“Henry?” That’s the name he gave us. The one that insisted I go through with the program. Much in the same way a gangster will ‘invite’ you for a ride. My current changes and new son say what ‘choice’ I picked.

“Well… he walked right to the back, like he knew he was there. Nate yelled to him for help then screams on how he’s going to throw all of us into jail.”

We both scratched at the gooseflesh on our arms at the same time. It was a slight grin before she continued. “He injected Nate with a needle. After a few seconds, he was out. Then two other men came out from along the house. One leaned in and whispered something to Pa.”

She swallowed, and her eyes went off to the side almost as if she were reliving the night. “Remember the woods near the big pond where it was really thick? Did you ever get the feeling you should leave? Like right away?” Her forehead scrunched. “You saw no wolves, and there ain’t no bears, or a wild pig. But there’s something inside you screaming for you to leave? Kinda like being on a dark street at night?”

I nodded. I didn’t have much experience with dark streets and fear as a male. The lesson with Nate taught me different though. That said, sometimes I sensed danger around me back home. An animal maybe or a human up to no good.

“It was that way with the men. I didn’t hear what they told Pa, but I sure as hell felt it in my bones. The way Pa’s head jerked up. Scared me more than any wolf.” She shook her head slowly. “Nobody’s seen Nate and... nobody’s asking. Nobody Peter. Not his father, his kin, no one. Folks aren’t even asking me! It’s like they’re spooked.”

Nothing further was said for a while. The connection was private, but specific topics didn’t need voicing. The Volardi weren’t evil. Hell, there was plenty of arguments Earth was better off. People didn’t go hungry or without a coat for the winter. Pa would be on his deathbed if it weren’t for the treatments. Hell, my new home had some ethical questions about their client races. I still believe the universe was better off with them.

They weren’t angels, nor devils. They didn’t take over, and I wonder if there was any need. Nobody in their right mind would make enemies of them. I got close and lost my old life. I was happy now, but the message was clear – Don’t fuck with the Volardi.

At least not in the way that doesn’t make babies. My fingers went over my baby’s back while he cooed.