“I am Seke, Master of Arms.“
“An unauthorized ship containing one human and one former Zandian was found in our airspace this morning.”
Seke showed nothing in his expression, though he already had received the full report on Lundric’s ill-fated mission.
“I was willing to ignore the existence of the few remaining members of your species, including the being named Zander, since he posed no threat. However, all amnesty has been revoked. All remaining Zandians will be terminated, starting with your prince. Bring him to me now.”
Seke folded his arms over his chest. “I think not.”
King Fluut smiled, revealing a row of rotten fangs. “Then I’ll begin with this one, instead.” He yanked a—holy star of Zandia!—young Zandian female into view. Was she one of Seke’s daughters?
Tomis drew his sword, though it was only a hologram. He couldn’t take his eyes off the stunning brunette, who fought against the Finnian king’s rough hold with controlled rage.
Seke went rigid, but he gave a stiff shrug. “What does the prince care about a peasant?”
The king’s eyes narrowed, as if he recognized Seke’s bluff. “So it isn’t true that there are no Zandian females of childbearing age, then?”
A tic started near Seke’s eye.
“We might be willing to compensate you for her safe return.”
“Good.” The king gave a greasy smile. “I’ll exchange her for your prince. You have one week to deliver.”
“A Zandian week? Or Ocretion?” Tomis asked, because they weren’t the same.
“Ocretion.” The hologram flicked off.
Seke gripped the back of his pilot’s chair with white knuckles. “Talia,” he croaked.
Tomis swung his sword where the king’s head had hovered. “I’ll get your daughter back,” he swore. “Before the week is up. You have my word.”
Coming June 27th
The Russian by Renee Rose
(included in the box set Hero Undercover)
I can’t stay away from her.
I don't care if I get whacked by the mob. Or fired from the FBI.
She’s my sunshine.
Her brother's a scumbag. He owes the don money.
The don sends me to collect my pound of flesh, but I want more than a pound.
I want Her.
And there’s no way I’m letting her get hurt.
Hell, if any of them touch her, I’ll blow my cover in a second.
EXCERPT
Lucy ducked down, crawling under cocktail tables toward the emergency exit in the back, praying he didn’t see her.
Over the music, she thought she heard the sound of a smack and squeal, and hoped the Russian hadn’t hurt the woman.