Ovation (Galaxy Circus #9)

Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

Caspian

“ B rother!” Malik cheers, holding up his bottle of beer and saluting me with it. The rest of my act cheers as well as I take a seat at the table they have commandeered. It’s rowdy, and most of them have enjoyed an alcoholic beverage or two. I smother a grin. They will feel a little under the weather tomorrow morning. I’m pretty sure it will be the perfect time to announce a rehearsal to rework our act, but I’ll let it be a surprise.

“Sit and tell us what being mated is like. Is it all it’s cracked up to be?” Thorn demands, the dragon prince slurring his words.

“Of course it is. Lila is an amazing woman. My brother got really lucky.” Malik slaps me on the back, and I cough with surprise. “Now tell us about that beauty she was with earlier. What species is she? Is she single? What does she do in the act, and can you assign me to assist with it?”

I gape at my brother. I’ve never heard him speak so enthusiastically about a potential paramour in my life. He usually likes to play it cool and let them come to him. Titus elbows him hard, and Malik spits out a mouthful of beer.

“Forget about squid rings. Tell me, does she like dragons?”

Thorn just rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Jesus, what has gotten into you two?” he mutters. “Just moments ago we were checking out all the available singles on the ship, and now you are focused on one. Boring.”

“I think she’s my mate,” they both announce and then look at each other in shock.

“No, she’s my mate,” my brother argues, shaking his head.

“No, my dragon insists she’s ours. The minute her scent hit our nose, we knew.” Titus shoves Malik, who shoves him back. Titus stands up and tackles him, and the two of them hit the ground and start rolling around, wrestling.

I sigh and look at Thorn. “What the fuck?” I ask him, and he shrugs.

“They are always like this. They just need to fuck and get over it.” He rolls his eyes and turns his attention to the person on his other side.

Oh, huh. So it’s like that, is it? I was going to step in and tell them that she’s Skarrian, like Lila, so it is possible she’s both their mate, but now I’m going to let them go. They need to work out their own shit. It doesn’t take long.

I order myself a beer and something to eat, and eventually, they stop rolling around and sit down, both of them adjusting their pants in a way that makes me want to smirk.

“Are you finished?” I ask dryly as they settle into their seats.

“For now,” my brother mutters, not meeting my eyes, and I want to chuckle, but I hold it in. I can make him suffer later.

“Do you want me to tell you about Magenta or not?” I ask them, and they lose the sullen fury and perk right up.

“Yes,” they say together, and Titus mimes zipping his lips.

“Magenta is Skarrian, and she has a solo act in the circus. Her power is levitation, and she does a pretty thing with silks and then plays a game of dodge ball with the crowd. It’s a fan favorite because if anyone hits her, they get to take her out on a date.”

“Skarrian, you say?” Malik asks, side-eyeing Titus. “That means she will have multiple mates, right?”

“Possibly,” I hedge, not willing to give them any hope. It’s fun to see them both deflate. “And she likes females as well. She certainly is popular, but I’ve never seen her get too serious with anyone. May I make a suggestion?” I continue without waiting for them to reply. “Your beasts are insisting she’s your mate, but be careful on how you approach this. They could very well do what mine did to Lila and force the issue. I’m not sure Magenta would be as understanding as Lila if she was mated and knocked up after one night of fun. In fact, your survival would be in question. You also need to be open to the idea that you two may not be the only ones Magenta is attracted to. Remember, she doesn’t feel the mate call like you do. She will be attracted, but it won’t be as imperative to her.”

“You need to woo her,” a voice says over my shoulder, and I grin.

“What do you know about wooing?” Malik asks Nikos as he takes a seat next to me. “From what I hear, you tricked Lila into mating you.”

Nikos holds up his hands at the aggression in my brother’s voice. “While we may have started off as a misunderstanding, I can assure you we are all on the same page now.” Gone is the bubble-headed himbo we all knew, and in his place is a calm, sensible man who has embraced fatherhood with open arms. “I’m telling you so you don’t make the same mistakes Cas and I did. I suggest you romance her. Bring her gifts, take her out on dates, and hold off on the sex for a little while. Magenta’s self-esteem isn’t as good as it should be. Many see her as the slutty Skarrian who is good for a few nights but not long term. Don’t make that mistake.”

Both Malik and Titus stare at the merman with undisguised shock. Yup, the man is surprisingly insightful now that he’s not pretending to be a dick. “He’s not wrong. With Nixie not returning and Hale and Velorina being no-shows, Magenta is alone for the first time in a while, and I don’t think she felt as casual about the three of them as she pretended to.”

“Also, don’t turn it into a competition between you. Listen to your beasts but come up with a plan to woo her together. Show her you are willing and happy to be involved in a mating circle. Shifters are notoriously prejudiced against poly relationships,” Nikos points out, and I nod my agreement. We did get some disapproving looks from various shifters on Fluxx, including the dragons.

He continues. “You don’t have to fuck each other, but you have to be willing to work together to give her pleasure.”

Malik and Titus both shift uncomfortably in their seats, and I really don’t think that is going to be a problem. In fact, if the two of them aren’t fucking by the end of the week, I will take charge of all potty training with the triplets which, let me tell you, has not been easy. Jack likes to whip it out wherever he is.

Nikos continues his wooing tips, which is a hoot. He hasn’t had to do any of it. “Buy her pretty things, give her a cute pet name, take her out to dinner or flying or swimming. Spend quality time getting to know her without complicating things with sex. If your animals are anything like this one’s” —he gestures to me— “or the dragon’s, then they will be difficult and push for more. Talk to them and explain you are in it for the long haul, not just a quick roll in the sheets.”

The two males look at me, and I nod my head. “I hate to admit it, but he’s right. We have all made many mistakes with Lila, so learn from them and court her right. I don’t think she’s ever had the pleasure before. She’s stubborn, though, so don’t let her railroad you, and she will want to break it off after a short period of time. She’s conditioned herself not to want more. Don’t let her. And he’s right, you need to be open to letting others into the relationship, but set ground rules with Magenta. Lila doesn’t have any problem with us messing around with each other, not that all of us have explored that option yet, but Magenta is the focus of your circle. She may not want anyone else touching you, so you need to establish boundaries. Her recent fun time involved two other women and one male, and she wasn’t opposed to any of them touching each other, but it’s better to be sure.”

Malik stares at me with wide eyes. “Look at you, being all adultlike and shit. Lila has been good for you. I’m proud of you, bro.” He reaches across the table and gives my hand a squeeze.

Before I can reply, my communicator alerts me to a message. It’s from Kinga. The children have been fed and wish to say goodnight to their parents. I show Nikos the message, and he jumps to his feet.

“Please excuse us, our offspring are in need.”

He takes off toward the exit. Both Maxsim and Echo are heading in that direction as well. Neither of them want to hang around any longer than necessary. Echo tires easily now, and Maxsim gets all growly if someone other than one of us brushes against him by accident.

I stand up and stretch. “Duty calls,” I tell them, unable to stop the smirk that crosses my mouth.

“Family looks good on you, brother.” Malik reaches over and slaps my hand. “Give my nieces and nephews kisses for me.”

“I’ll tell them their favorite uncle, Malik, is here on the ship. I’m sure they will insist on visiting you soon.”

He grins. “You bet I’m their favorite uncle.”

Titus scowls. “Not for long. Once they meet me, I will quickly take the top spot.” This draws Thorn’s attention.

“Unlikely. Everyone knows I’m the nicest of the dragon princes. Once they see my contribution to their hoards, I’m sure I will quickly become the favorite.”

“What did you get them?” I ask, unable to stop my curiosity.

He crosses his arms and smiles smugly. “Unlike the rest of the idiots in my family, I understand that children of that age who aren’t dragons probably don’t have the innate drive to hoard, so instead of gifting them gold or jewels, I gifted them Squishmallows. They are big enough so they can sleep amongst their hoard comfortably, even as they grow.”

“Squishmallows?” Titus asks. He and Malik glare at Thorn in confusion, but I grin and nod with approval. I know what he is talking about. Link explained this phenomenon to me when we were on Earth. Lila had bought a number of them to put on her bed.

“They are a super soft squishy pillow, shaped like a character or food, that are very popular on Earth. Lila loves them, and I’m sure they will be a big hit with the children as well. I’m impressed. You may just win that favorite uncle title. How did you get your hands on them?”

His grin drops, and he looks around to see who is listening, but no one is paying attention. “I have a contact who does black market runs to Earth and picks up items.”

I nod, unsurprised to hear this. We knew there must have been a way on and off Earth that wasn’t just through the circus. We should really question Aura about it. I’m sure there are a lot more illegal aliens on Earth than Smith knows, but then again, if he has his own way on and off, he must suspect. The man is most definitely not an idiot.

Malik and Titus glare at the dragon, and Titus elbows his brother none too gently. “You didn’t tell me about that.”

Thorn adopts a nonchalant expression. “A dragon needs to have his mysteries.”

I leave them to argue about what other shit he might know that he hasn’t shared with his brother and glance over to where Lila is. She is sitting with Susie and Mark and another Celestian whom I haven’t met yet. I consider going over and interrupting them, but I know Lila should probably hang around after such a major announcement and soothe any ruffled feathers. It wouldn’t do for her to disappear, because it might make the crew uncomfortable, even if it was to kiss her children goodnight.

I leave her. The four of us should be enough to get the five youngsters to bed without any extra assistance.

When I get to our suite, I hear squeals of delight coming from the nursery. When I arrive, I stop and lean against the doorframe and watch with so much love and joy. Maxsim and Echo are in cat form, and they are giving the three krakens a ride around the room. Nikos is breastfeeding both of his young ones, their water cribs already filled and waiting for their occupants. They will continue to nurse from him for a couple more weeks. Although not as large as a female’s breasts, his still remain slightly engorged to provide for his young. I find myself oddly attracted by the sight. Watching Lila pump milk for our young was a massive turn on for me, I just never thought I’d feel the same way about Nikos. I must have a nursing kink. I shift awkwardly as my cock hardens in my pants, not wanting anyone to notice, but of course I couldn’t be so lucky.

“I can feel your arousal,” a voice whispers in my ear, and I curse the warlock’s existence. He chuckles, obviously able to hear my expletives inside my mind. The nosy bastard isn’t so insistent on privacy and consent when it comes to Lila’s mates. “Now, now, don’t be embarrassed, it is quite a stimulating view. I also share your nursing kink, and my mouth waters at the thought of wrapping my lips around his ripe nipples.”

Oh, well, okay, I shouldn’t be surprised the warlock is so open about these things, since he is a kinky fuck. Lila and Nikos haven’t had a chance to be intimate on dry land yet, and although I got to join in last time, I think some of the others are envious that they missed out. We all like to watch any one of us fuck our wife, and it’s even more enjoyable to be invited to participate, even if it is restraining her for their pleasure.

Xavier chuckles again and runs a hand down my spine and around my waist, pulling me back against him, his mist form gone now that we are in our private suite. “I just sent our wife an interesting image in her mind. I’m sure it won’t be too long until she joins us. Shall we get this wrapped up so when she does, the kiddies are all tucked in?”

He brushes his hand over my cock before pushing past me and swooping down to scoop Jack from Echo’s back.

“You need to be more careful with Daddy Echo. Remember, he’s having babies too. You are going to have two new siblings to care for in a few months. How about you all jump into bed and get some rest so you can grow big and strong to help us look after them?”

The three krakens are quick to obey. There was a little jealousy to begin with, but now they are the ultimate protectors of their little brother and sister. They scramble into their beds, and Xavier takes Ty from Nik. His tiny tail wiggles with excitement at the sight of his warlock daddy. He really has the children wrapped around his little finger.

Xavier lifts him and rubs his nose against Typhoon’s, and the little baby squeals with delight, grabbing two handfuls of hair. Xavier winces and manages to untangle the tiny fingers before giving him a kiss on the cheek and slipping him into his water crib. Typhoon happily swims to the bottom and curls his tail around his body, closing his eyes.

In the meantime, Nikos is dealing with a screaming Hali. She doesn’t like the fact that she’s separated from her brother in a different crib, but when we put them together, she would keep him awake, so we moved them apart. I can see Nikos’s anguish at his daughter’s screams and tell he’s wavering. I hurry forward and take the screaming child off his hands.

“Hali, sweet girl. If you go to sleep, we can go for a swim in the big pool tomorrow,” I coo to her, and this has the desired effect. She gives up on her tears and claps her hands together. These two are not quite as old as the kraken babies, but in human years, they are about eighteen months, according to Mark. Their language skills are developing rapidly, and their comprehension skills are off the charts. Link suggests that they will probably develop as quickly as the kraken babies. It sent Lila into another tailspin, because three teenage girls will be terrifying.

I slide her into her own pod. She swims back and forth a few times before she settles down at the bottom as well.

Maxsim and Echo curl up between the older kids’ beds. They will stay there for a while until all the family members have returned and the suite is locked down for the night before moving to their own bedroom. They each have one, Lila ensured we all have our own space, but they tend to sleep in the same bed.

“How about we get a drink while we wait for Lila?” Xavier suggests before he grabs Nikos by the hand and tugs him out of the room. I follow along behind them. I have no idea what that male has in mind, but I’m curious to see what it is.