Bought By The Zandians (Zandian Brides 2)

I nod. “The crystals make it so. Can you feel the energy?”

But she’s got her head tilted, a curious expression on her face. It’s almost like the one she wore during her orgasm, but muted. She sucks in a breath. “I…it’s tingly.” She touches her face. “Am I supposed to feel like this?”

I frown. “Most humans don’t, at least not at first. I don’t think.” I’m no expert. “Maybe it means you’re just more receptive to the crystalline energy.”

“That’s good…right?” Her gaze is already back on the planet. “I’ll really be safe here? It’s like a dream. I’m afraid to believe it.”

“You will.” I want to reassure her, but I’m focused on watching the autosystem as we land.

Benn waits at the other set of controls, in case we need to land manually, and Taxx sits beside him, asking endless questions. By the stars, I think he’s talked constantly from Hectan-3 to here, once he was clean and fed. How does auto-sys work? How does the cloaking system operate? If the ship needs to fire, how do you arm the missiles? Benn has been more than happy to train him, ad hoc, but something about his interest seems—odd. If I were just rescued, I’d want to know more about Zandia. Maybe just relax in the company of my own kind.

Danica looks at me as our sacred planet looms closer, filling the screen. “Will I be given to—mates—right away?”

My cheeks get warm. “It’s customary to first acclimate to the planet and settle in.” My tone is stiff. The idea of her going to another master—or masters, is impossible. But there’s been no opportunity for me to talk in private with Benn, to determine our plans. I’m past my anger and I want her more than ever. I just don’t know if he feels the same way.

“I see.” She purses her lips and crosses her legs.

I want to comfort her, but as the craft touches down, whisper soft—Zandians awaiting us on the pad, the door hissing open—suddenly Taxx has Danica. And he’s holding a stunner to her head.

“This craft is now mine.” His voice trembles, but his hand is tight on Danica’s arm. “You are getting off, and then I am going to take it.”

“Drop your weapon!” Benn’s voice is harsh. “I don’t know how the veck you got that out of the storage, but toss it down. Now.” He has his weapon out, trained on Taxx, his eyes fierce.

“Not unless you want her dead.” Taxx’s voice is fast. “I’ll kill her in a second if the two of you don’t step off this craft.”

Panic and anger rise as I see terror on Danica’s face. She’s breathing shallow little gasps of air.

“Let her go!” I roar, stepping forward, drawing my own stunner, but stop in my tracks when Taxx puts the gun to her neck.

“A blast here will incapacitate her without killing her,” he says, his voice flat. His hand trembles and I swear I see pain in his eyes.

I put up my hands. “Don’t hurt her. Why are you doing this?” Adrenaline makes me alert to every sound, every movement.

“Get off the craft.” His hand trembles. “I need it. And I need her.”

“Why do you need it? Let her go and we’ll talk.” I step forward.

His eyes are wild. “Do you think she’d go blind from a Level 3 burst? Should we see? Maybe she’d just lose some nerve function. Still be a sellable slave, though. Maybe even more desired, depending on who’s buying.”

His voice cracks and his hand trembles again. Danica squeaks and shakes, and I lock eyes with her, trying to communicate without words.

“Brother, we’re not going to let you leave with her and this craft.” Benn’s voice is calm. “You know that, and we

know that. Let her go and we can negotiate.”

Taxx’s hand wobbles, and I know we have one chance. I need Danica to duck down the same instant I leap forward. If only she could read my mind—

Taxx looks up and doesn’t move. It’s like he can’t, or something—like he’s literally turned to stone. He opens his mouth, and I swear, it’s like he’s pushing against an immovable force. At the same second, Danica moans and clenches her fists, like she’s concentrating, and then—by the stars!—she ducks.

Benn and I spring forward and disarm him in a second. I tug Danica into my arms, touching her face, her hair as she swoons, limp. “Are you all right? Breathe. Breathe, baby, breathe.” I panic until she gasps and her eyes fly open.

To my side, I see Zandians rush onto the craft and cuff Taxx, tug him to his feet.

“No!” Taxx screams, and collapses into a pile. I have never heard a Zandian sob, and the sound is as distressing as it is confusing. “I need it. I need it!” He appears utterly unhinged.

There’s a thousand other voices, but the only one I want to hear is hers. Benn is right beside me.

“Talk to me, Danica.” I lean forward until my forehead is on hers, my horns tangling in her hair. “Tell me you're all right. Please, baby.” I grab her face with both my hands. “You’ve got to be okay. Please. Please.”