His Human Slave (Zandian Masters 1)

Daneth’s hologram projected into the room “My lord, my monitors indicate the human may require food already. Would you like me to take her to the kitchen? Or have something sent to your room?”

Zander’s gaze flicked down at her with impatience. “Is that why your stomach grumbles?”

She nodded. “Yes, my lord.” It cost her to speak to him with respect, but she even managed not to sound mocking. If those were the rules of this new life, she would follow them. It was the way her mother had kept them safe and together so long. Head down, feign compliance. Plan a revolution. Besides, she had bigger battles to pick—like avoiding the intended taking of her virginity.

He snatched up the leash and clipped it to her collar, jaw tight, disgust painted across his handsome face. “I’ll take her to the kitchen. How often does she require food?”

Daneth winced. “Two to three times a day. And they recommend she have liquids at all times. The lack of fluids may explain why her lips have cracked. I thought it might be our atmosphere, but that’s all compatible.”

He lifted her to her feet, using the leash, which caused her to choke.

“Ouch,” she protested, glaring.

He frowned and shook his head. “Fragile human,” he muttered, but her sixth sense registered guilt behind his frustration. He hadn’t meant to hurt her.

“How often do you eat?” she asked. There was accusation in her voice, or maybe it was defensiveness. Whatever it was, it offended the prince.

He popped the leash toward him.

She flew forward onto her knees, pain flashing up her neck and into the base of her skull. Lights danced before her eyes.

~.~

Veck and excrement. He bent and picked up the weak human female from where she’d fallen to her knees. Dropping her back on her feet, he rubbed her nape to ease her pain.

He hadn’t meant to yank her so hard, had forgotten how little she weighed. Anger at himself quickly morphed into general irritation with the whole vecking situation. What was he doing with a vecking slave? He hadn’t the slightest idea how to train her or care for her well-being. He hadn’t even wanted offspring. He didn’t want any of this mess.

He unclipped the leash and threw it on the floor. “I don’t need this damn leash. You will follow a step behind me or you’ll be beaten. Is that clear?” He shouldn’t yell at her. It wasn’t her fault he’d hurt her.

Her eyes swam with tears, and guilt stabbed at his consciousness.

“Why are you crying?”

“I’m not.”

For the love of his species, were they really playing this game again?

He ran his fingers around her collar, checking for wounds. “I hurt you?” Rug burns reddened her knees, but nothing terrible.

She shook her head. “I’m hungry, that’s all.” Her voice choked with tears.

The sound of it grated on him—made his chest tighten. She affected him in far too many ways. He wasn’t an emotional creature by nature. Not like a human. But, in the course of an hour, she’d inspired anger, frustration, and guilt. And yes, lust. Because the sight of her naked body had him itching to veck her senseless.

“And you don’t wish to cry, but still you do.” He growled with impatience and snapped her wrist cuffs together in front of her. “Follow.” He marched out of the room. He didn’t look back but her light footsteps padded right behind him.

His guards stole surreptitious glances as they passed. For some reason, it made his fists clench. They were lucky none of them openly gawked or he’d have their heads. He glanced over his shoulder and caught Gunt, the guard who stood at his chamber door, staring at Lamira’s naked buttocks, which, of course, still glowed, painted red with his handprints. Gunt caught his glower and immediately shifted his gaze to the wall.

He grasped Lamira’s elbow and pulled her up to his side.

“You said to walk behind you, my lord,” she protested.

“Do not ever argue with me, slave. Your duty is to follow my lead at all times. I may change my mind or directions at a moment’s notice. You will adjust.”

When she didn’t answer, he halted and spun her around to face him, raising his eyebrows.

“Yes, my lord.” She sounded sullen, but her eyes remained lowered. It was a small step forward. He waited a moment longer for her to lift her eyes so he could give her a fierce glower of warning.

She blanched.