Page 26 of Claws and Controllers

As Zy made his way back to his family’s table, his tiger settled, a contented purr rumbling through his chest. He knew he should be focusing on the investigation and maintainingprofessional boundaries. But in that moment, all he could think about was Ellie’s smile and the warmth in her eyes when she looked at him.

Settling back into his seat, Zy tried to ignore the knowing looks from his family, especially Azure’s smug grin. He had a feeling he was in for quite a bit of teasing in the days to come. But as he glanced back at Ellie, catching her eye across the crowded restaurant, he found he didn’t much care.

Whatever complications lay ahead, whatever challenges they might face, Zy knew one thing for certain: Ellie was quickly becoming a force in his life that he couldn’t - and didn’t want to - ignore.

As the evening wore on, Zy found himself increasingly distracted. He participated in the family conversation, laughed at the right moments, but his mind kept drifting back to Ellie. He couldn’t help but steal glances at her table, watching the animated way she talked with her father, the sparkle in her eyes when she laughed.

“Earth to Zy,” Azure’s amused voice cut through his thoughts. “You in there, big brother?”

Zy blinked, realizing he’d been caught staring again. “Sorry, what were you saying?”

Azure’s grin widened. “Oh, nothing important. Just wondering if you’d like us to invite your new friend over. You know, since you can’t seem to take your eyes off her.”

Zy felt a warmth creep up his neck, grateful for the dim lighting of the restaurant. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered, taking a large swig of his wine.

“Mm-hmm,” Azure hummed, unconvinced. “You know, for a century-old tiger shifter, you’re not very subtle. I haven’t seen you this worked up over a woman since... well, ever.”

Zy sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated, Az. She’s... she’s not just any woman. She’s acompetitor, a rival. And there’s this whole mess with the code theft...”

Azure’s expression softened slightly. “But she’s also the first person in decades to make you actually feel something, isn’t she?”

Zy nodded, surprised by his brother’s insight. “I can’t explain it. When I’m around her, my tiger... it’s like it recognizes her somehow. But that’s impossible. She’s human.”

“Maybe,” Azure said thoughtfully. “Or maybe there’s more to this than we understand. You always were a sucker for a good mystery.”

Zy chuckled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “That I am. Speaking of which, how’s that new tech startup of yours coming along? Still planning to revolutionize virtual reality?”

As Azure launched into an enthusiastic explanation of his latest project, Zy allowed himself to relax. His gaze drifted once more to Ellie’s table, only to find her looking back at him. Their eyes met across the crowded restaurant, and Zy felt a jolt of electricity run through him.

Ellie’s lips curved into a soft smile, a hint of color rising in her cheeks as she quickly looked away. But that brief moment of connection was enough to set Zy’s heart racing.

As the evening drew to a close and the family began to say their good-byes, Zy found himself lingering. He watched as Ellie and her father stood to leave, an irrational part of him not wanting to let her out of his sight.

“Go,” Azure said softly, nudging him. “Say good-bye properly. I’ll cover for you with Mom and Dad.”

Grateful for his brother’s understanding, Zy made his way across the restaurant. He reached Ellie just as she was shrugging on her coat.

“Leaving so soon?” he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Ellie turned, a hint of surprise in her eyes that quickly melted into warmth. “Some of us have empires to build, Mr. Ashford,” she teased, echoing his earlier words to Azure.

Zy chuckled, his heart swelling at her playful tone. “Touché, Ms. Madden. I just wanted to say... it was good to see you tonight. Even if it was unexpected.”

“It was good to see you too,” Ellie replied softly. For a moment, they stood there, the air between them charged with unspoken possibilities.

Jack cleared his throat, breaking the spell. “Well, Mr. Ashford, it was a pleasure to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other, given how closely you and Ellie seem to be working these days.”

There was a knowing twinkle in Jack’s eye that made Zy wonder just how much Ellie had told her father about their recent interactions. “I certainly hope so, Mr. Madden,” Zy replied, shaking the older man’s hand. “Ellie’s insights have been invaluable.”

As Ellie and her father turned to leave, Zy found himself calling out, “Ellie?” She looked back, a question in her eyes. “I’ll see you soon? For our next... collaborative session?”

Ellie’s smile was radiant. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Zy watched them go, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest. As he made his way back to his own family, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was standing on the precipice of something monumental. Something that could change everything.

His tiger purred contentedly in the back of his mind, more settled than it had been in years. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever complications arose from the code investigation, Zy knew one thing for certain:

Ellie was quickly becoming the most important person in his world. And he was powerless to stop it.

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