Page 168 of Galaxy Circus Act One

He smiles gently at me, somehow knowing I had been thinking about my parents. I hope he wasn’t using his damn warlock powers on me.

Before I can scold him, he continues. “I never met them, you know. We didn’t arrive to run the Pleasure Inn until a couple years after their death, but of course I know the story. I think any alien who resides on Earth does. Not to mention the Adams’ search for their missing grandchild. We were all put on alert to keep an ear and eye out for a child exhibiting strange powers.Year after year when no rumors surfaced, we figured you died as well, though your grandpas never gave up their search.”

I nod my head, unable to talk now that my throat has closed off with my emotions.

“I just wanted to say welcome to the family. I couldn’t be happier for my cousin, and I hope you forgive our first interaction. I’m afraid your friends had me a little off balance.” He has the decency to look embarrassed, and I decide to throw him a bone, especially after he made an effort to be kind.

“I would say they have you a little more than off balance.” I wink at him lasciviously, and he chuckles.

“Yes, they were an unexpected but delightful surprise. I’m not sorry in the least that they have to come with us. I’m pretty sure they were going to try to look into Mark’s family, but now we have an excuse to stay with them.”

Thankfully, my overwhelming emotions have disappeared with this new topic, and I can’t deny feeling thrilled for my friends. This seems to be a little more than a booty call for all involved, and it means I’ll have my Susie right where I want her with no lies between any of us—besides the one about the orb of power, which no one knows. I am going to have to tell Cas and Saxon about it eventually. I just kind of want to enjoy the honeymoon period before I tell them about the huge responsibility we are going to undertake. Hmm, maybe I should tell them before so they have a get out of jail free card.

Up ahead, Magenta stops in front of a door, and I stop feeling a little ill. All these reminders that my parents aren’t around are throwing me off. I got so used to not thinking about it, but here, I can’t help but be reminded that my parents are no longer with me.

“Lila!” Magenta is staring at me with a frown, so I guess she may have been talking to me for a while.

“Ah, yeah, sorry. I’m a little tired. My blood rose bonding with Saxon must have taken more out of me than I thought.” Suddenly, Crimson is in front of me. She’s taller than I am, and I have to lift my head to look up at her.

She leans in and sniffs me. “I thought I was wrong, but I’m not, am I? You are a blood rose, and you say you’re General Saxon’s. Wow, I’m sure that didn’t go over well with his clan.” Crimson looks positively gleeful at the thought.

“Radella and Estrella had a conniption. They tried to put a stop to it, but Xenos and Hale wouldn’t let them.”

“Xenos is here too?” Crimson’s eyebrows almost jump off her face. “The queen doesn’t like it when both her nephews are away from her.”

“He came when Saxon had to be sedated,” Magenta explains.

“Why was he sedated?” Crimson looks back at me, and I shrug.

“I’m new to all of this, and it gave me a little time.” I wait for her to explode much like the girls did, but she nods calmly.

“That was smart. I see the general has landed himself an intelligent blood rose. This is good. Well, are we going to stand around all day, or are we going in?” Everyone looks at me expectantly, but I just can’t. My parents’ memories are going to have to wait for another day.

“You guys go. Magenta will help you with anything you need. I just can’t, I’m sorry,” I apologize and use my speed to escape back to my own room. I need my own alcoholic beverage now.

Please, Lord, let me still be able to get drunk.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Saxon

Although I manage to control my facial expression, my emotions are rolling. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. How did an Aaz’axian end up on Earth? And how exactly did the Earth Alien Alliance get their hands on him? What did he do to draw their attention to them? There hasn’t been a sighting in years. I’m sure most of them use a glamour to blend in, so what happened with this guy?

All of these thoughts whirl through my mind as the warlock and I make our way through the ship to the detention cells. He’s bound up in a spell and unconscious, so he’s really no trouble, but I am dying to ask him some questions.

“So?” Xavier breaks the silence that had been hovering between us. “I never would have thought you and I would end up bonded to the same woman.” He finally brings up the subject we’d both been tiptoeing around—not that we’ve really seen each other to discuss it. I’ve been sedated, and he’s been dealing with a wayward harem.

I chuckle, glad to have the subject out there now. “I know, right? I had seriously thought that you and I would be feeding off each other for the rest of the tour. I couldn’t stand the thought of drinking from my clan.”

“And my harem was being stingy with their emotions unless they were getting something in return. Lila is a blessing for both of us, but I won’t deny that I’m going to miss feeding from you. Your anger and aggression were always so fucking tasty.”

“And your power-filled blood is delicious.” I think about what Link said. Even though I haven’t discussed it with Lila yet, I’m going to broach the subject with Xavier since he’s already comfortable feeding me. “The doc actually suggested that Lila may not be able to fully sustain me. Although her body has changed, she still may not be able to provide the amount of blood I require. He suggested that I would need to feed from others.” I pause, trying to get my thoughts in order. “The thought of having to feed from others hurts. I don’t want my blood rose to feel inadequate and betrayed. Link suggested that feeding from her other mates may be a solid alternative. Will you still feed me if I need it?”

I can’t see it, but I can practically feel Xavier smirking at me through his mist. “Absolutely, as long as I can get a bit of quid pro quo. I also want an invite into your bedroom with Lila sometimes, even if I just watch and feed, but I’m sure the two of you together are really something.”

“I will speak to Lila about this. She needs to be the one to make the final decision.”

He slaps me on the back. “Believe me, our mate will agree, she’s got a kinky streak a space leap wide.”