Page 22 of Stripe Theory

“But if we can predict its pattern of adaptation?—”

“We can get ahead of it.” Their eyes met, scientific excitement sparking between them. “We could develop a treatment that anticipates its mutations instead of chasing them.”

“This could save Sierra.” His voice roughened with emotion. “All the infected shifters.”

“We’ll need more trials,” she said, already plotting new experiments. “Different testing protocols. Maybe some slightly questionable modifications to the equipment...”

“No more explosions.”

“No promises.” She grinned up at him. “Science needs creativity. A little chaos.”

“Paired with precision,” he reminded her, but his lips curved slightly.

“Like tigers and scientists?”

His eyes flashed gold. “Dangerous combination.”

“The best kind.” She turned back to the screens, very aware of his presence behind her. “We make a good team. Professionally speaking.”

A low rumble answered her. “Professionally.”

Maya’s voice drifted from the doorway: “If you two are done being ‘professional,’ the new samples are ready. You know, for science.”

Alora caught Rehan’s eye, sharing a moment of rueful amusement. “Back to work?”

“Back to work.” But as she moved past him, his hand brushed her arm—too deliberate for accident, too brief for acknowledgment. “Though, Dr. Sky?”

“Yes?”

“Next time you plan to blow up the lab...” His eyes gleamed with something between warning and promise, “warn me first.”

She smiled. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Behind them, Maya groaned. “This is going to be a long project.”

But watching Rehan fight a smile as he reviewed her chaotic notes, Alora couldn’t bring herself to mind. Some experiments, after all, were worth the risk.

Even if they occasionally exploded in your face.

SIXTEEN

The scent of jasmine and sandalwood permeated the formal dining room of Rehan’s Manhattan estate, an aromatic shield against his growing tension. Crystal glasses gleamed under chandelier light, each place setting arranged with military precision—a stark contrast to the chaos about to enter his carefully ordered world. His family had gathered early, dressed in their usual impeccable fashion, his father Franklin’s tailored suit as rigid as his expression.

Rehan adjusted his cufflinks, a nervous tell he’d never quite eliminated. The tiger within him paced restlessly, anticipating her arrival. Even thinking about Alora made his control slip, memories of yesterday’s lab explosion still fresh in his mind. The way she’d laughed through the dangerous smoke, fearless and intense...

The security system chimed, announcing her arrival. His enhanced senses picked up her heartbeat first—slightly elevated, betraying her nerves despite her calm exterior. Then came her scent, vanilla and coffee with an undertone of something uniquely her, growing stronger as she approached.

Maya entered first, scanning the room with typical shifter awareness. But Rehan barely registered her presence becauseAlora followed, and his tiger’s attention snapped to her like a compass finding true north.

She wore a deep blue dress that made her eyes sparkle, her usual lab coat replaced by elegant simplicity that somehow made her even more compelling. Her slight hesitation in the doorway triggered every protective instinct he possessed.

“Dr. Sky.” He stepped forward, automatic and proper, though his tiger growled at the formality. “Welcome to my home.”

“Mr. Kedi.” Her smile held a hint of their shared amusement at the pretense. After yesterday’s proximity in the lab, such formality felt absurd. “Thank you for having me.”

Before he could respond, Sierra practically bounded across the room. His sister’s enthusiasm would have annoyed him any other time, but watching Alora’s face light up at Sierra’s approach eased something tight in his chest.

“So you’re the genius who’s been making all the breakthroughs,” Sierra grinned, her casual tone making their father’s jaw tighten. “Can I steal you to pick your brain?”

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