Page 15 of Pawsitive Data

He leaned down until his lips brushed her ear. “If you keep talking genetics while smelling like that, I’m going to show you exactly how possessive newly recognized mates can be.”

Her sharp inhale and the sudden sweetness in her scent nearly undid him.

“Promise?” She met his now fully-gold eyes with perfect trust and unmistakable heat. “Because I have theories about shifter stamina that need testing...”

“This is highly irregular,” Malcolm cut in, his voice sharp with disapproval. “The council needs to discuss the implications of a human?—”

“A human who’s already figured out more about our genetics than our own scientists,” Lucas interrupted, not taking his eyes off Emma. She was tracing the collar of his shirt, her brilliant mind visibly cataloging his physiological responses. “And who’s just proved she can handle herself in a crisis.”

“By attempting to measure an intruder’s muscle density with office supplies?” Malcolm’s tone dripped disdain.

Emma brightened. “The tensile strength variation was remarkable. Though not as impressive as Lucas’s. Your genetic expression seems more... complete.” Her fingers brushed Lucas’s neck, right over his racing pulse.

The gleam in her eye suggested her interests weren’t entirely academic. Her scent confirmed it, growing headier by the second.

“Of course,” Lucas rumbled, fighting the urge to drag her into his private office and show her exactly how his enhanced genetics expressed themselves. “Though some questions might require private research sessions.”

“For science,” she agreed breathlessly, her pulse racing under his thumbs where they stroked her wrists.

Malcolm cleared his throat. “The council is waiting, nephew. Though perhaps Dr. Greene should join us since she’s already so... informed about our nature.”

“Absolutely!” Emma’s whole face lit up. “I’d love to observe the social dynamics of your hierarchical structure. Like how Lucas’s alpha status manifests in both human and shifter contexts, particularly regarding territorial displays and mate recognition patterns?—”

Lucas growled softly against her ear. “You need to stop saying ‘mate’ in that scientific voice while smelling like that.”

“Like what?” But her innocent tone was belied by the knowing glint in her eye and the spike of arousal in her scent.

“Like you want to conduct very thorough experiments on shifter endurance.”

“Well,” she whispered, “I am a firm believer in direct research.”

Malcolm made a disgusted sound. “The council chamber. Now. Before you two compromise any more public spaces with your... scientific methodology. The council chamber is a sacred space,” he added icily when Emma opened her mouth, likely to ask more questions about shifter biology.

But his words only sparked more of Emma’s endless curiosity. “Sacred spaces! Of course – you’d need designated territories for pack... sorry, pride meetings. The integration of traditional shifter practices into modern corporate structure?—”

“Emma,” Lucas rumbled in her ear, “you’re doing it again.”

“Babbling about science when I’m nervous?” She pressed closer to his side, that addictive scent of hers tinged with slight anxiety now. “Sorry. It’s just... I really want to help. With the fertility issues, with understanding your genetics. With everything. And I’m afraid your council might not want ahuman involved, even one who thinks shifter biology is the most amazing thing she’s ever studied.”

The simple honesty in her voice and the genuine desire to help his people made Lucas’s chest tight. His mate was extraordinary.

“Just be yourself,” he murmured, then added with a smile, “Though maybe cool it with the detailed observations about mating behaviors and scent marking. At least until they get to know you.”

“No promises. I have at least three theories about how your enhanced pheromones affect nearby humans, especially potential mates. Speaking of which...” She bit her lip, looking up at him through her lashes. “That thing you do, where your eyes go all gold and glowy when you look at me? Really works for me. You know, scientifically speaking.”

Lucas barely contained his growl. “Scientifically speaking?”

“Mm-hmm. Creates all sorts of interesting physiological responses. Elevated heart rate, increased body temperature...” She pressed closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Makes me want to conduct all sorts of experiments.”

Lucas cleared his throat and took her hand into his, moving down the hall.

TEN

“The council members might be... traditional in their views,” Lucas warned as they walked, his hand now firm in the small of Emma’s back. Every instinct screamed to keep her close, especially with Malcolm’s cold presence behind them.

“You mean they might not like a human scientist poking around in shifter business?” Emma grinned up at him. “Even one who thinks your ability to completely rewrite your DNA structure is the coolest thing ever?”

Her simple enthusiasm and the pure joy she took in discovery made his beast want to preen. Made him want to shift right there and show her exactly what he could do.

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