Chapter 13

THIRTEEN

T he first rays of dawn crept through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Zy's penthouse office, painting the sleek, modern furnishings in hues of gold and amber. Zy stood before the expansive view of Central Park, his hands clasped behind his back, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions.

The soft whoosh of the automated door announced Adonis's arrival. Zy didn't turn, his golden-flecked eyes fixed on the awakening city below.

"You're here early," Adonis remarked, his deep voice tinged with concern. "I take it this isn't a social call?"

Zy sighed, finally turning to face his friend and right-hand man. "We need to talk about Ellie."

Adonis's eyebrows shot up, a knowing smirk playing at his lips. "Ah, the lovely Ms. Madden. What's she done now? Stolen your heart along with our code?"

"That's just it," Zy said, ignoring the jab. He moved to his desk, pulling up a holographic display of data. "I've been going over everything we know, and I'm more convinced than ever that she's innocent."

Adonis frowned, crossing his arms as he studied the floating information. "Based on what? Your tiger's intuition?"

Zy's jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Based on facts, Adonis. Her history, her passion for her work, the way she talks about ethics in game development. It doesn't add up."

"People can surprise you, Zy," Adonis said gently. "You of all people should know that."

The words hit home, dredging up memories of past betrayals that still stung. Zy pushed them aside, focusing on the present. "I know. But I also know Ellie. Or at least, I'm starting to. She's not a thief."

Adonis sighed, rubbing a hand over his bald head. "All right, let's say you're right. If Ellie didn't steal the code, how did it end up in her game?"

Zy's eyes gleamed with determination. "That's what we need to find out. I want to look into her team, see if there's any connection we might have missed."

"And Vince?" Adonis asked, his expression darkening. "What about our leak?"

"Keep digging," Zy instructed. "Go through everything with a fine-tooth comb. If he's involved, we'll find proof."

Adonis nodded, but his frown deepened. "Zy, I have to ask... are you sure you're thinking clearly here? Your feelings for Ellie?—"

"Have nothing to do with this," Zy cut him off, perhaps too sharply. At Adonis's skeptical look, he softened his tone. "I appreciate your concern, old friend. But I can separate my personal life from business."

"Can you?" Adonis challenged. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're taking an awful lot of risks for a woman you barely know."

Zy opened his mouth to protest, but Adonis held up a hand. "Hear me out. If you're so sure of Ellie's innocence, why not just ask her about the code? Clear the air once and for all?"

The suggestion sent a jolt of panic through Zy's system. The thought of confronting Ellie, of seeing hurt and betrayal in those warm brown eyes... "I can't," he said softly. "If I'm wrong, if there's even a chance she's involved... I can't risk losing her trust."

Adonis's eyebrows shot up. "Losing her trust? Zy, what exactly is going on between you two?"

Zy ran a hand through his hair, his usual composure slipping. "I don't know," he admitted. "But it's... it's something. Something I'm not ready to jeopardize."

A long moment of silence stretched between them. Finally, Adonis spoke, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "You know, in all the years I've known you, I've never seen you like this over a woman. She must be something special."

Zy's lips curved into a soft smile. "She is."

Adonis clapped him on the shoulder. "Just be careful, all right? I'd hate to see you get hurt. Again."

As Adonis left to continue his investigation, Zy turned back to the window. The city had fully awakened now, a bustling hive of activity. But all he could think about was Ellie's smile, the spark in her eyes when she talked about her game.

His tiger paced restlessly. It had been drawn to Ellie from the moment they met, recognizing something in her that Zy was only beginning to understand.

Could she be his mate? The thought both thrilled and terrified him. After a century of searching, could he have finally found the one person meant to complete him?

Zy shook his head, trying to clear it. He had a networking event to prepare for and a company to run. He couldn't afford to get lost in daydreams and what-ifs.

And yet, as he moved through his morning routine, Zy couldn't quite shake the image of Ellie from his mind. Or the growing certainty that, one way or another, she was going to change his life forever.

Hours later, Zy stood in the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, a flute of champagne in hand as he surveyed the crowd. The networking event, sponsored by Ashford Entertainment, had drawn the crème de la crème of the gaming industry. Developers, investors, and tech journalists mingled, the air buzzing with conversation and the clink of glasses.

But Zy had eyes for only one person.

Ellie stood across the room, radiant in a black dress that accentuated her curves. Her dark red hair cascaded over one shoulder in soft waves, and her smile as she chatted with a group of developers was bright enough to light up the entire room.

Zy's breath caught in his throat. She was stunning, yes, but it was more than that. The easy confidence with which she carried herself, the passion that shone in her eyes as she discussed her work – it drew him like a moth to a flame.

"You're staring," Adonis's amused voice cut through his thoughts.

Zy blinked, tearing his gaze away from Ellie. "I'm observing," he corrected, taking a sip of his champagne. "It's a networking event. I'm supposed to be watching the room."

Adonis snorted. "Right. And the fact that your eyes haven't left Ms. Madden all evening is purely professional interest."

Before Zy could formulate a suitably cutting response, a commotion near Ellie's group drew his attention. A man he didn't recognize had approached, his body language aggressive, his voice rising above the general murmur of conversation.

"Well, well," the man sneered, loud enough for those nearby to hear. "If it isn't Elliot Madden, gaming's latest ‘it girl.' Tell me, sweetheart, whose dick did you have to suck to get your game so much attention?"

Zy's blood ran cold, his tiger snarling in rage. He started forward, but Adonis's hand on his arm held him back. "Wait," his friend murmured. "Let's see how she handles it."

Ellie's spine stiffened, but her voice remained calm and level. "Grant. I see divorce hasn't improved your manners. Or your vocabulary."

The man – Grant, Ellie's ex-husband, Zy realized with a jolt – laughed bitterly. "Oh, come on, Ellie. We both know you're not capable of creating something like Infinite Odyssey on your own. So what is it? Are you sleeping with one of the big boys now? Ashford, maybe?"

Ellie's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her composure. "I'm proud of my work, Grant. Unlike some people, I don't need to resort to theft or manipulation to succeed."

"No?" Grant sneered. "That's rich, coming from the ice queen herself. Face it, Ellie. You're nothing but a frigid, boring?—"

That was all Zy heard before the roaring in his ears drowned out everything else. He moved without conscious thought, crossing the room in long strides. His fist connected with Grant's jaw with a satisfying crunch, sending the smaller man stumbling backward.

"I believe the lady asked you to leave," Zy growled, his voice low and dangerous. He turned to the nearest security guard, who had rushed over at the commotion. "Please escort this... gentleman out. He's no longer welcome here."

As Grant was led away, still shouting obscenities, Zy turned to Ellie. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with shock. "Are you all right?" he asked softly, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms.

Ellie nodded, though her smile was shaky. "I'm fine. Thank you, Zy. You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, I did," Zy said firmly. He glanced around, noting the curious stares of the other guests. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

Ellie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. As they made their way out of the ballroom, Zy caught Adonis's eye across the room. His friend's expression was a mixture of concern and resignation. They'd have to deal with the fallout from this later, but right now, all that mattered was Ellie.

The drive to Ellie's apartment was quiet, the silence broken only by the soft purr of the car's engine and the occasional sniffle from Ellie. Zy's hands clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles white with the effort of restraining his anger. Not at Ellie, never at her, but at the world that had hurt her, at the man who had tried to diminish her brilliance.

As they pulled up to her building, Zy finally broke the silence. "He's wrong, you know. About all of it."

Ellie turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Is he? Sometimes I wonder if?—"

"No," Zy cut her off, his voice firm but gentle. "You're beautiful, brilliant and funny. Your work speaks for itself. Grant is just a small, bitter man trying to tear you down because he can't stand to see you succeed."

A tear escaped, rolling down Ellie's cheek. Without thinking, Zy reached out, brushing it away with his thumb. The contact sent a spark of electricity through him, and he saw Ellie's eyes widen in response.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He followed her to her door. "Do you want some coffee?"

He knew better. He should leave. But how could he leave her when she clearly needed his company? "Coffee sounds good."

She smiled and he followed her inside. Zy was greeted by a stunning and spacious living area that reflected her varied interests. The loft was designed with modern aesthetics, featuring high ceilings and large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

The main living space was a sleek blend of technology and comfort. There was a massive, ultra-high-definition television mounted on the wall, surrounded by the latest gaming consoles and VR equipment. Adjacent to this setup, there was a high-end computer rig with multiple monitors much like his own in his home office.

The decor had a chic, minimalist feel but he was surprised by the vibrant pops of color and collectibles. Shelves and display cases were artfully arranged with an impressive collection of anime figurines and limited-edition merchandise. Framed posters of iconic anime characters and artwork from popular games added a personal touch to the walls. A special massive frame of Infinite Odyssey took up most of a brick wall.

"Do you mind starting a fire?" she asked him. "I'll make the coffee."

He lit a fire and watched her as she stood in front of an espresso machine, staring at it while the coffee brewed. He marched up to her and squeezed her shoulders. He didn't expect her to lean back into his body. Then she turned around, her eyes full of sadness.

"Ellie…"

She glanced at his mouth and lifted a hand to his neck, her hand tentative as it moved into his hair.

"You have the most beautiful eyes," she said so low it was as if she were talking to herself.

They stood there for a moment, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Then, slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away, Zy leaned in.

The first brush of his lips against hers was soft, questioning. Ellie responded instantly. Zy's tiger purred in contentment, a sense of rightness washing over him. He cupped her face in his hands and dipped her head back to deepen the kiss. His tongue delved into her mouth, and she moaned into the kiss. He smiled against her mouth. Her moan made him crazy. Thirsty. Hungry for more of her. Her hands were in his hair, then gripping his shoulders, and then back to his hair. Her nails scraped his scalp, and it left him breathless.

How could a kiss be the end of him?

Because she's obviously our mate , his tiger laughed at him for refusing to believe him. She's my mate. My one. It was really hard to think when his body was getting … well, harder . His cock was already thick with need, and if Ellie kept kissing him with so much intensity, he would have his way with her right there.

He wanted no regrets from her when they finally let the burning need between them break free. And he would never take advantage of her while she was emotional over what happened at the event. But he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted any woman in his life.

Another soft moan from her had him questioning his ability to stop. He caressed her body, pressing her soft curves between him and her kitchen island.

"Zy," she sighed as he kissed her cheek and down her throat. "God."

The way she said his name, as if it were a lifeline, made him grin. "Say it again," he groaned.

She moaned his name in her sexy voice and he had to control himself from tearing her dress off.

"Ellie, I want you."

She met his gaze, her eyes filled with questions. "Are you sure?"

What had that asshole done to make her question her worth this way? "I'm more than sure. I've wanted you since the moment I saw you."

The scent of her desire grew as he spoke. "I want you too, Zy. More than I want to admit."

His grin widened. "That's good to know."

"I don't know. I…I'm not looking for a relationship." She pulled out of his arms and he wanted to grab her and hug her to him.

"Ellie, you can't deny that there's something powerful going on between us," he said. He wanted to tell her she was his mate, but that meant telling her about being a shifter and more than that, telling her about his code. It was too complicated.

"You're right. I can't deny it. But it doesn't mean it's a good idea." He watched her eyes fill with weariness. "I'm broken, Zy."

He closed the distance between them and cupped her cheek. "You are not broken. You've had a bad experience with a shitty excuse for a man, but that's not your fault."

She searched his eyes. "So what do you think we should do?"

"Give yourself a chance to get to know me, Ellie. Give us a chance to see where this goes. We can take it as slow as you want. You set the pace." He held his breath as he watched emotions run across her face, confusion, fear, and hope.

"I…okay." She cleared her throat and glanced at his lips. "But if at any point this gets weird with us being competitors, I'm putting an end to it."

"It won't get weird," he said, pulling her in his arms and kissing her again. The kiss was harder, deeper than the last. And she instantly opened up for him. Damn. Taking things slow had never sounded so painful in his life.