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

“If we could get an appointment, we wouldn’t need to bring him to the precinct!” Travis snarled once they left Faolan’s office. Though he dared not mention it to his omega, Virgil was of the opinion that Travis was better off letting Virgil snarl like that. It twisted his angelic face into something comical instead of fearsome.


“Maybe we need better cause for the captain to grant our request?”


“Hayden Mitchell would know, but talking to him was awful the last time.” Travis pursed his lips and focused on a point behind Virgil’s shoulder.


Virgil lacked enthusiasm for the task, as well. For all his ability to decode even the most scrambled or degraded communications, the torrential outpour of Hayden’s grief made the other alpha nigh unintelligible last time. “Jackson’s mate knew him best though. Maybe he told Hayden something that could sway Faolan to grant the questioning of Boone.”


“I know, but damn. I don’t like rubbing salt into the wounds.”


Chapter 15