Bought By The Zandians (Zandian Brides 2)

“Dr. Daneth said no. I talked to him over the comms. He said if possible, if she doesn’t go ballistic, to wait until we land.”

I nod, but I’m feeling emotional, too. I had no great love for Taxx, but the way he sacrificed himself for his children and his mate, to give them a chance at life on Zandia? That was noble, and regardless of his past actions, I admire him for it.

I walk over and crouch down near Mikala on the sleeping platform. “You’re safe here,” I tell her, again.

She doesn’t respond, but at least she stops chanting. Her bare toes clench and curl.

“I’m sorry about your mate. Taxx—” I take a breath. “He died saving your life and your children. That’s a good legacy.”

She looks up now, and although her face is dirty and crusted, I can see her beauty. Not like Danica, but pretty in her own way. “It’s not fair.” Her voice wobbles. “He did everything right.”

I look away. Not everything. “He did his best. You’ll remember that about him, and teach your children. They’ll be safe on Zandia, and so will you.”

She nods, but her eyes are bleak.

“Nobody will hurt you there.”

“But my children.” She gestures. “They’re not—they won’t have a father. Will they still be welcome?”

“Of course.” I respond automatically. “All Zandians are welcome, and desired. Human females, too. Because…” Then I hesitate. It would be thoughtless to talk about another mate for her, when she just lost Taxx.

“Because we are compatible mates.” She looks down at her feet. “Taxx told me.” Her voice cracks and her small hand clenches on her dirty garment. “But what being would want a human mate who already has young from another male? I can never change that.”

Without thinking, I take her hand, not with passion, but

with compassion. “There are all kinds of families, Mikala. You may find the perfect mate who wants you and your young.” I squeeze her hand. “Because they like you just as you are. Without changes.”

Then I suck in my breath as a thought occurs to me.

She tilts her head, questioning. Even in the midst of her despair, she—like other humans, like my human—is quite perceptive.

I shake my head. “Why don’t you wash up, put on clean clothing? Eat? I can show you.” I make my voice coaxing and soft. “If you take care of yourself, you can take better care of your young. Right?”

She nods, finally. “Thank you. Yes.”

As she moves to take care of her own needs, and her young, I sit for a moment, lost in thought. Wondering what the veck I’m doing with my own life.

Danica

“The king will see you now.” Bayla smiles at me and touches my arm. “Don’t be worried,” she adds in an undertone. “Everything will be fine.”

No, it won’t. I don’t say it out loud because Bayla’s too sweet and I don’t want to disturb her. Everything is far from fine.

The young squirms in my arms. Calm, Mama.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, dropping a kiss on her soft forehead. She chortles and blinks her amethyst eyes—so like both her fathers’.

That thought gives me a pang in my chest, so painful I have to stop walking for a moment. I suck in a breath and push forward. The sooner I get this over with, the better. The anxiety of not knowing my future is killing me.

As I walk into the palace’s Great Hall to meet with the king, I hold my baby tightly and curtsy, dropping my eyes. “My lord.”

“Danica.” His voice doesn’t sound angry or aggressive. “You are well?”

I bounce the baby, even though she’s not fussy. “I’m feeling fine.” Nursing the baby gave me unexpected energy, and my wound seems to have healed ridiculously quickly. “Thank you for seeing me, my lord. It’s important I speak with you.”

He raises a finger and a hoverchair is placed in front of his throne by one of the elderly servants. “You may sit.”

His eyes are not on me, though—they’re glued to my young, examining her. I hold her a little more tightly. My nerves are on high alert. If he tries to take this young from me… Well, I don’t know what I’ll do. But it won’t be pretty.