Page 80 of Monster. Me.

"I was initially paired with a vector, but then he backed out. They were short on vectors, and Doctor Lee wrote to me saying that my psychological profile fit a vector better than a varia. But there are far more willing varias than vectors. And I wanted the money; I won’t deny it. On top of that, he said I had very good sperm vitality results, well above average, and that convinced me that I was suited to be a vector. I’m versatile, and I don’t have an ego big enough to make me suffer too much in this situation."

"Wow, so you came here wanting to find an alpha to have a relationship with you and get you pregnant?" I stare at him, dumbfounded.

He shrugs.

"What’s so strange about that? I really like children; I love my nephews, and I’m jealous of my two omega brothers because they already have families… I’ve also always wanted to have a big family. If I had to give birth to them, then why not? And I don’t like boring work, answering phones, dealing with patients, sorting dental supplies… the smell of rotting, broken teeth…"

Slowly, I walk over to the pale LED panel and rest my hand against its warm, smooth surface. For a moment, I just stand there thinking. I hate him, but some of what he said strikes a chord. I can understand where he's coming from.

When it comes to wanting a family and a home-centered life, I get it. Although I want a fulfilling career too, but not everyone has to be a workaholic. Some people want a quieter, more relaxed life, and there's nothing wrong with that.

After a minute or so, I turn back to him.

"So, truce?"

He gives a slow nod.

My phone gives a beep. I glance at it, then snort in amusement.

"Hey, I got your number from Mr. Davos. My dog has been acting strangely for a few days. I feel like something is bothering him. Because of personal reasons, I can’t go to Franklin. Would you be willing to come and take a look at him? Of course I’ll pay."

I sigh and glance at Rupert.

"Speaking of work, I’m starting to get text messages from clients at Rainbow Spring worried about their animals. Looks like I’m going to have extra side work here…"

"Why not? I was passing through Rainbow Spring, and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I think it could be a good place to settle down and start family life."

I’m about to close the app when I notice that I have yet another unread text!

"Hey, I got your number from Mr. Davos. I have a small Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. Recently I noticed it has a rash on one ear, and it keeps squealing more and more. Would there be a chance you could come over and help me with it? I’ll pay you…"

I mutter a curse under my breath. I guess, in Mr. Davos’s eyes, I really have become Dr. Kazan’s replacement…

But maybe that’s good? I could use some distraction from all this mess.

I turn and head out, but on the way I snag the small metal ball lying on the table. Something just pulls me toward it, what can I do? Sometimes I steal little things and stash them in corners later.

But when I open the door, I see Dr. Lee walking toward me. As he passes, he suddenly grabs my arm.

"You’ve got something of mine."

"Uh… I don’t know what you mean."

His gaze drops meaningfully to my hand.

"Oh… okay. I just took it without thinking, you know, awkward conversation, and I was messing with it out of boredom."

"That’s catnip."

Fuck. His eyes lock onto my face.

"Hehe, yeah?" I answer dumbly, backing away sideways.

Time to get out of here. This place has too many cages, and one thing I know for sure is I never want to end up in one of them.

FENN DRAX

The next evening, I hear a familiar scratching sound at the ventilation grate.