Zandian Lights (Zandian Brides 4)

Another step closer and he pins me against the work station, one hand on either side of my hips. My breath stalls in my throat. His eyes are dark, gaze smoky. They’re on my mouth. For a brief moment, I think he’s going to kiss me, but he abruptly steps back and turns away. “What I would appreciate, Kianna, is for you to complete your assignments as outlined without any sass. Is that too much to ask?”

“No. I mean, yes, I can do that.” Subdued, I steal a look at Amber. She tips her head at him and gives me a questioning glance. I shake mine and make a face.

“What are the energy banks for?” Amber looks at me. “This is the first I’ve heard of them.”

“King Zander wishes this solar cycle’s crystal ceremony to be a success.” Mykl’s voice is stiff. “He hopes it will encourage many more Zandians and humans to, ahem, choose mates. And he would like us to create the technology to absorb the extra radiation so we can use it later.”

Zandians survive mainly on energy from the crystals embedded in the core of their planet. Light beamed through these crystals amplifies its life-giving and healing powers, as they discovered when they were forced to live off-planet.

I tap my lips. “Because this is such a powerful surge? It only happens once every thousand solar cycles.” I consider. “And the burst of energy is a life-force like no other. It’s perfect timing that it’s happening now, as the planet and population are working to rebuild.”

“It makes sense to absorb as much of it as we can.” Mykl inclines his head at me with that rare look of pride he sometimes allows to show through his gruff act, and I flush. I’d like to absorb something from him, that’s for sure.

“Since I already have mates”—Amber wiggles and smiles—“we’re going to use the energy we absorb to help our baby be strong and healthy, and deepen our bond. I can’t wait. I’ve heard that when you stand in the rays of the heightened energy with someone you love, it’s indescribable.”

“But we don’t even know if it’s safe for humans, yet,” I caution her. “At the peak of the solstice.”

“Actually, this is breaking news.” She smiles and touches my arm, clearly excited. “I just heard from Bayla. She said she and Dr. Daneth completed a simulation this morning and all of their test subjects passed, humans and halflings both. So everyone will be free to bathe in the light. They’ll announce it planet-wide as soon as possible.”

“That sounds amazing.” My voice comes out forlorn, and I curse under my breath. “I can’t wait to hear more about it all.”

“King Zander declared a free-for-all for mating during Zandian Lights. All bonds will be recognized without petition—even single couple bonds. I think it’s a boon for warriors who don’t wish to share with another male, and a push to get unmated human females to choose a mate or mates.” Amber lifts a pointed brow at me. “Exciting times, Kianna.”

Nausea hits my gut. I know she’s trying to encourage me to take the plunge and accept mates like she has, but I just can’t get excited about it.

“What if a being rushes into a bad choice?”

“Actually, King Zander addressed that, too. He said bonds could be re-evaluated at the next Zandian Lights, or he would take petitions to dissolve bonds made any time.”

There are two Zandians who have made their interest known. Archer and Bow, two strong warriors, who seek me out every time they can. They’ve let me know they want to give me their crystals. Two handsome aliens who deserve a mate. And they want me—the human female who’s been the longest here without selecting a mate—nearly an entire solar cycle.

King Zander has never once told me to fall in line and pick someone. But I know it’s only a matter of time. After all, isn’t that why I’m here? And it’s more obvious every planet rotation that Mykl isn’t interested.

“Maybe you’ll meet some being too, Mykl.” Amber gives him a devious little grin. She likes teasing him as much as I do.

“Not likely.” He twists a bolt into place on a nearby bank unit. “Last thing I want or need is a human mate. I’ll just use the energy to strengthen my commitment to Zandia. Improve my skills.”

He sounds so disgusted with the idea of a human mate that tears come to my eyes. Why am I only interested in the Zandian who despises humans?

I turn away to compose myself. Take a breath. Remember that I’m lucky to be here on Zandia, a slave no longer. A free human with friends, and work, and food, and health. If I can’t have perfection in the form of a mate, well, it’s still a much better life than I could have anywhere else in the galaxy.

“The ceremony isn’t just about mates.” I clear my throat. “The crystal solstice is meant to be a time of coming together, celebrating the one true Zandian Star. Working together in harmony with all other beings here on Zandia. So even beings who aren’t mated can still celebrate the joy of life.”

“And how do you know this?” Mykl crosses his arms and stares at me.

“I saw the holo on it. And every being knows. It’s in the training for new humans now.” I swallow. “You know, as members of Zandian society, the Zandian Lights solstice ceremony is as much for us humans as it is for you.”

Mykl makes a scoffing sound. “I find it curious that humans think they know so much about ancient Zandian history. You’ll never really understand it. Or be part of it.” But he sounds sort of sad and bitter, not irritated like usual.

I don’t really understand him, but from his tone, I sense this is not a time to push or tease. So I stand up straight. “Tell me what to work on, Mykl. I’ll do my best to figure out the energy bank caps so we can get a head start.”

Mykl

* * *

“How’s the progress on the crystal energy banks?” My friend and Zandian warrior, Lanz, grins at me and drops his flight bag at his feet. The tarmac glows in the setting Zandian sun, sending orange rays across the vast landing strip.

I raise one hand to block the beams from hitting my eyes. “Going well. You just get bac