Mastered by the Zandians (Zandian Brides 3)

King Zander has never once told me to fall in line and pick someone. But I know it’s only a matter of time. After all, isn’t that why I’m here? And it’s more obvious every planet rotation that Mykl isn’t interested.

“Maybe you’ll meet some being too, Mykl.” Amber gives him a devious little grin. She likes teasing him as much as I do.

“Not likely.” He twists a bolt into place on a nearby bank unit. “Last thing I want or need is a human mate. I’ll just use the energy to strengthen my commitment to Zandia. Improve my skills.”

He sounds so disgusted with the idea of a human mate that tears come to my eyes. Why am I only interested in the Zandian who despises humans?

I turn away to compose myself. Take a breath. Remember that I’m lucky to be here on Zandia, a slave no longer. A free human with friends, and work, and food, and health. If I can’t have perfection in the form of a mate, well, it’s still a much better life than I could have anywhere else in the galaxy.

“The ceremony isn’t just about mates.” I clear my throat. “The crystal solstice is meant to be a time of coming together, celebrating the one true Zandian Star. Working together in harmony with all other beings here on Zandia. So even beings who aren’t mated can still celebrate the joy of life.”

“And how do you know this?” Mykl crosses his arms and stares at me.

“I saw the holo on it. And every being knows. It’s in the training for new humans now.” I swallow. “You know, as members of Zandian society, the Zandian Lights solstice ceremony is as much for us humans as it is for you.”

Mykl makes a scoffing sound. “I find it curious that humans think they know so much about ancient Zandian history. You’ll never really understand it. Or be part of it.” But he sounds sort of sad and bitter, not irritated like usual.

I don’t really understand him, but from his tone, I sense this is not a time to push or tease. So I stand up straight. “Tell me what to work on, Mykl. I’ll do my best to figure out the energy bank caps so we can get a head start.”

Mykl

* * *

“How’s the progress on the crystal energy banks?” My friend and Zandian warrior, Lanz, grins at me and drops his flight bag at his feet. The tarmac glows in the setting Zandian sun, sending orange rays across the vast landing strip.

I raise one hand to block the beams from hitting my eyes. “Going well. You just get back from a mission? You stink.” I punch his shoulder.

“Sure did. Domm, Mirelle and I just rescued two new human females.” He raises a brow. “Nearly lost our ship, too.” But his cocky grin says it was a smooth effort. Like usual.

“Not likely.” I snort. “The three of you are like an impenetrable force.”

“I’ll tell her you said that.” He grins at me. “I think she’s the only human female on this planet you respect even just a little bit.”

“It’s not that I don’t respect the others.” I shake my head. “It’s more a matter of what they represent.”

“I’ll tell you what they represent.” Domm jogs up and slings a dirty arm across Lanz’ shoulder, brother style. “The hottest vecking sex in the galaxy.” He smiles. “And undisputed domestic bliss.”

“Right. You three almost self-destructed.” I had the misfortune of having their mate placed under my watch while they were off on missions. She was quick and bright, but lacked the focus and intelligence of Kianna. She’s more of a warrior-type, that one.

“But now we’re better. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You should stop by and meet the new humans, once they’re acclimated. Since you’ve turned down every other available human on this planet.” Lanz checks his wrist band. Looks across the expanse of ships, blinking and flashing in the evening light. I know he’s looking for his and Domm’s mate, Mirelle, and for a second, something twists in my chest.

I force the feeling aside, and shake my head. “I just think we should be pushing harder to find more Zandian females.” This has always been my argument. Keep our blood pure. But even as I say it, the idea feels flat. A Zandian mate would probably require sharing amongst males, same as human females. There are just too many unmated Zandian males. And I don’t see how I could ever share.

I don’t even live with one other being right now.

How could I possibly share my space with two or three, or star forbid, four?

“Where, brother?” Lanz gives me a look. “Give me the coordinates, and we’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

“I don’t know.” Frustration wells up. “Listen. I’m grateful the human females are here short-term to help us carry our DNA and heritage forward. But some planet rotation we won’t need them anymore.” I shrug. “Be better off without them and their erratic emotions and unpredictable behaviors.”

The image of Kianna looms up in my mind—her constant teasing and prodding. The way she looks up at me with feigned wide-eyed innocence out of those huge, green eyes. The way her long black hair looks all silky and soft on her shoulders. I constantly have to guard myself against falling for her allure. Her beauty, the sensuality of her soft form, the musical lilt of her voice—all are like an abyss sucking me in, swallowing me whole.

“It’s no wonder you’re still alone.” Domm ducks free from Lanz, and punches me harder than I punched him, and I think there’s a degree of actual anger in it. “Time for you to open your eyes and see that Zandian life is moving on. Suggest you come along with us.” He raises a brow. “Because Mirelle is not just adequate to be my mate and the mother of my young, she’s perfect. I’d choose her any planet rotation, even if a thousand Zandian females showed up.”

“That’s right.” Lanz crosses his arms.

“Well, she’s different,” I allow. “She’s a good fighter. Even if she’s too emotional.”