Page 45 of Stripe Theory

“Jewel Kedi? Subtle?” Alora’s voice carried a laugh as she returned to collect her tablet. “The woman just spent twenty minutes explaining exactly why my research methodologies complement traditional shifter medicine. Complete with citations.”

Warmth bloomed in Rehan’s chest. His family’s acceptance meant more than he’d realized.

“Though I have to say,” Alora continued, “your mom’s organizational systems are incredible. The way she categorizes healing compounds by molecular structure and traditional usage? Brilliant. The applications for modern pharmaceutical development alone...”

She launched into an enthusiastic explanation of chemical properties. Rehan caught Sierra’s knowing smirk and didn’t even care. Let them see. Let them all see how this remarkable woman had claimed every part of him – human and tiger alike.

Their quiet moment shattered as Hunter poked his head in through the doorway. “Boss.”

Alora and Rehan left Sierra to rest, following Hunter and Maya. “Someone accessed Sierra’s updated medical records ten minutes ago.” Hunter’s expression darkened. “From a terminal that shouldn’t exist.”

Rehan felt Alora tense beside him. “The treatment protocol?”

“Everything. Including Dr. Sky’s modifications to the healing compounds.”

A low growl built in Rehan’s chest. The traitor had struck again, potentially giving Leeta’s team crucial information about their breakthrough. His tiger pushed forward, protective instincts surging.

Alora’s hand squeezed his arm. “We can use this.”

He turned to her, recognizing the gleam in her eyes. The same look she’d had before turning party supplies into weapons.

“The virus responds to stress, right?” She was already typing rapidly on her tablet. “So what if we feed them false data? Make them think the treatment had unexpected side effects?”

“A trap,” Maya mused, approval creeping into her voice.

“Exactly,” Alora called out. “Maya, remember that failed trial from last month? The one with the weird protein mutation.”

“The exploding petri dish incident? How could I forget? I still have nightmares about the smell.”

“Perfect. Help me modify those results to look like they came from Sierra’s latest treatment.”

THIRTY-SIX

Rehan watched them work, marveling at how seamlessly they coordinated. His scientist had a devious streak that his tiger thoroughly approved of.

His scientist. The thought settled comfortably in his mind.

Hours later, they’d moved operations to his private lab. Alora had commandeered his desk, surrounding herself with tablets displaying various data streams. The security feed showed periodic glitches – their trap waiting to be sprung.

“You should rest,” he told her, noting the exhaustion lining her face.

“So should you.” She smiled up at him. “But we both know that’s not happening.”

Instead of arguing, he shifted into his tiger form and padded over to her chair. She laughed softly as he nudged her leg.

“That’s cheating. You know I can’t resist the fur.”

He rumbled satisfaction as she buried her fingers in his ruff. The simple contact soothed both sides of his nature.

“I’ve been thinking,” she said quietly. “About what Maya said... about shifter bonds.”

His ear twitched. He’d wondered when this conversation would come.

“The way you react when I’m in danger. How I always seem to know where you are in a room. The fact that your tiger purrs when I do this...” She scratched behind his ear, drawing out another rumble. “It’s not just attraction, is it?”

He shifted back to human form, staying crouched beside her chair. “No.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

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