Mastered by the Zandians (Zandian Brides 3)

“You. Follow me.” Mykl points to me and makes a grunting noise.

Next to me, Kianna makes a snorting sound, and I try not to laugh.

“Where are we going?” I put down my tools and wipe my hands on my tunic.

“To talk to Master Seke.”

“What?” My stomach flips. The humans next to me go silent. Nobody talks to him unless it’s a huge deal. He’s the king’s Master at Arms—the highest commander of military forces.

“Why?”

“You’ll find out. Don’t ask unnecessary questions.”

He glances at Kianna and clears his throat. “You. Make sure the project stays on track.”

“Of course.” She smiles sweetly. “Anything for you. And I do mean anything.”

He seems to turn a slightly deeper shade of purple, but I can only focus on why I’m being summoned.

When we walk out of the dome, I’m surprised and a little terrified to see my two mates and Master Seke standing in front of a hovercraft.

“Mirelle.” Seke nods to me.

“Master Seke.” Not sure of the protocol, I curtsy.

“I understand that you’ve been teaching Kianna to fight.”

I look at my mates for guidance, but they merely return my look, impassive.

“Yes, I have. I was not aware that it was prohibited…”

“It is not. We’d like you to teach a larger group of humans.”

“Oh. Oh!” Relief makes me dizzy. Lanz and Domm have broad smiles on their faces.

“Kianna showed us her new skills. We’d like to have you train some of our humans. And, ah…” he pauses just a beat, “some of our Zandian males as well. The younger males could benefit from your brand of martial arts, in addition to the standard Zandian training techniques.”

“Seriously?” I take a step forward. “Will they accept me as a teacher?”

“They follow orders, as will you.” His voice is firm. “You will work with another Zandian to develop the training.”

“Of course.” I look again at Lanz and Domm, unable to stop a giddy smile from spreading across my face. “I’d be honored.”

“You’ll still keep working here in the tech dome, and teach classes three times a week. Your mates will show you the location and provide any and all supplies.”

“Yes, sir.”

Mirelle

* * *

The planet rotations pass in pleasure and agony. I’m elated when I make progress in the training class. Seeing my recruits learn the kicks and punches I teach them gives me pride, and I can’t help but celebrate each time I create something new in the tech dome.

Mykl praises me so often now that it’s almost embarrassing.

I have friends. Amber and Kianna. We laugh together.

And my mates.