Chapter 17

SEVENTEEN

N atalie bit her lip to hide her grin, but her amusement must have shown because Marcus shot her a betrayed look.

“Come on,” Sheri linked arms with Natalie. “I’ll show you the house while we talk shop. Marcus can help Mom with dinner and pretend he’s not using his enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on our conversation.”

“I wouldn’t—“ Marcus started.

“Your left eye twitches when you lie, brother dear.” Sheri steered Natalie toward the stairs. “Also, fair warning—Emily’s coming late because her toaster staged a protest demanding better working conditions.”

“The toaster?” Natalie asked.

“Don’t ask. Last week it unionized with the microwave. They’re currently negotiating for dental benefits.”

As Sheri led her away, Natalie caught Marcus’s smile—soft and genuine in a way that made her pulse quicken. God, she was in trouble. Deep, alpha-wolf-shaped trouble, and she didn’t even know if he wanted to be more than her very attractive, occasionally overprotective security detail.

The tour quickly turned into an animated discussion about their research, punctuated by Sheri’s commentary on family photos they passed.

“And this is Marcus’s teenage room,” Sheri announced, flinging open a door. “Complete with his collection of brooding alpha romance novels.”

“I did not have romance novels,” Marcus called from downstairs.

“Sorry, my mistake. ‘Warrior Wolf Weekly’ magazines. All dog-eared to the shirtless photoshoots.”

“SHERI!”

They were laughing over more photos when Sheri’s expression turned serious. “You know, he’s different with you. Happier.”

“We’re not actually... I mean, he hasn’t...” Natalie fumbled for words.

“Oh, honey.” Sheri patted her arm. “My brother is many things, but quick to acknowledge his feelings isn’t one of them. Just give him time. He’s never brought anyone home before.”

“Never?”

“Never. Though if it helps, I’m pretty sure Mom’s already planning your wedding. She has a Pinterest board and everything.”

“Sheri,” Marcus’s voice carried up the stairs, “stop terrorizing Natalie.”

“See?” Sheri grinned. “Already protective. Next thing you know, he’ll be leaving dead rabbits on your doorstep as courtship gifts.”

“That was ONE TIME,” Marcus protested. “I was SIXTEEN.”

“The girl’s parents were not impressed.”

“Can we please go to dinner?” Marcus appeared in the doorway, looking adorably flustered. His eyes met Natalie’s, softening immediately. “Before my sister shares any more childhood trauma?”

“But I haven’t shown her the Halloween photos yet,” Sheri pouted. “You made such a cute little werewolf.”

“I’m disowning you.”

“No, you’re not. You love me. Almost as much as you lo?—“

“Dinner,” Marcus cut her off firmly, but Natalie didn’t miss the way his ears reddened slightly. “Now.”

The dining room glowed with warm light from an elegant crystal chandelier. Alexander Vale greeted Natalie with the same warmth as Victoria, though his handshake carried the firm authority she’d expect from the man who raised an alpha.

“Emily’s running late,” Victoria announced as they settled in. “Something about negotiating with the toaster union.”

“Did they at least drop the dental plan demand?” Alexander asked, completely straight-faced.

“Upgraded to vision coverage,” Marcus explained. “Apparently the microwave needs reading glasses.”

Natalie glanced between them. “You’re all joking, right? Please tell me you’re joking.”

“Last month her coffeemaker gained sentience and started a book club,” Sheri said. “They’re currently reading ‘Fahrenheit 451.’ We’re a little concerned about that choice.”

As servers brought out the first course—a delicate seafood bisque that made Natalie’s mouth water—she found herself charmed by the easy banter between family members. Despite their obvious wealth and power, the Vales functioned like any close-knit family, complete with inside jokes and loving jabs.

Under the table, Marcus’s hand found hers, his thumb tracing patterns on her palm that sent shivers up her arm. Above the table, he maintained his composed alpha demeanor, but every soft circle he drew on her skin felt like a secret message she desperately wanted to decode.

“Marcus tells us you’re making remarkable progress with your research,” Alexander said during a lull in conversation. “He’s quite impressed by your work.”

“And not just her work,” Sheri stage-whispered. “Yesterday, he smiled. Twice. In meetings.”

“It’s a sign of the apocalypse,” Emily announced, finally arriving in a whirlwind of curly hair and tech gadgets. “Sorry I’m late. The toaster threatened to go on strike if I didn’t hear their demands.”

“Emily,” Marcus warned, but his sister was already pulling up a chair next to Natalie.

“So you’re the famous Dr. Grant. The one who made my brother wear navy and learn to text with actual words instead of grunt-themed emojis.”

Natalie choked on her wine. “Grunt-themed emojis?”

“He had a whole system,” Emily explained cheerfully. “One grunt meant ‘yes,’ two grunts meant ‘no,’ three grunts meant ‘I’m too alpha to use actual words.’”

“I did not—“ Marcus started.

“Would you like to see the screenshots?” Emily pulled out her phone.

“Children,” Victoria intervened smoothly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Perhaps we could discuss the holiday gathering next month? Natalie, dear, you must join us. It’s quite an event—the whole pack comes together to celebrate.”