an alternate cover edition can be found here

Me: I just can’t stop thinking about you. I know we can’t go further, but I have an idea. Maybe we could sext?

L’Vect: What is that?

Me: Sexting is when you tell the other person how you want them to touch themselves, and that person describes what it feels like. It’s a sex game.

L’Vect: Yes. I want to sext. What do we do next?

Me: I will go first.

***

Serena...

Aliens have landed on earth and offered a cure for cancer in exchange for human brides to save their race. The program has led to protests and, increasingly, violence. But as a haematologist specialising in leukaemia, I still jump at the chance to work with the Cerastean doctors to help cure patients. I’m assigned to work with Physician L’Vect who is well - he’s different. But there is something...

L’Vect...

I have been told that I am socially inept around my own people, and I am even worse with the humans. I do not pick up on their most basic social cues. I want to help our patients, but all I can scent is their fear when I speak with them. Luckily Dr. Serena Salcedo has offered to instruct me in ‘bedside manners.’..