FENN DRAX
I can't believe my luck. In the middle of this miserable prison, the most beautiful cat I've ever seen has somehow appeared in my room, and he's huge.
Truthfully, I'm almost tempted to think he's part lynx.
It's hard to tell what breed he is, but he's got those adorable chubby cheeks that British Shorthairs are famous for, and his purr is absolutely delightful.
He settles comfortably on my chest and starts kneading me gently with his paws, which is almost unbearably cute.
I run my fingers through his thick auburn fur in slow, affectionate strokes. Those huge mint-green eyes stare back at me from only inches away.
"How on earth did you get in here? Do you belong to one of the staff?"
Naturally, the cat doesn't answer. He just keeps looking at me, occasionally narrowing his eyes the way cats do when they're content. So I continue petting him with steady, confident movements and he rewards me with the sweetness of his purr.
Having him here feels incredible. I've always loved animals, and they've loved me back. They never judged me. My appearance never scared them away.
"Hopefully I'm not getting you into trouble by keeping you here for a little while. It's a shame I don't have any good ham for you. Maybe next time I'll manage to find something if you decide to visit again," I whisper temptingly.
I study him more closely.
Seriously, I've never seen a cat with coloring like this before. Such a rich brown and auburn shade. I've seen orange tabbies and all kinds of patterned cats, but this is completely different.
And those eyes…
Hmm.
A sudden thought slips into my head.
"You know, I met someone recently who had colors a lot like yours. What a coincidence. Auburn hair and these beautiful silvery-green eyes. That's the prettiest combination in the world, you know that? And you've got it too. Lucky guy…"
The cat seems to purr even louder after that.
His paws continue kneading my chest with tireless determination, and it's simply wonderful. I let out a deep sigh.
Why am I thinking about Marlow the whole time I’m petting the chunky cat? It’s almost peculiar how he keeps coming to mind, super persistently.
"I really wish I could see him again, you know. I saw him the other day through a two-way mirror. I wonder if he recognized me, he kinda acted like he knew it was me."
I close my eyes for a moment, feeling a strange, irrational ache in my chest.
I don't even know Marlow, for fuck's sake.
And yet…
"I'd really like to… get to know him."
The cat unexpectedly gets to his feet and moves closer. Then he presses his head against my cheek, rubbing against me affectionately, his tail high, and the simple gesture fills me with a ridiculous amount of happiness.
"You're a sweetheart, chunky boy…"
I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his glossy fur.
"You're really Mr. Purrfect, you know that? I hope you'll come visit me again sometime. Hopefully you didn't get lost in all these crazy tunnels."
Then I hear distant footsteps coming from the hallway.
"Crap. Someone's coming."
I quickly get to my feet, carrying the cat in my arms and once again marveling at how ridiculously heavy he is. I lift him back into the ventilation opening.
The cat looks at me with those minty eyes as if he actually understands what I'm saying.
"You've gotta get out of here, my guy. If Wilhelm sees you in here, who knows what he'll do. Better not risk it. Go on, get out of here."
I quickly put the vent cover back in place, pressing it loosely against the opening without bothering to screw it back on.
Two seconds later, the door opens and Wilhelm walks in with Nurse Reed, another sadist who seems to take genuine pleasure in watching me suffer. Both of them are wearing pleased expressions, along with large, colorful clips on their noses.
"Bone marrow extraction tomorrow morning," Reed announces. "Dr. Lomax needs another sample from you. We came by tonight because there's medication you need to take first. It'll make tomorrow's procedure easier."
I grit my teeth.
I've gone through marrow extraction before, and it was a nightmare.
The problem is that similar to purple alphas, my bones are far denser than those of ordinary humans.
To get what they need, they practically have to drill into them with diamond-tipped equipment.
The pain that comes with that is beyond horrible.
"I'd rather avoid that if possible. Maybe there are other methods—" I start to say.
Their ugly faces only spread into wider smiles.
"Nope."
So a wave of defiance rises inside me.
"Then I'm not doing it," I say suddenly, my jaw clenched with resolve.
Reed snorts.
"You already agreed to it, sweetie. There aren't any other options. Either you come with us tomorrow, or Dr. Lomax comes down here. Trust me, you won't like that."
I stand there for a moment, my heart hammering. Then an unexpected idea occurs to me.
"Fine. Then send Dr. Lomax down here. I've got something I want to discuss with him anyway."
Reed and Wilhelm exchange a glance.
Wilhelm's mouth tightens into a thin line.
"You really don't want trouble, Drax. Picking a fight with Lomax isn't smart. It would be a shame if something happened and that two million dollars didn't make it to the finish line."
"I'll take that risk," I reply. "I'll wait for Dr. Lomax; otherwise, I won’t go."
Reed sets a bottle of medication on the table with such force that the entire thing rattles.
"Your choice. Just don't say we didn't warn you."
The bastards leave. The door closes behind them, and I'm left alone with my blood pressure climbing and every muscle in me preparing for a fight.
But I end up waiting a long time.
Curled up on the bed, my body twisted tight as a coiled rope, I sit there for nearly two hours before a single set of footsteps in the hallway announces Dr. Lomax's arrival.
A sharp electronic beep sounds, and the door unlocks.
The man steps inside.
He's a lean, gaunt omega, probably pushing forty. He has short black hair, yellowish skin with the unhealthy tone of someone who's spent years smoking, thick dark eyebrows, and a narrow, sharp nose.
He's dressed more like a funeral director than a scientist. Black suit. Thin, odd-looking tie secured with a gold pin.
His eyes are cold and motionless, almost reptilian. Wire-rimmed glasses complete the image.
Of course he has a clip on his nose; only betas aren’t impacted by my pheromones.
He crosses the threshold, stops, and simply stands there staring at me like a predator eyeing its prey. And apparently I'm the monster?
"Good to see you, Dr. Lomax. There was something I wanted to discuss with you."
Silence.
"I'll go through with the procedure, even though it's one of the most painful tests you run on me. But I'd like something in return that might make it easier to get through."
Silence.
"There's one of the varias I happen to like, Marlow.
We've already interacted a little, and you could say he showed me some kindness after seeing Wilhelm beat me with a baton.
I'd like him to be present during the procedure.
He doesn't have to do anything. He could just be in the room.
I won't resist. I won't interfere with the test. I just want him there. "
Silence.
Dr. Lomax turns on his heel and walks out.
That's it. No answer. Not yes. Not no. He simply leaves. What the hell?
I let out a long sigh.
Well, I guess we'll see what happens tomorrow. Maybe he'll bring Marlow. Maybe he'll completely ignore my request. If he does, though, he'll have to accept that I won't be especially cooperative.