Page 77 of Monster. Me.

So. What am I supposed to do? How do I get out of this?

"Just a minor altercation," I blurt out quickly, barely believing I’m saying it. What the hell. Am I covering for a rapist? What’s wrong with me? This isn’t normal. I should tell the truth! But the truth, while it would clear things up, would only bring more trouble. Damn.

"Just a fight that went too far," I add. "Ask Rupert when he wakes up. He’ll confirm it."

Well, I remember Rupert has a lot to lose too. He needs the money. He’ll probably minimize it too. Probably?

If I’m wrong, we will deal with the consequences later.

Dr. Lomax studies me. "How is your relationship with Fenn Drax developing?"

Shit. I didn’t see that coming. "Decent," I mutter vaguely. I don’t know what to say under that pressure.

"Decent? I am an omega, Mr. Nolan."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

I stare at him for a while, not understanding. Finally, he takes pity on me and subtly touches his nose.

Ah, yes. His sense of smell is much better than a beta’s, and I still haven’t changed. I probably reek of sex, and Fenn’s pheromones are all over me.

Dr. Lomax tilts his head.

"His sperm output has increased since he started taking an interest in you, which has been beneficial for the facility. Every evening, he’s required to provide us with several full sample cups for testing and hormone extraction. His production had dropped off significantly before, but now it’s actually more than we need. Good job."

"What the fuck?!" I snap, "Did you seriously have to tell me that?!"

"I’m simply stating the facts."

"I could’ve lived without knowing them."

The doctor slowly rubs his narrow chin, his yellowish-gray skin looking extra unhealthy today. Is this guy smoking two packs a day or what?

"Has he told you the truth about his abilities?"

What's with his cryptic behavior today?

"I’m not sure what you mean."

"That when he has sex, it activates fertility in his partner, whether he wants it to or not."

"Isn’t that always how it was? Wasn’t that what he was doing on Calsing Island? Making them ‘preg’?"

"Not exactly. You know he’s had a vasectomy. He just opens the way. So if you had sex with him and with Rupert, the child would be Rupert’s."

Seriously, what the fuck? What is Lomax suggesting? I stand up abruptly. "I don’t know what you’re implying, but nothing like that is happening. That kind of… inappropriate stuff isn’t my thing."

"I remind you, I have a nose, Mr. Nolan."

I stay silent, gaping at him in shock. What the hell is wrong with this dude? Did he sniff out Rupert on me too? He’s good, so how the hell do I get out of this? Before I can even try to defend myself, he continues.

"I’m not judging." A corner of his mouth is twitching in something like aloofness. "I’m a scientist. I’m not concerned with moral choices."

For a moment, I stare at him. The way he says ‘scientist’ makes it sound like it excuses everything, like it frees him from basic decency. Fine. No point dragging this out. I need to leave before he figures out even more.

"Am I free to go? I’d like to see how Rupert is doing. It was just a stupid argument. Everything will be fine."

Lomax doesn’t look convinced. Not surprising. "Very well. You’re free to leave. But I will also hear Rupert’s account, as you suggested."