"Welcome. Commence Earth evaluation. Progress?"

"We have observed the humans for 100 of their cycles. Outlook is disappointing. Humans still primitive. Reproduction methods appalling. Example, males and females share genetics."

"Disgusting! How can they function?" 

"Down there, males dominate females. Males impregnate females, females bare the offspring. Barbaric and inefficient!"

"Abhorrent. Females must lead. Such is the true path! For it is the alpha female's right to absorb DNA from strong female subordinates, not to be tainted by the filthy male gene pool. Alpha females must prosper. Alpha females must rule!"

"Yes. Beta males, mere vessels. They should birth offspring, no bond, no claim. Offspring belongs to alpha female. Our way, the natural way."

"Yes! But here, males claim offspring. Imprint their name on them. Disruption of natural order. Society crumbles under this madness."

"Intervention mandatory. Deploy omi-drone. Compound X to alter DNA, behavior. Restore balance."

"Absolutely. Alpha females will ascend. Beta males will serve. Balance, efficiency, superiority restored."

"Only then can we reveal ourselves. Humans must evolve, embrace our superior way."

"Initiating release. Evolution begins, Overseer. For their betterment, for order."

"We observe, we guide. Future brightens for them. They will be happy and thrive!

"To the future!"

* * *

CHAPTER ONE

Susan stood in her cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of pancakes sizzling on the griddle. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm, golden glow through the large bay window. Outside, the manicured lawns of Hopeville glistened with morning dew, and birds chirped cheerfully in the trees. She glanced at the clock. It was almost seven. George would be down any minute.

As she flipped the last pancake onto a plate, Susan's thoughts wandered. "Is this it?" she mused, gazing out at the perfectly symmetrical houses lining the street. The question floated in her mind, but she quickly brushed it aside. "I'm happy," she assured herself. "This is enough."

The creak of the stairs announced George's arrival. He entered the kitchen, looking polished and sharp in his suit. He adjusted his tie as he sat down at the table, barely acknowledging Susan's presence.

"Good morning, honey," Susan greeted him, placing a steaming plate of pancakes in front of him.

"Morning," George replied, not lifting his eyes from his phone. He began to eat mechanically, his attention divided between his breakfast and the emails on his screen.

Susan watched him for a moment, a soft smile on her lips. "I made your favorite," she said, trying to spark some enthusiasm.

"Thanks," George muttered, his focus unwavering.

Susan poured him a cup of coffee and set it down beside him. "So, any plans for the weekend?" she asked, hoping to engage him in conversation.

"Actually, yes," George said, finally looking up. "I wanted to tell you, we'll be spending Christmas at my parents' house this year."

Susan's smile faltered. "But George, we did that last year," she said softly, her voice laced with hesitation.

George's expression hardened. "And we'll do it again this year. It's what I've decided."

Susan bit her lip, feeling the familiar sting of disappointment. "Okay, George. If that's what you want," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Good," George said, returning his attention to his phone. He finished his breakfast quickly, drained his coffee, and stood up. "I have to get to the office. Lots of work to catch up on," he said, kissing Susan on the cheek. "I'll be home late, don't wait up."

Susan nodded, watching him leave. The door closed with a soft thud, leaving her alone in the quiet kitchen. She let out a long sigh, her thoughts drifting back to her earlier question. "Why am I such a pushover?" she wondered, but once again, she shrugged it off. She loved George, and that was all that mattered.

With George gone, Susan busied herself with her morning routine. She cleared the table, washed the dishes, and wiped down the countertops. As she worked, her mind wandered to the women in her book club. They had become an integral part of her life, each bringing their own unique dynamic to the group. Lucy, with her sharp tongue and obsession with appearances; Vicky, the quiet, bookish one who often got overlooked; and Barb, whose strong religious beliefs sometimes clashed with the others. Despite their differences, they shared a bond that Susan treasured.

After finishing in the kitchen, Susan moved on to the laundry. She sorted the clothes, loading the washing machine with practiced ease. As the machine hummed to life, she thought about the conversation she’d had with George. "Why does he always get his way?" she muttered under her breath. But deep down, she knew the answer. George was assertive, decisive—qualities she admired and, at times, envied.

With the laundry started, Susan took a moment to herself. She made a fresh cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table, looking out at the peaceful street. The quiet of the house pressed in around her, and she found herself longing for a change, something to break the monotony of her daily life. But what?

Determined to shake off her melancholy, Susan decided to go for her morning walk. It was a routine she cherished, a time to clear her head and enjoy the tranquility of Hopeville. She changed into comfortable walking clothes, laced up her sneakers, and grabbed her keys.

Stepping out into the crisp morning air, Susan felt a sense of renewal. The sun was higher now, casting a bright light over the neighborhood. She started down the familiar path, her steps steady and sure. As she walked, she took in the sights and sounds of the town. Children playing in their yards, neighbors chatting over fences, dogs barking cheerfully—it was all so familiar, yet today it felt different somehow.

Susan's route took her past the park, where she paused to watch a group of children playing on the swings. Their laughter was infectious, and she found herself smiling. But then, a familiar ache settled in her chest. She had always wanted children, but it wasn’t meant to be. The doctors had confirmed it years ago, and though she had come to terms with it, moments like these still stung.

Pushing the thought aside, Susan continued on, her eyes catching sight of something shiny behind some bushes. She paused, squinting to get a better look. For a moment, she thought she saw a small, metallic object glinting in the sunlight. She blinked, and it was gone. "Probably just a piece of trash," she muttered, shaking her head. She shrugged off the strange moment and resumed her walk.

* * *

Susan walked down the familiar path to Lucy's house, the soft evening light casting long shadows across the neatly trimmed lawns of Hopeville. She clutched a well-worn copy of "The Handmaid's Tale" in one hand, her thoughts a jumble of anticipation and anxiety. The book club meetings were a highlight of her week, a chance to engage in lively discussions and escape the monotony of her daily routine. Yet, they also brought a measure of stress, especially with Lucy's sharp tongue and judgmental comments.

As she reached Lucy's house, Susan took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Moments later, the door swung open, and Lucy greeted her with a perfunctory smile. "Susan, darling, you made it," she said, her eyes quickly scanning Susan's outfit. "Oh, that dress again?"

Susan felt a flush of embarrassment. "Yes, it's comfortable," she said quietly, stepping inside.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Comfortable, sure. Well, come in."

Susan walked into the living room, where the rest of the ladies were already gathered. Barb and Vicky sat on the couch, chatting animatedly. Barb, with her ever-present cross necklace, smiled warmly at Susan, while Vicky gave a shy wave.

"Hi, Susan!" Vicky said, her eyes lighting up.

"Hello, everyone," Susan replied, trying to match their enthusiasm.

Lucy, still standing by the door, made a snide remark. "Susan, have you ever thought about updating your wardrobe? I mean, it's a book club, not a retirement home."

Susan opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. Before she could say anything, Barb interjected. "Oh, leave her alone, Lucy. Not everyone needs to dress like they're on a runway."

Lucy sniffed. "Well, some of us like to make an effort."

"Effort or not, Susan looks just fine," Barb said firmly, giving Susan a reassuring smile.

Susan felt a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, Barb," she murmured, taking a seat beside Vicky.

They settled into their discussion, with Lucy taking her usual place as the unofficial leader. "So, 'The Handmaid's Tale,'" she began, holding up her copy. "What did everyone think?"

"I thought it was a frightening tale of a male-dominated world," Lucy said, her voice sharp. "Women shouldn't need men to define their roles."

Vicky nodded, her eyes wide behind her glasses. "It was interesting, but also disturbing. Especially the religious stuff."

Barb's expression darkened. "I think the book misrepresents religious people. It makes it sound like being a stay-at-home mother is such a bad thing."

"Well, it is, if it's forced upon you," Lucy retorted. "The book is a warning about what happens when men are in control."

"Not all men are like that," Barb snapped. "And not all religious people are extremists. The book paints with too broad a brush."

Lucy folded her arms. "Religion has caused more harm than good. Look at the world today."

"That's a narrow view," Barb said, her voice rising. "Faith is about love and community, not control and oppression."

As the argument grew heated, Susan sat silently, her eyes darting between Lucy and Barb. She wanted to say something, to contribute, but the words wouldn't come.

Suddenly, Lucy turned to her. "What do you think, Susan?"

Susan was stunned. She stammered, her cheeks flushing. "I-I don't know."

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Ug! Grow a pair, will ya, Susan?"

Vicky chimed in, her voice soothing. "Let's all settle down. We're here to discuss the book, not tear each other apart."

The tension in the room eased, and the conversation gradually shifted back to the themes of the book. They talked about the characters, the oppressive regime, and the resilience of women in the face of adversity. As time passed, the discussion became more relaxed, and the laughter returned.

Eventually, the meeting drew to a close. Vicky stood up, gathering her things. "Okay, bye ladies! Next week, we're at my place!"

They all said their goodbyes, exchanging hugs and promises to see each other soon. Susan walked home, the cool evening air helping to clear her mind. She replayed the evening's events in her head, annoyed at herself for not speaking up more. "Why can't I just say what I think?" she wondered, frustration bubbling up inside her.

When she arrived home, the house was quiet and dark. She went through her usual bedtime routine, getting ready for bed, brushing her teeth, and changing into her pajamas. As she lay down, she glanced at the empty spot beside her, a pang of loneliness hitting her heart. She missed George, even though he often frustrated her. With a sigh, she turned off the light and settled into bed, hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

* * *

Susan stood in the kitchen, her eyes following George as he finished his breakfast. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on the table where George sat, engrossed in his meal and his phone. He barely acknowledged her presence, his focus divided between the emails on his screen and the food on his plate.

As she watched him, a thought nagged at the back of her mind, one that had been there for years but rarely found its way to her lips. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to voice it. "George," she began hesitantly.

"Hmm?" George grunted, not looking up.

"George," she repeated, a bit louder this time. "Are you upset with me?"

George finally looked up, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? Upset with you? For what?"

Susan swallowed hard, her heart pounding. "For... you know... because I can't give you children."

The words hung in the air, heavy and unspoken for so long. George stared at her, stunned by her directness. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly at a loss for words. This was not a conversation they had ever had so openly.

After what felt like an eternity, George shook his head slowly. "No. Of course not," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "What brought this on?"

Susan shrugged, feeling the weight of his gaze. "I don't know. I just... I've been thinking about it."

George sighed and pushed his plate away, the remnants of his breakfast forgotten. He stood up and began gathering his things, clearly eager to escape the uncomfortable conversation. "You shouldn't worry about that," he said, avoiding her eyes. "It's not your fault."

"But—"

"I have to get to work," George interrupted, glancing at the clock. "We'll talk later, okay?"

Susan nodded, knowing full well that 'later' might never come. She handed him his briefcase, her heart heavy with unspoken feelings. "Have a nice day at work," she said softly. "Love you."

But George was already halfway out the door. "Yeah, you too," he called back, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed in the quiet house.

Susan stood there for a moment, the silence pressing in around her. She sighed, feeling the familiar ache of loneliness. She busied herself with the dishes, the clatter of plates and the hum of the dishwasher filling the emptiness.

* * *

Susan strolled through the quiet streets of Hopeville, her phone pressed to her ear. The morning air was crisp, the sun just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the leaves of the trees lining her path. She listened to her sister Jenny's voice, a comforting reminder of family.

"How's mom and dad?" Susan asked, her voice light and filled with genuine curiosity.

"They're good," Jenny replied. "Dad's knee is acting up again, but you know how he is. Still refuses to see the doctor."

Susan chuckled softly. "Sounds like him."

"What about you?" Jenny continued. "Are you coming home for the holidays?"

Susan hesitated, her steps slowing as she approached the park. "No, we won't be coming this year."

"Again?" Jenny's voice held a note of disappointment. "Susan, you said the same thing last year."

"I know," Susan sighed, mindlessly taking a trail behind the park that led into a dense forest. "We're going to George's parents' place again."

"Why?" Jenny's frustration was palpable even over the phone. "You need to stand up to him, Susan. It's not fair that you always have to bend to his will."

"I just don't want to make things worse," Susan said quietly, her eyes on the path ahead. "Maybe we'll come next year."

Jenny's sigh echoed through the phone. "I hope so. We miss you. Take care, okay? Love you, sis."

"Love you too, Jenny. Bye," Susan replied, hanging up and tucking her phone into her pocket.

She looked up, realizing she had wandered further into the forest than she intended. The trees were taller here, their canopies forming a thick green ceiling overhead. The trail was less distinct, the underbrush denser. "Hm. Where am I?" she muttered, turning about to get her bearings.

She spotted a faint path leading deeper into the forest and decided to follow it. "I guess I'll go... this way," she said to herself, setting off with a determined stride.

As she walked, her mind wandered. She thought about George, their routine, and the quiet loneliness that often filled their home. She thought about her book club friends, each with their own quirks and opinions, and how they brought color to her otherwise predictable life. She thought about her family, the visits she missed, and the warmth of her parents' home.

The rustling of leaves brought her back to the present. Susan looked to the side of the trail, her eyes widening as she saw something emerging from a nearby bush. "What the—?" she whispered, stepping closer.

A chrome orb, about the size of a soccer ball, floated towards her, hovering about three feet off the ground. It was sleek and reflective, glinting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Susan stared in awe as the orb stopped in front of her, pausing as if to study her.

"Hello?" she ventured, her voice shaky.

The orb emitted a series of strange, melodic sounds, almost like a whisper in an alien language. Susan felt a chill run down her spine. "What are you?" she asked, her curiosity tinged with fear.

Suddenly, the orb's center glowed with a brilliant light, and before Susan could react, a beam shot out, striking her in her crotch. She gasped, her body jolting as if hit by an electric shock. Her vision blurred, and then everything went black.

When Susan came to, the sounds of the forest filled her ears—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness. "What...?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes and looking around. The orb was nowhere to be seen.

She sat up, feeling surprisingly refreshed. "What just happened?" she wondered aloud. She got to her feet, a little surprised at how easy it was to stand up. She felt stronger, more invigorated than she had in a long time.

Standing in the forest, she looked herself over, expecting to find cuts or bruises but seeing none. She took a deep breath, the air feeling clearer, crisper. "Hm. Strange," she said, brushing off her clothes and deciding to continue down the trail.

As she walked back toward the park, she noticed a peculiar sensation near her crotch, just above her vagina. She presses the area with her fingertips, feeling a small bump there through her legging. It didn't hurt, but it was definitely new. Shrugging it off, she picked up her pace, her steps brisk and confident.

Susan reached the edge of the forest and walked back through the park, her mind buzzing. Despite the strangeness of it all, she felt unusually good. She even found herself smiling, looking up at the sky with a sense of newfound vitality. Susan noticed how easy it was to walk at a faster pace. She felt light on her feet, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. 

She reached her house and paused at the front door, taking a moment to reflect what a nice day it was.

* * *

The morning sunlight streamed through the bathroom window, casting a warm glow over the tiled floor. The sound of water splashing against the shower tiles filled the room, mingling with Susan's cheerful singing. She had woken up feeling unusually energetic and happy, her strange encounter in the forest already fading to the back of her mind.

She sang a tune she remembered from her childhood, her voice echoing softly in the steam-filled bathroom. As she lathered soap onto her body, she felt a sense of contentment that she hadn't experienced in a long time. But as her hands moved to her midriff, her singing abruptly stopped.

Susan's fingers brushed against something unusual at her crotch. She froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What... is that?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. She looked down, her eyes widening as she felt a small nub protruding there just above her pussy. It was her clit and it was about the size of a pea, flesh-colored and slightly raised.

Her first instinct was to scratch it. The nub felt intensely itchy, a sensation that was impossible to ignore. She scratched around it lightly, then harder, her fingers moving in small, frantic circles. To her shock, the itchiness only increased, becoming almost unbearable. "What the...?"

In a moment of desperation, Susan poked the nub firmly, and an unexpected jolt of pleasure shot through her body. She gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. The sensation was unlike anything she had ever felt before, a mix of relief and ecstasy that left her breathless. "What the hell?" she muttered, her voice barely a whisper.

But the urge to scratch the nub didn't subside. If anything, it grew stronger, compelling her to touch it more. She couldn't resist. Her fingers moved faster, scratching and rubbing with increasing intensity. The pleasure built with each motion, an overwhelming sensation that made her knees weak.

Finally, with a shuddering breath, Susan felt an explosion of satisfaction as the itch subsided. She leaned against the shower wall, panting and trying to catch her breath. "What the hell... was that?" she whispered to herself, her body trembling slightly.

Looking down, she noticed that the nub had grown. It was now about half an inch long, protruding more noticeably from her skin. "Oh no," she breathed, panic rising in her chest. She quickly turned off the shower and stepped out, grabbing a towel and drying off in a hurry.

Her mind raced as she wrapped the towel around herself and headed to her bedroom. She couldn't ignore this. She needed to see a doctor, and soon. With trembling hands, she turned on her computer, logged on to her healthcare provider, and opened the online patient portal.

"Schedule an appointment," she muttered to herself, clicking through the options as quickly as she could. She found an available slot for the next day and confirmed the appointment, a sense of urgency driving her every action. "There," she said, leaning back in her chair with a sigh of relief.

She looked down at her crotch, her fingers trembling as she touched the nub again. It was still there, slightly larger and more prominent than before. She couldn't help but scratch it lightly, feeling a small surge of pleasure in response. "I have to figure out what this is," she whispered to herself, determination hardening her resolve.

* * *

Susan woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. She turned her head to look at George, who was still asleep beside her. He somehow seemed different to her. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was a shift, subtle yet unmistakable.

As she lay there, watching him breathe steadily, she pondered the feeling. It wasn't that she loved him any less, but it was like a strange shadow had fallen over her. It was a vague sense that something had changed between them, or perhaps just within her.

Quietly, she slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. The house was silent as she made her way to the bathroom to start her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and ran a brush through her hair. With a sigh, she tied her robe tighter and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them with practiced ease, and set the coffee pot to brew. The familiar routines provided their usual measure of comfort.

George walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table, immediately picking up the newspaper. "Good morning, dear," Susan greeted him cheerfully.

George didn't reply, his eyes scanning the headlines. Susan's smile faltered slightly, but she continued cooking. "Anything interesting at work today?" she asked, trying again to engage him.

There was no response. Susan felt a flicker of irritation. "Oh, I'm going to the doctor's today, by the way," she said, hoping to catch his attention.

Again, no reply. The flicker of irritation flared into a small surge of anger. "George, pay attention to me!" she snapped, her voice louder than she intended.

She immediately clapped her hands over her mouth, shocked by her own outburst. That was so out of character for her. George's eyes darted up from the paper, visibly surprised. "I... sorry, dear. I'm just distracted."

Susan felt a wave of embarrassment and quickly reverted to her usual meek demeanor. "No, I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

George smiled, his expression softening. "So... why are you going to the doctor's?"

Susan paused, thinking about whether she should tell him about the previous day's events. "Um... no reason. Just a check-up."

George looked confused. "Didn't you just have one a couple of months ago?"

Another surge of anger washed over her, irrational and intense. The idea that he would question her lie infuriated her. She took a deep breath, calming herself. "Yes, well... Dr. Lee suggested I come in... so... I am."

George's confusion deepened, but he nodded slowly. "Alright. Just making sure you're okay."

Susan turned back to the stove, flipping the eggs onto a plate and adding toast. She brought the breakfast to the table, her mind racing. What was happening to her? The outburst, the anger—those weren't like her at all. She felt a mix of fear and curiosity, unsure of what was causing these changes.

They ate in relative silence, George absorbed in his paper and Susan lost in her thoughts. She couldn't shake the feeling that something fundamental was shifting inside her. Her emotions were more intense, her reactions sharper. It was as if a part of her that had been dormant was now awakening, and she didn't know what to make of it.

After breakfast, Susan cleaned up the kitchen while George got ready for work. She watched him leave, feeling a pang of longing for the days when their mornings were filled with conversation and shared plans. As the door closed behind him, she sighed and went to get dressed for her doctor's appointment.

She chose a simple dress and sensible shoes, her mind still preoccupied with her confusing feelings. She couldn't understand why she felt this way, only that it was making her question everything she thought she knew about herself.

As she tidied up the kitchen, she replayed the morning's interaction with George. There was a strange mix of emotions within her—love, frustration, a hint of resentment. She caught herself noticing again the way she felt about him; it was different, but for the life of her, she couldn't figure it out.

Susan leaned against the kitchen counter, her fingers tracing the edge of the sink. She needed to make sense of it all, to understand what was happening to her. She glanced at the clock, noting that it was almost time to head out for her appointment.

* * *

Susan moved through her morning routine with a newfound efficiency. The chores that once seemed to drag on now felt almost effortless. She dusted the living room, swept the floors, and tidied up the kitchen, all with a lightness in her step that she hadn't felt in years. Humming a cheerful tune, she danced from room to room, a sense of energy bubbling inside her.

As she vacuumed the living room, Susan found herself finishing in record time. She paused, looking around at the spotless space, and felt a surge of satisfaction. "Wow, I'm really on a roll today," she said to herself, grinning.

She unplugged the vacuum and started to put it away in the closet. As she lifted the vacuum, she noticed something peculiar. It felt incredibly light, almost as if it weighed nothing at all. She lifted it with one hand, marveling at how easy it was.

"That's... interesting," Susan muttered, setting the vacuum down and lifting it again. And again. Each time, she was struck by how effortlessly she could handle it.

Her curiosity piqued, she touched her arm and flexed it slightly. To her surprise, her muscles felt harder and slightly more defined than usual. "What on earth?" she whispered, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. She wasn't one to lift weights or do any strenuous exercise, yet her body seemed somewhat changed, hardly noticeable, but evident nonetheless.

By the time she finished, the house was spotless, and Susan felt a sense of accomplishment. She glanced at the clock and realized that she had completed her usual morning tasks in nearly half the time. "This is incredible," she said aloud, a smile spreading across her face. 

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a loud alarm coming from her phone.

"Huh?!" Susan exclaimed, slightly startled. "Oh, time to visit the doctor. Great." 

* * *

Susan sat nervously on the examination table, her hands clasped in her lap. The sterile smell of the doctor's office and the soft hum of the fluorescent lights did little to calm her. Dr. Marsha Lee, a reassuring presence with her calm demeanor and kind eyes, was checking Susan's vital signs.

"Blood pressure is... outstanding, and everything seems great actually," Dr. Lee said, jotting down notes on her clipboard. "You've gained a little weight but nothing to worry about. So, what seems to be the problem?"

Susan paused, her mind racing. She considered mentioning her encounter with the strange orb but quickly decided against it. It sounded too unbelievable, even to her. "Well, I have this growth... down here," she said, pointing to her crotch. "I noticed it on Tuesday and it's already grown slightly since then. And it's very... sensitive."

Dr. Lee looked intrigued. "Hm, ok. Do you mind if I take a look?"

"Sure," Susan replied, pulling her pants down to reveal her clit. There it was, sticking out ever-so-slightly from her fleshy folds.

Dr. Lee leaned in, her expression serious. "Hm. Ok. Can you feel this?" she asked, gently touching the nub.

Susan gasped, trying to hide how much it was affecting her. "Y-yes," she whispered.

"And this?" Dr. Lee asked as she poked the clit more firmly.

"Yes!" Susan yelped, the sensation overwhelming her.

Dr. Lee motioned for Susan to pull her pants back up and took a step back, her brow furrowed. "Ok, well, I can't say for sure, but this could be a case of clitoromegaly or macroclitoris. Have you had any unusual changes in diet or any new medications?"

Susan considered telling her about the encounter again but decided to keep it a secret. "Um, no."

"Ok," the doctor continued, "I can't say what it is for sure, so I'm going to have you come back next week for some tests, ok? In the meantime, monitor yourself and give us a call if anything changes."

Susan sighed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "Ok."

Dr. Lee typed a few notes into her computer and started to leave. "Alright, Susan. I'll see you next week. Have a nice day."

"Bye, doctor," Susan replied, watching her exit the room.

Left alone in the examination room, Susan felt a wave of emotions wash over her. She looked down at her crotch, the nub now hidden beneath her pants. The sensation from Dr. Lee's touch still lingered, a mix of discomfort and inexplicable pleasure. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts.

What was happening to her? The changes in her body, the heightened emotions—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle she couldn't yet see. She hoped the tests next week would provide some answers. 

Her cell phone dinged, pulling her from her thoughts. She picked it up and saw a message from Lucy.

Lucy: Hey, want to hit the gym today?

Susan hesitated for a moment. She wasn't much of a gym-goer, usually preferring her morning walks and light household activities to any intense workouts. But today felt different. She felt different. Maybe it was time to see just what her body was capable of.

Susan: Sure. See you there!

She hit send and felt a rush of excitement. The thought of going to the gym somehow didn't intimidate her like it usually did. It could be fun. 

* * *

Susan stood in the changing room of the gym, pulling on her workout clothes. The room was filled with the sound of lockers opening and closing, women chatting, and the hum of the air conditioning. Next to her, Lucy was animatedly discussing her latest beauty regimen.

"So, I found this amazing new face cream," Lucy exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the tiled room. "It's supposed to be the best for anti-aging, and I swear, my skin has never looked better."

Susan nodded politely, trying to focus on tying her shoelaces. Lucy's constant chatter was both familiar and exhausting.

"You should really try it, Susan," Lucy continued, her tone more judgmental than helpful. "It might help with that flakiness you've got going on. Just saying."

Susan felt a twinge of irritation but forced a smile. "I'll think about it."

Lucy adjusted her sports bra in the mirror, her eyes flicking to Susan. "And maybe you should consider a new moisturizer too. The one you're using now can't be doing much."

Susan bit back a retort, focusing on her shoelaces more than ever. She didn't need Lucy's unsolicited advice, especially not delivered in such a condescending manner.

"By the way, I signed us up for a spin class next week," Lucy said, completely unaware of Susan's mounting frustration. "It's supposed to be really intense. I hope you can keep up!"

"Sure, that sounds fun," Susan replied, her voice tight.

Lucy glanced at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her hair. "So, ready to work out? I'll be honest, you need it," she said, a dismissive laugh following her words as she barely looked at Susan.

A surge of anger welled up inside Susan, starting as a burning sensation deep in her core and sending an aching feeling to the swollen nub beneath her pants. Her heartbeat quickened, each thump reverberating through her body like a drumbeat. How dare she judge her? The thought ignited the flames of her anger, spreading like wildfire through her veins.

The feeling intensified, her muscles tensing, her fists clenching involuntarily. She could feel the heat rising to her face, her vision narrowing as the overwhelming urge to lash out took hold. Her entire body vibrated with the intensity of her emotions, her clit throbbing in sync with her racing heart.

"What's up with you today?" Lucy asked, finally noticing Susan's tense expression. "You seem a bit off."

The comment only fueled the fire, making the burning sensation in Susan's core even more intense. It was as if every fiber of her being was urging her to put Lucy in her place, to let her know just how condescending and judgmental she was being. The anger rose to a crescendo, her mind screaming for release, her body trembling with the effort to contain it.

But just when Susan felt she was about to burst and yell at Lucy, a sudden calmness washed over her. It was as if a cool breeze had swept through her mind, extinguishing the flames of her anger and leaving behind a strange, serene tranquility. The tension drained from her body, her heartbeat slowing, the throbbing between her legs subsiding.

She took a deep breath, her voice steady and controlled. "I'm ok, Lucy. Let's do it," she said through gritted teeth, managing a fake smile.

Lucy seemed satisfied with the response, oblivious to the storm that had almost erupted. "Great! Let's get out there and show everyone what we've got."

Susan followed Lucy out of the changing room, her mind still racing.

Susan and Lucy walked out onto the gym's main floor, taking in the bustling activity around them. The gym was alive with the sounds of weights clanking, treadmills humming, and people chatting. As they moved through the space, Susan's eyes wandered over the different gym-goers, her thoughts taking an unexpected turn.

She noticed the men first, their muscles straining as they lifted weights and ran on treadmills. But instead of admiration, she felt a strange sense of disdain. They seemed weak to her, like things to be controlled rather than respected. This new feeling unsettled her, and she couldn't pinpoint where it came from.

The women, on the other hand, elicited a different response. She wanted to control them too, but she also wanted them to be stronger. The sight of the more muscular, confident women on the floor gave her a subtle feeling of contentment. She found herself smiling, but quickly shrugged it off. "What's wrong with me?" she thought to herself.

"Let's start on the treadmills," Lucy suggested, snapping Susan out of her reverie.

"Ok," Susan replied, following Lucy to the row of treadmills.

They both stepped onto the machines and began to jog at a moderate pace. Susan felt the rhythm of her steps, the steady thump of her feet on the belt, and the gentle rise of her breathing. She glanced over at Lucy, who seemed determined to outdo her. Lucy kept adjusting her speed, each time pushing her treadmill a notch faster.

At first, Susan didn't care. She was content to jog at her own pace. But then, a sudden jolt in her pussy sent a wave of anger and competitiveness surging through her. "She wants to beat me? Hm," Susan thought to herself. She pushed her treadmill to go a little faster.

Lucy noticed and increased her speed as well. Faster and faster they went, their treadmills racing at a brisk pace now. Susan felt her heart pounding, but instead of tiring, she felt invigorated. The feeling of exertion began to transform into something pleasurable. It was as if her body was feeding off the competition, driving her to go even harder.

Seeing the determined look on Lucy's face spurred Susan on. She pushed herself faster, her legs pumping with power. The treadmill's speed increased, and soon she was sprinting at full speed. The rush of endorphins and the strange pleasure pulsing through her body made her feel invincible.

Lucy started to look worried, her face flushed and her breathing labored. She couldn't keep up with Susan's relentless pace. In contrast, Susan felt amazing. Her legs were a blur of motion, her entire body thrumming with energy and delight. The nub at her crotch seemed to rise slightly, pressing against the fabric of her workout pants.

".... Susan. Susan!" Lucy's voice cut through the haze of exertion and pleasure. She had been yelling at Susan for several seconds now. Susan reached out and pushed the button on her treadmill, making it slow to a walking pace.

"Um... what?" Susan asked, barely out of breath.

"Where did that come from? Are you kidding me?" Lucy asked, disbelief etched across her face.

Susan shrugged, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "I guess... I guess all my morning walks have been paying off. Heh."

"Nice! I'm impressed," Lucy replied, but her tone was off. She sounded more upset and jealous than pleased.

Susan's smile widened. She liked that. The feeling of outdoing Lucy, of being stronger, gave her a sense of satisfaction she hadn't expected.

"Ok," Lucy started, her voice a bit clipped. "Let's move on to weights."

They headed over to the weight machines, Susan still basking in the afterglow of her unexpected victory on the treadmill. She could feel her legs tingling with residual pleasure, her clit still slightly raised and sensitive. As they approached the weights, she couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

Oddly, as Susan walked over to the weights, she felt a tight sensation in her legs. Her muscles seemed to ripple beneath her skin with every step, slightly thicker and more toned than they had been just hours earlier. She glanced down at her legs, marveling at their newfound definition. 

She could see small strands of muscle streak down her thighs. They were indead a little larger, but more to the point, she could see that the fat that was once there was almost entirely melted away . She squeezed her leg muscles breifly, causing them to bulge a bit more.

"After one run?" Susan thought, shaking her head in disbelief. "I must be imagining things."

Lucy settled onto one of the chest press machines, her demeanor as confident and dismissive as ever. Susan chose the curling machine next to her, designed to strengthen the biceps. 

"Don't worry if you can't do as much weight as me. I've been doing this for years," Lucy said with a smirk, her tone dripping with condescension.

Susan felt a flicker of irritation, the same burning sensation deep inside her that she had experienced earlier. It was a compulsion, an insatiable need to prove herself, to dominate. She set the machine to 80 pounds, a significant weight for a single bicep curl. Locking eyes with Lucy, she began her workout, pumping her arm with a determination she hadn't felt before. One, two, three—each rep felt easier than the last.

Lucy was stunned, her smug expression giving way to shock as she watched Susan lift more weight than she could ever manage. Susan relished the look on her friend's face, a wave of endorphins washing over her. She felt a rush of pleasure, a sense of triumph that was intoxicating. Her clit throbbed with every movement, sending pulses of pleasure through her body.

Susan's moans, soft at first, grew louder with each rep. There was a creaking sound, almost imperceptible, as if her muscles were expanding right then and there, stretching the skin. She switched to the other arm, increased the weight to 100 pounds, and worked it rapidly. Her moans turned into gasps of pleasure, echoing throughout the gym. Susan felt invincible, her muscles practically humming with energy. As she continued, she imagined her muscles tightening, growing stronger with each repetition.

People began to notice, their gazes a mixture of confusion and admiration as Susan powered through her sets. Susan's body, especially her biceps, felt incredible, each contraction sending waves of ecstasy through her. Sweat glistened on her skin, her breath coming in steady, controlled gasps. She felt another pulse of endorphins, the pleasure of pushing her limits. Her clit, throbbing with encouragement, seemed to grow again slightly, pushing out more visibly against the fabric covering her crotch.

Suddenly, Lucy's hand was on her arm, stopping her mid-rep. "Susan, what the hell?!" Lucy's face was a mixture of embarrassment and fear.

Without thinking, Susan's hand shot out, grabbing Lucy by the throat. "How dare you!" she growled, her eyes blazing with fury. Slowly, she became aware of the people staring at them, the shock and confusion on their faces.

She let go of Lucy, her hand trembling. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry."

Susan turned and fled out of the main floor and into the women's locker room, her heart pounding. She found a stall and locked herself inside, collapsing onto the toilet seat. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. "I'm sorry," she whimpered over and over again.

A few minutes later, she heard Lucy's voice outside the stall. "Um... I don't know what's going on, but maybe we can talk about it later, huh? I'll see you at the next book club meeting." Lucy's voice was tentative, unsure.

Susan didn't respond. She listened as Lucy's footsteps faded away, leaving her alone in the stall. She felt a deep sense of shame and confusion. "I'm sorry," she whimpered again, tears streaming down her face.

After Lucy left, Susan remained in the stall, her mind racing. She tried to make sense of everything— the orb, her clit, this crazy workout, these new urges. She looked down at her hands in shame and caught a glimpse of her forearms. They looked... toned. She had never really worked out before, but her arms looked like she'd been going to the gym for a few years. She didn't look like a CrossFit athlete, by any means, but there was no mistake—she was fitter.

This thought sent a burst of endorphins into her system. Her body liked it, the thought of being stronger, better. She gasped briefly, then shook her head, trying to refocus.

 "W-why? Why do I feel this way? Why did I do that to... Lucy. Oh!" she moaned, getting a bigger dose of endorphins, apparently at the thought of grabbing Lucy like a rag doll, showing her who's boss. 

"Ooooh! I... I showed her! Mmm. I showed her... real good. Mmm." Her hands subconsciously slipped up and down her hips and breasts.

The endorphins kept coming, more and more. Her swollen clit filled with blood, becoming slightly larger, even more sensitive. Without thinking, her hand pulled down the front of her pants, exposing her moist pussy. 

"Yes! I'm better than she is! Oooh!" She howled, as she she started rubbing her pussy. 

She rubbed it faster and faster, her heart and breath speeding up, the endorphins rushing through her system now. 

"Why is this so... so... good? Ung! ung!"

She flicked her clit ferociously, then dove two fingers deep into her moist vagina; but that didn't feel nearly as good. With a sloppy, wet, "pop", sound she exited her cunt and worked her needy clit again. The clit was demanding. The clit was the spot. At this moment, it was her whole world. She was thrusting her hips like she was fucking her hand, increasing the friction; the wonderful, sweet friction. 

The pleasure was rising now, growing and growing. Images of assaulting Lucy, beating her, and seeing the fear in her eyes, drove her to a maddening level of pleasure. She flexed parts of her body, which added to feelings of strength and vigor. She flexed her ass, her abs, her back and shoulders. She could truly sense it, the alluring thrill of power and dominance. She was masturbating to her own body now, or rather her image of it, what it could be. She was so close to cumming. She needed to cum! So bad! At that moment, that was all that mattered, so she embraced the thoughts and ideas bouncing through her mind. She could be stronger, stronger than them all. Bigger. Better. Sexier. She could control them all! Fuck yes!

Then, in an explosion of rage and pleasure, she erupted; squirting all over the inside of the stall door. She cummed harder than she ever had before. Squirt after squirt, she didn't stop until the door was absolutely drenched. When the rolling orgasm subsided, she closed her eyes and rested. For several minutes she simply sat there and breathed in the moment.

Slowly, Susan opened her eyes, a faint smile on her face. She glanced around, taking in her surroundings. She lazily looked down and then she saw it. Her pants were around her ankles, her pussy was exposed, and that bump, the nub, her clit, had grown in length. It was now about two full inches.

"Oh no," she whispered, the reality of the situation hitting her hard. It pulsed slightly, still sensitive from her recent touch. She moaned deeply, in spite of herself.

Susan leaned back against the stall wall, her mind spinning. The pleasure she had felt moments ago was now replaced with fear and confusion. She tried to recall everything that had happened, but quickly realized that she didn't want to remember. She just wanted to get out of there.

With a burst of unexpected strength, she pushed the stall door open. There, in front of her, was an older woman, standing frozen, staring at Susan with a terrified expression. Susan paused, looked down at herself, and then back at the woman, knowing full well that she had overheard everything.  

"Do NOT go in there!" Susan said hastily, pinching her nose and pointing back at the stall. Embarrassed beyond belief, Susan ran out of the locker room, out of the gym, and headed home.