Page 31 of Stripe Theory

Purely for research purposes, of course.

TWENTY-FOUR

Rehan rubbed his temples, the security footage casting blue shadows across his office as it looped for the hundredth time. On screen, Genesis Corp’s forces breached the lab perimeter while Alora worked late, completely unaware. His fingers tightened on the desk, leaving faint scratches in the mahogany as he watched himself arrive just in time.

The scene shouldn’t have affected him this strongly. He’d reviewed countless security incidents, always maintaining professional detachment. But each replay of Alora in danger sent his tiger into a frenzy of protective rage. The beast paced beneath his skin, demanding they guard their?—

No. She wasn’t theirs. She was a scientist whose work could save shifter lives. Nothing more.

His office door clicked open, Hunter’s familiar scent preceding him. “Still brooding in the dark?”

“Reviewing security protocols,” Rehan corrected without looking away from the screens.

“Right. Because normal security reviews involve watching the same footage for three hours while growling.” Hunterdropped into the chair across from him. “You know what this is about.”

“It’s about protecting a valuable asset.”

“Asset?” Hunter snorted. “Your tiger nearly broke free when that merc got within ten feet of her. That’s not professional concern, my friend.”

Rehan’s growl rumbled through the office before he could stop it. On screen, Alora tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she worked, completely absorbed in her research. The simple gesture shouldn’t have captivated him.

“She’s human,” he ground out.

“And your tiger doesn’t care.” Hunter leaned forward, unusually serious. “You can’t keep fighting this. Your tiger’s chosen her.”

“The council will never accept it.” The words tasted bitter. “A human mate for the Kedi pride leader?”

“Maybe that’s exactly why Genesis Corp is so interested in her research.” Hunter gestured at the footage. “They’re afraid of what it means—that species can adapt, evolve, connect. That all their precious pure bloodline propaganda is meaningless.”

The office door opened again, admitting Maya with a stack of reports. Her tiger-shifter grace carried her silently to Rehan’s desk.

“Whatever you’re fighting,” she said without preamble, “figure it out fast. Genesis Corp’s watching her too closely for comfort.” She spread surveillance photos across his desk—Genesis Corp operatives tracking Alora’s movements.

His tiger surged forward with a roar that Rehan barely contained. The beast’s reaction to any threat to Alora grew stronger each day, harder to control.

“I’ll increase her security detail,” he managed.

Maya rolled her eyes. “Or you could admit what’s happening and actually talk to her about it.”

“There’s nothing to discuss.” He stood abruptly, needing to move. “We have work to do.”

The truthof Maya’s words haunted him throughout the day. In the lab, he caught Alora watching him with growing awareness. Maya’s explanation about mate bonds had apparently been discussed between the two females.

“It’s not just about the virus anymore,” Maya told her. “You’re proving species can adapt, evolve... maybe evenbond.”

Rehan saw the moment it clicked—Alora’s quick mind connecting her research to their growing connection.

He sighed knowing he had to talk to his mate and tell her about shifter bonds without scaring the living hell out of her.

“I should have told you what was happening,” he finally managed.

“I think I already knew.” Her smile held a hint of mischief despite everything they’d been through. “Scientist, remember? I observe things.”

Could he be so lucky to have a human who understood shifters’ nature and didn’t freak out? He was speechless as he gazed at her.

His phone beeped twice before Alora raised her brow.

“Aren’t you going to check that?”

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