Page 40 of Pawsitive Data

Before Emma could respond, their attention was drawn back to the gathering around them. The panther pride’s event was in full swing, but the atmosphere was far more relaxed than she’d expected. There were no power struggles or tense posturing—just shifters and their families coming together in a kind of easy camaraderie that was unfamiliar to her.

“It’s not what I imagined,” she whispered, her gaze sweeping over the peaceful crowd, the warm light casting long shadows across the courtyard. “This feels more like a family reunion than some intense power-play summit.”

Lucas’s arm was still securely around her waist, and he chuckled, nuzzling her ear. “That’s because it’s not a politicalevent—just a gathering of pride members. There’s always some social tension, but nothing like the power struggles of our more official meetings.” He scanned the crowd, his posture still protective. “But it does mean people are paying attention to us. You might want to keep a lower profile.”

She nodded, not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves after everything that had happened with Malcolm’s group earlier. The last thing she wanted was for their every move to be scrutinized.

THIRTY-ONE

Emma noticed her mother chatting animatedly with a few other pride members, her eyes scanning the room occasionally. Her father was deep in conversation with some of the pride’s elders about the latest advancements in shifter technology, while Lucas and Emma were slowly being engulfed by the familiar, comforting chaos of her extended family.

After a few moments, she leaned closer to Lucas, lowering her voice to keep their conversation private. “Lucas, I need to ask my mom something. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, and I think tonight’s the right time.”

“Anything you want,” he murmured, his hand giving hers a gentle squeeze.

Emma took a deep breath before making her way over to her mother, who was just finishing a conversation with a group of younger panthers. “Hey, Mom, can we talk for a minute?” she asked, her voice soft but firm.

Her mother turned, smiling at her daughter. “Of course, sweetie. What’s on your mind?”

Emma glanced at Lucas, who gave her a small nod of encouragement, before looking back at her mom. “I just—well,I’ve been doing a lot of research. And I found something really odd. You never told me that Grandma Mags worked for the pride, as a geneticist, no less. How did I not know that?”

Her mother’s expression shifted, just a slight shadow crossing her features. “I guess we didn’t really talk about it much. Mags was… a private person. She didn’t share a lot, especially with us. But yes, she worked for the pride in her later years, doing genetics research. She was brilliant. I think that’s where you got your knack for it.”

Emma’s stomach twisted a little, sensing that there was more to the story. “But she never said anything to you? About the work she was doing with them? Any illicit activity?”

Her mother’s eyes darkened, and she lowered her voice, glancing around to make sure no one was overhearing. “Mags never said much specifically, but she did allude to some things being… off. She was very careful, but there were times I could see the weight on her.

“The things she was investigating, the way the pride leadership operated—it wasn’t what it seemed. I think she suspected things weren’t on the up and up, but she was too loyal to ever truly say anything. Not enough solid proof.”

Emma’s chest tightened as she processed her mother’s words. So much made sense now—Grandma Mags had never been able to hide her intelligence or her suspicion, but it was clear now that her sense of loyalty to the pride had conflicted with her growing unease about its inner workings.

“So she didn’t leave any records behind? Any information?”

Her mother shook her head slowly. “Not that I know of. Whatever she discovered, she kept to herself. I’m sorry, sweetie, I wish I could tell you more. But the pride... they valued loyalty, and loyalty often meant silence.”

Emma’s heart raced, a new determination settling in her bones. Her grandmother had known something, had uncoveredsomething—and now, it was her turn to finish the work Grandma Mags had started. She had to.

“Mom, I’ll keep looking. If Mags left anything behind, I’ll find it.”

Her mother’s gaze softened, a mixture of worry and pride in her eyes. “I know you will, Emma. You’re just like her in that way—stubborn and brilliant.” She paused, as though choosing her next words carefully. “But be careful. I don’t think the pride would look kindly on anyone digging into the past. If they find out what you’re after...”

Emma nodded, determination hardening her resolve. “I’ll be careful. But I’m not backing down.”

Lucas, who had quietly observed the conversation from a distance, stepped closer, his presence steady and strong. “Whatever you need, I’m with you.”

Her mother smiled warmly, though her eyes remained cautious. “Just don’t forget, Emma, some secrets are buried for a reason.”

As Emma turned to look at Lucas, she felt an overwhelming sense of support from him, from her family—even in the face of the uncertainty ahead. She had her work cut out for her, but for the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel alone in the battle.

“Don’t worry, Mom,” she said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “I’ve got this. And I’m not giving up until I find the truth.”

Lucas’s arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer. “And I’ll be right here, every step of the way.”

As they stood together, Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting—not just with the pride, but within herself. She had a legacy to uncover, and no one—no matter how powerful—was going to stop her. Not now. Not ever.

THIRTY-TWO

The scent of Emma still clung to Lucas’s skin as he returned from prowling the safe house’s perimeter, his panther’s heart so full of tender pride, it was almost embarrassing. His brilliant, beautiful mate had finally fallen asleep after their night of passion - though not before attempting to document what she’d breathlessly termed “fascinating physiological responses to supernatural claiming behaviors.”

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