Page 22 of Pawsitive Data

His mother’s knowing look followed him out. “She usually takes her coffee break around nine,” she called after him. “In case you were wondering.”

Lucas definitely wasn’t going to time his morning rounds to accidentally encounter Emma during her break. He was the alpha, the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company. He had more control than that.

His phone buzzed one more time:Update: She’s named the genetic sequencer Bernard and is explaining pair bonding theory to it. Very detailed explanations. Something about alpha pheromones and destiny?

Lucas checked his watch. Fifty-eight minutes until her coffee break.

Not that he was counting.

He absolutely wasn’t stalking his mate.

SIXTEEN

Lucas just happened to be passing the research wing (for the third time) when Emma’s scent hit him - jasmine and electricity and the distinctive aroma of her fourth coffee of the morning. She really needed to sleep more, but apparently genetic breakthroughs waited for no one, not even exhausted scientists.

“The transformation stability rates are incredible.” Her voice carried from the break room, full of that infectious enthusiasm that made his beast want to purr. “Look at how the energy signatures interface with the base genetic code! Bernard - I mean, the genetic sequencer - picked up completely new resonance patterns when I adjusted the crystal...”

“Dr. Greene,” he said, leaning against the doorframe and fighting a smile. “Taking a break from revolutionizing shifter genetics and naming lab equipment?”

She spun, nearly dropping both her tablet and coffee. Her lab coat swirled around her legs, the crystal at her throat pulsing in time with her startled heartbeat. Her hair was escaping its messy bun, probably from running her hands through it while solving impossible genetic puzzles.

She was magnificent.

“Lucas! I was just explaining to Elder Conley about the morning’s breakthrough. Did you know shifter DNA exhibits unique molecular dance patterns during transformation? Well, not actually dancing, though the visual image on Bernard’s display does look somewhat rhythmic, which made me wonder about frequency harmonics in relation to mate-bond energy signatures and... oh!”

She gestured enthusiastically, actually dropping her coffee this time. Lucas caught it before it could spill, his reflexes bringing him directly into her personal space. Her scent hit him full force - coffee and brilliance and an undertone of attraction that made his beast growl possessively.

“Careful, Dr. Greene.” He handed her the cup, letting his fingers brush hers deliberately. “We wouldn’t want to damage your research.”

Her pulse jumped. He could smell how her scent shifted, adding that intoxicating note of arousal that tested his control.

“Right. Yes. Research. Very important research that definitely requires all my attention and not your...” She waved vaguely at him, then blushed. “Which is totally distracting me...”

He stepped closer, enjoying how her breath caught.

“Which is completely unfair because I’m trying to maintain professional objectivity here and you’re all...” She gestured at him again. “Alpha-y. With the fangs and the growling and the way your energy makes my readings spike in fascinating ways.”

Elder Conley coughed discreetly from the corner. “I’ll just... review these findings in my office. Away from all the... energy signatures.”

Lucas barely noticed him leave. Because Emma was looking up at him with that perfect blend of scientific curiosity and want that drove him crazy.

“Alpha-y?” he repeated softly, backing her against the break room counter.

“You know what I mean.” She straightened her lab coat primly, though her scent betrayed her. “Your shifter presence. Your alpha energy. The way you affect local temperature variations when you?—”

“When I what?” His hands settled on her hips, drawing her closer.

“When you look at me like that,” she admitted. “Like you’re considering either kissing me senseless or participating in some very interesting genetic experiments?—”

He cut her off with a kiss that held nothing back, letting her feel exactly what she did to him, how perfectly they fit together. His beast roared satisfaction when she melted against him, her hands sliding into his hair.

The kiss deepened, turning hungry. He could taste the coffee on her tongue, feel how her energy reached for his instinctively. When she nipped experimentally at his lower lip, his growl shook the break room.

“Fascinating,” she breathed against his mouth, “how your scent makes my crystal glow. Or how Bernard’s readings spike whenever you’re near...”

His beast surged forward at her words, sending possessive satisfaction rolling through him. Of course, his mate had already started piecing it together. Had probably been collecting data points since their first meeting.

“Tell me, Dr. Greene,” he growled softly, keeping her pinned against the counter. “What other observations have you been making about these... mate-response patterns?”

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