Page 64 of Furry Equations

Marcus let her scientific explanation wash over him as he helped clean up, making sure she hadn’t hurt herself. His mate might be intense, but her enthusiasm sometimes outpaced her spatial awareness.

“You’re hovering again,” she noted without pausing her explanation of molecular bonds.

“You’re bleeding.”

“It’s a paper cut!”

“From broken glass?”

“Well, no, that was from the research papers I was reviewing earlier. The glass didn’t actually touch me. Though if you really want to discuss laboratory safety protocols...”

He silenced her with a quick kiss, ignoring Emily’s gagging sounds in the background. “New rule - no handling breakable objects when you’re having scientific breakthroughs.”

“If you two are done with the romantic comedy routine,” Emily interrupted, “we actually did have a breakthrough. Show him, Nat.”

Natalie bounced back to her workstation, previous embarrassment forgotten in her enthusiasm. “Look at these.”

Marcus studied the complex data streams, understanding perhaps a third of what he saw. But he recognized the triumph in her voice, the way her entire being lit up with scientific passion.

“How soon?” he asked.

“Twelve hours to implement the changes. After that...” She grinned. “We’ll be making more counteragent than Tomlinson could ever handle.”

Pride swelled in his chest. His brilliant mate hadn’t just created a defense - she’d found a way to protect everyone he cared about. His pack, his people, all safer because of her incredible mind.

“Have I mentioned lately that you’re amazing?”

“Hmm.” She pretended to consider it. “Not in the last hour. Your praise metrics are slipping, Alpha.”

“We’ll have to fix that.” He pulled her close, ignoring Emily’s dramatic exit. “How about I show you exactly how amazing I think you are?”

“That sounds...” She bit her lip. “Highly unprofessional.”

“Good thing I’m not your boss anymore.”

“Technically debatable since you own the company.”

“Want to debate it?” He let his voice drop to that growl she pretended to hate but actually loved. “I can think of several interesting ways to settle the argument.”

“I should really monitor the new synthesis protocols...”

“They can wait thirty minutes.”

“Thirty minutes?” She raised an eyebrow. “That’s not very ambitious, Mr. Vale.”

His answering growl made her laugh - right up until he proved exactly how ambitious he could be.

The protocols could definitely wait.

THIRTY-NINE

It seemed that finding a hidden space and rushing to get each other naked was becoming a habit for them. Natalie still couldn’t get used to seeing Marcus undressing. The abs. The body. The way he stared at her like he was about to consume her. It all made her giddy. His hands slid down to the tops of her thighs, his thumbs brushing along the inside so close to where she wanted him.

When her legs hit the edge of the large sofa in an office, Marcus set her down on the cushion. Her legs dangled and he used her position to slide her pants and underwear down her legs. She just wanted his mouthrightthere.

And that’s exactly where Marcus went. He never hesitated to think of her first. It only made her want him more.

His tongue delved into her core, licking at the honey there. He growled against her, sucking on her as if she was the most delicious treat. Her hips left the cushion, and Marcus held her at just the right angle. His tongue drove her wild. He touched her exactly where she wanted him. He knew where she needed him, and he was giving it to her in the best way. Her orgasm surprised her, building quickly and with intense force.

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