Page 8 of Stripe for the Picking
Can't afford distractions right now,he reminded himself desperately, even as his body betrayed him with an unmistakable tug of desire.No matter how desirable she is.
But watching her navigate the complex environment with fascination rather than fear impressed him despite his reservations. Her posture radiated relaxed confidence, alert without being anxious. The holographic security grids and sleek architecture caught her attention without making her flinch or retreat—marking her as both capable and fearless.
Maybe she really is the answer I've been searching for. The miraculous mind that approaches problems from angles I can't see.
Gerri Wilder's red heels announced their arrival with authoritative clicks that echoed through the command center. Her presence commanded attention from every officer within fifty feet, though she seemed focused entirely on him.
"Commander Rylan Kaedor, meet your new... secret weapon." Gerri's gesture toward the stunning brunette carried layers of hidden meaning that made his tiger practically purr.
The beautiful woman stepped forward with diplomatic grace, extending her hand with a smile that hit him like a physical force.
"You can just call me Rylan," he managed, his voice rougher than intended.
"You can call me Wren," she replied, her eyes twinkling with humor. "Or secret weapon, whichever you prefer."
The joke surprised a laugh from him—the first genuine amusement he'd felt in weeks of mounting crisis. Her wit cut through his perpetual seriousness like bright sunlight through dark storm clouds.
Then their hands touched, and lightning struck deep inside Rylan's body.
Electric current shot up his arm and straight to his core, igniting every nerve ending with primal recognition. His tiger roared with triumphant awareness while his muscles contracted involuntarily, his heart rate spiking as if he'd been hit by plasma fire.
My fated mate.
The knowledge crashed over him with devastating certainty. This brilliant, beautiful woman whose touch made his entire world realign. She belonged to him as completely as he belonged to her.
No. This can't be happening. Not now.
He fought to maintain his controlled exterior while primal instinct clawed at his discipline. Thirty-nine hours to save Nova Aurora's defense and intelligence systems, and fate decided to throw his destined mate into the equation.
Control. Logic. Focus on the mission.
"I'm impressed by what I read in your file," he said, proud when his voice emerged steady. "Your credentials are extraordinary."
"I hope Gerri didn't send anything too incriminating." Her quick wit sparked something warm in his chest.
"Not at all." The words flowed easier than they should have, his usual professional mask slipping without permission. "Your intelligence, composure, and curiosity—everything I've witnessed confirms you're exactly the mind we need to counter these cyber threats."
Too forward. Too flirtatious. What the hell is wrong with you?
But something about her presence made pretense impossible. Around Wren, the Commander's mask felt suffocating—replaced by something natural and unguarded that should have terrified him.
Gerri's knowing smile sparkled with mischief. "I think this partnership is going to work out perfectly. My instincts about Wren being the answer to your needs were absolutely spot-on."
Panic flared in his chest. If Gerri mentioned matchmaking or fated mates in front of Wren, he'd never recover from the embarrassment. His tiger might recognize their connection, but Wren deserved the chance to discover it naturally.
Keep quiet about the Paranormal Dating Agency,he pleaded silently, catching Gerri's gaze.
The matchmaker's expression softened with understanding. "I trust Wren will be in excellent hands with you, Commander. But I really must return to Earth—business calls."
Relief flooded through him. "I'll ensure she's very well taken care of. I'll show Wren to her apartment on Defense Nexus grounds shortly."
"Perfect." Gerri's eyes sparkled with secrets as she turned to Wren. "Keep him in line, darling."
Then Gerri strode away, leaving him alone with the woman who'd just turned his carefully ordered world upside down. The air between him and Wren seemed to crackle with electricity. Rylan turned to face Wren fully, his military bearing intact despite the chaos she'd unleashed in him.
"Would you prefer to settle into your apartment first, or dive straight into the work?"
"Work," she replied without hesitation, her green eyes sparkling with determination. "I didn't travel through a wormhole to just admire the accommodations."
