Stolen by the Zandian (Zandian Brides 7)

Chapter 10

Kailani

The trip to Zandia is shorter than I think we both want it to be. I’m nervous about what it will be like to live on Zandia with Khrys. He hasn’t specifically said he will mate me, but considering how many times he’s pleasured me in the past planet rotation, it seems obvious that I’m his.

Khrys seems to grow tense as we approach. When he opens the comms to announce our landing, his voice is deep and terse.

“Is everything all right?” I ask, prickles of warning starting to crawl up my arms.

He lands the craft expertly—a whisper soft touch to the ground then swivels in the flight chair and looks at me. His brown eyes are troubled. “Kailani, there’s something I should tell you.”

The prickles race everywhere. “What is it?” My stomach tightens.

“The reason I went to get you from the auction is... ”

I leap to my feet, terror streaking through me.

“Remember I told you about the epidemic?”

“What?” My mind spins, trying to figure out what Khrys is trying to tell me.

The conversation is cut off by the whoosh of the door seals, and I blink at the new bright lights streaming in from the tarmac. A flurry of voices and activity assaults my senses. A handful of Zandians flood the craft.

I scoop up Whimmie when she gives a cry of alarm.

“Captain Khrys, you must come with us,” one of the guards announces.

“Why do they have weapons?” I’m taken aback by the sight of alert warriors flanking me and Khrys. “I don’t understand.” I turn to Khrys, that terrible feeling burgeoning in my stomach.

“Kailani, I took this ship without leave, and I’ll have to answer for it, but it’s going to be all right.” He speaks quickly as the guards on either side of him take his arms. He shakes off their hold. “I’m coming peaceably, there’s no need for restraint,” he snaps.

I squeeze Whimmie tightly, and she squeaks in alarm.

“Khrys?” My voice is high and panicked. With a tremble. “What is this? What’s going on?”

“Welcome to Zandia.” One of the Zandians—he appears to be a commander—looks me up and down, and his voice—although not angry—doesn’t sound warm and inviting. “Captain Khrys, you will accompany Gabin for questioning. Kailani, please come with us to the isolation med chamber.” It’s not a request.

Isolation med chamber.

The words strike fresh terror through my body.

“Give her a moment,” Khrys barks as the warriors beside him attempt to pull him off the craft. They move him down the ramp, and he calls out over his shoulder, “She’s been traumatized by her former masters. You have to go slowly. She’s afraid of needles!”

What in the name of Mother Earth is going on? Did Khrys just sell me out? He stole me from auction only to turn me over for more medical experiments? I’m such an idiot! I knew he couldn’t be trusted!

I double over as if to heave, but nothing comes out.

“Come, Kailani,” the commander says.

“I’m not going anywhere with you,” I snap at the male who addressed me, heart hammering. I carefully place Whimmie on a seat and prepare to fight. I glance around for my med kit—it’s across the bay, too far to reach. “Let. Khrys. Go.”

“Khrys must answer for his actions, but I expect he will be released. Especially if our medical team finds you to be as useful as we hope.”

We hope?

Medical team?