Page 33 of Monster. Me.

I don't even know Marlow, for fuck's sake.

And yet…

"I'd really like to… get to know him."

The cat unexpectedly gets to his feet and moves closer. Then he presses his head against my cheek, rubbing against me affectionately, his tail high, and the simple gesture fills me with a ridiculous amount of happiness.

"You're a sweetheart, chunky boy…"

I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his glossy fur.

"You're really Mr. Purrfect, you know that? I hope you'll come visit me again sometime. Hopefully you didn't get lost in all these crazy tunnels."

Then I hear distant footsteps coming from the hallway.

"Crap. Someone's coming."

I quickly get to my feet, carrying the cat in my arms and once again marveling at how ridiculously heavy he is. I lift him back into the ventilation opening.

The cat looks at me with those minty eyes as if he actually understands what I'm saying.

"You've gotta get out of here, my guy. If Wilhelm sees you in here, who knows what he'll do. Better not risk it. Go on, get out of here."

I quickly put the vent cover back in place, pressing it loosely against the opening without bothering to screw it back on.

Two seconds later, the door opens and Wilhelm walks in with Nurse Reed, another sadist who seems to take genuine pleasure in watching me suffer. Both of them are wearing pleased expressions, along with large, colorful clips on their noses.

"Bone marrow extraction tomorrow morning," Reed announces. "Dr. Lomax needs another sample from you. We came by tonight because there's medication you need to take first. It'll make tomorrow's procedure easier."

I grit my teeth.

I've gone through marrow extraction before, and it was a nightmare. The problem is that similar to purple alphas, my bones are far denser than those of ordinary humans. To get what they need, they practically have to drill into them with diamond-tipped equipment. The pain that comes with that is beyond horrible.

"I'd rather avoid that if possible. Maybe there are other methods—" I start to say.

Their ugly faces only spread into wider smiles.

"Nope."

So a wave of defiance rises inside me.

"Then I'm not doing it," I say suddenly, my jaw clenched with resolve.

Reed snorts.

"You already agreed to it, sweetie. There aren't any other options. Either you come with us tomorrow, or Dr. Lomax comes down here. Trust me, you won't like that."

I stand there for a moment, my heart hammering. Then an unexpected idea occurs to me.

"Fine. Then send Dr. Lomax down here. I've got something I want to discuss with him anyway."

Reed and Wilhelm exchange a glance.

Wilhelm's mouth tightens into a thin line.

"You really don't want trouble, Drax. Picking a fight with Lomax isn't smart. It would be a shame if something happened and that two million dollars didn't make it to the finish line."

"I'll take that risk," I reply. "I'll wait for Dr. Lomax; otherwise, I won’t go."