A Mate For Matrix

Cyborg Protection Unit #1

by S.E. Smith

**Special the original novella has been extended into a full novel!

A human woman, an alien male, and a determined cyborg wolf hybrid who wants a family can only lead to one thing... A Mate for Matrix.

Jana Dixon loves her job as a vet assistant. Her life might not be the most adventurous, even with the three kittens she adopted, but it is hers. However, when a trucker brings in what he thinks is a wolf, Jana's life gets more exciting than she could have ever dreamed!

Matrix Roma and his partner, K-Nine, are elite agents in the Cyborg Protection Unit, a shadow warrior division of the Zion military. Their current mission becomes critical when K-Nine disappears while on the hunt for a deadly genetically-engineered creature known as a Crawler.

Matrix soon discovers that his hands are full and his life is in chaos. He might be a match for the deadliest creatures in the solar system, but can he handle one curvaceous human and her three mischievous kittens? He's about to find out the hard way.

**A Mate for Matrix was originally published as a novella in the Pets in Space 1 anthology, a series which supports Hero Dogs, a charity that provides trained service dogs to our nation’s heroes. I've extensively added to the story in this Special Edition. Lose yourself and discover the connection to my Zion Warriors series!

A NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, the internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new story with her signature humor and unpredictable twists! Exciting adventure, hot romance, and iconic characters have won her a legion of fans. Over TWO MILLION books sold!

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2025

About the author

S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY 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.

Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

Reviews

[Nicholette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story.

S.E. Smith has created an amazing universe and I’m really happy we’ve come back for another visit. I am excited to see where we go as the story continues in this universe. I can’t wait to find out what happens for all the characters we’ve met already and how their stories will unfold.

I loved Matrix and K-9 from the first; I want a talking dog! Jana is sweet and fierce, kind and loving exactly what they needed to complete their pack along with three rambunctious mischievous kittens! I really can’t wait to see where S.E. Smith takes as we move forward in this universe.

[Shana Pare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

I found this to be a sweetly delightful tale with three little kittens who may, or may not, have lost their mittens but didn't need to cry because K-9 was on the job keeping them safe and out of trouble. The ending is poignant but still good. I recommend the story because it ties into several other series by Ms. Smith.

[charlotte chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuation of an old unfinished series

OMG!!!!! I can't believe it. Continuation of an old unfinished series I thought would never be completed. I'm not spoiling it for anyone else. Clues are there to pick up along the way. As the story continued I got more excited as I recognized name after name. I've dated years for this. I'm in tears right now.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever with animals that are precious. I loved it.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very light read but a nice comfort read.

[Christine Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner

Another excellent story by S. E. Smith. The characters, the plot and the dialogue are sharp as usual.
I can feel a re-read coming on!
Highly recommend this book and series.