He glanced at the others, his pleading them to help. When none came, he closed his eyes and deeply sighed, his tails wilting from their perky default position.
Finally, someone else was lost for words for once. It got old being the only one who didn’t know what to say when they found themselves in awkward social situations. The thing was, at least I had an excuse, which not many people knew about. But for an owner of an entertainment establishment on the CEG space station, he should have no problems leading a conversation or speaking to a female. He seemed to be able to talk to his waitress, so why not me? It wasn’t like we were alone.
“Because this is a male entertainment establishment—even though we have had a few females who have come who are attracted to the females. I heard the Circuli don’t actively… hunt for a breeder like most species do. Which makes me believe they are here because of you.”
“I wanted to see dancing. Simple as that. I didn’t know what kind of dancing there would be since none of my nestmates wanted to explain it to me,” I said, glaring at the offending males. “This is my first time on the space station where I don’t have obligations. If we are causing a problem, we can pay and leave.” I placed my glass on the table and scanned the nearly empty room. “But it seems like we are your only customers.”
“Stars, Selena,” Xylo cursed.
I glared at him. “You know it’s the truth!”
“No. She is right,” Erluh admitted, sighing in defeat. “I don’t know what to do. We opened a few moons ago, but as soon as it was discovered my ladies don’t sell themselves for favors, business tanked fast. I tried to bring something unique to the CEG station, but without customers, we won’t be able to pay rent. Then I will have to let my girls go andhave them scramble to find work. I will feel guilty because they believed in my dream… my vision.”
“And what is that?” I asked, curious.
“I wanted to bring a new form of entertainment. Why do breeders… um… females have to sell themselves when things get rough? A lot of my females were abused or abandoned by the males who claimed to love them. They have few skills outside of serving and dancing. My goal was to create a place where they could feel safe performing without the obligation to sell their bodies. That is why I created this place. My sister was abused by her mate and hasn’t been the same since. She works in the back, dealing with the stock and staff costumes.”
“Lady Selena, I was told you requested my services,” Vagren announced as he walked around our booth and eyed the group. “Is there a problem?”
“No problem, Vagren. I need your insight on a few things aboutDestima,” I said, smiling.
He scanned the room before meeting my gaze. “Is this the best place for this?”
I waved him off. “I’m not going to go into that many details. I just need you to answer a few questions, and if things are the way I believe they are, we can have a more private discussion later.”
He pursed his lips as his tail jerked back and forth. “I will trust your judgment on this.”
“Excellent.” I studied the table and noticed everyone was watching me, waiting with a variety of expressions on their faces. All the males had finished most of their plates and drinks. I was the only one that still had most of their samples left.
“Can you make room for Erluh and Vagren? This may take some time, and I don’t want them to remain standing the whole time.”
The group shifted over as the two new additions sat on the same side as the princes. The table was cleaned off, other than my leftover items. New drinks were ordered, and introductions were made. Now we had a clean space, had freshened up, and knew who each other was, it was time for me to lead the meeting.
“Erluh, Elmynx, and Odevlyn, as you may know, I am the official Seedbearer to Prince Zirene Darcaw. What you haven’t been told is, I am also the new owner ofDestima, the water moon of Lunkai, the capital of Aldawi’s second main star system. This means I can do whatever I want to the moon, within reason,” I explained, keeping my voice low.
“What are you saying?” Elmynx asked.
I smirked. “I am saying I have an offer for you three, if my elected enforcer Vagren approves, that is.”
Vagren nodded. “I am listening.”
I faced Odelm’s fathers. “Odelm and Xylo have mentioned a few times they wanted their fathers to relocate wherever we settle; that everyone shared the same desire of wanting to live near each other. I want to make two districts on my main island since there are two sides, split in half by the mountain ridge. My goal is to have one side for housing and necessities—like medical and the academy. It would make sense for them to be near the living spaces. I want the other side to be entertainment, filled with a music hall, theaters, bazaars, gambling, and,”—my gaze landed on Erluh—“any unique businesses that have something special to offer. You see, I want the residents ofDestimato never want to leave but still have the chance to experience unique goods and services. Perhaps after theDestinylands and everyone settles, whether that takes a few moons or years, we can openDestimato be a selective vacation spot. But at this moment, I want to provide the current—and soon to be new—residentssomething more than just the bare necessities.” I grabbed Xylo’s hand and glanced at him. “Plus, I made a deal to be studied. I’d rather have the place I am grounded on be filled with exotic things that both I and others have never experienced.”
“You aren’t going to prison, Selena,” Xylo murmured.
“No? Then why does it feel like it?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Selena
Booming music, bright flashing lights, and a swirl of unknown scents assaulted me as Kaede’s sisters led me through the first floor of the dance club. The place was packed, everyone dancing and rubbing against each other, having a good time.
A male Caurig with two female Euvrels tucked under his wings, one wrapped in each arm, walked past on their way to the busy bar. We pushed past a pair of female Weru as they enjoyed being the center of attention of the horde of male Weru around them. They were dancing against each other, smiles on their faces while the males watched them with a fierce hunger.
I stopped in my tracks, studying the group. Others pressed against my back, my cloak getting snagged on them as they passed around me.
My nestmates never looked at me like that.
