Page 12 of Furry Equations

“Including three different escape routes and a panic room that would make the Pentagon jealous.”

“And the north section?—“

“Has enough backup generators to power half of Manhattan.” Jax’s expression softened. “Marcus. Breathe.You’re doing that thing where you try to control everything because you’re scared.”

“I’m not scared.” The words came out sharper than intended. “I’m being thorough.”

“You’re being a control freak because you found your mate and some adversary is making moves to steal her research. It’s okay to admit that freaks you out a little.”

Marcus’s jaw clenched. The wolf in him howled at the truth of it. He’d spent his entire life in control—of his companies, his pack, his emotions. Then Natalie Grant had stumbled into his world with her brilliant mind and fierce independence, and suddenly control seemed like a distant memory.

“Speaking of adversary,” Jax continued, “my sources say some high-end hackers are itching to get their hands on Natalie’s research files.”

“They won’t get far.” Marcus pulled up another screen, displaying the lab’s digital fortifications. “I had Emily upgrade the entire system. Quantum encryption. AI-powered intrusion detection. The works.”

“Ah yes, nothing says ‘I’m not obsessed’ like quantum encryption.” Jax twirled a pen between his fingers. “You know what would make protecting her easier? Telling her she’s your mate.”

Before Marcus could respond, the elevator dinged. Natalie stepped out, somehow managing to look both professional and adorable in a fresh lab coat over yoga pants and a Vale Corp sweatshirt someone had thoughtfully provided. Her hair caught the light like spun gold, and her eyes...

“You turned my lab into the NSA.” She planted her hands on her hips. “There are more security cameras than a Vegas casino.”

“Standard safety protocols,” Marcus lied smoothly.

“The guard asked for a DNA sample before letting me on the elevator.”

“Routine procedure.”

“For a blood test?”

“Maximum security requires?—“

“Your security team tried to issue me a bulletproof lab coat. With matching goggles.”

Jax snorted. “The goggles were my idea. Very fashionable.”

“You think?” Natalie’s eyes sparked with that defiant fire that made Marcus’s wolf sit up and take notice. “I appreciate the concern, but I don’t need?—“

“Chinese?”

She blinked. “What?”

EIGHT

Marcus held up a takeout menu. “You haven’t eaten since the hospital. I thought we could discuss security measures over dinner.” And if that meant spending more time with her, well, that was purely coincidental.

“I...” Her expression softened slightly, “am actually starving. But this conversation isn’t over.”

“Of course not.” He’d already memorized her usual order from her employee file. “Sesame chicken? Extra fortune cookies?”

“How did you—never mind. I don’t want to know how many background checks you ran.”

“Only six or seven.” He typed out the order on his phone. “The lab’s yours. I had everything moved from the penthouse and upgraded. Whatever you need to continue your research safely.”

She walked to the nearest workstation, running her fingers over pristine equipment. The simple grace of her movements captivated him. “This is amazing. But you didn’t have to?—“

“Yes, I did.”

Their eyes met. Something electric crackled in the air between them.

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