Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55108 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“I also explained to her that as an unmated human, her initial trainer will be the one to take on a temporary guardianship for her.” She blinks at me. “And that only a Zandian who really thinks her work is a good fit would be willing to do that.”
I process this information. Every Zandian knows how often “temporary guardianship” turns into permanent mating. Why, more than half the couples and trios I know started out as innocent work mentorship situations.
I also remember that “temporary guardianship” entails overseeing and correcting a human’s behavior. My cock goes hard at the thought, and I growl, thinking of some other Zandian spanking Zina. Touching her like I did on the ship.
Abbi gives me a nervous smile. “So, if you could reiterate that, it might save us a trip to the…”
“Send her to my dome,” I cut in abruptly. “I’ll test her personally to see if she’s apt for the training program.”
“What?” Abbi blinks. “I mean, yes, sir. But, ah…”
“She has good reflexes.” It’s not a lie. I heard she was quick and clever on that slave planet, during the auction, arranging the escape for herself and Enya. Even with her injuries. Many other humans couldn’t have managed it—but she did. “She had fortitude and good instincts. Both requisites for nav. We can at least see.”
“Well, that’s fine then.” Abbi sounds confused, and I understand why. Navigation is for the best of the best. But it’s not her vecking decision, is it?
“Bring her tomorrow.” I turn to Zina. “Come prepared to work hard.”
“I always work hard.” She sticks up her chin, according to my motion registry.
I suppress a smile. I love her fight. “Good. That’s the bare minimum to even get a chance.” I cross my arms.
Her eyes widen on my ocular display. Does she like the way I look? I try not to smirk. Maybe I can’t have her, or any human, but veck, it’s nice to be appreciated as a male.
When has that happened before?
Never.
Usually humans shrink away from me, either cowed by my size, or my blindness, or both.
“I think you’ll find that I’m quite acceptable, bare or not.” She smiles, but I know it’s a taunt.
My dick gets hard.
Oh, really? This little feisty human wants to play with me? It’s on.
I put a knuckle under her chin. “I look forward to finding out.” Her facial skin heats, as my light sensor registers a shift in the measured nanometers. Ha. She’s blushing.
This is going to be fun.
I shouldn’t do it. It’s wrong on many levels.
But for the first time in many solar cycles, I feel more than obligation and duty when I think about the next planet rotation.
I feel a thrill of excitement.
Chapter 7
Tarek
“How are things at home with Taisha?” I pull up the training software on my holo display. Next to me, Captain Drayk readies some equipment.
“Good.” He lowers his voice. “I vecked her three times just this morning.” His smile is so broad you could fly a Class-5 warship through his teeth.
“I’m surprised you managed to drag your worn-out body in here.” I snort, but part of me is jealous.
“Quite the opposite. It gives me energy.” He punches my shoulder. “When will you petition for a mate?”
“You know the answer. Never.” I answer quickly, although images flash through my mind: a small human nestled in my arms, crying out in pleasure.
He usually lets the topic go, but this planet rotation he persists. “Why not?”
I try not to snarl at him. “Don’t mock me by asking.” I point to my head. “Isn’t it obvious, or are you blind, too?”
He scowls. “Dr. Daneth and King Zander never told you to remove yourself from the gene pool.” He crosses his arms. “That was your own decision. And a poor one.”
“Really? You think a blind Zandian is fit to guide the next generation?” I shake my head in disgust. “I’m sure if I petitioned for a mate, the answer would be no. Why would I bother putting myself through the pain of that kind of rejection?” I hear my father’s voice in my head, one of the things I remember. He’s weak and flawed. He will never bring honor to this family. It would be better if he were never born.
Drayk raises his voice. “Your skills are phenomenal, Tarek.” He pauses. “Even if you never had young, it’s a benefit to take a mate. It’s good for Zandians.” His tone softens. “You’ve been alone for so long. Perhaps there is a human female who cannot bear young, and would be a fit for you? I think that if you spoke with King Zander, he’d be sympathetic—”
“I don’t need any being’s pity,” I snarl, and then I tap my headset. “Plus, I’m sure he’d agree that Zandia deserves better. And certainly, I’d be required to share a mate, if I even wanted one. No human would be wasted on a Zandian who isn’t going to breed. King Zander would never allow me take my own mate.”