Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 294(@200wpm)___ 235(@250wpm)___ 196(@300wpm)
“What treatment?” Eric said, sitting up straighter.
Hugh seemed amused by his eagerness. “The alpha-omega mating is nothing more than a combination of certain hormones and pheromones released by their systems. I believe that it’s possible to simulate a successful mating to trick an omega’s biology into thinking that it’s getting what it needs.” His lips twisted into a wry smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “But you can probably guess that my theory isn’t exactly popular among the majority of my peers.”
Eric nodded. Most people still regarded mating compatibility and mating bonds as something very intimate, soul deep. Turning something magical and romantic into a cold, hard science would never be popular. Even Eric felt a bit weird about the idea of tricking his body into thinking that it was mated.
“So you want to use me as a lab rat?” Eric said, but he couldn’t deny he was intrigued.
“It would be a mutually beneficially arrangement. You would help me with my research, and I might be able to help you with your problem. Free of charge—you will not be charged for my time.”
Eric cocked his head to the side, pondering it. It was a very tempting offer. Considering how expensive Dr. Randall’s services were, he’d be able to save a lot of money this way. This appointment had already put a considerable dent in his savings, and he still needed to upgrade the CPU of his computer. “What exactly would that entail if I were to agree?”
“I will put you through practices designed to simulate mating. You will use self-pleasure tools while I supply you with the pheromones I’ll get from appropriate alpha donors—”
“Wait, what?” Eric said. Did the doctor mean what he thought he meant? “You mean—you mean that I’ll have to use sex toys in your presence?”
Hugh looked at him steadily. “Essentially, yes. I know it’s awkward, but I’m a doctor, Eric. I’ve seen it all. It will be impersonal. I will not touch you or look at you unless absolutely necessary. You will be mostly dressed and you can cover your lap with a blanket if you feel uncomfortable. I will administer an alpha donor’s pheromones to trick your body into thinking that you’re engaging in sexual intercourse with an alpha and I will monitor your readings. They will be recorded, but they will be stripped from any personal information. Client privacy is paramount in our clinic. Would that be acceptable for you?”
Acceptable? Not really. But it was still far less humiliating—and risky—than the other options. Compared to becoming sterile and jumping strange alphas in public, this option was just embarrassing, and Dr. Randall would be the only person to witness his humiliation. At least he could trust the doctor-patient confidentiality in this case.
Clearing his throat a little, Eric said, “I wouldn’t really call it acceptable, but I think I can do it. It’s better than the alternatives, so… thanks for giving me this opportunity.”
Hugh gave him a wry look. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m reasonably confident it will work, but there’s no guarantee. And you’ll need to sign paperwork first. My nurse will mail you the forms. They’ll need to be signed both by you and your family alpha—you’re an adult, but Pelugian laws still apply here. Your eldest brother is your family alpha, correct?”
“Yes,” Eric said, cringing as he imagined telling Anthony about this. Thankfully, he didn’t need to. “But he gave Mr. Cleghorn the right to act as his proxy in Kadar.”
“Royce Cleghorn?” Hugh said, a wrinkle appearing between his brows. “The prime minister?”
“Yeah. I’m staying at his house. Would that be a problem?”
“Not at all. In fact, I know him. Not well, but our families move in the same circles.”
In the same circles? Hugh must have belonged to the very top crust of Kadarian society, then. It made Eric a little uncomfortable. He must look like a naive, awkward country bumpkin to a man used to socialites.
“All right,” Eric said, getting to his feet. “Will that be all?”
“Book another appointment as soon as you and your guardian sign the paperwork. Don’t drag this out. You can’t afford not to.”
Eric nodded. “Okay. But what if there is no slot available within the next six days?” It was a valid concern. This clinic was booked months in advance. He’d gotten lucky that someone had canceled their appointment that day.
“Don’t worry about it. In case of emergencies, I can work overtime, and your case is an emergency. Besides, you’ll be essentially supporting my private research, so I’ll be available to you at any time if I don’t have another patient.”
“All right,” Eric said, turning toward the door. “Thank you.”
“Eric.”
He looked back.
The alpha was gazing at him steadily. “Discuss your options with your family before signing the paperwork. You have other options, no matter how inadvisable they might be.”