Chapter 33

THIRTY-THREE

“ W atch him,” Marcus ordered. “Get the information.”

Once in the hallway, Natalie sagged against him. “That was intense.”

“You were brilliant.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “The neural deterioration theory - that was inspired.”

“Who says it was just a theory?” But her eyes sparkled with mischief. “The molecular structure really could cause those effects....” Her expression turned thoughtful. “That gives me an idea.”

Marcus recognized that look - his mate’s brilliant mind was already racing ahead, formulating plans.

“What kind of idea?”

“If I can understand how the formula would interact with shifter DNA, I might be able to create a counteragent. Something to neutralize enhanced abilities before Tomlinson can even use them.” She straightened, energy returning. “We could turn his own weapon against him.”

“You want to develop a counter-formula when he hasn’t even stolen the original yet?”

“Best defense is a good offense.” She was already heading toward the lab, practically vibrating with scientific enthusiasm. “Besides, from a strategic planning perspective, if we develop the counteragent now, we’ll have a defense ready before Tomlinson can implement his plans.”

Natalie continued as they entered the lab. The space hummed with equipment, multiple screens displaying complex molecular structures. “It’s basic tactical preparation, really. Though from a purely scientific standpoint, the challenge of engineering a neutralizing compound without an active sample to test against is worrisome. The theoretical applications alone-“

Marcus caught her waist, spinning her to face him. “Breathe, sweetheart.”

“I am breathing. And thinking. And calculating molecular bonds. And- why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like I’m simultaneously the most frustrating and fascinating thing you’ve ever seen.”

He brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. “Because you are. One minute you’re terrifying a hardened shifter with theoretical brain damage, the next you’re bouncing around like an excited puppy over molecular bonds.”

“First, I resent the puppy comparison. If anything, I’m more of a... actually, no, we’re not having the ‘what animal would you be’ discussion right now.” She poked his chest. “Second, this is important. If Tomlinson’s building infrastructure for mass production, he’s confident he’ll get the formula soon. We need to be ready.”

“And you think you can create this counteragent without having the actual formula to test it against?”

Her eyes lit up with that dangerous sparkle that made his wolf both nervous and proud. “Better. I can create it based on what I already know about shifter biology and the formula’s theoretical effects. It won’t be perfect without proper trials, so…”

“No.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say!”

“You were going to suggest testing it on shifters.” He crossed his arms. “Not happening.”

“We’ll need to test it eventually.” She mirrored his stance, chin lifting stubbornly. “Unless you want to wait until Tomlinson’s enhanced soldiers are breaking down our door?”

“Natalie-“

“Marcus.” She stepped closer, laying her hands on his chest. “Trust me. Please. I won’t do anything unnecessarily dangerous, but we need this failsafe.”

He studied her face - the determination in her hazel eyes, the brilliant mind working behind them, the genuine concern for protecting others. His wolf recognized their mate’s need to defend their pack in her own way.

“Fine.” He caught her hands before she could celebrate. “But I have conditions.”

“Of course, you do.” She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Let me guess - extensive safety protocols? Multiple preliminary trials? Constant monitoring?”

“And I’ll be the first test subject.”

“Absolutely not!”

“Non-negotiable.”

“But you’re the alpha! You can’t risk-“

“Exactly.” He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I’m the alpha. I don’t ask my pack to take risks I won’t take myself.”

“That’s not- I mean-“ She seemed to run out of scientific protests. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I trust you.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “That’s emotional manipulation.”

“Is it working?”

“Maybe.” She leaned into his touch. “But we do this my way. Proper protocols. Multiple safeguards. And if I say stop-“

“We stop.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Now, how long before we can start?”

Her scientific enthusiasm returned to full force. “I’ll need to synthesize the base compound first, then run simulations on cellular responses, factor in genetic variables...” She was already moving to her workstation. “A few hours at least. Though if we adjust the molecular ratios...”

Marcus settled onto the lab couch, content to watch her work. Her passion for science, the way her brilliant mind tackled problems, even her tendency to babble about molecular structures - it all made his wolf purr with pleasure.

“Stop staring,” she called without looking up. “You’re disrupting the scientific process.”

“How am I disrupting anything? I haven’t moved.”

“Your presence affects my hormone levels, which influences cognitive function.” She adjusted something under her microscope. “Also, you’re breathing too loud.”

He laughed. “I’m breathing too loud?”

“Yes. It’s very distracting.” Now she did look up, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Especially when you do that thing where you inhale deeply every time I move.”