Bought By The Zandians (Zandian Brides 2)

I bite my lip. Yes, we certainly will. But what we’ll see…that’s something I can’t be sure of. I need to tell them the truth now, but when I look at their faces, so full of love and eager anticipation, the words stick in my throat. And I say nothing.

Chapter 11

Danica

I’m here. Don’t hurt me. I’m here. Big round eyes, a sweet face. Don’t hurt me. Don’t let them hurt me. Hand grabbing her, tearing her away from me. Blood.

I gasp and sit up in bed, panting, sweat dripping from my forehead, a strangled cry dying in my throat. I put both hands onto my swelling belly, making sure everything is still okay.

Gorde is awake in an instant. “Danica!” He grabs me. “You’re burning up.”

He wipes my forehead. “You never sweat this much. Benn, get her fluids.”

Benn, too, is alert instantaneously—they’re warriors, always ready to react—and he comes over with a water container for me.

I gulp the cool liquid, then start to cry.

“It was a nightmare.” Gorde pulls me to his body, stroking my arm. “It’s all right.” His hands are warm and calming, but I can’t relax.

“It was so real.” I’m shaking.

“What was it? Memories of your previous master?” Benn touches my shoulder.

“Yes.” I lie. “Please, I just want to relax.” Don’t let them hurt me. I cry out and grab his hands. “Hold me. Just hold me, please?”

“Tomorrow we’ll take her to Dr. Daneth.” Gorde’s voice is low as he strokes me. “Danica, your nightmares are getting worse. It can’t be good for you or the baby.”

“I know.” My voice is muffled, talking into his chest.

“So let us help you.” His voice is taut. “If you tell us about your past, we won’t judge. We can help you.”

I shake my head. “I need more time.”

He blows out a breath. “What happens when we run out of time?”

I stiffen in his arms. What, indeed? “I’m sorry, but I’m not ready.”

He slides me over to Benn and stands up. I hate that my reticence is driving a wedge between us, but right now, I’m giving all I can.

“There are other humans here with difficult pasts. Maybe talking to one of them will help.”

He paces the chamber, then when I don’t respond, he curses under his breath. “I’m going to exercise.”

“At this hour?” Benn raises his eyebrows.

“I need to clear my head.” Gorde disappears out the door.

In the sudden silence, the only thing I hear is my breathing and Benn’s, but when I concentrate, I hear everything: the creaks of the building, and Gorde’s footfalls, already half a mile distant, his strong feet crunching down on the blue Zandian gravel along the footpath. A night bird trills, something lonely in high notes, leaves rustling softly around it. Finally Gorde runs out of my auditory range, and I shudder.

“What?” Benn grasps me. “Danica?”

How can I tell him that I’m changing into something else—something un-human—day by day? I shake my head. “I’m fine.”

When she sees me, Bayla’s face goes into an oh of surprise. “Danica! Come in. I wasn’t expecting you.” She glances at my abdomen.

“Hi.” I swallow hard and enter her chamber. “I wanted to talk with you.”

“Of course.” She smiles at me. “Would you like some tea? Our queen is growing chamomile now, an old Earth botanical that is soothing for expectant mothers.” She gestures to her cabinet.