He breathed in slowly while I felt Pa’s and Becky’s gazes dart from me to him.

“And now we got you.”

“What did I do?”

His nostrils flared. “Don’t bullshit me son. You took their test and thought you had an easy way to make yourself ten thousand dollars.”

“It wasn’t like–”

His voice deepened. “Son? Don’t. Just don’t.” He pointed a finger up. “They ain’t stupid. I’m not either.” He shook his head. “You took a test, and passed with some of the highest scores they ever saw. Then you said ‘No’ within seconds of hearing the results.” His wide hands went out. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t want to be a chick… I mean an Omega,” I said with more pout in my voice than I wanted.

“Then don’t you think you should have considered that before you took it? Did it ever occur to you they’d say yes?”

“The site says I can say no.”

“Son, you said you were nineteen. Don’t you think it’s time you stopped acting like a damn fool? You don’t say no to the Volardi.” He paused for a beat. “Nor America.”

My expression must’ve been quizzical because he continued. “We’re outclassed technologically, militarily, and economically. America’s days as a hyperpower are over. Still... they like us and our culture. So far America’s sent the most participants. Unlike some countries we let our gays be.”

I wasn’t sure if I agreed but there was something to it. Other countries were downright horrific in their treatment toward queers.

He continued. “Of course, it bit them in the butt when the Volardi arrived. They had nothing to offer, but we did and a few other countries. We play this right and we’ll have a nice slice of the pie with the Volardi. Every mate we send is American and someone that can be an ambassador for our country. A mate here, another there, and so on and on... until we have the largest percentage of representatives. Thousands of good ol’ American as Apple Pie men being nice little Omegas and telling the Volardi that we’re A-Okay. The country of America might not be the same, but a Volardi-American combo sounds pretty good. Especially with the alternative.”

His expression hardened. “We can share the galaxy with them and you’re fucking it up...”

“I’ll give the money–”

Henry licked his lips. “It’s too late for that. In one hour, you’re leaving and that’s all there is to it. You bolt, and we get an interstellar incident. I’m here to make sure you don’t.” He walked over to me and clamped his wide hand on my shoulder then squeezed.

My Pa’s voice was slow. “Mister... I don’t know who or what you are, but you don’t do that to my boy. Especially not in my home. Get your hands off him.”

My heart raced. Pa wasn’t in the shape to take on a man like Henry. Especially with his health concerns.

Henry smiled quick then removed his hand.