Page 91 of Monster. Me.

I’m feeling pretty shitty. I’ve been left hanging so many times back in the day when I’d set up dates and alphas wouldn’t show up, and I hate being back in that situation.

Whether I want it or not, memories force their way into my brain.

Being seen with another alpha was a big issue for my dating prospects, and a lot of them would suddenly get cold feet.

"I thought about it and… it’s not going to work."

That’s the kind of text I’ve gotten plenty of times.

"You’re very attractive. If you want something casual, we can do that, but nothing more."

Even though I know it can’t be the case, my tendency for self-torment naturally kicks in, as I head back to the facility, watched by the guards and the beta receptionist.

But I’m not someone who gives up easily, especially when I care, so once I get down to the level where the participants live, I turn into the corridor leading to Fenn’s room. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.

Before I get there, I notice Wilhelm passing by, pushing a cart with a series of samples.

After a week of recovery, the orderly is back on duty, but he usually avoids me like a rabid rat.

There is a noticeable patch of bald hair on the back of his head, where his skin was cut almost to his skull after Fenn attacked him. It’s almost healed by now, but I doubt he has forgotten. His glare says it all.

"You’re going to Red Mug?" he throws at me even though I didn’t speak to him.

"None of your business," I snap back.

"Still as pleasant as ever. Meanwhile, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise. The mutant is currently busy with a nice alpha assigned to him by Dr. Lomax."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I bristle immediately.

"Oh yes." Wilhelm stops, leans against the cart, and crosses his arms as if he’s happy to deliver the message. His nasty face stretches into a wide grin.

"Dr. Lomax is getting tired of the lack of results in this program. Four months have passed, and they’re still stuck at triggering the pre-heat phase. That's it. So Dr. Lomax decided he needed to see with his own eyes what it looks like when Drax actually has sex with another person in real time."

I clench my fists. "You’re only saying this to get under my skin. I know you’re looking for revenge…"

"What revenge? I’m just telling you how it is."

He stares at me with such blatant insolence in his eyes that it practically makes me shake. A moment later, though, his expression shifts slightly, and his nostrils flare.

Suddenly, he takes a deep breath.

"What are those cosmetics you’re using now? Really strange. Are you pretending to be a pregnant omega? That’s next-level stupid."

"Fuck off. I’ll find out everything from Drax myself," I growl, even though my heart is racing.

But Wilhelm doesn’t stop.

"Seriously… you smell like a pregnant omega. What is that deodorant? Kinda like the real thing. I know that scent well. My brother had a son in the fall. His whole house reeked like vanilla cookies."

I just snort in disgust, because what he’s rambling about is absurd.

"Leave me alone, idiot. I’m not falling for your stupid jokes."

I move away and start to leave, but Wilhelm calls after me.

"They’re in Laboratory 7F, on the opposite side of this level, two right turns and one left. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself."

I first go to Fenn’s door and knock, but no one opens.