VANESSA

I was wrong. One thing could stop me from working at Genetic Futures — being rejected at the last minute.

I swiveled back and forth on my legless chair before I realized what I was doing. I held myself still and directed my gaze back at the recruiter while trying to control my rage.

“What do you mean?” I fixed my eyes resolutely on the screen hanging on the wall of my university office. I couldn’t let myself cry. “I thought you said this was a sure thing.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Dwyer. Some information came in at the last minute that changed the president’s mind.”

“What sort of information are we talking about?”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose that to a non-employee of Genetic Futures.”

I sat back in my chair, and I drew a shaky breath. I couldn’t believe what was happening to me.

“I can tell you this much.” The recruiter lowered his voice. “Despite all my efforts to emphasize your credentials, the president learned your planet of origin.” He shrugged helplessly.

“Are you trying to avoid saying he’s a prejudiced bastard?” Earth was one of the poorest planets in the galaxy. Sometimes I felt like trailer trash, and it pissed me off. Suddenly I remembered with whom I was speaking. I put my hand over my mouth and cringed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be so unprofessional.”

He appeared to be stifling a smile. “You can say what I cannot. I apologize again, Ms. Dwyer. I had high hopes for you.”

“I did, too.” I terminated the conversation and put my face in my hands. I thought I had done everything right. I had a perfect résumé, the interview had gone perfectly, and they’d loved me. The recruiter said they were talking about me for an hour after we ended the holocall. I was perfect for the job. I couldn’t control where I was born.

I would have to get over it and return to my regular life. My thoughts strayed inadvertently to the surprise visit from Avren last night. I had turned down his exciting project, and then Genetic Futures left me high and dry.

I felt a familiar feeling wash over me. There had been a chance for happiness, and I blew it looking for fame and glory. Was this going to be like the last time I was with Avren?

I sat in my chair, unable to move or get to work. I wondered if I would ever be able to function again.

There was a knock on my door.

* * *

AVREN

“Come in.”

Despair filled Vanessa’s voice. I sensed it and became concerned immediately. What could have happened to make her so sad? I threw open the door and burst into her office. She had been holding her head in her hands, but she looked up at me. She wasn’t crying even though she looked like she wanted to. Only one thing could have upset her this much.

She didn’t get the job.

Vanessa’s career meant everything to her. She had chosen a job over love. Work was her way out of poverty and an opportunity to prove she mattered. She was smart. I wondered what had happened.

“Did something happen with Genetic Futures?” I closed the door behind me. Vanessa’s office was alarmingly neat, without a single book or sheet of paper out of place. One wall held nothing but bookshelves. Another contained a window stretching from the floor to the ceiling. A desk sat against the third wall, which displayed her diplomas and other awards. The orderliness of the room had her fingerprints all over it, and it seemed like it should be a cheerful place to work.

When I walked inside, however, it contained a decidedly melancholy air. Clouds covered the sun, and the light had a grayish tinge. Vanessa’s dejected gaze emanated despair.

“How did you know?” Vanessa looked confused and bewildered. I didn’t sense any of yesterday’s hostility. I assumed she was still in shock, and I was determined to use it to my advantage. If her misfortune could help my people and me, I would take the opportunity. I needed her too much to worry about taking advantage of her weakened state of mind.

My thoughts drifted to Allex’s suffering. He took his wings out every few days. An infection had made his struggles worse than the rest of us. I hadn’t known how bad it was until recently. I had been with Anders, another of my brothers, and Gwen, his fiancée. We were shocked when we saw his suffering. I had never seen anything like it before.

I thought Vanessa and I could fix it together. My memories of Allex’s pain were enough to make me willing to cross a lot of lines.

I shrugged. “It’s the only thing I can imagine that would make you so upset.”

“Do I look flustered or something?” She tilted her head.

I crossed my arms and stared at her.

“Okay, fine. I’m a little shaken.” Vanessa sat up straight to pull herself together. “I still have a good job and a fantastic life. I don’t need Genetic Futures at all.”

“That’s right. Forget about those guys.”

The forlorn look returned and she slumped back in her chair. “Who am I kidding? I’ve wanted to work there as long as I’ve known the company existed, Avren.” Vanessa raised her sorrowful eyes to mine. “Do you know why they didn’t give it to me?”

“No, I don’t. Why?” I had been wondering that myself. They didn’t have any good reasons to pass her up that I knew of.

“Apparently, it’s because I’m from Earth.”

“Are you kidding me? What a bunch of bastards.” My vehemence produced a mirthless chuckle from her. “You’re better off without them, Vanessa. You can see that, can’t you?” I put my hands flat on the desk and leaned toward her to better emphasize my point.

“Yeah, I know. But it doesn’t make me feel any better.”

I moved around the desk and squatted down beside her. She sat in an expensive-looking swivel chair, floating in the air without any visible supports. “Do you still want to get your name in the history books? Come work with me. If we succeed, they’ll write an entire chapter about you.”

A slow smile graced her lips, and I couldn’t stop talking. “If Genetic Futures can’t see the value in who you are, fuck them. An entire race will thank you and sing your praises, every day for the rest of your life.”

She stared into my eyes. I hoped she saw sincerity because I meant every word I said. Every Auxem on the planet would revere her.

“I can’t walk away from my job.”

“Can’t you take a research sabbatical?”

She thought for a moment. “Yes, I could, especially for something like this. Would I be able to write a paper?”

“Of course.” I had no idea what my father would allow. I would have to worry about getting permission later. Right now, I needed to convince Vanessa.

“What about my apartment?”

“Lock it up or sublet it. It doesn’t matter. We’ll pay for everything and double your salary. I have a state of the art laboratory, Vanessa.” I knew that would get her attention.

“So do I. That’s not a major selling point, Avren.”

I shook my head slowly.

“Are you holding out on me?” She looked intrigued.

I began to describe in detail how I had equipped the lab, and Vanessa’s eyes got round at the sound of it. “You’re kidding me.”

“Nope. Nothing but the best for the best.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “I guess you were pretty confident you could convince me.”

I held my breath. “Was I right?” Vanessa didn’t look entirely sold, but I could tell she was wavering. “I didn’t know if you were going to set a single foot inside. But whoever ends up working there will need the best equipment and staff the galaxy can offer. Credits aren’t going to be a problem.”

“Not for a prince of Auxem. Does your father know about this?”

My eyes slid away from her penetrating gaze.

“I knew it.” She sounded angry, and I didn’t blame her. “Your research project isn’t officially sanctioned.”

I stood and walked to the other side of the room, giving myself some time to collect my thoughts. “My father, the king, doesn’t need to know anything about it, Vanessa. I’m always working on something. He doesn’t look closely at my expenses.”

“Your project is different. It affects your entire species. Don’t you think he needs to know about it?”

“No, I don’t. He would only try to change my mind.”

Vanessa reached out a hand to touch my shoulder, but I shrugged her off. I didn’t want her pity. I knew my father well. If he didn’t think my plan was a good idea for any reason, he would interfere until I couldn’t work on it anymore.

The only thing that could stop me was Vanessa saying no.

“Let me tell you a story, Vanessa.” I was grasping at straws. “Do you remember Allex, my youngest brother?”

“Yes, he came to visit one time, right? When we were still together?”

“He developed an infection in his wing pockets when he was a teenager. He’s recovered now, but ever since his injury, the trauma has been worse for him than normal. You wouldn’t believe it if you saw it. I have to fix it, Vanessa. Not just for Allex, but for all the other men on my world, and for all the babies yet to be born.”

“Wait a minute. What babies?” Vanessa looked taken aback. “I thought all the women on your planet died.”

“Earth saved us. We have an agreement with your planet to provide women to us.”

She interrupted me. “It helps both of our planets, doesn’t it? Our overpopulation problem is something that you want.”

“It’s a win-win situation. Think about the children, Vanessa. Some of them will die as teenagers from suicide.” My voice choked up. My best friend had been one of them.

She looked horrified.

“When our wings emerge, it’s both the best and worst time of our lives. Some of us can’t stand the pain.”

“That’s terrible, Avren.” Vanessa stood and walked to the window, folding her arms over her chest. Today her cute hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She wore an emerald green sweater and jeans.

“Think about something other than your career. You have a chance to help people.”

Vanessa had her back turned to me, but I saw her head dip down.

“I understand.” Vanessa turned to me. I could see the conflict in her face. “I’ll think about it, Madellan.”

At least she hadn’t said no. “It’s a start. How about we discuss it over dinner?”

She looked skeptical.

“Or I can try to seduce you over dinner. That’s what my brothers told me to do.”

Vanessa looked shocked for a moment before laughing. It made me smile to see the joy on her face. “Avren, I know you’re lying to me.” She shook her index finger at me. “None of them would have said anything like that. Ayrie told you to charm me, didn’t he?”

“Ayrie or Anders. I don’t know who it was anymore. They said I shouldn’t tell you the facts and beg you on my hands and knees instead.” The words seemed to have a sexual connotation once they were out of my mouth.

Vanessa shook her head and touched my hand. “You know we can never go back to what we had.”

Her words gutted me, even though I knew she was right. I tried not to show the hurt in my heart.

“Of course not. We’re ancient history.” I waved my hands in the air. “Let’s catch up, we’re at least old friends, aren’t we, Vanessa?”

“Maybe. We’re something.” She didn’t seem convinced.

“Come on. It’s a free meal from the fortune of the house of Madellan. How can you turn me down? I know you don’t have anything planned for dinner other than rooting around in your refrigerator or using the fabricator.”

“You still know me.” It seemed like Vanessa wanted me to convince her.

My communicator buzzed. I checked to see who it was. “Hang on, Vanessa, I should take this. Give me a minute, will you?”

I walked out into the hall. “Hello, Mr. Verrat. How are you doing today?” I flashed a smile at a man who I considered as close as an uncle. My father had left him in charge of Auxem while we were traveling around the galaxy looking for suitable women. Our families had been friendly for as long as I could remember. He had taught my family how to fight using short swords. When my father was too busy running the planet, Mr. Verrat taught us how to fly.

When I was younger, I had watched a video of a man accelerating toward the ground, pulling his wings close to his body and increasing his speed. It was a good thing Mr. Verrat was with me. I couldn’t fully extend my wings once the wind resistance picked up. He had pulled my wings out for me and saved my life.

I owed him more than a phone call.

“I’m doing great, thanks. You look good, Avren.” He peered at the screen. “Are you in a desert?”

I turned and peeked out the window at my back. All I could see was a desert. “I’m on Susohn, visiting an old friend.”

I was hesitant to reveal everything. When Vanessa had broken my heart in the first place, Mr. Verrat was the only person I told about it. I hadn’t confided in my brothers, and I certainly hadn’t told my father.

Mr. Verrat still did the work necessary to stay in my life. He was a good friend and knew me as well as my brothers did. His friendly demeanor vanished when he realized where I was, though.

“Who are you visiting, Avren Madellan?”

I glanced away, feeling sheepish. “No one in particular.”

“I notice you didn’t say her name. And I know it’s a her.” He sounded upset. “You’re not with Vanessa Dwyer right now, are you?”

“As a matter of fact, I am.”

He shook his head. “You’re not making good decisions.”

I moved down the hall to make sure she couldn’t hear my half of the conversation.

“I know it’s not ideal, Mr. Verrat. I need her help with something. It’s for work.”

I was trying to be vague, but he guessed immediately. Mr. Verrat had a sharp mind as well as a big heart. “Why do you need Vanessa involved with your genetic research? Her specialty is pain management, isn’t it?” He didn’t wait for me to answer. “I hope you’re not going to start fooling around with our DNA, Avren.”

Mr. Verrat was making me feel like a child. “No, experimenting on our own genome would be foolhardy.”

“You’ve already started. Tell me the truth, Avren.”

“Yes.” I couldn’t lie to my old friend. “For now, it’s only research. I’m bouncing some ideas off her. They might not go anywhere.”

He shook his head. “You shouldn’t be wasting your time. Nothing can change the way we’re made.”

Mr. Verrat was wrong. I didn’t want to get into a complicated debate for the sake of our friendship, but I knew I could make a difference.

“Avren?” Vanessa’s voice came from up the hall.

I glanced toward her head poking out of her office and nodded, holding up a finger to indicate she should wait a minute.

“I have to go now, Mr. Verrat. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“You still take off running whenever Vanessa calls you.” He shook his head. “Didn’t you learn anything from the last time, Avren? Don’t get involved with her. Come home.”

What a strange command. I tried to laugh it off. He must be kidding. “I’ll talk to you when I return to Auxem, Mr. Verrat. I have to go now.”

I walked back to Vanessa.

“Sorry, I couldn’t ignore him, he’s an old family friend. Now, where were we?” I thought for a second. “Weren’t we talking about dinner? How about I pick you up? We’ll talk science. The meal is on me.”

“When you put it like that, Madellan, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

“Great. I’ll see you around six?”

“Sounds good.” Vanessa sat down at her desk and took out some official looking paperwork.

That had been easier than I expected. I just hoped I could charm Vanessa with another offer and convince her to help me. If that was what it would take to make her say yes, then I would be the most charming man she had ever worked with. Facts hadn’t changed her mind, and the enticement of a better laboratory hadn’t been enough, either. I was going to have to win her over with my personality.

She had cared about me once before. If I could get her to remember what good friends we had been, before the problems developed in our relationship, maybe she would help me for old time’s sake.

The corridor I was walking down looked like part of a typical building at the university. It was wide with ugly tiles, and there wasn’t enough light in it. Who was I kidding? I couldn’t look at Vanessa as a friend ever again. She was the hottest woman I had ever seen, and the sight of her in a kimono and underwear had been tormenting me since last night.

I would have to try something else. Maybe I could appeal to Vanessa as a colleague. If her work was everything to her, I would meet her there, as fellow scientists.

But I wasn’t going to complain if she came to the door in her underwear again, colleague or not.