Page 37 of Claws and Controllers

“It’s just that…I’m boring…you know? So I’m just wondering if you’re really sure about this before we go further.”

“I’m sure. I want you, Ellie. I want to see where we take this and I want you there with me every step of the way. And I can guarantee …” He leaned into her ear as he cupped her neck, “that I won’t get bored of you.”

Ellie’s body trembled in response. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she teased breathlessly.

His soft lips caressed her ear and moved down to her neck, teasing her body. She craved more.

“That’s a promise I know I can keep,” he rumbled low against her skin. His hand was still on the back of her neck as he leaned in to kiss her.

She felt as if she had just been struck with electricity. Her body surged to life as his lips locked with hers. Was it the factthat he was a shifter that made this all feel so intense? She had never been with a shifter before.

His lips owned hers, taking and making her body light up like a Christmas tree, heat emanating from inside her very core. As their mouths mated, the only thing she could think of was how much she hoped he wouldn’t get bored with her.

They spent the next hour by the lake, competing to see who could get the most skips (Ellie won, much to Zy’s chagrin), and talking about everything and nothing. Ellie learned that Zy had a secret love for cheesy 80’s power ballads, and in return, she admitted to her addiction to trashy reality TV shows.

“Judge Judy is a national treasure,” she declared as they finally got back on the road to Cornwall. “I won’t hear a word against her.”

Zy held up his hands in surrender. “Far be it from me to question the wisdom of the honorable Judge Judy. Although I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed. I thought you’d be more of aPeople’s Courtgirl.”

Ellie gasped dramatically. “How dare you. Judge Judy would eat Judge Milian for breakfast.”

Their laughter filled the car, and Ellie marveled at how easy this was. How natural it felt to just be with Zy, away from the pressures of work and the gaming industry.

As they pulled into Cornwall, Ellie’s eyes widened at the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. “Oh, wow. It’s like stepping into a postcard.”

Zy grinned, clearly pleased by her reaction. “Wait until you see the art park. But first, I think we’ve earned some ice cream. There’s a place around the corner that makes the best lavender-honey flavor you’ve ever tasted.”

“Lavender-honey?” Ellie wrinkled her nose. “That sounds like something my grandmother would use to scent her drawers.”

“Trust me,” Zy said. “I’ll make you a deal. If you don’t like it, I’ll let you program my ringtone to the Judge Judy theme song for a month.”

Ellie’s competitive spirit flared. “Oh, you’re on, tiger boy.”

As they strolled down the street, Ellie’s hand found its way into Zy’s, their fingers intertwining naturally. She marveled at how well they fit together, how right it felt.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever complications their professional lives might bring, Ellie was grateful for this moment. This chance to see where their connection might lead. And as Zy pulled her close to point out a particularly charming shop window, Ellie allowed herself to hope. To believe that maybe, just maybe, she’d found someone worth taking a risk on.

Even if he did have questionable taste in ice cream flavors.

FIFTEEN

The expansive main floor of Madden Gaming’s office buzzed with excitement, transformed from its usual array of workstations and meeting areas into a festive celebration space. Colorful balloons and streamers adorned every corner, and the air hummed with the chatter and laughter of nearly fifty people - Ellie’s dedicated team of developers, artists, writers, and support staff.

Ellie Madden stood on a small, raised platform, her heart swelling with pride as she surveyed the diverse group before her. They had done it. After months of grueling work, endless iterations, and more coffee than she thought possible, they had reached a major milestone in the development of Infinite Odyssey.

“All right, everyone,” Ellie called out, tapping her plastic champagne flute with a fork. The chatter died down as all eyes turned to her. “I promise I won’t subject you to a long, boring speech...”

“Thank god,” Noa stage-whispered from her spot near the front, earning a ripple of laughter through the crowd.

Ellie grinned, shaking her head at her best friend and head of marketing. “But I do want to say how incredibly proud I amof each and every one of you. What we’ve accomplished with Infinite Odyssey... it’s beyond anything I could have dreamed when I started this company.”

Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the familiar faces. Alex, her lead programmer, stood with his team of coders, their usual intense focus replaced by relaxed smiles. The art team, led by the vibrant and talented Jasmine, clustered near their latest concept boards, still discussing ideas even during the celebration. In one corner, she spotted Marcus, her lead sound designer, deep in conversation with Liam, the head writer, no doubt debating the perfect audio cues for a pivotal story moment.

“We still have a long way to go,” Ellie continued, “but what we’ve built so far is revolutionary. The adaptive AI, the seamless integration of player choices, the stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes... it’s going to change the face of gaming. And it’s all thanks to your brilliant minds and tireless dedication.”

She raised her glass. “So here’s to Team Odyssey - from our programmers and artists to our QA testers, writers, UI designers, and everyone in between. May our journey be as epic as the game we’re creating.”

A chorus of cheers erupted as everyone raised their glasses. As the team broke into smaller groups, resuming their conversations and laughter, Ellie’s eyes found Zy standing quietly near the back of the room. Despite their companies’ rivalry, she had invited him to the celebration, and his presence was a testament to how far they’d come.

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