Free Thorn's Bondmate (Zarronian Warriors Book 2) by Mardi Maxwell Page B

Invincible you'll obey my commands."
    "I'm not one of your warriors."
    "No, you're a spy and you're going to earn your passage."
    "I'm not mistress material."
    "Aren't you? Funny, I could have sworn I found you in the pleasure-givers section," he said, his voicing mocking.
    "What are you talking about?" Before he could answer, she figured out the answer. At least now she knew what kind of "advise" the warriors were getting on the fourth floor. "You know that wasn't why I was there. It was the only place I could find to hide."
    He rose and stalked towards her. "Did my sons take you there?"
    Reluctant to tell him, she pressed back into the couch when he leaned over her.
    "I want the truth. Now, answer me."
    Terrified he'd use the bands again, she nodded. "I made them."
    "Where were you hiding when we searched the ship for you?"
    Her mouth was so dry with fear she could barely speak. "In your quarters," she whispered. A shiver tore through her when his face darkened even more. She'd never been so frightened in her life not even when she'd been running from those men on Earth.
    He grabbed her shoulders and lifted her until her feet left the floor. "You tricked my sons into helping you stay hidden then when we discovered your presence you had them hide you in my quarters." He released her and she dropped back onto the couch as he strode away.
    "Thorn-"
    He turned and glared at her. "Is that one of my shirts?" he asked, pointing to the one she wore. "Did you wear my shirts while you were in my quarters?"
    For a moment, the softly spoken question confused her. What difference did it make? She hadn't damaged them.
    "Answer me."
    "Yes."
    "You slept in my bed?"
    "Yes."
    He glared at her then strode to the door. "I'll be back tonight and I want you in that bed," he pointed towards the larger bed chamber, "and willing. If you fight me I'll hurt you and I'll enjoy doing it."
     

Chapter Four
     
     
    Daria spent the day pacing from one empty room to another, and watching the stars and planets as they traveled by them. When that grew tiresome, she filled the deep tub in the bathing chamber with hot water and lowered herself into it. Exhausted, she fell asleep and only woke when the water cooled.
    She climbed out, dried off then washed the gown. It had two new tears on the shoulder seams. She could ask Thorn to bring her something to wear but she didn't think he would. She hung the dress to dry, wrapped herself in a sheet toga-style and went into the kitchen.
    The food she prepared grew cold while she thought about Dane and Dev. Experiencing the Zarronian form of torture made her wonder if that was how they treated their wives and children. Were the bands on the boys' arms used for the same purpose as the ones on her ankles? She'd never felt anything so horrible! It had been like the sensation she'd had when she was little and played too long in the snow. Like icy, frozen nerves warming up and coming back to life. Except worse, she thought, much worse. The bands had sent that horrible burning and tingling sensation rush to every nerve in her body.
    At least now she knew the purpose of the armbands although that was something she'd just as soon forget. She just had to stay alive until she could tell Ambassador Eirikson about the Witvians and their corrupt human conspirators, especially the Martins. Emma had been killed because of them and before this was over the people of Earth would know the truth about the missing women.
    She sat down on the arm of a couch, dropped back and let her legs hang over the side then swung them back and forth in an effort to burn off the anxiety filling her. She had two hurdles ahead of her. First she had to make sure the truth was told and the missing women were rescued. Then, she had to find a way to get the Zarronians let her return to Earth. Perhaps, if she promised not to write anything else about them they'd let her return.
    Yawning, Daria fanned herself as she rose and began searching for the thermostat.