Page 5 of Unbreak Me

"Good luck, Mr. Sanderson. I hope this day won’t be too unpleasant for you. It’s a pity you didn’t prepare cards infused with your pheromones; they increase your chances of finding a highly biologically matched candidate."

Letting out a huff, I instinctively glanced toward my informational board. It had a blue LED lit up on top, signaling to potential counterparties that I was on hormone suppressants.

"It also widens the pool of my candidates, don’t you agree? Nobody is excluded. Isn’t that what you want? To find me ahusband no matter what? No penalty for you!" My voice rose higher than I intended.

Nolan studied my face for a while, and I responded by narrowing my eyes in warning.

Oh, he shouldn’t dwell on this. He wouldn’t like knowing what my real plan was.

I knew that omegas who chose to use suppressants from the start were usually over forty and no longer interested in childbearing. These cases were common, especially among people over fifty, the blue LED on the informational board was almost the norm.

But the situation was different for young omegas interested in having children. A match with a biologically incompatible alpha could result in children with genetic defects, so omegas attending open fairs typically didn’t use pheromone suppressants. Such unfit pairings were socially condemned, as ABO society was already struggling with a narrow genetic bottleneck. Bringing more children with serious genetic disorders into the world wasn’t any parent’s dream.

So, everybody wanted to find compatible matches—preferably Half Mates or even High Mates.

Only a few used pheromone blockers—people desperate for a relationship at any cost.

I supposed I could be considered one of those cases, at least in Nolan’s eyes, given my use of suppressants, but of course, he didn’t know the uncomfortable truth.

So, what was my story?

Originally, I signed up for this matchmaking agency hoping to receive proposals for matches and proceed in a typical way. Matchmakers would select one person at a time for me; we’d go on a few dates, get to know each other, and then decide if we wanted to pursue it further. In such a controlled, calm situation, I would stop using suppressants. I wasn't crazy, I wouldn'tdare to have children with an incompatible alpha and risk their health.

But at a fair? There was simply no option to get to know people better. It was a madhouse. I was absolutely repulsed by the whole rush and craziness of picking a life partner in a matter ofminutes. An idiotic concept!

Without suppressants, there was a very real chance I’d be pressured into a relationship with the first guy who showed up—someone who might be my Low or Half Mate—knowing nothing about him, with Nolan breathing down my neck and pushing a pen into my hand to sign the deal.

No way in hell. Nope, I came here to reject all these people, grab the penalty fine from Fate’s Choice, and start over with another matchmaking company where I could be matched in a proper way.

Fairs were just a terrible idea, and Nolan was doomed to fail with me. And suppressants? They were just a simple tool to strengthen my sense of control and make it easier to reject these people. No biological pull, no sweet Allure scents messing with my head.

Perfect situation.

Fate’s Choice, get ready to fill my bank account with loads of juicy money!

Since Nolan kept staring at me, I sighed. I probably shouldn’t say it out loud. I had already admitted to him, I wanted the money. Maybe I shouldn’t repeat it and highlight the fact that I planned to sabotage his efforts?

So I cleared my throat, and stated, "I’m not betting my life on such slim chances of finding a person with a high mateship at this fair." I managed to keep my voice quite calm this time. "And if there were a willing candidate biologically incompatible with me—without suppressants—I wouldn’t stand a chance. So I prefer to have more options," I added, averting my gaze. I wasnever good at lying to people while looking them straight in the eyes.

"Well, that’s your right to make such a decision. It certainly increases the chances of finding a partner but involves genetic risks to possible offspring."

Ugh! Did he have to mention it? I had to keep pushing forward with more explanations and lies just to make him back off.

"Yes, but there are methods for artificial insemination to select healthy embryos, so—"

"That does not sound like a recipe for a good heat experience."

I winced. "As a surrogate, I’ve been through eight such procedures. I don’t mind."

Nolan mirrored my grimace. I was pretty sure he didn’t believe my bullshit. "But the satisfaction of having a highly biologically compatible mate still isn’t something to disregard lightly. It’s a wonderful thing. I can attest to that!" And he smirked.

Since I was in such a horrible mood, I chose not to comment or ask about his personal experiences.

Nolan sighed once more, then raised his hand in a goodbye gesture as he left the booth.

A sigh escaped my lips too. Finally! It was a relief that he had left—no more lies, just sticking firmly to the plan. No more forced explanations or excuses. Fate’s Choice was not going to escape the penalty!

With a furrowed brow, I watched Nolan walk away. He was really tall and impressive—almost absurdly big, probably around 7’2". I wondered if he truly had a highly compatible mate, as he hinted. In any case, alphas like him didn’t have much trouble finding cute omegas eager to jump on their monster dicks.

---