Page 69 of Stripe Theory

Later, the town car delivered them to his penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city lights, but Alora’s attention was drawn to the cozy scene arranged near the fireplace - plush cushions, soft blankets, and what looked suspiciously like her favorite cookies.

“You thought of everything, didn’t you?” She kicked off her heels, curling into his side as they settled by the fire.

“I wanted tonight to be special.” His fingers traced patterns along her arm. “After everything that happened... I needed to show you what you mean to me.”

The vulnerability in his voice made her turn to face him.

“I was so scared at first,” she admitted softly. “Not of you, but of how strongly I felt. It seemed impossible that someone like you could want someone like me.”

His arms tightened around her. “Someone like you? You mean brilliant, brave, and absolutely extraordinary?”

“A human.” She traced his jaw with gentle fingers. “A scientist who blows up labs and makes terrible cat puns. Someone so different from your world.”

“You’re my world now.” He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “When I first felt the mate bond, I fought it. Told myself it was impossible. A human mate? My tiger should want someone stronger, someone who could match us physically.”

“What changed?”

His smile was tender. “You did. Every day you showed me a different kind of strength. Your brilliant mind, your courage, your heart... You faced down shifter council members and corporate spies. Fought beside us. Risked everything to save us.” His voice roughened. “Nearly died protecting our people.”

“They’re my people too now.” She lifted her face for a kiss that started gentle but quickly deepened.

When they finally parted, his eyes had taken on a golden glow. “I can’t imagine my life without you now. Both my human side and my tiger know you’re everything we need.”

“Good thing you’re stuck with me then.” She smiled against his lips. “Because I’m definitely keeping you.”

“About that...” He shifted slightly, reaching into his pocket. “I had this whole speech planned, but...”

Alora’s breath caught as he opened a small box. Inside nestled a ring unlike anything she’d seen - delicate platinum bands woven together like a double helix, supporting a stunning tiger’s eye stone flanked by diamonds.

“The stone matches your eyes,” she whispered, touching it reverently.

“And the design represents both our worlds coming together.” His voice shook slightly. “Marry me? Be my mate in every way.”

“Yes! Of course, yes!”

The ring slid perfectly onto her finger as their lips met in a passionate kiss. Through their connection flowed everything words couldn’t express - love, desire, completion. His tiger rumbled with satisfaction as she pressed closer, her fingers tangling in his hair.

“I love you,” she breathed against his mouth. “Both of you - man and beast. All of you.”

His growl vibrated through her as he gathered her closer. “Mine,” he murmured, trailing kisses down her throat. “My mate. My love. My everything.”

Rehan pulled her into his arms. His lips crashed over hers, kissing her so passionately that she thought her undies would melt off her body right there on the spot. Nothing else mattered at that point. Just being with Rehan. Being alive.

FIFTY-FOUR

The only thing Alora cared about was getting naked and getting him inside her, and since he was already without clothes, why not join him? Apparently, he had the same thought as his hands flew under her shirt, ripping it from her body. He palmed her breasts, squeezing and massaging them.

“Rehan,” she moaned, and she wrapped her palm around his cock and began stroking him up and down, loving how thick and hard he was.

His hands roamed farther south, down to her pants. His fingers dipped into her wetness, sending her hormones into high gear.

“I need to be in you,” he growled.

“Uh-huh. I need you in me,” she said, nipping at his lips.

He carried her into the bedroom. “Bend over, love,” he demanded, yanking her leggings from her body.

Rehan spun her around to face the bed. She bent over as he had asked and spread her legs.

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