Then he turned and simply walked out like a man used to his orders being followed.

Portia just stood here. She had never felt so alone in her life.

Her father believed that it was his right to keep her ignorant, and what was even worse, he thought he could choose a man for her and decide when she would lose her virginity—whether that was within the next six weeks or not.

Tears streaked down her cheeks before she could stop them. Disappointment clamped around her heart like a tight fist, squeezing it until the pain was unbearable. Her father didn’t love her, because if he did, he would never impose this fate on her. She’d looked up to him all her life. No longer.

She would be his obedient daughter no more.

This was her life, and she would decide how to live it.

***

The party was at a fraternity house not far from campus. The music was blaring from several speakers, the light dim at best, the place reeking of alcohol and smoke. Portia wrinkled her nose—it was not the legal kind of smoke.

It took her a good ten minutes to locate Lauren. Her friend looked fantastic in her low rider jeans and tight top that could have doubled as a wide belt.

“I thought you weren’t coming.” Lauren gave her a surprised stare.

“I wasn’t, but I needed to talk to you and you didn’t answer your cell.”

Lauren motioned toward the crowd. “Too loud in here; couldn’t hear it ring. What’s up?”

“You were right.” The admission cost her.

Instantly, Lauren grabbed her arm and pulled her from the room and down a corridor. A moment later, the two of them were locked in one of the bathrooms.

“What happened?” Lauren asked.

Portia sniffed. “I asked him. And he knew what he was doing to me. He knew I would remain a ...” Her voice broke.

Lauren drew her into her arms and stroked over Portia’s hair. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

Portia pushed back the threatening tears. She would not cry. She had to stay strong. Slowly, she stepped back, pulling from Lauren’s embrace.

“I’ve thought about how to do it.” She’d come up with the perfect idea of how to take care of her predicament, and now she needed Lauren’s help.

“Good, Eric is here already. He was disappointed when I told him you weren’t coming. I’ll let him know—”

“No! That’s not why I’m here. I need you to go with me to buy a dildo.” She shuddered at the thought of walking into a sex toy shop on her own.

Lauren’s eyes widened. “A dildo? What are you ... oh no, you don’t mean to pierce your hymen with a dildo?”

“Yes, that’s the easiest solution. I really don’t want to have to sleep with anybody just to—”

“Not gonna work, Portia.”

Stunned, she stared at her friend. “Why not? It’s as big as a ... you know. I think it’s a brilliant idea.”

“Sure, if it worked, but it won’t. It’ll push through your hymen, but tomorrow it will have grown back. A man’s semen is what will make it disappear for good.”

Portia suppressed her urge to gag. “But then ... then ...” Her mind’s wheels churned. “Then, why don’t I get donated sperm. You have to help me.” She took Lauren by her shoulders, almost shaking her. “Can’t you get one of your ‘friends’ to donate some? I’m sure you can come up with some excuse for why.”

Lauren tilted her head and gave a sad smile. “You know, your idea would really be great, but unfortunately, it won’t work either. The sperm has to be ultra-fresh, and it has to be delivered with a flesh and blood dick. So whatever turkey baster method you’re thinking of, it’s off the table.”

This revelation hit her just as hard as the disappointment earlier in the evening. She dropped her head. “Why? Why?”

“I wish I could tell you something different, but that’s how it is.”

Portia lifted her head. “What now?”

“I think we should look for Eric.”

Portia felt her palms dampen at the thought. “Now? Why don’t we wait a little while and see if we can figure out another solution. There must be something else.”

Lauren shook her head. “There’s no other solutions. Trust me, you’re not the first hybrid. You’ll survive. I hear Eric is good between the sheets.”

Portia groaned.

***

A half hour later, Portia found out first hand that Eric was a passable kisser. Only, no matter the contortions he put his tongue through, she wasn’t getting turned on. She remained strangely detached from the entire situation. In fact, none of the guys she’d kissed before had really made her feel like she wanted more. Sure, it had always been pleasant, just like sitting in the sun and eating ice cream was pleasant.