Chapter 59

FIFTY-NINE

T alon struggled to maintain his stern CEO facade as another wave of Asher’s amusement rippled into him. His dragon preened at her happiness, even as the rational part of his brain tried to focus on quarterly projections.

“As I was saying about the fourth quarter estimates—” He broke off as pure affection flooded their connection. Below the conference table, his claws briefly emerged before he got them under control.

Levi shot him a knowing smirk. “Maybe we should continue this tomorrow when you’re less...” Another surge of love from Asher made Talon’s eyes flash gold. “...distracted.”

“Motion to adjourn,” Magnus called out. “Before our alpha either spontaneously combusts or flies straight through the ceiling to get to his mate.”

Talon glanced down to find deep scorch marks under his hands. With a growl that was half frustration and half amusement, he dismissed the meeting. His dragon was already pulling him toward Asher, their bond humming with shared joy.

“She’s doing it on purpose,” he grumbled to Levi as they walked out. The lights in the hallway flickered ominously as another wave of affection hit him.

“Of course, she is,” his friend replied, straightening his slightly singed tie. “And you love it. Never thought I’d see the day – the great Talon Draker, brought to his knees by a brilliant scientist who literally makes sparks fly.”

Later that evening in his office, Talon reviewed the latest data from Asher’s research team. Pride swelled in his chest at her achievements. Even without her dragon form, she blazed brighter than ever. His mate was turning her own loss into protection for others – it made his dragon want to roar with satisfaction.

The subtle change in air pressure alerted him seconds before her scent hit – ozone and honey and his . His dragon surged forward as Asher burst through the door, lab coat singed and eyes sparkling with triumph. Static electricity crackled in her wake, making his skin tingle pleasantly.

“The genetic shielding protocol worked!” She radiated excitement, practically bouncing as she explained the breakthrough. He tried to focus on her words, but his dragon was thoroughly distracted by how beautiful she looked when passionate about science. Her cheeks were flushed, hands gesturing animatedly as she outlined molecular structures in the air.

“—and the binding stabilization means we can actually prevent—” She broke off, noticing his intense gaze. “You have that look again.”

“What look?” He rose from his desk, moving toward her with predatory grace. His dragon purred as she unconsciously took a step back, her heartbeat quickening.

“The one that says you’re about to thoroughly derail my scientific explanation.” Despite her words, she didn’t retreat further as he caged her against the wall.

“Am I interrupting something important?” He nuzzled her neck, inhaling deeply.

“Very important,” she gasped as he nipped gently at her pulse point. “Ground-breaking research... revolutionary findings...” Her words dissolved into a soft moan as he kissed that sensitive spot below her ear. Sparks danced between them, making his skin tingle.

“Tell me more about your breakthrough,” he murmured against her skin. “Something about binding stabilization?”

“You’re impossible,” she laughed, electricity crackling through her hair as she tugged him up for a proper kiss. Sparks literally flew as her powers reacted, shorting out his computer displays in a shower of electrical arcs.

“That’s the third time this week,” he noted between kisses. “IT is getting suspicious.”

“Blame it on solar flares.” She wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her easily. “Or tell them their CEO gets a bit... thunderstruck around his mate.”

He growled playfully at the pun, claiming her mouth again. Their bond hummed with shared desire and joy. His dragon reveled in how perfectly she fit against him, how right it felt to have her in his arms.