Claimed by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 6)

I sigh. But I can’t take my eyes off him. And his eyes are trained on me, even though I know he can’t see. I assume his brain sensors are feeding him information about me. I feel oddly naked, maybe more so than I’d feel in the presence of a fully sighted male.

Tarek

“Tarek, this is fortuitous.” Abbi steps to my shoulder. “Zina and I were just talking about what she wants to do. She’s interested in nav training.” Her voice is uncertain. “And I explained that those jobs are limited to pilots who have additional talents, or beings who’ve demonstrated undeniable skills?”

“That is correct.” I nod in the female’s direction. “Only the best of the best are cleared to even try for nav training.” My body’s reacting to Zina’s presence—so different from its response to the other female. To any other female. My horns are thicker, my cock twitches.

“I also explained to her that as an unmated human, her initial trainer will be the one to take on a temporary guardianship for her.” She blinks at me. “And that only a Zandian who really thinks her work is a good fit would be willing to do that.”

I process this information. Every Zandian knows how often “temporary guardianship” turns into permanent mating. Why, more than half the couples and trios I know started out as innocent work mentorship situations.

I also remember that “temporary guardianship” entails overseeing and correcting a human’s behavior. My cock goes hard at the thought, and I growl, thinking of some other Zandian spanking Zina. Touching her like I did on the ship.

Abbi gives me a nervous smile. “So, if you could reiterate that, it might save us a trip to the…”

“Send her to my dome,” I cut in abruptly. “I’ll test her personally to see if she’s apt for the training program.”

“What?” Abbi blinks. “I mean, yes, sir. But, ah…”

“She has good reflexes.” It’s not a lie. I heard she was quick and clever on that slave planet, during the auction, arranging the escape for herself and Enya. Even with her injuries. Many other humans couldn’t have managed it—but she did. “She had fortitude and good instincts. Both requisites for nav. We can at least see.”

“Well, that’s fine then.” Abbi sounds confused, and I understand why. Navigation is for the best of the best. But it’s not her vecking decision, is it?

“Bring her tomorrow.” I turn to Zina. “Come prepared to work hard.”

“I always work hard.” She sticks up her chin, according to my motion registry.

I suppress a smile. I love her fight. “Good. That’s the bare minimum to even get a chance.” I cross my arms.

Her eyes widen on my ocular display. Does she like the way I look? I try not to smirk. Maybe I can’t have her, or any human, but veck, it’s nice to be appreciated as a male.

When has that happened before?

Never.

Usually humans shrink away from me, either cowed by my size, or my blindness, or both.

“I think you’ll find that I’m quite acceptable, bare or not.” She smiles, but I know it’s a taunt.

My dick gets hard.

Oh, really? This little feisty human wants to play with me? It’s on.

I put a knuckle under her chin. “I look forward to finding out.” Her facial skin heats, as my light sensor registers a shift in the measured nanometers. Ha. She’s blushing.

This is going to be fun.

I shouldn’t do it. It’s wrong on many levels.

But for the first time in many solar cycles, I feel more than obligation and duty when I think about the next planet rotation.

I feel a thrill of excitement.

Chapter 7

Tarek

“How are things at home with Taisha?” I pull up the training software on my holo display. Next to me, Captain Drayk readies some equipment.