Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

I n the SUV across the street, Marcus Vale sat perfectly still, his enhanced senses focused on the steady rhythm of Natalie’s heartbeat as she fell asleep. His wolf prowled restlessly beneath his skin, wanting to be closer, to protect what was his.

His phone buzzed with a text from Jax: You know normal CEOs don’t spend their nights guarding scientists’ apartments, right?

Marcus smiled in the darkness. When have I ever been normal?

Fair point. Your mother called, by the way. Something about dinner with Eleanor Grant and a matchmaking club?

Marcus’s eyes narrowed. What matchmaking club?

No idea, boss. But apparently your mom thinks Dr. Grant is perfect for you. Weird coincidence, huh?

Marcus looked up at Natalie’s window, remembering how she’d felt in his arms, how right it had been to mark her with his scent, even if just through an innocent forehead kiss. His wolf rumbled in satisfaction.

No such thing as coincidence, he texted back. But whatever game our mothers are playing... I’m not complaining about the results.

He settled back in his seat, letting Natalie’s steady heartbeat soothe his protective instincts. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new threats to handle. But for tonight, she was safe, and that was all that mattered.

Even if he had to sit outside her building all night to ensure it.

Even if his wolf was demanding more than just protective distance.

Even if he was fairly certain their mothers had somehow orchestrated this entire situation.

Because the truth was, Marcus Vale hadn’t felt this alive in years. And if it took their meddling mothers, a dangerous formula, and a brilliant scientist with a habit of hacking security systems to get him here?

Well, he’d take it.

His phone buzzed one final time. A text from his mother: How’s the security detail going, dear?

Marcus shook his head, smiling. Subtlety isn’t your strong suit, Mother.

I have no idea what you’re talking about. Though Eleanor mentioned Natalie’s always been fascinated by wolf shifter mythology...

Goodnight, Mother.

Just saying! Sweet dreams, darling. Don’t forget to thank me at the mating ceremony.

Marcus turned off his phone, but he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. Above him, Natalie’s heartbeat remained steady and strong, a rhythm he was quickly becoming addicted to.

Tomorrow, he’d deal with the threats, the politics, and yes, probably their scheming mothers.

But tonight? Tonight he’d keep watch, letting the sound of his mate’s heartbeat anchor him in place, knowing that somehow, their paths had aligned exactly as they were meant to.

Some things, after all, were simply meant to be.