Chapter 46

FORTY-SIX

D awn hadn’t yet touched the Manhattan skyline when Talon entered Asher’s private lab. The space held the comfortable chaos of brilliant minds - whiteboards covered in complex formulas, holographic projections of molecular structures rotating lazily in the air, and at the center of it all, his mate. Her dark hair had escaped its ponytail, falling around her face as she bent over a neural shield prototype.

“I distinctly remember putting you to bed four hours ago,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

“Did you know dragon mates require 47 percent less sleep than average humans?” Asher didn’t look up from her work, but her lips curved in a smile. “I have empirical evidence.”

“Is that so?” He moved behind her, sliding his arms around her waist. She immediately melted back against his chest, belying her attempts at professional focus. “And what methodology did you use for this groundbreaking research?”

“Careful observation.” She tilted her head as he nuzzled her neck, electricity crackling where their skin met. “Though my sample size might be too small for definitive conclusions.”

“Sounds like you need more data.” His lips traced the shell of her ear, drawing a shiver. “I’d be happy to assist with your research.”

She turned in his arms, her eyes bright with both mischief and exhaustion. “Are you offering to be my test subject, Mr. Draker?”

“Doctor Draker,” he corrected, loving how she rolled her eyes. “And I believe in supporting scientific advancement.”

“How noble of you.” Her fingers traced patterns on his chest, small sparks following her touch. “Though I should warn you, my experimental protocols can be quite... rigorous.”

His dragon rumbled appreciatively at her teasing tone. He caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “You need rest.”

“I need to finish these modifications. The neural shields-”

“Will work better if their creator isn’t swaying on her feet.” He pressed his forehead to hers, their bond humming with shared emotion. “I love your dedication, your brilliant mind, your need to protect everyone. But I also love you alive and healthy.”

“That’s not playing fair,” she murmured, though she leaned further into him. “Using actual feelings during a perfectly good bout of scientific banter.”

He laughed softly, gathering her closer. Her exhaustion warring with determination, filled his mind. Her genuine appreciation of his care mixing with frustrated determination to finish her work. The complex layers of her emotions fascinated him - so logical and yet so passionate, each feeling categorized and analyzed even as she experienced it.

“Come on,” he said, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Two hours of rest. Then you can return to revolutionizing dragon defense technology.”

“One hour,” she countered, already allowing him to guide her toward the door. “And you have to stay with me. For experimental validation purposes, of course.”

“Of course.” His wings manifested partially, curling around her protectively. “Purely scientific motivation.”

“Exactly.” She yawned, undermining her attempt at dignity. “Nothing at all to do with the fact that I sleep better when you’re there. That would be far too emotional and unquantifiable.”

His heart swelled with love for this woman who could make him laugh even as she drove him crazy with worry. He’d spent centuries believing emotion was weakness, that maintaining control meant holding himself apart. Now he understood that true strength lay in allowing someone to see all of you - even the scared, protective, occasionally irrational parts.