Page 117 of Monster. Me.

Very few people have probably seen him like that, and I’m sure, like any shifter, he’d rather people be amazed than recoil in disgust.

"Yeah, well. Also, you need to know I’m probably a national sensation… once again. There were tons of people at the airport where the police caught me. Somebody had to record it. The videos are probably already online, so I don’t really have much of a secret anymore. Working in isolation, in a sawmill or a woodworking shop, would be perfect for me."

"Don’t worry. We’ll find something for you. People like us need to support each other, because the world doesn’t care. And when it does take an interest, it’s usually just to shoot at us."

Something in his tone, dark and brooding, makes us all grow a little more serious, because there is truth in it.

Fenn nods. "That’s right. I felt it firsthand. Fortunately, being a monster has its advantages." He lifts the edge of his shirt and shows his smooth side. "No scars."

On the way back, our mood lightens again, because it couldn’t be otherwise. Fenn can’t stop smiling.

He watches the town passing by outside the window, bathed in the light of the setting sun. Then he grins at me and says,

"At least you won’t be supporting a freeloader with your salary. Besides the pension I get from Blue Lowen for my participation in the Beta Activation program, I’ll also be getting a carpenter’s paycheck. We’ll be able to pay Blue back pretty quickly."

I chuckle. "I wouldn’t worry about that. I doubt Blue is holding his breath waiting for that money. But it’ll definitely help. Twins always come with a lot of expenses."

When we get home, Fenn heads straight for the shower, while I put on an apron and prepare a large dinner for him since, as he keeps saying, he hasn’t eaten anything except IV fluids for several days.

My new kitchen is actually very pleasant and extremely practical. The previous owner left practically everything behind: appliances, dishes, electronics, household equipment. And since he had excellent taste, I can’t complain. Everything is new and well-maintained.

As I move around the kitchen, discovering its little secrets, opening cabinets, and generally enjoying my new life in my dream house, I notice I have two missed calls from Dr. Lee.

What could that guy possibly want from me? Strange that he even feels like calling, considering he works for Welrun. I doubt he’s impartial, so I decide to ignore his call.

If anything, he may call to tell me he wants something in exchange for keeping my secret. I glance at the pink pen I put on the windowsill in a small porcelain cup as a kind of souvenir and shrug my shoulders. Oh well.

To my surprise, I also notice a missed call from Rupert.

I definitely don’t want to answer anything from that asshole too. What's up with these people?

I decide to ignore everyone today because I have completely different plans for this evening.

New house, new me, and a new relationship.

One I want to seal tonight.

When Fenn comes out of the shower, he gives me a look that immediately tells me he’s on board with my plans.

"You look… interesting in that apron. I wouldn’t mind seeing the version where it’s the only thing you’re wearing."

Smirking, I place dinner on the table. The platter of macaroni and cheese is steaming, creating a cozy atmosphere.

"Wow. You cook too? Alphas like you barely exist."

"But I’m a special alpha," I smile. "With an omega’s soul."

We start eating, and Fenn keeps sending me smiles that suggest things are about to get very interesting.

I put the last spoonful of soup into my mouth and stand up.

"I’ll be right back!"

I disappear into one of the rooms and strip off my clothes, then put on nothing but the apron. I inspect the result in the mirror, toss my long hair forward, and apply a little lip gloss.

Because why not.

When I come back out, Fenn is no longer in the kitchen.