Jaz's Warriors (Bondmates Book 2) by Ann Mayburn

sheltered, spoiled life and have no appreciation for how blessed you are. Because of this, you will spend the next cycle with the Healer class, tending to the wounded. Perhaps if you spend enough time among death, you will appreciate the life you have been given.”
    Matriarch Taverty whispered out a hesitant, “Yes, ma’am.”
    Vungus started to shout something but a moment later, his mouth was moving and no sound was coming out.
    “Thank you for silencing him, Lady Yanush.”
    The other woman lifted her chin, her thin braids sparkling. “I believe Vungus needs a mental evaluation.”
    “Sadly, I believe you are correct,” Lady Elsin said with a grim look before her gaze softened as she turned to face Jaz.
    “Matriarch Brooks, you have been cleared of all charges brought against you. Please accept the apologies of the High Congress and know that Vungus’ feelings do not reflect those of the Kadothian people. Now, we have a busy schedule ahead of us, so I wish you good fortune with your bonding, and say good day.”
    Jaz was so stunned by the turn of events that she barely managed to mumble out, “Thank you, High Congress—uh, good day.”
    The walk back past the gallery was so different that she almost felt like the crowd had been switched out with a much friendlier one while she spoke with the High Congress. People actually smiled at her, and many of the Warriors looked ashamed. Interesting. Maybe she’d managed to do a little bit of good PR for the women of Earth.
    Once they were out of the chamber and away from the virtual crowd, Jaz let out a pent-up breath. “Holy fucking shit.”
    “Come,” Lord Rell said in an authoritative tone as he led them into a small, private room.
    As soon as the door shut, she flung her arms around him in a hug. “I don’t know how you did it, or why you helped me, but thank you.”
    He gave her a stiff hug back before placing her away with an uncomfortable look. Right, Matriarchs didn’t go around hugging people. She had to keep that in mind so she didn’t keep freaking out the Kadothian men by giving them the impression she was coming on to them.
    Her husbands and Tandar crowded around her, each pressing against her and each other as Lord Rell watched them with an envious smile. “I must admit, my actions are not entirely selfless. You see…my blood brother has found his bondmate, and she is an Earth female on this ship. In helping you, I also sought to make her future transition to life as a Kadothian Matriarch easier, to try to stem some of the prejudice developing against Earth women.”
    “You have a blood brother?” Tandar blurted out.
    Grimacing, Lord Rell nodded. “We had a bitter disagreement many, many years ago and have not spoken sense, but I dreamed of her, and know he has found the woman we are both meant to love.”
    Mavet gave a heavy sigh. “You have a hard road ahead of you if her first husband does not approve of you.”
    “They aren’t bonded yet,” Lord Rell said in a low voice.
    “You mean to steal her away?” Xentix asked in shock.
    Rubbing a hand over his face, Lord Rell shook his head. “No, I want them both. We belong together, all three of us. That is how our family should be.”
    “Uh,” Jaz said as she leaned back into Mavet’s arms, unable to resist the feel of him at her back, “how am I going to assist you with this? You know I’m not going to help you play games with her.”
    “Play games?”
    “She means she will not aid you in causing any strife between your estranged blood brother and his bride.”
    “I am not asking her to.” Lord Rell ducked his head a bit so he could meet her gaze. “I know you cannot read me, but hear the truth in my words when I tell you that all I want for my blood brother and our bondmate is the happiness we have sacrificed so much for. My blood brother especially, he deserves nothing but love and peace for the rest of his life. I took your case on personally because I fear for my alyah’s