Accidentally Abducted (Nereidan Compatibility Program, #1)

by Caitlin Ricci

"Well," I say to the empty room, because talking to myself is basically my brand at this point, "this is either the weirdest lucid dream I've ever had, or I'm about to become a really embarrassing statistic."

fear. "I am Zeph'hai of the Nereidans Research Collective. You have been selected for our human compatibility program." I blink at him. "I'm sorry, I've been what now?" He tilts his head, and the movement is oddly bird-like. "Selected. For compatibility assessment. Our research indicates you are an ideal candidate for genetic... partnership." "Okay, couple of issues with that," I say, holding up a finger. "First, I'm pretty sure you've got the wrong guy. I can barely keep a houseplant alive, let alone partner with anything genetic. Second, I'm gay, so if this is some kind of weird breeding program situation, you might want to recalibrate your research. And third—" I gesture at him, trying not to let my eyes linger on the really impressive parts, "—you're naked. Like, aggressively naked. Is that a cultural thing, or...?"