Page 57 of Galaxy Circus Act One

“But wasn’t Dylan gay? He would have never found a breeding partner?” I ask, feeling confused.

Everyone snorts. “Dylan fucked anything that could be nailed down,” William tells me dryly.

I shiver a little bit as I remember the way he looked at me when he was in my room. I got changed in front of him. Damn, was I wrong. I’ll never assume again.

“Gay dragons have options. They will usually find a donor dragoness to give them children. They pay very handsomely for it, and some female dragons use this service to set themselves up before they settle down with their own clutch.” Link gently rubs my shoulders as he imparts his up-to-date dragon breeding information. I wonder if he brushed up on all of the species on the ship when he realized his kraken knowledge was lacking; he seems like the type who would.

“So dragons only breed with dragons?” I ask as I take the glass of water from Caspian before he sits on my other side. I’m still trying to ignore the fact that the guy I thought was going to be my new bestie just tried to attack me. Me and my babies. I rub a hand across my little bump for comfort. Noticing what I’m doing, Caspian takes my hand, placing a kiss on it before putting it back on my stomach.

“No, like me, if they choose to mate with another species, the mating bite will change them to make it possible for them to breed. Females will be able to lay eggs and incubate them, while males will be able to impregnate those eggs for females to lay.” Caspian leans back, pulling me against his chest, while Link keeps hold of the other hand.

I feel myself relaxing as these two provide me with comfort and some distraction.

“Throw him in one of the cells overnight, make sure it’s got shifting restrictions on it. We will let him wake up and calm down, and then we will put him on the next flight home. He has no place here in the circus after an attack on our granddaughter.” At William’s order, the guards pick Dylan up, dragging him out of the room.

“Caspian, you will have to do your show without him. Lucky we only have one stop after Earth before we take our month-long break. We’ll put a call out for new dragons or something else to replace him during that time.” John’s all business now that the threat is over.

“We will let you get back to your dinner now, but I’m sorry, Lila. I know you liked him and had hoped he would be a friend. Drama comes along with running this circus, but I had hoped you wouldn't discover that fact quite so quickly.” Eric is sober and serious for a change, and it’s weird to see. But it doesn't last. His cheeky grin spreads across his face. “Let’s go and let these lovebirds get back to dinner... or whatever.” He winks, waves, and waltzes out of the room. John and William both lean down and give me a kiss on the head before they follow him out, calling back with a promise that they’ll see me tomorrow.

Then I’m left with my mate, Link, and a sad, sick feeling.

“I just can’t believe he did and said all that. It was like he was invaded by the body snatchers. I feel so betrayed. Did he even like me at all?” I shudder and snuggle into Caspian a little more.

Link clears his throat and drops my hand, standing up. “Let’s take a raincheck on dinner. I’ll leave you to look after your mate.” Before he can step away, Caspian leans forward and grabs Doc’s arm.

“Get back down there and hugourgirl. She needs all the affection she can get.” At Caspian’s urging, Link sits back downand grabs me, hugging me from behind, his body slightly cooler than the one pressed against my front. It’s a nice contrast.

I feel warm, comfortable, and happy despite what has just happened, and all that’s left for me to do is sigh as I wonder what tomorrow will bring me.

What a fucking adventure.

THE END FOR NOW