Night of the Zandians (Zandian Brides 1)

“Did you hear the news?” His face lights up as he pulls me into an embrace, his strong arms pulling me close to his strong chest.

I snuggle up to him and kiss his collarbone. “What news? Did you do the impression of Tarren on the job site this planet rotation and make everyone collapse with mirth?”

“No.” He taps my ass. “Your smart mouth will get you into trouble, little human.”

“Maybe I like your kind of trouble.” I push my body into his.

He growls, and then, as if unable to focus until he gets the words, out, he pulls back to look at my face. “Riya, three more human women have announced their pregnancies. That makes six already. And by the way Zorra’s mate was smiling, I am nearly positive that she is growing a young, too, but he didn’t want to say.” His smile is wide, and he is nearly dancing with glee. “I just know we’ll be next. I can feel it.”

My fingers twitch. Every one of the early teams is now expecting a child… except ours. My stomach churns and I feel bile in my throat and swallow it back down with some difficulty. “That’s a blessing,” I choke. “How wonderful for Zandia.”

Instead of looking up at him, I press my cheek to his bare chest, feeling the thump of his heart, steady and even. Strong. Powerful. His body is so compact and beautiful, so perfect to sire a child who could take up arms for this planet.

“Every human has their own schedule.” Ronan’s voice sounds sober now and strokes my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter who is first, or how long it takes.” He still seems confident, happy. I wonder how long it will take before the tone in his voice changes to a question, then to anxiety—weeks? Lunar cycles? “You will be soon.”

My stomach knots. “Of course.” My breath puffs against his skin. “Every being is unique.”

Some of us have been ruined.

“And,” he adds, tipping my chin up with his finger to smile into my face, “We should get in some more practice, just to ensure that we are doing everything we can.”

“You should practice licking me to orgasm,” I suggest.

Please. Distract me from this pain.

“And use your nice, thick Zandian cock to drive me insane with desire.” I cup him with one hand, relishing how he gets even harder under my touch. “You know I adore your malehood,” I whisper, biting his nipple.

He roars and slaps my ass, then orders, “Do it again. Harder.”

I smile and lick his skin, then bite down again, feeling him tense under my touch. Maybe my Zandian likes a rougher touch himself, sometimes? I smile. “Want me to spank you, Ronan? I don’t mind. Just bend over, and hand me that strap—”

I scream in delight as he scoops me up and tosses me over his shoulder, landing a flurry of slaps on my thighs. “Spanking is on the agenda, but it will be on your ass, not mine. And just for asking, I’ll use the strap on you, sweet human.”

“Oh, no, please, I’ll be good,” I beg, but we both know I love it when he straps me for pleasure.

Riya

Is something on your mind?” Tarren puts his hand across my shoulder and squeezes.

“No.” Yes. The same thing always circling my mind. I’m driving myself mad wi

th stress. “Just enjoying the sunset. Look at the sky, how the oranges and blues merge together.” I survey the distance. “As if they’re melting. And then sparkle on the horizon. I learned the dust in the air, crystal dust, is what gives the sky that special shimmer at dusk.”

“You are turning into a scholar lately.” There is no disapproval in his voice, at least none that I can hear, but I stiffen under his touch.

How can I explain that studying has become an obsession for me now? I have to prove my worth somehow.

“Does that bother you?” I keep my voice light, but focus on the distance, watching as the edges of the purple mountains glisten, their outlines a sparkly darker line.

“Riya?” He touches my chin. “You seem…” he hesitates, possibly searching for a word. “Troubled, lately.”

I blink fast and smile. “I’m just motivated to work hard.”

“You work hard enough for three beings,” he declares, the first sign of frustration breaking through his even tone. “I am concerned that you don’t get enough rest. I noticed that lately you rise far earlier than you ever did, sometimes well before the sun is risen. I’ve heard humans require more sleep than we do, and you’re not getting it.”

My stomach bunches up in knots. “I hope you’re not suggesting that I stop my work in the lab with plants.” I cross my arms.

A flicker of surprise gives way to a stubborn scowl. “Of course not! But something is making you restless, and I want to know what it is.”