Zandian Pet (Zandian Masters 7)

For some idiotic reason, she glanced at Erick, as if needing his opinion. But he wasn’t her mate—his feedback had no bearing on her future. Even so, she appreciated his nod of encouragement. “Yes, I’d love to learn to fly.”

“All right. You’ll train in battle arts as well. You need to be prepared if you’re shot down.”

Shot down. Rok said it so casually. Well, what had she expected? This was war. And the danger was the reason the females at the palatial pod thought her participation would be denied.

“Wonderful.”

“Great. Cambry, show her the training area. You and Lundric can take her through the paces.”

“Yes, Master Rok.”

~.~

Erick itched to follow Mina, to volunteer to oversee her training, but it would show his hand to every being on the ship. But why was that a problem? It would be a declaration of intent, not of completion. His female hadn’t consented to mate him. Yet.

He started down the corridor and heard Rok chuckling behind him. “So, that’s how it is, then?”

“Veck you.”

More chuckling. He didn’t care if he came off as a lovesick fool. Every Zandian who he’d witnessed before and after mating—Zander, Seke, Lundric, Daneth—had all exhibited irrationality, and bursts of emotion uncharacteristic of their species. He’d attributed it to the influence of the more emotional humans, but what if it was the natural response for Zandians during the mating process? Or a result of being without females for such a prolonged period before mating?

He trailed the females into the training room, where Lundric and several other Zandian warriors worked a group of humans through fighting exercises using wooden staffs instead of swords. Master Seke had taught them any object could become a weapon—if they only committed to swinging it.

Lundric glanced at the females—no, at Cambry. It took him a moment longer to notice Mina, but when he did, he walked over and bowed. Erick joined the group, itchy at having Lundric near Mina, even if he was already happily mated.

“Lady Tara, we heard from your father of your return. It means so much to him to have you back.”

She inclined her head. “Thank you. I’m here to join Prince Zander’s army and train with you.”

Lundric didn’t hide his shock. “Has your father approved this plan?”

Mina put her hands on her hips. “Why shouldn’t he?”

Lundric looked to him for help. He winced, caught between his most protective male instincts and the desire to give his precious female anything and everything she desired. He was saved from answering by the appearance of Seke, himself.

Seke’s startled gaze landed on Mina, then flicked to Erick. He strode over. “Is everything all right? Tara, what’s going on?”

Erick started to speak, to help Mina, but she cut in. “I asked Master Erick to bring me here. I’m joining the army. I’d like to help win back Zandia.”

Seke’s face remained impassive, but Erick knew him well enough to notice the subtle signs of tension. “I see. I’m sure you can train with Lily in medical assistance.”

“No.” Mina stuck out her chin. “I’m going to learn to fly an airship and train in ground fighting in case I’m shot down. Master Rok already approved.”

“Rok is not—” Seke appeared to visibly calm himself. “I am Master at Arms. All final decisions about where and how we use warriors will be left to me, and my decision is final. I cannot allow you on the front line of any battle—in the air or on the ground. You can find another way to help.”

Mina’s face flushed purple. “The final decision can be made at a later date. What is the harm in training me? If I’d had these skills before, I might have been able to fight my way to freedom sooner.”

Smart female. Her words struck home, causing her father to wince.

“Shouldn’t we ensure every Zandian is prepared, regardless of how we use them?” Erick offered. “Isn’t that the reason you trained every being who survived the invasion?”

Seke’s lips tightened. Only males had survived, so training females hadn’t been a question, but he didn’t respond with further argument. Instead, he met Erick’s gaze. “You approve of this plan?”

Something sticky slogged through his veins. Thoughts rushed through his head. No just one thought—Seke knows, Seke knows, Seke knows. But that was stupid. Seke recognized Erick’s interest in his daughter, that was all. He was asking Erick, as her potential mate, if he truly wanted Mina to train.

He nodded. “Yes. Not every female is content to be shut up for safekeeping when there’s a war to be won. Your daughter is a warrior. She esca

ped from slavery on her own, with no help from any of us. She deserves to train with our best.”