Claimed by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 6)

“Good.” He lowers his voice. “I vecked her three times just this morning.” His smile is so broad you could fly a Class-5 warship through his teeth.

“I’m surprised you managed to drag your worn-out body in here.” I snort, but part of me is jealous.

“Quite the opposite. It gives me energy.” He punches my shoulder. “When will you petition for a mate?”

“You know the answer. Never.” I answer quickly, although images flash through my mind: a small human nestled in my arms, crying out in pleasure.

He usually lets the topic go, but this planet rotation he persists. “Why not?”

I try not to snarl at him. “Don’t mock me by asking.” I point to my head. “Isn’t it obvious, or are you blind, too?”

He scowls. “Dr. Daneth and King Zander never told you to remove yourself from the gene pool.” He crosses his arms. “That was your own decision. And a poor one.”

“Really? You think a blind Zandian is fit to guide the next generation?” I shake my head in disgust. “I’m sure if I petitioned for a mate, the answer would be no. Why would I bother putting myself through the pain of that kind of rejection?” I hear my father’s voice in my head, one of the things I remember. He’s weak and flawed. He will never bring honor to this family. It would be better if he were never born.

Drayk raises his voice. “Your skills are phenomenal, Tarek.” He pauses. “Even if you never had young, it’s a benefit to take a mate. It’s good for Zandians.” His tone softens. “You’ve been alone for so long. Perhaps there is a human female who cannot bear young, and would be a fit for you? I think that if you spoke with King Zander, he’d be sympathetic—”

“I don’t need any being’s pity,” I snarl, and then I tap my headset. “Plus, I’m sure he’d agree that Zandia deserves better. And certainly, I’d be required to share a mate, if I even wanted one. No human would be wasted on a Zandian who isn’t going to breed. King Zander would never allow me take my own mate.”

“Sharing isn’t so bad.” He grins. “Some of us prefer it.”

“It’s not for me.” I cut him off, my voice abrupt. “And neither is mating, so drop the topic.”

He starts to say something, but two more techs enter the dome so he just shakes his head.

“You’ve got a… human coming in for testing this planet rotation?” The first tech, Marlon, sounds confused. “That’s novel.”

“The new human. Initial nav testing.” I busy myself with the screen.

Drayk starts, glances over, but his voice is perfectly neutral. “Zina?” Is he staring at me extra hard? “She’s doing nav testing?”

“Yes.” I nod.

He waits. Quirks a brow. “There is already a wait list of top Zandian warriors who wish to take the test.”

I try not to scowl. “Master Seke said Zandia must prioritize the acclimation of new humans and give them a chance to try out fields that interest them. I am simply following orders.” I cross my arms. “Besides. The others on the list will not wait more than half a planet rotation for their chance.”

“I see.” He gives me a long look, because it’s a while before I register the movement of his pupils from my face. “I’ll certainly be interested in the results of her exam.” He shakes his head a little bit as he turns away. “I’m sure you’ll keep me apprised.” I’m not sure why he’s smiling—this is not a laughing matter.

I incline my head. “Of course.”

He turns to the techs. “Head to Dome 2 for sat repair.”

“Yes, Captain.” They turn and stride away, and as they do, my sensors alert me to someone new in the area.

“They’re here.” I turn toward the entryway.

Zina approaches. I can tell it’s her without my sensors, because I detect her delicious scent—sort of a mix of flowers and female. Undertones of cinnamon, something just from her skin, not a perfume.

I like it.

Zina

“You’re interested in navigation.” Tarek’s tone is deep. He looks good. Really good.

Just being in his presence makes my nipples pucker. My heart beat faster.

“Very.” I nod vigorously and smile. “It’s, I don’t think I can overemphasize this, a strong interest of mine.” I look from him to Captain Drayk and make eye contact with the captain, hoping I look earnest.