Page 5 of Pawsitive Data

His mouth curved. “Emma.” The way he said her name should be illegal. “Tell me, how do you feel about working with... exceptional genetic variations?”

There was something about the way he emphasized “exceptional” that sent a shiver down Emma’s spine. Not fear – she’d never felt safer than in this moment, oddly enough – but recognition of something her rational mind couldn’t quite grasp.

“I find exceptional genetic variations fascinating,” she said, proud her voice remained steady. “Especially traits that seem to defy conventional genetic theory. Like, hypothetically speaking, enhanced strength, accelerated healing, or even...” She hesitated, then decided to be bold. “Or even eyes that change color and shape based on emotional states rather than light exposure.”

Lucas went preternaturally still. The air thickened with tension as his eyes met hers, definitely more gold than green now. She could practically feel the energy vibrating between them like molecules excited by heat.

“Hypothetically speaking,” he said, voice pitched low enough to make her shiver, “what would you do if you encountered such... anomalies?”

Emma wet her lips, noticing how his gaze tracked the movement. “Be logical. Study them. Try to understand them. Help them, if they needed it. Science isn’t about fear or judgment – it’s about discovery and understanding.”

Something shifted in his expression – Approval? Relief? – before he moved back behind his desk. Emma tried not to feel disappointed at the increased distance.

“Tell me more about how you’d use DNA to figure out fertility issues,” he said, his professional tone at odds with the intensity still burning in his eyes. “Particularly regarding fertility issues in bloodlines with specific hereditary traits.”

“You mean like the rising infertility rates in certain family groups that maintain unusually stable genetic markers?” The words tumbled out before she could stop them. “I’ve noticed patterns in the public health data – clusters of families with remarkable traits also showing increasing reproductive difficulties.”

Lucas leaned forward, all pretense of casual interest gone. “You’ve tracked these patterns?”

“Well, yes. It’s not exactly public knowledge, but if you know where to look...” Emma straightened in her chair. “The data suggests something fascinating – the very genetic stability that makes these bloodlines unique might be causing reproductive challenges. Like their DNA is too perfect, too resistant to the natural variations needed for successful reproduction.”

“And do you have theories about addressing this... perfection problem?”

Emma’s mind raced with possibilities. “Theories, yes. This morning’s breakthrough – it’s not just about identifying the correct markers. I think I’ve found a way to selectively modify them without compromising the core genetic traits. Like tweaking a recipe without losing the key ingredients that make it special.”

The intensity of Lucas’s gaze made her breath catch. “That could change everything,” he said softly.

“Exactly! I mean, theoretically. For these hypothetical populations we’re totally not talking about.” She gave him a knowing look that surprised even herself. Where had this boldness come from?

His answering smile held secrets and heat. “Hypothetically speaking, of course.” He stood, walking around the desk again. “I think you’ll find Spectre Industries has quite a few... hypothetical situations that could benefit from your expertise.”

Emma’s heart thundered as he approached. He moved like a predator, all contained power and fluid grace. Her body recognized something her mind couldn’t quite accept – he wasn’t a normal human. And somehow, that realization thrilled rather than frightened her.

“When can you start?” he asked, standing close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

“I already have,” she answered without thinking. At his raised eyebrow, she clarified, “I mean, mentally. I’m already thinking about research protocols and testing parameters and...” She trailed off as his scent enveloped her again. “And I’m babbling. About science. While you’re standing very close.”

His low chuckle did dangerous things to her nervous system. “I find your scientific babbling charming.”

“Charming isn’t usually the word people use,” Emma managed, very aware of how he towered over her. “More like ‘overwhelming’ or ‘please stop talking about DNA at dinner.’“

“Then they’re not the right dinner companions.” His voice had dropped to that intimate register again.

Emma’s heart performed a statistically impossible series of beats. Before she could formulate a response that wasn’t just scientific babble, a knock at the door broke the moment.

“Mr. Spectre?” A sleek woman in a designer suit poked her head in. “The board is waiting.”

“Thank you, Noelle.” Lucas didn’t take his eyes off Emma.

“You’re hired. Effective immediately.”

Emma blinked. “But... we’ve barely discussed my qualifications or?—”

“You’ve already demonstrated exactly the qualities we need. Someone brilliant enough to see patterns others miss. Curious enough to pursue unusual genetic markers. And brave enough to suggest, to my face, that my family might not be entirely human.”

Heat flooded Emma’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean... I was just theorizing about statistically improbable patterns and unusual physiological responses and...” She caught his amused look. “And I really did just tell the CEO of a major biotech company that he might not be human, didn’t I?”

“You did.” His smile showed hints of teeth that looked just slightly too sharp. “Welcome to Spectre Industries, Dr. Greene. I think you’re going to fit in perfectly.”

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