Page 29 of Stripe Theory

In their makeshift war room – which was really just the backup lab hastily converted into a command center – Alora pulled up the data they’d managed to save. Screens surrounded them, each showing different aspects of Genesis Corp’s operation. She tried to focus on the information rather than how Rehan kept prowling behind her chair, radiating protective alpha energy that made concentration increasingly difficult.

“Stop pacing,” she said without looking up. “You’re making Stripes nervous.”

The lab cat had found its way to the secure area, and now watched Rehan’s movements with suspicious feline interest from his new perch atop a monitor.

“I’m not pacing,” Rehan replied, immediately pacing again. “I’m securing the perimeter.”

“The perimeter is ten feet wide and you’ve crossed it twenty times in the last minute.” She spun her chair to face him, raising an eyebrow. “Either sit down and help me analyze this data, or I’m sending you to get coffee.”

Maya, monitoring security feeds nearby, didn’t even try to hide her grin. “Oh, he’ll sit. Won’t you, boss? Since Dr. Sky asked so nicely?”

The look Rehan shot her promised future revenge, probably in the form of extra training sessions, but he did stop pacing. Instead, he pulled up a chair next to Alora – close enough that his arm brushed hers whenever either of them moved. Which was not distracting at all. Nope.

“Show me what you found,” he said, his voice carrying that commanding tone that really shouldn’t have sent shivers down her.

“Right. Yes. Science. Very important science.” She pulled up a series of documents, proud of how steady her hands remained. “Genesis Corp isn’t just studying shifter genetics – they’re mapping bloodlines. Strong ones like your family’s. They’re using the virus to test genetic resistance, seeing which bloodlines show natural immunity.”

“They’re trying to identify the strongest shifter genes,” Maya said flatly, abandoning the security feeds to join them.

“And eliminate bloodlines they consider weak,” Alora finished. “Or ones that don’t fit their pure species agenda. Not sure what their endgame is.”

Every screen in the lab suddenly displayed the same message: Some species shouldn’t mix.

TWENTY-THREE

“Okay, that’s just excessive.” Alora glared at the nearest monitor. “We get it. You’re evil corporate racists. No need to be dramatic about it. What’s next? Villain monologues? Evil laughter?”

As if on cue, Leeta’s voice came through their compromised systems. “Did you really think a few childish tricks could stop us, Dr. Sky? We’ve spent years preparing for this. The future of shifter evolution is too important to leave to chance... or to bleeding hearts who can’t see the bigger picture.”

“Does the bigger picture include your new purple aesthetic?” Alora called back. “Because I have to say, it’s really working for you. Very supervillain chic.”

Maya facepalmed. Rehan made a sound that might have been either a growl or suppressed laughter.

“Mock all you want,” Leeta’s voice dripped disdain. “But ask yourself – what happens when the world discovers shifters exist? Do you think they’ll welcome tigers and wolves walking among them? Species exist separately for a reason. We’re ensuring shifter survival the only way possible – by controlling our own evolution.”

“Yeah, because forced evolutionary programs have worked so well historically,” Alora muttered, fingers zipping over the keys as she traced the transmission. “Also, your evil monologue needs work. Very cliché.”

“You have no idea what you’re interfering with,” Leeta continued. “This is bigger than your little research project. Bigger than your... unfortunate attraction to things you can’t possibly understand.”

Alora felt Rehan tense beside her. She reached for his hand without thinking, twining their fingers together. “Actually, I understand perfectly. You’re scared. Change terrifies you, so you’re trying to control it. But evolution doesn’t work like that. Life finds a way.”

“Did you just quote Jurassic Park in the middle of a crisis?” Maya asked.

“It’s a classic for a reason.”

The lights flickered as Genesis Corp launched another system attack. Alora squeezed Rehan’s hand before releasing it and turning back to her work. “They’re trying to wipe our servers. Maya?—”

“On it.” Maya was already moving, coordinating with their security team.

“This isn’t over,” Leeta’s voice promised. “You’ve chosen your side, Dr. Sky. Remember that when everything falls apart.”

The transmission cut off. In the silence that followed, Alora became very aware of how close Rehan still sat, his warmth seeping into her side.

“So,” she said brightly, “that went well. Anyone else feel like this whole day needs more coffee? Or possibly alcohol?”

“There’s a plan forming behind those pretty eyes,” Rehan said, breaking the tension. “I can practically hear your brain working.”

Alora definitely didn’t blush hearingpretty eyes. She was a professional. A scientist. A... oh, who was she kidding?

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