Mastered by the Zandians (Zandian Brides 3)

I don’t know what he means, exactly, but whatever it is, it sounds like something I want. my body is eager for...something. I’ve touched myself sometimes, alone in my room, but right now my whole body is feeling something unusual and new.

“We don’t have time now.” Domm checks his comm.

“On the contrary, I think we should make the time.” Lanz smiles. “Think how compliant and obedient she’ll be after a punishment and reward.”

“Excellent point.”

“It would put her in a more submissive frame of mind to speak to our King,” Lanz suggests.

“Very well, then.” And suddenly Domm grabs me up into his arms, tossing me over his shoulder.

“Put me down!” I shout, and kick at him with my legs.

“Silence,” he says, almost casually, then slaps my ass. “Your job is to listen and obey. And our job is to spank you, and then to make you experience the greatest pleasure you’ve ever had in your life. Does that sound fair to you?”

“No!” I shout, and kick again. “Wait. What?”

He laughs. “Unless you just want the punishment. Then, by all means, continue battering me with your small human feet.”

“Rrrrr!” I’m so angry I could combust, but in my current position, I’m helpless. It’s driving me mad to know that I have all the powers a human body can possess, to know that I took one of these warriors down once— but to be currently trapped in his arms. Which are, I notice, quite muscular and powerful. And which smell of his sweat, a scent which is male and decidedly doing something to my body, because waves of need surge through me.

This must be what it feels like to desire another being. I’ve read about it, but thought it was exaggerated for literary effect. Because the one time back on Jesel that I was forced to—

“What’s wrong?” Domm sets me down inside a room he entered. “You stiffened up.” He runs a hand over my back and stops short of my shoulder. “Veck. You’re not healed enough. I shouldn’t have —”

I take a deep breath and step away from him. “The shoulder is stable. It was a memory.”

“Of us?” Domm looks at me intently.

“Something from a long time ago.”

I don’t know why I’m even telling him this. It hardly matters. But I instinctively want to, for the first time in my life, trust a stranger. Another being besides my family. Even if he currently has me cuffed.

“If any being hurt you, I’ll vecking tear him apart,” mutters Lanz.

This makes me laugh a little. “You’re going to be busy, then. Because I get around. Got around,” I amend wryly. “But most of the ones who hurt me, I’ve already dealt with, believe me.”

“Oh, I do.” Lanz raises a brow.

“Mirelle, I don’t know if you can tell from the way we carry ourselves,” Domm says, carefully. “Zandians honor their mates. By choosing you, we’re offering a life-long bond of caring and protection. Our goal is not to terrify or hurt you, do you understand?”

I tilt my head, because no, I don’t. Not really.

“We may discipline you, but it won’t be harsh, and it will never damage you. And you will be always be rewarded with pleasure, because really, that’s the best way to build a bond.”

“I’ve, ah, never…” I trail off, biting my lip. My face gets hot. “With another being…”

“Never?” Domm sounds incredulous.

“I’m sorry,” I snap, goaded into a reaction. “But when you live your life on a, oh, what did you call it? Barren lawless outpost fit for nothing but outlaws, you don’t have a lot of time for extracurricular enjoyment. You know, when you’re busy struggling to stay alive and save others.” I glower at him. “Learning to fight. Want me to give you some lessons?”

I half expect him to snarl at me, yell. But instead he bursts into laughter, his enjoyment so obvious that I can’t resist smiling as well.

“Oh, little human,” he chuckles, shaking his head, when he finally gains control. “You’re going to regret your mouthiness.” He raises his eyebrows. “In just a few moments, we’ll have you begging forgiveness and speaking so prettily that you’ll amaze yourself.”

“I will not. Absolutely never.”

“We’ll see.”