Page 48 of Citius

“The current purr simulator market is a pseudo-scientific nightmare, overrun with expensive placebos. Redwing could introduce a portable device, pre-programmed with precise frequencies backed up by legitimate research and clinical trials, and dominate the market.”

The inspiration came to me a few nights ago. Curled up in the library nest, lights turned down, desperate for relief as I waited for the good pain meds to kick in, Tenny pressed against my chest, doing his best to purr away my pain.

“A legit portable purr machine, for lack of a better term, would solve some of the issues identified in our deployment study,” Cal said, making a steady stream of notes on his phone.

Owen took a long sip of his drink, then tapped a fingertip against the rim of his cocktail glass twice. No more, no less.

“The concept of universal vibration frequencies is worth considering, but the amount of testing required would be substantial, both from a time and investment perspective.”

“Spoken like a true browbeaten executive. This is more than worth pursuing,” Cal said as he continued to type. “Just imagine—Redwing introduces customized purr therapy units, which you can pay a fee to have set to your partner’s exact frequencies. Don’t even want to imagine the markup on a pack unit.”

Owen turned to look at me, and the center of gravity shifted along with him. Experiencing his full, undivided attention was like nothing I’d ever felt. Power, so much power, acerbic and unforgiving, debrided my skin.

“What other conditions have you considered?”

How could this human scalpel be related to athleisure-loving Wyatt in any way?

No, this was business—important business—and I needed to focus.

“Well, there’s a wide variety of sports applications. Muscle strains, ligament tears, surgical incisions, and so forth—and substantial testing would be required. I can’t deny the development costs would likely—”

“More pie in the sky, please, less realism.” Cal typed even faster. “You don’t need to worry about financial trolls.”

Owen shot a withering glare over the rim of his glasses. “Might Iremind you this is my product?”

“Which your bosses think can’t turn a profit, and Morgan’s setting off financial fireworks right now, so let her finish.” His foot nudged mine beneath the table.

Was Cal committed to breaking every taboo in his code of proper alpha behavior tonight?

“What’s next?”

“Reproductive health. Which, if handled appropriately, has the potential to generate the largest user base. Current units are largely marketed for period cramps. Really basic stuff. I think more specific uses are possible, such as helping C-section incisions heal faster and relieving endometriosis.”

Owen nodded in agreement. “Vibration therapy has long been considered a viable nonsurgical option for endometriosis and a handful of other conditions, but the technology hasn’t caught up to ambition. Yet.”

“Miscarriage is another area where this could be beneficial, especially since—”

Cal’s typing came to an abrupt halt. His head dropped, hair falling forward, but not fast enough to mask the force with which he swallowed back an unidentifiable emotion.

“Keep going,” he said in a low, tight voice, enunciating the words with great care, the tendons in his neck taut yet brittle.

Half-sibling, I remembered with sudden clarity. The superficial glibness in Cal’s voice that afternoon outside the football stadium. He’d only mentioned his pack mother, Anya. Not a biological mother. Had something happened to her, something related to childbirth?

I’d hurt someone—hurt Cal. Without meaning to. Again.

Would I never break this curse?

“What about omega-specific conditions?” Owen’s question diverted my troubled thoughts.

“Pre-heat cramps and pain, of course. It might also be a good source of comfort if someone is riding out a heat solo and physical intimacy is lacking. Empty nest syndrome, so to speak.”

“Isn’t that term more commonly applied following the departure of offspring?” Owen asked.

Cal gave a hoarse grunt. “Why not both?”

I stepped in before Owen could reply, not wanting Cal’s mood to worsen, steering the conversation away from children altogether.

“I also think it might be useful for panic attacks or situations with high stress—like playoff games. Or survivingthe in-laws.”

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