Page 57 of Stripe Theory

Rehan pressed one last kiss to her temple. “Ready?”

Her brilliant smile lit up his office. “Born ready. Try not to start any diplomatic incidents while I’m being scientific and brilliant.”

“No promises.”

It took fifteen minutes to walk to the conference center a block from their building. The massive convention center buzzed with activity as Rehan moved through the growing crowd. Delegates from shifter communities worldwide filled the space, their conversations creating a symphony of languages and accents. His tiger tracked Alora automatically – currently setting up her presentation with Maya in one of the breakout rooms.

“Security teams are in position,” Hunter reported, appearing silently beside him. “Your parents are coordinating with theSkys near the east entrance.” He paused. “The delegates you’re supposed to be greeting are in the opposite direction from where you’re staring.”

Rehan caught another glimpse of Alora crossing the main hall. Their eyes met briefly, sending electricity through him before she disappeared into the crowd.

“The Australian pride leader is waiting,” Hunter reminded him, not bothering to hide his amusement. “Though I’m sure watching your mate adjust scientific equipment is far more interesting.”

“I can do both.”

“Clearly. That’s why you missed my report about the suspicious maintenance worker Maya spotted.”

That snapped Rehan’s attention back. “What maintenance worker?”

“The one I mentioned while you were studying how Dr. Sky’s suit fits.”

A low growl escaped before Rehan could stop it. “Report.”

“Maya saw him accessing a ventilation panel. Could be nothing...”

“Give me one time when that was true.”

Their conversation halted as dignitaries approached. Rehan moved smoothly into his role as alpha, though his awareness of Alora never wavered.

They passed in a crowded hallway, hands brushing “accidentally.” The brief contact sent sparks up his arm. Focus on the mission, he ordered himself. Not on how perfectly she fits against him. Not on her scent lingering on his clothes...

“Your mate is quite remarkable,” Jewel commented, appearing beside him. “Lumina and I have been comparing notes on her research methodology.”

“Remember when you thought humans couldn’t understand shifter biology?” Lumina Sky’s eyes danced with humor. “Nowlook at you – planning security strategies with my husband while our children save the world.”

“And moon over each other across conference rooms,” Jewel added. “Rather like we used to do, if I recall correctly.”

Lumina laughed. “Oh lord, the university library incident...”

“Mother.” Rehan tried to sound stern despite his curiosity about that story. “Perhaps we could focus on?—”

His comms crackled. “Boss?” Maya’s voice held an edge of concern. “We’ve got movement near the main ventilation hub. And not the maintenance kind.”

“Location?” He was already moving.

“Sector three,” Hunter reported. “Two maintenance workers accessing the same panel.”

Rehan forced himself to focus. “Track them.”

“Maya’s already on it. She’s quite... efficient.” Something in Hunter’s tone made Rehan smile despite the situation. Apparently, he wasn’t the only one distracted by a brilliant scientist.

The next hour passed in a blur of diplomatic conversations and security updates. Rehan navigated pride politics while maintaining constant awareness of Alora. She and Maya had drawn a steady stream of delegates to their presentation, their cover holding perfectly.

Until it wasn’t.

The first warning came as a prickle along his spine – a familiar presence he didn’t like. His tiger snarled recognition moments before Hunter’s voice came through his earpiece.

“Leeta’s here.”

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