Page 7 of Stripe for the Picking
Wren stepped forward, her suitcase bumping against her leg as she crossed the threshold. The world dissolved around her—reality becoming fluid, malleable, a kaleidoscope of sensation that defied every law of physics she'd ever studied. Light and energy rushed past her consciousness like cosmic wind, carrying her across impossible distances in heartbeats.
Then solid ground met her feet with jarring suddenness, and twin suns bathed her face in warmth that felt like liquid gold.
She stumbled slightly, her human equilibrium struggling to adjust, but managed to keep her footing. The air hit her lungs with unexpected sweetness—cleaner than anything she'd ever breathed, charged with ozone and possibilities.
I'm actually standing on an alien planet.
The thought ricocheted through her mind while her senses cataloged everything at once. Metallic sap from towering flora created an almost musical scent, while the distant aroma of floating cafés serving unknown delicacies made her stomach rumble with curiosity. Something deep in her soul recognized this place, as if she'd been homesick for somewhere she'd never been.
"Welcome to your new reality." Gerri appeared beside her, not even slightly disheveled by interdimensional travel. "Ready to meet the special tiger shifter you'll help? He's anxiously waiting for you."
Tiger shifter. Right. The reason I'm here on this beautiful planet.
"By the way, this is Nexus—the capital city of Nova Aurora. Central hub for the shifters of this amazing planet." Gerri gestured toward towering structures that defied architectural convention. "And you'll soon see why your skills are desperately needed to protect them."
Wren's analytical brain kicked into overdrive, processing the futuristic technology that surrounded them. Holographic patrol drones glided through the air with silent precision, their movements coordinated by AI systems that made Earth's most advanced computers look like pocket calculators. The very ground beneath her feet hummed with energy networks that her genius-level IQ somehow instinctively understood with startling clarity.
How is this possible? How am I understanding any of this?
"Nova Aurora is more than a planet, dear," Gerri stated thoughtfully. "It's a testament to intellect, courage, and heart. And you are integral to it all—your expertise, your mind, and your instincts will make the difference."
The massive glass-and-metal Defense Nexus building rose before them like a monument to impossible technology. Its surfaces reflected the twin suns in patterns that seemed almost alive, while energy signatures that Wren couldn't name but somehow recognized pulsed through its foundations.
The full scope of what I've gotten myself into is finally hitting me.
Holographic maps flickered in windows high above, displaying tactical information that her brain began parsingautomatically. AI-controlled patrols moved with mechanical precision through corridors she couldn't see but somehow sensed. The building itself seemed to breathe with technological consciousness.
"Remember, your tiger needs you." Gerri's playful tone carried steel underneath. "Protect his mind, help him win the annual Protocol Trials, and keep Nova Aurora safe. And, darling, try not to get eaten."
Wren's nervous laughter escaped before she could stop it. "No pressure, right?"
"Oh, there's plenty of pressure. But that's what makes it fun." Gerri's eyes sparkled with golden mischief as they reached the front doors. "And now... let's meet the man who's been waiting just for you."
Her stomach performed acrobatics that would have impressed Olympic gymnasts. Anticipation, excitement, and the faintest thread of fear wound together in her chest as she stepped through the doors into her new reality.
This is the beginning of what promises to be an epic adventure.
FOUR
RYLAN
The holographic console at Rylan's workstation cast blue light across his face as he swiped through the latest breach reports. Forty hours remained before critical system compromise, and every simulation he'd run that morning ended with the same catastrophic result—total defense grid failure and unauthorized access to vital intel.
His tiger paced beneath his skin, agitated by the mounting pressure and his own growing desperation. Ten years of commanding Nova Aurora's cybersecurity and global security divisions had never prepared him for an enemy this relentless and this adaptive. Every countermeasure he deployed got shredded within hours, leaving their most sensitive military operations exposed like raw nerves.
Focus,he commanded himself, adjusting his uniform with military precision.Gerri's bringing the solution today. You must maintain control.
But control felt increasingly elusive as breach alerts multiplied across his screen. The hackers had found new vulnerabilities in sectors he'd considered impenetrable, turning his carefully constructed firewalls into digital tissue paper.
Suddenly, his tiger's senses flared—a subtle shift in the air that made every muscle coil with sudden awareness. His enhanced hearing caught the distinctive click of designer heels against polished floors, accompanied by lighter footsteps that somehow made his pulse quicken.
Rylan turned, and the world tilted on its axis.
The woman approaching his workstation moved with unconscious grace, her green sundress flowing around curves that made his mouth go dry. Long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders like liquid chocolate, framing a face that belonged in Renaissance paintings—all soft lines and intelligent green eyes that sparkled with curiosity.
Holy hell.
His tiger rumbled approval so loudly he wondered if others could hear it. Every instinct screamed at him to move closer and to protect this vision of feminine perfection who somehow made the sterile Defense Nexus feel warm and alive.
