Chapter 10

TEN

N atalie squinted at the data scrolling across her monitor screen, trying to make sense of the mutated formula’s molecular structure. The numbers and chemical compounds blurred together as her attention drifted—again—to the tall, imposing figure leaning against the doorframe of her lab.

Marcus Vale stood with his arms crossed, radiating an air of quiet authority that made her skin tingle. His presence filled the room like a gravitational force, pulling at her awareness no matter how hard she tried to focus on her work.

Focus, Natalie. She forced her gaze back to the screen, irritated at her own distraction. She’d spent years building a reputation as one of the most focused researchers in her field. Now here she sat, stealing glances at her new boss like some lovestruck intern.

Though to be fair, most interns didn’t have bosses who looked like they’d just stepped out of a romance novel—all brooding intensity and perfectly tailored suits that did nothing to hide his impressive physique.

“Your heart rate increases every time you look at me,” Marcus said, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down her spine. Her brow raised.

“Enhanced senses,” he replied, pushing off from the doorframe with a fluid grace that shouldn’t be possible for someone his size. “It’s not something I can turn off.” His lips curved into a slight smirk. “Though I admit, I find your reactions... interesting.”

“Interesting?” Natalie raised the other brow, trying to ignore how her pulse quickened as he approached. “Is that your scientific assessment, Mr. Vale?”

“Doctor Vale, actually,” he corrected, settling into the chair beside her. “Though I prefer Marcus, especially from women whose heartbeats I can hear.”

“That’s creepy,” she informed him, though she couldn’t help smiling. “And potentially an HR violation.”

“I don’t think HR has a policy on shifter senses yet.”

“Right. Because you’re a...” She hesitated. Though, now that she thought about it, being a shifter explained so much—his commanding presence, the predatory grace in his movements, the way he seemed to occupy more space than should be physically possible.

“Shifter,” he finished. “A wolf shifter, to be precise.”

“That... actually makes perfect sense,” Natalie said slowly. “I mean, the whole sexy brooding alpha male thing was a bit much for a regular CEO.”

Marcus’s eyebrows shot up. “Sexy brooding?”

“Oh God.” Natalie clapped a hand over her mouth. “I said that out loud, didn’t I? Can we pretend I didn’t say that? Blame it on lack of sleep and too much coffee?”

“We could,” Marcus agreed, his eyes dancing with amusement. “But I’m rather enjoying this unfiltered version of you.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “Please, tell me more about how sexy you find me.”

“I take it back. You’re terrible.” But she was laughing now, the tension between them shifting into something warmer, more playful. “And you still haven’t explained exactly what being an alpha means. Besides the obvious brooding and ordering everyone around.”

His expression sobered slightly. “It means I’m responsible for protecting and leading my pack. Making sure they’re safe, healthy, provided for.” He settled back in his chair, close enough that she caught a whiff of his cologne—something woodsy and masculine that made her want to lean closer. “Being alpha isn’t just about strength or dominance. It’s about service to the pack.”

“That sounds like a lot of responsibility,” Natalie said softly, studying his profile. The harsh lab lighting cast shadows across his strong features, highlighting the tension in his jaw.

“It is. But it’s who I am.” His smoky eyes met hers, intense and searching. “Just like being a brilliant scientist is who you are.”

Heat crept into Natalie’s cheeks. “I wouldn’t say brilliant?—“

“Your Nobel Prize would suggest otherwise.”

“Are you researching me, Mr. Vale?”

“Doctor Vale,” he corrected again, smirking. “And yes. Thoroughly.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “That’s not making the creepy factor any better.”

“I prefer thorough .” His gaze traveled over her face. “Especially when it comes to things—or people—that interest me.”

Natalie’s breath caught at the heat in his eyes. “And do I? Interest you?”

“More than you know,” he murmured.

The air between them crackled with possibility. Natalie forced herself to turn back to her monitor, trying to slow her racing heart. “Well, my research certainly seems to interest a lot of people lately.”

“Why the change?” Marcus asked, allowing the moment to pass. “From groundbreaking medical research to creating a matchmaking serum?”

Natalie bit her lip, wondering how much to share. “I suppose I wanted to help people find happiness. Real connections.” She turned back to her monitor, avoiding his penetrating gaze. “Though now it seems I’ve created something far more dangerous than intended.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Marcus said with quiet confidence. His hand brushed her shoulder, and electricity sparked through her at the contact. “Speaking of connection—don’t you have dinner plans tonight?”

“Oh God,” Natalie groaned, checking her watch. “Chelsea and Lillian are going to kill me if I cancel again. Chelsea threatened to post my most embarrassing college photos on Instagram if I bail one more time.”

“Blackmail photos?” Marcus’s eyebrow rose. “Now I’m intrigued.”

“Don’t even think about it,” Natalie warned. “Those photos are classified above your security clearance.”

“I own the company,” he reminded her, grinning. “I think I can arrange an upgrade. You’re not canceling anyway,” Marcus said firmly. “I’ve already made arrangements.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What kind of arrangements?”

“I rented out Bella Luna for the evening. Private dining room, full security detail, swept for surveillance devices.” He said it casually as if commandeering an entire restaurant was perfectly normal.

“You did what?” Natalie gaped at him. “Marcus, that’s completely insane. It’s just dinner with my best friend and sister.”

“Your safety is necessary.” His tone brooked no argument. “The threats against you are real, Natalie. Until we know who’s behind them, we take no chances.”