Mastered by the Zandians (Zandian Brides 3)

As we zoom away in our craft, the space feeling less than, now that Mirelle isn’t with us, I glance at Domm.

“Do you think she's ready? Did we do it too soon?” I pause. “Mykl wasn’t happy with it.”

He shrugs. “We don’t have time to spend. Either she fits in here, or she does not.” His hands are clenched on his tablet.

“If we waited a solar cycle, she’d be more acclimated.”

“If we waited half a solar cycle, she’d be dead.” He snorts. “Of boredom, or her own hand, perhaps. She’s not able to sit idle. You know that.”

I nod. “She’s like fire. You can’t contain her.”

“If we can just steer her in the right direction.” He sounds hopeful as he gestures with both hands, mimicking a trajectory. “Get her aligned with us.”

“Yes.” I clear my throat.

“And as for Mykl, he does what he’s told to do, as do we. A loyal subject and warrior.”

“Indeed.” I roll my eyes. “I think he needs a mate. It would make him less testy.”

“Is that working for us?” He laughs. “I think we’re more edgy than ever.”

“A temporary problem, brother.” I slap him on the back. “Keep in mind that our mate is probably the most crazy, dangerous one on the planet.”

“Trust us to choose that situation.”

I consider this. “We always select the most dangerous, rewarding missions. Why should our personal lives be different?”

He tilts his head. “Good point.” Then he smiles at me and slaps my shoulder. “And I can’t imagine a better partner for it all.”

“Nor can I.” I slap my arm over his shoulder, too, and for a second we stand there, intertwined, in a way that makes my heart full.

Although I’ve worked alongside Domm for solar cycles, consider him my blood brother, this is the most personal, intimate conversation we’d had in…ever. And I like it. Instead of making me feel weak, the bond we share empowers me.

“We can make anything work if we match both of our minds against it.” He steps away from me and goes back to the flight console.

“Which is a good thing, given the fact that we need to avoid Ocretion pirates and steal one of their ships without taking damage to our craft or ourselves.”

“Child’s play, I tell you.” He laughs, and I do too, because there’s nothing else to do. It’s really one of the more difficult technical challenges we’ve ever faced.

Chapter 10

Mirelle

* * *

“Can you please hand me the, ah, what is that called?” I point to the laser-guided mini-rivet attacher.

The human beside me sighs. “I already told you several times. It’s a laze guide.”

She shares a glance with the other human to her right. “And you’ll have to hold it carefully so it doesn’t interfere with your cuff.”

“I’m aware. Thank you.” My voice is stiff and I hold out my hand. “May I?”

“Be our guest. Take anything you like, Mirelle. We are here at your complete disposal.” Her voice is polite enough, but I can read the fuck you buried in the tone.

These women hate me and they don’t even know me.

I reach over and take it, since she’s clearly not going to hand it over.