

And only he got to see that hidden fire of hers that was only for him.

Lore set his drink down and smiled. Time to coax his wife into a dark corner for some stolen kisses.

* * *

Blaine ran his hands up Saff’s long, sleek body. He fused his mouth with hers, swallowing her moan.

God, he would never get enough of this woman. His woman.

She undulated against him. “Need you inside me, Earth man.”

They were in an empty corridor inside the House of Galen, hidden in the shadows. He’d backed her up against the wall, one of her long legs hitched over his hip.

Saff’s hand fumbled at the fastenings of his trousers.

From nearby, he heard the noise of the party. “Someone might—”

“Doesn’t matter.” She bit down on his lip, drawing blood.

Blaine’s control slipped, and he pushed her higher until her long legs wrapped around his hips. He didn’t have to push the short hem of her sexy, little dress far to bare her to him.

“God, I love you.” She was his strength, his heart, his partner in every sense of the word.

Her face softened. “Love you too, Earth-man.”

Blaine hated what the Thraxians had done—destroying Fortuna and the lives of so many—but what’s done was done, and he knew in his heart that he wouldn’t change a thing. He was supposed to have Saff in his life. He was a better man with his fierce gladiator by his side.

She nipped his ear. “Now hurry.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

* * *

Nero found his woman in Medical. No surprise. “Winter, there’s a party going on.”

She spun, her gold-colored skirts flaring out around her. Pretty as ever, and as always, his body reacted to the sight of her.

Her dark hair was down, his favorite style, and her bi-colored eyes were always fascinating. He even liked the vision device at her temple—it was a part of her now too. He could look at her all day.

“I know, I know.” She held up a hand. “I just had to check on a patient.”

Nero gripped her arm. “Party. Now.”

She huffed out a breath. “Bossy.”

But she followed him as they exited Medical. “I never thought I’d see the day when Nero Krahn was in a hurry to get back to a party.”

Nero leaned down and swept her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest. She gasped, a smile on her lips, and slid her arm across his shoulders.

He brushed his lips against hers. “I’d be happy to find something else for us to do.”

Smiling, she cupped his jaw. “There’s the barbarian gladiator I know and love.”

Love. It pounded through Nero, all for this small woman from a distant planet called Earth.

“Your barbarian.” Always.

“Yes, you are.” She pressed her mouth to his.

* * *

Vek hunched his shoulders. The lights of the party were too bright. There was too much noise and too many people.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time celebrating the end of Zaabha and the Thraxians. He looked over at his Mia. She was swaying her hips to the music and sipping her drink.

As always, shocked pleasure ran through him. She was his, and every day he was amazed by her. He watched the lights glint off her golden hair.

Vek wanted to scoop up his mate and slip off to the rooftop garden. He’d stalk her through the trees and love her under the moonlight. His Mia. She was like a song to his soul. She’d given him his freedom and given him her love. She’d made him the man that he was today.

It didn’t matter that her skin was pink and his was blue, that she was from Earth and he didn’t even remember his planet, they were a perfect match.

She spotted him looking at her and came over to him, a soft smile on her face. Vek knew many people hesitated to even get close to him. But without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him.

“Want to sneak off?” There was a glint in her eye.

His gut churned. Ever since Rory had given birth, Mia had decided she wanted babies. Even knowing that Vek’s species gave birth to multiple younglings at once hadn’t deterred her. But Vek was big and Mia was so small, and it made him nervous. He’d never let any harm come to her.

But as his mate smiled at him, Vek knew he was doomed, because whatever his Mia wanted, he’d move the entire planet to give it to her.