Page 151 of Galaxy Circus Act One

Fuck my life. I don’t want to get sucked into this rabbit hole.

I let him lead me into a bathroom off to the side. I now realize that the light in here and in the other room is very dim, but because of my new eyesight, everything is as clear as day for me. I’m not sure how I’m going to cope with being in normal light. I see why the Vilaxians like the dark now, and I remember reading that their planet only has seven hours of daylight or something like that. Their eyesight must have evolved to adjust for the darkness.

Saxon points me to the toilet cubicle, and I close the door and pee, allowing myself a couple of deep breaths as I get mybearings. I don’t have time to freak out right now, but I will set aside some time for it a little while later.

Ten o’clock, lose my shit. I’ll add it to my calendar.

I’m sure everyone will understand. Maybe I’ll shift and go hide in the pretty grotto at the bottom of the mer pool. If I’m quiet, hopefully that randy can of cat food won’t find me and I can freak out in peace. Sure, I knew that I could change when I bonded with Saxon, but I had no idea it would be to this extent. I’m sure once I calm down and get a moment to breathe, I will decide it’s cool as fuck.

“Lila, my beautiful blood rose, are you okay?” A knock on the door and Saxon’s concerned tone has me taking another couple of deep breaths before wiping and flushing. Putting on a small smile, I step out.

“Yeah, just taking a moment, you know.” I don’t have to explain. I see his eyes soften and know he understands.

“Hop in the shower, and I’ll find you something to wear.” He points at the already running water, knowing I need a few more minutes to myself. He presses a kiss to my forehead and disappears in a flash.

Sighing with relief, I climb under the hot spray and take another moment to myself. If the water hides a few tears, well, no one will ever know.

CHAPTER TEN

Lila

When Saxon and I finally surface from his room, it’s almost lunchtime. I’m wearing a pair of baggy sweats and a shirt a million times too big for me, but they smell like Saxon, so I’m uber happy to be wearing them. I have nothing on my feet, and I’m not sure what happened to the clothes I had been wearing prior to bonding. Maybe someone sent them out to be cleaned.

I’m champing at the bit to find Caspian, Link, and Xavier. There’s an ache in my chest that I know will be fixed once I see them. I’m also desperate to find out if John is okay. Now that the bonding is over, I survived, and we are doing well, my anguish has returned tenfold. I’m ready to leave our self-imposed confinement and reenter the world and reality. The only thing that slows my exit is the fact that I dread having to trek through his quarters, not relishing another run-in with his clan. When we get there, though, the rooms are eerily quiet and empty, which is somewhat of a relief.

“Where is everyone?” I ask, looking around. We walk down a corridor lined with rooms before reaching a communal livingarea with a small kitchen and replicator. Do Vilaxians eat real food too? I rack my brain, trying to remember if I know the answer, but come up with nothing. So. Much. To. Learn.

Saxon looks as bewildered as I do. “I’m not sure. I would have thought Xenos would be here to celebrate our joining. It’s unusual that he isn’t, same as Hale and Velorina.”

“Xenos?” I ask, remembering the strange Vilaxian I hadn’t recognized when we first entered the quarters.

“My brother. I was surprised to see him too. I can only assume that the queen sent him to replace me while I was incapacitated. He brought the blood rose cup, which allowed you to transition to be compatible with me.” He’s smiling at me now, wearing a look of pride and warmth. I can’t believe the blatant difference between who he is now and the cold, stern soldier tasked with working on my self-defense.

“Oh, wow, okay.” My heart races in panic. I’m going to meet my husband’s family. Shit, I don’t think I’ve ever had to impress a family member before.

Fuck with a capital F.

Saxon chuckles, his eyes crinkling adorably, and I’m blinded by his smile once more. Holy hell, my husband is hot…Bothof my husbands are hot. God, I love calling them my husbands.

“I can hear your heart rate speed up at the idea of that. Do not worry, my beautiful blood rose, my brother will love you. Right now, let’s get you some food. I don’t want the good doctor getting pissy at me for not following his strict orders and feeding you properly.”

I giggle at the idea of Link growling protectively at Saxon. It’s slightly preposterous, but Saxon looks like he’s serious. The Vilaxian is nervous about a cyborg’s reaction—or more like Saxon is uneasy about how Link will react even though he’s not my mate. I like this show of respect.

He sweeps me up into his arms and strides toward the door, and it slides back as we approach it.

“Put me down, you big oaf, Icanwalk.” I pound on his arm in an attempt to get him to put me down, but he ignores me and nuzzles my neck.

“Allow me the privilege of carrying you, at least until we get where we’re going. I know I will have to share you with your mate and other suitors then, and I want to make the most of what’s left of our time alone.”

Le sigh, isn’t he wonderful?I cease my useless smacking of his glorious biceps and settle back to enjoy the ride. Who am I to argue with that?

Once we leave the room, he flashes us to the dining room in the circus pod. Strangely enough, this is empty too. “Where is everyone?” I ask again, starting to get a little concerned. He steps up to one of the communication panels in the wall and presses a button.

“Call Hale,” he commands, and I see an image of Hale appear in the little screen as it buzzes, waiting for him to accept the call.

Finally, live action Hale appears on the screen, scowling at Saxon. “What?” he snaps quietly. I can hear Grandpa William’s voice in the background, talking.

“Where is everyone?” Saxon asks, and Hale scowls.