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“If you happen to have a troublesome recessive trait, we’ll pair you with someone who doesn’t have the same deficit, giving your children the best chance at survival.”
“Oh-kay…”
“And because humanity fucked up so grandly in the past, Venus feels it’s essential that we work to rebuild strong family units in a homestead setting, which is why you’ll be staying at a cabin.”
“Wait—are you suggesting that I live with the man that’s supposed to knock me up?”
She nods. “You’re not just going to have a baby. You’re going to have a family.”
“I have a family—with Carrie and Caleb.”
“And if you comply, you’ll still get to see them, though we will negotiate the terms. It should bring you relief that they have kind people excited at the prospect of taking them in.”
Taking them in? Like they’re orphans?
“This is too much for me.”
“We understand this is a difficult decision. We know you’ve been isolated in the woods, but I assure you, there is no better option for you and your siblings.”
“Do you have a man already picked out?”
“As a matter of fact, we do.”
“Show me.”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
Anger and dread roil in my gut. “Why the hell not?”
“You need to meet organically. I know it sounds silly, but we’re trying to create a lasting relationship between the two of you, and meeting in a lab is not conducive to that.”
I’m at a loss for words. How could she—how could anyone—expect me to agree to these terms?
But what choice do I have? By going along with their scheme, Carrie and Caleb get a better chance of living longer, healthier lives.
They say I can leave, but they know I have no choice. I have to do what’s best for my brother and sister.
“When do we go?”
“Typically, we give the Initiative girls a few months to train on how to run a homestead before sending them off, but it seems like you already have that experience, so we’d like to start traveling by the end of the day.”
Chapter3
BROCK
After moving the skillet from the stove to the oven, I set the timer for thirty-five minutes and begin cleaning off the countertops.
If I don’t keep busy, I’ll go insane. Thankfully, there’s a lot of work to be done homesteading.
I check the place settings for the fifth time and light the candles. The wine bucket remains empty because while I know that white wine pairs well with chicken, women can be peculiar about what they like to drink.
Even so, I grab a chardonnay, figuring it won’t hurt to have it on display.
Looking around the cabin, I’m pleased for the most part. It’s clean and inviting, and there’s an old-timey feel to it that I think will take the edge off as opposed to the cold efficiency of modern decor.
Not that I’m Martha Stewart or anything.
Again, I wonder what the woman I’m being paired with might look like. Not that I care. I’d fuck just about anything that moved if it meant I got to stay here as opposed to going back to where I came from.
