Page 17 of Stripe Theory

Oh god. This was going to be a long night.

They hadn’t even ordered drinks before her mother launched her offensive.

“So, Mr. Kedi,” Dr. Lumina Voss-Sky leaned forward, tablet at the ready, “when you shift, does the transformation followstandard genetic expression patterns, or does the shifter gene create a temporary DNA override?”

Rehan, who’d been taking a sip of water, nearly choked. “I... that’s a complex question, Dr. Sky.”

“Mom!” Alora hissed, but her mother’s scientific enthusiasm could not be contained.

“The cellular reorganization alone must be amazing. Do you maintain human consciousness during the change? Full sensory awareness? Does your tiger form retain human cognitive patterns?” Each question came rapid-fire, accompanied by typing noises as her mother took notes.

Alora caught Rehan’s eye across the table, mouthingsorry. To her surprise, his lips twitched with what might have been amusement.

“The tiger isn’t a separate entity,” he explained, his deep voice drawing the attention of nearby diners. “It’s an integrated part of who I am. Always present, always aware.”

“Fascinating!” Her mother’s fingers tapped the tablet. “And right now, in human form, can your tiger sense its surroundings? Process stimuli?”

Like the way you’re interrogating me?Alora imagined him thinking. But he maintained his composure, though she noticed his fingers tighten slightly on his water glass.

“The tiger’s senses are part of mine. Enhanced hearing, smell...” His gaze flickered to Alora for a fraction of a second. “Awareness of potential threats or... interests.”

“Interests?” Her father’s voice cut in sharply. “Such as my daughter’s research?”

“Dad,” Alora groaned, but Rehan met her father’s stare steadily.

“Dr. Sky’s work could save lives. Particularly now with the virus spreading through pride communities.”

“Yes, about that funding.” Her father set down his menu with surgical precision. “Ten million is a substantial investment. What exactly do you expect in return?”

“Results,” Rehan replied smoothly. “Your daughter’s approach to the virus is unique. She sees patterns others miss.”

“She’s brilliant,” her mother agreed proudly. “Takes after me, of course. Though her fashion sense is all her own.” She eyed Alora’s tiger pendant with fond exasperation.

“Speaking of brilliant,” her father continued, “what are your thoughts on intellectual property rights? Patent ownership? Future applications of any discoveries?”

“The research will remain Dr. Sky’s.” Rehan’s tone brooked no argument. “Kedi Biogenetics will provide funding and resources, but her work is her own.”

Alora blinked in surprise. Most corporate funding came with strings attached, yet here was Rehan Kedi—notorious control freak—giving her complete autonomy.

“How generous,” her father said, in a tone that suggested he was looking for the catch. “And your personal interest in the project?”

“My sister shows early symptoms,” Rehan admitted quietly. “The virus is targeting younger shifters more aggressively. We need Dr. Sky’s insights.”

A flash of sympathy crossed her father’s face. “I wasn’t aware. I’m sorry to hear about your sister.”

“Sierra’s strong.” Rehan’s voice roughened slightly. “But time isn’t on our side.”

Alora reached across the table without thinking, placing her hand over his. “We’ll figure it out. I promise.”

The moment their skin touched, electricity sparked between them. His pupils dilated, gold bleeding into his irises. Under her palm, his pulse jumped erratically.

Her mother cleared her throat. “Speaking of biological responses, Mr. Kedi, I’ve always wondered about shifter mating patterns?—”

“Mom!” Alora snatched her hand back, cheeks burning. “Can we not?”

“It’s a perfectly valid scientific inquiry. The physiological and hormonal markers alone?—”

THIRTEEN

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