Page 24 of Stripe Theory

“We’re trying to.” The words slipped out softer than intended. He cleared his throat. “The microscope has some unique modifications for studying shifter cellular structures.”

She gravitated toward it immediately, professional excitement overtaking her earlier awe. “The resolution must be amazing. Can we examine some samples under this?”

He retrieved the samples, loving her proximity as they both leaned over the microscope. The moment their hands brushed, reaching for the focus dial simultaneously, electricity jolted through him. His tiger growled low in his mind, the sound nearly escaping his throat.

Rehan stiffened, fighting the surge of primal awareness. Every instinct screamed to pull her closer, to claim what his tiger had already decided was theirs. But she was human. His research partner. Brilliant and necessary and completely off-limits.

Alora seemed oblivious to his internal struggle, happily adjusting magnification settings. “Look at how clearly you can see the protein structures. The way they’re mutating... it’s fascinating.”

Her enthusiasm should have been professional. Clinical. Instead, her voice sent shivers down his spine, her scent filling his lungs with every breath. The dim lab lighting caught golden highlights in her hair, and his fingers itched to discover if it felt as soft as it looked.

Focus, he commanded himself. But his tiger had other ideas, replaying moments from their growing connection—her fearless laughter during lab accidents, her fierce defense of her theories, the way she’d stood up to his father at dinner. Each memory chipped away at his carefully maintained control.

“The viral progression is clearer at this magnitude,” she continued, completely focused on the science while he focused on not dragging her into his arms. “See how the markers cluster here? That could explain the irregular symptom patterns Sierra described.”

The mention of his sister helped ground him. This was why they worked together—to find answers, to protect their families. Not to indulge whatever this dangerous attraction was becoming.

But as she straightened from the microscope, eyes bright with discovery, Rehan knew he was fighting a losing battle. His tiger had recognized something in her from that first chaotic meeting in her lab, and each interaction only strengthened the connection.

“Thank you,” she said softly, her smile genuine enough to make his chest ache. “For trusting my ideas. For giving me a chance to help.”

EIGHTEEN

Rehan managed a curt nod, not trusting his voice. She was more than just her research now. More than a brilliant scientist or a necessary ally. She was becoming something dangerous—something that made both man and tiger want to claim, to protect, to never let go.

As she gathered her notes to leave, Rehan gripped the edge of the lab counter, knuckles white with restraint. The truth hit him like a physical blow: denying their connection would only become more difficult. More painful.

And his tiger, purring with satisfaction at this admission, clearly had no intention of making denial easier.

“I should head back,” Alora said, tucking a stray curl behind her ear—a nervous gesture he’d cataloged along with a hundred others. “Early lab time tomorrow.”

The casual reminder of their shared workspace made his tiger stir. He’d be able to track her movements again, catch her scent mixed with coffee and chemicals, watch her dance between experiments while humming those ridiculous songs.

“I’ll walk you out.” The words emerged rougher than intended.

The mansion’s corridors seemed too narrow, too intimate as they walked side by side. Each step amplified his awareness of her—the soft rustle of her dress, the light tap of her heels, the way she unconsciously matched his pace.

Maya and Hunter waited in the foyer, their matching grins suggesting they’d planned this entire evening. His best friend’s knowing look earned a low warning growl that only made Hunter’s smile widen.

“Such a lovely dinner,” Maya said with exaggerated innocence. “We should do this again soon. Maybe next time with less wine-spilling accidents?”

Hunter affected a wounded expression. “I said I was sorry about that. Though it worked out rather well, don’t you think?” He directed this last comment at Rehan with a smirk.

Before Rehan could respond appropriately—possibly by throwing Hunter through a window—his mother appeared with impeccable timing.

“Dr. Sky.” Jewel’s smile held genuine warmth now. “Please don’t be a stranger. Sierra would love to continue your discussion about genetic markers... among other things.”

The meaningful pause made Rehan’s jaw clench. Even his mother had joined the conspiracy, apparently.

“I’d like that.” Alora’s sincere response sparked another surge of possessive pride. She’d won over his family despite every obstacle, just as she’d breached his own defenses.

His father’s voice cut through the moment. “Interesting theories, Dr. Sky.” Franklin emerged from his study, expression unreadable. “Perhaps not entirely misguided.”

From Franklin Kedi, this qualified as effusive praise. Rehan caught the flash of surprise and pleasure across Alora’s face before she schooled her features into professional appreciation.

“Thank you, Mr. Kedi. I look forward to proving them correct.”

The quiet confidence in her voice made Rehan’s tiger rumble with approval. She never backed down, never wavered in her convictions. It was terrifyingly attractive.

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