Actually, you can.

My nose flared. “I need some privacy. Do you mind?”

Her voice rose until it was almost sugary sweet. “No, I don’t mind.”

I waited till she walked in the house. My voice lowered. “I’m the oldest and my sis is depending on me to earn enough to send her to college.”

Now that was a lie and a big one. The day my sister went to college is the day... well the day I said yes to this.

“Well-being of family members is also well within the standard package. Records indicate mating is successful when Volardi Omegas know their families are well attended to. We Volardi honor family. Hence our agreement with your planet.”

I swallowed hard.

“We can pay for full tuition for immediate siblings at any college no matter the financial cost.”

I heard a scream and Becky ran back and wrapped her arms around me. “Are you serious? Oh, Thank you, Peter. Just like you said you would.”

Oh hell no. You’re not getting a free ride off this.

“Look, I don’t want to do it anymore. I’m uh… scared. It’s not for me. I took your test.” I looked back into the row of red eyes even as my throat went dry. “Your site says I can refuse.” My shoulders rose. “Well, I refuse okay?”

Becky took a step back, and I waited for something to happen even if I feared it.

The machine spoke, “Understood. The money’s in your account. On behalf of the Volardi Empire, we wish you a good day.”

My eyes widened as I watched it fly up into the blue clear sky.

Did I win?

***

Pa came home, and I filled him in. I mentioned the money right away. Becky had a history of turning things to her advantage. She was trashy but smart. Although not enough to beat ten thousand.

He made a fuss of refusing the money but that’s how it was around these parts. There was pride, but we both knew he needed it. After several back-and-forth arguments, he bit his lip and accepted my gift with a solemn expression. It was a good moment, and I decided not to taint it by sneering at Becky. Her time would come if it wasn’t already. Some women showed soon, others looked the same.

No. With that thin torso and flat stomach, she’ll show.

Images of her with a full belly and town gossip lingered in my mind.

Sorry darlin’, you aren’t going to college when you have a kid.

There were parts of my plan that were shaky but not that. Pa wouldn’t let her leave his grandkid while she went to school. Nate was too macho to let her, anyway. He didn’t care for women filling their heads with strange ideas.

I didn’t ask where things were at with the farm. Figured Pa wouldn’t take my gift if it didn’t help.

My head nodded slow. Yeah, things are looking great.

I closed my eyes for a well-deserved nap. Normally I’d be looking for a job, but ten thousand was more wage than a few months at the mines. I leaned into the couch and imagined myself a year from now.