Page 10 of Pawsitive Data

His expression softened for a moment before turning heated. “I find your passion incredibly attractive. Among other things.”

Emma’s cheeks warmed. “Right. Science. Focus.” She took another sip of wine. “So, the stability markers I discovered – they’re like genetic locks, keeping certain traits pristine through generations. But like I’ve said, that same protection might be causing the fertility issues I’ve tracked in certain family lines.”

“Our research suggests similar conclusions,” Lucas said, watching her intently. “These bloodlines – they’re unique. Special. Their genetic makeup is significantly different from the general population.”

“You mean they’re not human?” The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Instead of dismissing her, Lucas leaned closer. “What makes you say that?”

“The data patterns. The statistical anomalies. The way certain families maintain impossible traits for generations. The way you move, and how your eyes change color, and—” She broke off as their food arrived, looking almost too artistic to eat.

Once they were alone again, Lucas said softly, “And?”

“And the way you look at me sometimes. Like you’re not just a man, but something more. Something primal.” Emma surprised herself with her boldness. The wine probably helped.

“Dangerous territory, Dr. Greene.” His voice had dropped to that rumbling register. “Some mysteries come with unexpected consequences.”

“Good thing I like experiments with uncertain outcomes.” She met his gaze steadily. “Are you going to tell me what you are?”

“No.” His smile displayed his too-long teeth. “But I might let you figure it out. If you’re brave enough to keep looking.”

“Was that a challenge?”

“Perhaps.” He took a bite of his food, somehow making it look sinfully graceful. “Though I should warn you – once youstart down this path, there’s no going back. Some knowledge changes everything.”

Emma leaned forward, close enough to catch that addictive woodsy scent. “Maybe I want everything to change.”

His eyes flashed pure gold. “Careful what you wish for, Emma.”

“Or what? You’ll show me just how inhuman you can be?”

The low growl that rumbled from his chest definitely wasn’t human. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Good thing I’ve always been curious about combustion reactions.” She took another sip of wine, feeling daring. “Besides, you wouldn’t have hired me if you didn’t want me to solve this puzzle.”

“True,” he admitted. “Though I’m starting to think I underestimated just how dangerous you could be to my secrets.”

“Only your secrets?”

His heated look made her glad she was sitting down. “You’re dangerous to my control in ways that have nothing to do with science.”

Emma set down her wine glass, forcing her scientific mind to focus despite Lucas’s distracting... everything. “The fertility issues in these bloodlines – they’re getting worse, aren’t they? That’s why you’re really interested in my research.”

His expression shifted, a flash of concern breaking through the heated playfulness. “What makes you say that?”

“The patterns in the data. These families with unusual genetic stability – their birth rates have dropped significantly in the past few generations. And it’s accelerating.” She leaned forward, enthusiasm for the puzzle overtaking her awareness of his magnetism. Almost. “The very thing that makes them special is starting to work against them.”

Lucas was silent for a moment, studying her with an intensity that made her skin tingle. “And you believe you can solvethis?” His voice was carefully neutral, but Emma caught the undercurrent of urgency.

She met his gaze. “This isn’t just academic curiosity for you, is it? This affects your family. Your people.”

The wordpeoplehung between them, heavy with implication.

“Yes,” he admitted finally. “The situation is becoming critical. Several prominent families are struggling to conceive. If we can’t find a solution...” He trailed off, his eyes shifting to that intense gold.

“You’ll face extinction,” Emma finished softly. “These perfect genetics will be your downfall unless something changes.”

“Unless someone changes it.” His hand found hers across the table, the touch electric. “Someone brilliant enough to understand the problem and brave enough to handle the truth behind it.”

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