Chapter 16

SIXTEEN

T he drive to his parents’ house gave Natalie time to appreciate Marcus in his element. He handled his sleek black sports car with the same confident grace he brought to everything else, one hand resting casually on the gear shift. The fading sunlight caught the angular planes of his face, highlighting the slight smile that played at his lips whenever he glanced her way.

“You’re staring,” he noted, amusement coloring his tone.

“I’m observing. It’s what scientists do.”

“And what are your observations telling you?”

“That you’re surprisingly relaxed for someone taking a woman home to meet his family for the first time.” She paused as his words from earlier clicked.

“Who says I’m relaxed?” His grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. “I had to talk Emily out of bringing her new AI butler prototype. Last week it developed a British accent and started calling everyone ‘my lord’ and ‘my lady.’”

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

“It also tried to arrange marriages for everyone in the house. Including the Roomba.”

Natalie burst out laughing. “You’re making that up.”

“I wish. The Roomba’s still sulking about being rejected by the dishwasher.”

The humor helped mask the butterflies in her stomach—both from meeting his family and from the way he kept looking at her like she was something precious he couldn’t quite believe was real. Still, she couldn’t help wondering what exactly she was to him. The woman he was protecting? The scientist he was attracted to? Something more?

Before she could spiral further into that train of thought, they turned onto a private drive lined with ancient oaks. The Vale family estate sprawled before them, a stunning blend of modern architecture and old-world elegance.

“Holy crap,” Natalie breathed. “This is where you grew up?”

“One of our homes.” Marcus parked in front of the main entrance. “My mother prefers this one for family gatherings.”

“One of... you know what? Never mind. I’m already nervous enough without contemplating your real estate portfolio.”

Marcus rounded the car to open her door, offering his hand. The gesture was old-fashioned but somehow perfectly him. As she stepped out, he pulled her close, his free hand cupping her face.

“You have nothing to be nervous about,” he murmured. “They’re going to adore you.”

“How do you know?”

His thumb traced her bottom lip. “Because I—“ He caught himself, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. “Because you’re extraordinary.”

There it was again, that moment where it seemed like he was about to say something else. Natalie’s heart thundered in her chest, and judging by the way his eyes darkened, he could hear it perfectly.

“Your heart’s racing,” he murmured.

“Maybe if someone would use their words instead of their super-hearing...” she started, but the front door opened before she could finish, spilling warm light onto the steps.

Victoria Vale stood in the doorway, elegant in a sage green dress that complemented her silver-streaked dark hair. Her smile lit up her entire face as she descended the steps to greet them.

“Natalie! We’re so delighted you could join us.” Victoria’s hug was warm and genuine, catching Natalie off guard. “Marcus has told us so much about you.”

“He has?” Natalie shot Marcus a look.

“All good things,” Victoria assured her, linking their arms. “Though he failed to mention how lovely you are. Come in, come in. Sheri’s dying to talk to you about your research. And don’t worry—we’ve locked up all of Emily’s AI experiments for the evening.”

The interior of the house matched its impressive exterior, but the atmosphere was surprisingly homey. Family photos lined the walls—Marcus and his sisters at various ages, candid shots of family vacations, moments frozen in time that showed a side of Marcus she’d never seen.

She paused at one that showed a teenage Marcus teaching what must have been a young Sheri how to ride a bike. His expression was so tender, so protective, it made her heart ache. This was the man behind the alpha facade—the one she was rapidly falling for, whether he was ready to define their relationship or not.

“He’s always been the best big brother,” Victoria said softly beside her. “So protective of everyone he cares about.”

“Mom,” Marcus warned from behind them, but Victoria just smiled innocently.

Before Natalie could dwell on that loaded exchange, a tall woman with straight black hair and intelligent blue eyes rushed into the foyer. “You must be Natalie! I’m Sheri—Marcus said you’re working on biochemical compatibility markers I’d love to hear about your methodology. I’m studying genetic enhancement patterns in—oh wait, are we not supposed to talk about the secret formula that has everyone trying to kidnap you?”

“Sheri,” Marcus growled.

“What? I’m just making conversation. Besides, any woman who can make our alpha brother wear navy instead of charcoal deserves to know she’s already legendary in pack circles.”

Natalie raised an eyebrow at Marcus. “You changed your suit color for me?”

“The pack nearly had a collective meltdown,” Sheri stage-whispered. “They thought he’d been body-snatched.”

“I wore navy once ,” Marcus muttered.

“And smiled. Twice. In public.” Sheri clutched her chest dramatically. “The elders are still recovering.”

“I smile,” Marcus protested.

“Since meeting Natalie, sure. Before that, you were basically a brooding statue with better hair.”