Page 49 of Blazing Reactions

“The design is brilliant, actually,” Asher couldn’t help noting, her scientific mind analyzing even as her heart recoiled. “The way he’s modified the transformation sequences...” She caught Talon’s raised eyebrow and smiled sheepishly. “Brilliantly evil, of course.”

“Only you would admire the technical aspects of a doomsday virus,” Lori called from her station, though her tone held affection.

“Professional appreciation,” Asher defended. “Besides, understanding his methodology gives us advantages in developing countermeasures.”

As the others dispersed to begin preparations, Talon pulled her into a quiet corner. His kiss held all the fear and worry he’d controlled during her mission, his dragon’s need to claim and protect pouring into her. Asher melted into him, her own relief at being back in his arms overwhelming her usual professional restraint.

“I felt every moment of danger,” he murmured against her lips. “The dragon nearly broke free when your powers fluctuated.”

“But you trusted me to handle it,” she reminded him, running her fingers through his hair. “Even when your instincts screamed otherwise.”

“Trust doesn’t make it easier.” His forehead pressed against hers. “Knowing you were in there alone, surrounded by his vile...”

“Hey.” She pulled back enough to meet his golden eyes. “I’m here. We got what we needed. And now we can stop him.”

Their bond hummed with shared purpose and something deeper – an emotion that still amazed her with its intensity. She’d spent so long believing she was somehow broken, too analytical to feel things the way others did. Now she understood that she’d simply needed someone who spoke her language, who saw her scientific mind as part of her beauty rather than a barrier to it.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Talon murmured, nipping playfully at her neck.

“Scientific analysis of emotional variables,” she replied primly, though her breath caught as his teeth grazed a sensitive spot. “Very important research.”

His laugh rumbled against her skin. “And what are your preliminary findings, Dr. Andrews?”

“Insufficient data.” She wound her arms around his neck, electricity crackling where they touched. “Further testing required. For scientific accuracy, of course.”

“Of course.” His eyes darkened with promise. “Far be it from me to impede important research.”

The world might be facing a genetic apocalypse, but in that moment, Asher felt nothing but certainty. They would find a way to stop Dimitri. They had to. She had her brilliant mind, her loyal friends, her loving family, and a mate who believed in her completely.

Most importantly, she finally understood that love wasn’t about changing who you were – it was about finding someone who loved you exactly as you are, scientific mind and all.

Their next kiss held that understanding, that perfect blend of passion and precision that defined them. His emotions flowed into her. Everything they couldn’t put into words: pride, trust, fear, joy, and a love as deep as dragon magic and as precise as scientific law.

Tomorrow would bring new battles, but tonight was for them – two worlds finding perfect balance in an imperfect union of scales and equations, power and knowledge, passion and precision.

After all, Asher thought as Talon pulled her closer, the best research required thorough dedication.

The fate of two worlds rested on what they did next. It should have been overwhelming, but Asher felt only clarity. Together, they would face whatever came – with science, with magic, and with love.

It was just simple chemistry, really. And if there was one thing Asher Andrews understood, it was chemistry.

FORTY-SIX

Dawn hadn’t yet touched the Manhattan skyline when Talon entered Asher’s private lab. The space held the comfortable chaos of brilliant minds - whiteboards covered in complex formulas, holographic projections of molecular structures rotating lazily in the air, and at the center of it all, his mate. Her dark hair had escaped its ponytail, falling around her face as she bent over a neural shield prototype.

“I distinctly remember putting you to bed four hours ago,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

“Did you know dragon mates require 47 percent less sleep than average humans?” Asher didn’t look up from her work, but her lips curved in a smile. “I have empirical evidence.”

“Is that so?” He moved behind her, sliding his arms around her waist. She immediately melted back against his chest, belying her attempts at professional focus. “And what methodology did you use for this groundbreaking research?”

“Careful observation.” She tilted her head as he nuzzled her neck, electricity crackling where their skin met. “Though my sample size might be too small for definitive conclusions.”

“Sounds like you need more data.” His lips traced the shell of her ear, drawing a shiver. “I’d be happy to assist with your research.”

She turned in his arms, her eyes bright with both mischief and exhaustion. “Are you offering to be my test subject, Mr. Draker?”

“Doctor Draker,” he corrected, loving how she rolled her eyes. “And I believe in supporting scientific advancement.”

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