His Human Possession (Zandian Masters 8)

"Begin relocation immediately." Erick nodded and left the war room.

Lamira entered without their young. "What do you know?" he asked her, dispensing with any greeting.

"Only what you've already decided. You will strike immediately." His female had developed a quiet strength since she'd embraced her gifts as a seer. He drew from it, trusting she would warn him if his decision was wrong.

He bowed his head. "Yes.” He turned to the warrior at the door. "All horns on deck—we meet in the Great Hall. Humans, too. Immediately."

The warrior pressed a button on his comms unit and projected the order throughout the pod.

Zander sank into a hoverchair for a moment of quiet before he addressed his beings. This was it. War.

Paal laced his fingers through Leticia's as they strode to the Great Hall. He wanted to be in contact with her at every moment—hated to leave her side. Probably because he knew they were about to be parted.

Veck.

What if he never saw her again? The thought ripped his chest open. Not for his own fate—he wasn't afraid to die. But for her. Who would care for her? What would happen if the Zandians couldn't return to the pod? Would the humans be returned to Ocretion slavery?

Probably.

That thought sickened him.

He hoped to the one true Zandian star Zander had made provisions for his own mate and the rest of them.

A throng had gathered in the pod, but Zander's throne stood empty. A tense silence reigned, only a few murmurs disrupting it. Every tight expression showed fear or anger.

Zander walked in swiftly and stood in front of his throne. "We strike tonight," he said without preamble. "You may have sensed the pod is already in motion. We will relocate to the safe airspace of Aurelia. All servants will remain. All humans will remain. The females and young will remain. I will send out a message to every Zandian in the galaxy and suggest they come to the pod for safe harbor until the battle is won."

Out of the corner of his eye, Paal saw Taramina make an irritated gesture, but Erick caught her hand and brought it to his lips.

"The training pod occupants have boarded the galactacarrier and battleships and are making their way toward our strike locations. The warriors on this ship will board the battleships we keep here." He scanned his warriors, who all raised their fists at 90 degree angles, pledging their undying fealty. "Two of you will remain behind to guard the pod. Paal and Ronan. Paal, you’re the lead. Ronan is your second-in-command. You will have the two trained warriors Lily and Cambry at your disposal, as well as the brain power of the remaining female council.” He nodded in the direction of Lamira and Taramina.

Paal’s heart dodged from side to side in his chest, as if unsure whether to lift or fall. Staying with Leti was his greatest wish, and yet he'd trained his whole life for battle. To be left behind felt a bit like an insult.

As if Zander guessed his thoughts, he met Paal's gaze. "You are responsible for the sole future of Zandia. If anything happens to the occupants of this pod, our species may never survive. I'm sure you comprehend the enormity of your position."

Humbled, he bowed, as did Ronan. "I am honored to be chosen for such a duty." He meant it.

Zander nodded. "Say your farewells. We depart immediately." The prince turned to his own mate and wrapped her in his arms.

Most beings remained in the Great Hall, as if needing to cling to one another in this time of great uncertainty. Lady Taramina argued with her mate. Like Paal, she probably didn't want to be left behind.

Erick pressed a laser gun into Mina's hands. "Your father is the greatest Master of Arms our species has ever known," he said. "I know you'll defend this pod as well as any of the warriors left behind." He looked at Paal, as if for agreement, so Paal bowed. “I’ll be grateful for your assistance.”

Annoyance flitted over the female’s face, but she nodded and pulled her mate’s mouth down to hers.

Paal wrapped his arms around Leti, allowing his relief at not having to leave her to pour into the embrace. Now he needn't worry what would happen to his lovely female if the others never returned. He would see that every being on this pod remained safe and lived a long life.

No matter what it took.

Leti peeled off her dirty clothes, exhaustion seeping from her every pore. She’d stayed in the Great Hall with all the beings on the pod until all the warriors had departed. Paal had been busy receiving last minute instructions from Master Seke and even now still was out patrolling.

The sun had risen, but after being up most of the night, she couldn't keep her eyes open much longer. And that delicious washtube was calling her name. Having such a posh chamber to return to still made living on the pod feel like a luxury. Even if they were under attack. She stepped into the washroom and groaned when she saw how dirty and tired she looked.

She hit the button to open the washtube and stepped in. Warm water started to fill it, spraying from every direction and she stifled a moan of contentment. Abruptly the water stopped.

"What the—?"

The washtube door slid open, revealing her giant warrior looming in the opening. He stood naked, and his eyes glowed bright purple, amplifying the bald hunger scrawled all over his expression.