Page 55 of Zahhn's Mate
I’ll be his mate, and he’s made it no secret that he expects my obedience. Will I have any freedoms? Or will he keep me locked away in his quarters?
He releases a dramatic sigh.Yes, I will keep you locked up for a while. But only until the heartbond forms between us. Once the bond is fully formed, and you’re drenched in my scent, and you’re wearing my ancestral markings on your arms, I will allow yousomefreedoms.
But why?I turn to face him.Why must I remain locked in your quarters until the heartbond is fully formed?
His nostrils flare, and his eyes take on a fierce glow.Because I do not want to risk another male attempting to claim you. There are thousands of unmated Darrvason males on theHaxxalthat are eager for a female of their own. I will not risk any harm coming to you, and I will not risk the chance you’ll be stolen from me. You’re mine, Leona. Mine.
Chapter 34
ZAHHN
Anticipation buildsinside me as I escort Leona down the corridor that leads to my quarters. I cannot wait to get her alone. But just as we round a corner, a familiar male blocks our path. I growl.
Doctor Ammdox.
Before I open my mouth to speak, he points a blaster directly at my head. “Hand over the female. She was supposed to be mine!”
I step in front of Leona, shielding her with my body, even if she’s not Doctor Ammdox’s intended target. “Emperor Radakk assigned Leona to become my mate, not yours. Perhaps you will receive a female from the next batch, the group of two thousand.”
He peers around me, looking at Leona. “I want that one. I like the way she smells, and you dishonored me when you prevented me from claiming her as my patient three moon cycles ago.” His eyes cloud with swirling darkness, dimming the usual glow, a sign that he’s recently taken an illicit substance.
“You’re not feeling well, Doctor Ammdox.” I slowly reach out a hand. “Give me the weapon and I’ll help you.”
He snarls and moves closer, the blaster still pointed at my head.
Listen to me carefully, Leona, I say down the bond.Slowly, very slowly, take a step back, then another, and keep going until you’re safely around the corner.
What about you?she asks.
Do it. Obey. I will protect you. I promise.
I feel her acquiesce, and I sense when she takes a step back. To my relief, the crazed male doesn’t seem to notice her retreat.
I eye the blaster in Doctor Ammdox’s hand, trying to determine its model. Until very recently, my people were not in possession of blasters. We prefer to use shooting stars and knives during battle. But one of our traders recently acquired a huge stock of blasters from an outpost, and the weapons were, perhaps unwisely, distributed throughout our vessels. Unlike the blasters used by humans, these newer ones can penetrate the thick texture of a Darrvason’s skin. Which means Ifluxxinghope this bastard doesn’t shoot me.
As I stare at the weapon in Doctor Ammdox’s hand, I realize it’s one of the deadlier models, and I resolve that I must keep him from firing the blaster near Leona.
I sense my mate take another step back, then another, and I’m relieved when I realize she’s close to rounding the corner. I stare at the crazed male, then I peer beyond him with the most horrified expression I can muster. A silly trick? Perhaps. But it works. His eyes widen and he spins around with the blaster held high, obviously expecting to meet a foe. But there’s no one there.
I tackle Doctor Ammdox and we tumble to the floor. I wrench the weapon from his hand and throw it as far as I can. It clatters somewhere at the end of the corridor.
He growls and thrashes in my hold, and I reach for one of the shooting stars or a mini-blaster concealed in my clothing, which I plan to use to temporarily paralyze him, only to realize I’m wearing the wrong outfit.Fluxx. I’d intended to change into my armed clothing after the meeting in the command room, but after learning Leona was assigned to me, I never bothered.
Doctor Ammdox punches me in the jaw, and I growl as I launch myself on top of him. I’m larger, and the impact of my weight is surely crushing. He gasps and flails, unable to get up.
Then I grab his head and slam it to the floor. He immediately loses consciousness. Rage pumps through me as I stare down at him. How dare he attempt to steal my mate? I could kill him where he lies, but he did not officially challenge me tolahhkda—a battle to the death for a mate.
Banishment. That’s the sentence he’ll receive for his crimes today. Banishment from the Darrvason Empire. Even if he lives, he’ll never pose a threat to Leona again.
I sigh and lift my wrist comm to my mouth. “This is Doctor Zahhn. I’m requesting security officers and a medical team to Deck Twenty-Five.”
I stand up and rush to Leona. When I see her peek around the corner, I shoot her a stern look even as I hurry to take her in my arms.
I meant for you to remain hidden and safe, I tell her.
Sorry.She gives me a sheepish look.I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Are you?
I am fine.I touch my jaw.He got one punch in, but I will live.
