Page 52 of The Penalty

“Huh? No. I didn’t ask her if she thought I was breedable. I asked her what breeding was, and she told me it’s what happens when a girl of a species picks a boy, and they mate to have babies. But then I found out that guys who like guys also do breeding and it has nothing to do with making babies. Reddit had a bunch of pictures but it was all just cum leaking out of assholes, which, like cool, but that doesn’t answer my question.”

Tobi stares in what I assume is stunned silence. He must not know either. Bummer. I thought he was supposed to be the smart one. “Who the hell let you graduate high school?”

“Are we supposed to learn about gay breeding in high school? What class was that cause I would have liked that one.”

Tobi slams his face into his hands and groans. “Jesus Christ.”

“I’m sorry. Are you praying? I didn’t know. I’ll wait. Continue.”

“I am honestly concerned about the future of humanity. How are you this dumb?” He looks up from his hands.

“Oh, are you done praying?”

“I wasn’t praying!”

“You forgot to say ‘amen,’ I think that’s how you’re supposed to end it or they don’t know you’re done. Like saying ‘roger’ or ‘over’ on a walkie talkie.”

“Teddy! Stop talking!” Tobi gets up and paces his room, but I don’t know why. He stops for a second, picks up his phone and calls someone, but I can’t hear who. “Hey, yeah, sorry to interrupt family time, but this is pressing. How would you explain breeding to a dumbass?”

The name calling was unnecessary, but if he’s going to give me the answer, I’ll let it go.

There’s no reply from the other end of the phone.

“Hello? Did you hear me?” Tobi pulls the phone away from his face and looks at the screen. “I know you’re still there.”

“Why are you talking to Teddy about breeding?”

Shit. That has to be Rhys. He’s the last person—but also the only person—I want to talk to about this.

“Because he came in here and asked me if he’s breedable! I don’t have the brain capacity to determine if mybrotheris fuckable.”

Oh does it mean the same thing? Why didn’t anyone just say that?

“Hey,” I whisper at Tobi. “Is Rhys a furry? He sure growls a lot…”

Tobi slowly turns to face me, like one of those slow-mo scenes in a scary movie.

A bark of laughter comes from the phone followed by, “Do not answer that.”

Shit. How did he hear me? I was whispering!

“Teddy, I don’t know what the hell has gotten into you today, but you need to get out of my room before you destroy more of my brain cells. I’m actually using mine, unlike you.”

Well that’s rude.

“You didn’t answer my question, though. Aren’t science people supposed to want to know answers?”

“Just tell him yes.” I hear Rhys say and try not to let the triumph show on my face until I’m outside the room.

I internally moan and lean back against the wall. This sucks.

Stupid loyalty.

Stupid brothers having friends.

Stupid hot guys who think I’m breedable.

SIXTEEN

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