“Prey isn’t common and there’s no standard guidelines because soldiers with needs that extreme don’t do well. I hear there’s almost a thousand of them on ice in Montana, but that's a rumor. With his scores, it’s a medical miracle that he’s functioning as well as he is.”

Liam shifts on his feet, unsure he’s the right Dominant for the job.

“He needs consensual nonconsent, he needs to be owned and controlled, and you can do that. But, most importantly, someone with his scores and trauma needs someone who isn’t an abuser. If I put him with a Dominant he is directly compatible with, it won’t end well. And that’s assuming I could find one, which I can’t. An equivalent Dominant would be put down immediately. Daniel wouldn’t survive a Dominant with similar needs. Also, he’s been denied and shamed for so long that my biggest concern is that he can’t handle what he needs. And he’s been through so much correction and trauma that I don’t think it will be easy to get the balance right. He needs a Dominant with incredible control, which you have. You can deliberately choose to give him more or less. Meeting his needs has to be done strategically. Plus, you’re probably going to have to give a full report to his father when he’s better, and you present well. Your reputation can take it.”

“Ah, so I’m here to be hung out to dry?”

“I didn’t say that. I hope not.” He winces. “Will you meet him and then decide? Please?”

“Shit. I like my career.” But Liam isn’t going to say no. How could he? Yes, he likes his career, but that isn’t as important as his designation. He’s a Dominant who needs to take care of submissives. That’s baked into his DNA. Tell him there is a tragic submissive that no one can help and who is struggling and of course he is going to say yes.

“He has to have someone. It’s medically necessary,” the doctor says firmly. “At this point I’d be worried about putting him with a Dominant who was eager for the chance to have him. The fact that you’re not eager is a good sign. It means you’ll do right by him. Or at least try.”

“Flatterer,” he mutters, waving the praise away. “You know I can’t say no.”

Dr. Chang nods, refusing to meet his gaze. Does he feel guilty about introducing them?

“He needs help and I like to help. I’ve been without a submissive for three days and I think I’ve slept for a total of three hours,” he says so the doctor won’t feel bad. Plus, it’s true.

“Another success story,” he comments with a sad smile.