In a future where the United States is slowly rebuilding itself, Omega Travis Danten is a big city cop sent to a seemingly desolate city on the edge of the Waste. This desert is full of undesirables, and it’s only a matter of time before they wreak havoc. But, Omegas are always assigned Alphas, and his new partner’s job is to protect him.<br><br>But SdAI Alpha Virgil is not at all amused with the partner who chose him. Travis is willful and naive to the dangers a homicide detective faces here, and it makes Virgil’s job that much harder. And Travis, of course, is human and develops feelings, feelings that go beyond the rules about Omega/Alpha partnerships.<br><br>Travis and Virgil have to find common ground, find a killer, and find space for each other in their own hearts, even if one is artificial.

Artificial Heart

“I heard you guys were capable of some serious data skills, but that was awesome!” Beaming, he tore his eyes away from the desk and looked up at his alpha. “Can all SdAIs do that, or are you special?”


While Virgil had perfect posture to begin with, he seemed to straighten even further with the question. “All of us are capable of data manipulation, but I confess my skills as somewhat above average.”


Travis grinned. “No false modesty among you lot, is there?”


“Not really.” Travis cheeks heated a little when Awanyu spoke. He had just about forgotten she was there. “Some have it programmed into their personalities, but not Virgil.”


“You don’t have that programmed either?”


Virgil shook his head, dark hair spilt over broad shoulders with the motion. “No, because I forewent having a constructed personality included in my make-up.” The wry grin couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. “I was not expecting an organically evolving one to be quite so difficult.”


Chapter 6