His Human Slave (Zandian Masters 1)

His cuff produced Daneth’s head, floating right above her. She flinched.

“My lord.”

“Bring something to ease her pain.”

Daneth bowed his head. “Of course, my lord.” The hologram disappeared.

“You should have told me. You are my slave—my female—and no other male should touch you, especially not from my own guard. I will kill—” He broke off and closed his eyes, as if reining in his temper. “I would have protected you. Did something else happen between you?” His violet gaze was intent.

“No, my lord.”

“Is that truth?”

She nodded. “Truth.”

He stroked her cheek. “If it had—if he had raped you, would you lie to me about it?”

She tensed. She might lie. She wouldn’t want Zander to question the parentage of any child she conceived. “I told you, nothing happened. Remember how I begged you to let me go about the pod without a guard?”

Zander grimaced. “To avoid being with Gunt?”

She nodded. Her stomach rumbled.

Zander reached for the tray of food and picked up a piece of cheese. “You’re hungry.” He held it to her lips.

She closed her mouth and shook her head. “No, I’m not.” She instantly regretted it.

Zander’s eyes flashed and his body stiffened. “Even now you lie when I can clearly hear—”

“I meant, I’m too upset to eat.”

“I don’t understand.”

She sighed and rolled her eyes. “My emotions affect my digestive organs. My stomach feels like it’s tied in a knot. If I ate, it would make me sick.”

Zander’s expression grew sober and he drew her closer. “You’re angry with me?”

“A little,” she admitted.

“And what else? Your pain?” He ran his hand lightly over her swollen buttocks, and she hissed.

It was odd to have Zander always dissecting the things she said, never understanding normal human communication or emotions. It forced her into more self-awareness. And, for once, she wanted to confess the truth.

“You scared me.”

Regret made Zander’s handsome face droop. “I’m sorry, little human. Did you fear for your life? Your safety?”

She shrugged. “Maybe a little.”

“I admit I was...upset.” He used her word, as if trying it on for the first time. “But I would never cause you lasting harm. I wouldn’t take it too far. I know humans are delicate. I knew when to stop.”

She realized she believed him—perhaps she’d known it even at the time. Some little anxiety inside her settled.

A tap sounded at the door, and the screen on the back of it showed Daneth standing outside.

“Come in.”

She squirmed, trying to extricate herself from Zander’s arms, but he refused to let her go. He must have realized why she was uncomfortable, though, because he tugged a blanket up over her