Zandian Lights (Zandian Brides 4)

I snort, wanting to share this awful, inappropriate joke with someone. Mirelle—maybe. Of course, she has two mates. But she’d understand that I’m not saying two mates is weird for everyone. Just for me. I also think Mykl would snort—reprimand me, but laugh. He likes my rude comments, I’m pretty sure. I swear he appreciates humor now, because I tease him so frequently—his whole disposition is lighter than when I first meet him.

Instead, I nod. “I like exciting things.”

It couldn’t sound more stupid, but both of them nod back, then lead me to their private hovercraft.

I have this horrible vision of the future. The three of us sitting around some dome, nodding at each other, while the two of them hold hands.

I cross my arms and watch the landscape blur past me. City buildings, tall and strong—shining metal and glass, although between them some rubble still exists here and there, left over from the devastation the Finn left. Patches of gorgeous trees and landscape. Over all of it, the new light, tinted rosy at this hour was lending everything an extra beauty. It touched each broken stone and blade of grass with a kiss and a promise.

I can’t stop thinking about the kiss with Mykl, and then of his hard words. Why does he have such a grudge against humans? Or it is just me?

I sigh.

“What’s wrong?”

Arc is perceptive. Or else just normal. I’m probably acting like my entire world is falling apart.

“I’m just thinking about the future.”

“We think about it all the time.” Bow speaks as Arc smiles. “And how we asked you to share it with us.” A muscle jerks in his cheek. Is he nervous?

“We want to show you our home. It’s new.”

The hovercraft stops, smooth and even, in front of a new building. Curved steel makes a honeycomb domed roof, and there is so much glass.

“Oh, it’s lovely.” Despite my internal mess, this place is glorious. “Look at all the light that comes in! It’s like living on the sun. But not too hot or anything.”

It’s perfectly arranged, and the view—of the city and then purple-hazed mountain outlines in the distance, is phenomenal. “Wow. You built this?”

“With help. Nothing but the best for our family.” Arc takes my hand. “We’d like to stand here in the sun after we give you our crystals. Talk about our future.”

I bite my lip.

“Because,” Bow adds, “we made you a promise. An offer. And Zandians never go back on their word.”

“It’s dishonorable,” Arc agrees. “Once we say something, we carry it out.”

I nod. “Of course.” Zandian honor.

Arc’s shoulders look tight. Is he worried I’ll renege? I mean, I never actually said yes, to them. Just… I never said no, either. And that was as good as a yes to them, I now realize.

Bow looks away and clenches a fist, then turns back to me, a smile on his face that looks somewhat forced. “So, Kianna, what do you think?”

“I think a family could be very happy here.”

Arc takes a deep breath. Hesitates a second before taking my hand. “May I kiss you?”

Stars, this is awkward. “Um, yes. Sure.” I clear my throat. Try to summon the slightest bit of excitement at the prospect.

“Good. Then I will.”

“All right.” I nod.

“Okay.” He nods.

Fuck, the nodding again.

He clears his throat too.