Chapter 36
THIRTY-SIX
M arcus watched his mate’s face light up with triumph as she recorded the counteragent’s effects. Even with his senses temporarily dulled, he could read the joy radiating from her - the sparkle in her hazel eyes, the slight flush on her cheeks, the way she practically bounced with scientific excitement. His wolf, though distant, purred with pride. She’d done the impossible, creating a defense against Tomlinson’s plans while keeping him safe in the process.
“The implications of this are incredible!” Natalie spun back to her monitors, fingers flying across keyboards. “The targeted protein suppression alone could revolutionize shifter medicine. Though we’ll need extensive trials to verify long-term effects and potential applications...”
She launched into a detailed explanation of molecular bonds and neural pathways that might as well have been ancient Greek. Marcus found himself mesmerized not by the words, but by her passion - the animated gestures, the rapid-fire terminology, the pure brilliance shining through every movement.
His. His impossible mate.
The thought sent a surge of protectiveness through him. They had a weapon now, yes, but that only made her more of a target. Tomlinson would stop at nothing to get both formulas.
“Marcus?” Natalie’s voice pulled him from his dark thoughts. “Your abilities should be returning soon. Any changes?”
He closed his eyes, reaching for his wolf. The connection felt stronger, less like grasping smoke. “Starting to come back. Senses sharpening.”
“Fascinating! The neural regeneration patterns suggest-“ She broke off as his arms slid around her waist. “That’s very distracting.”
“Good.” He nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent that grew clearer by the second. “You work too hard.”
“Says the man who practically lives in his office.” But she melted back against him. “We should really document the recovery progression...”
“Later.” He spun her chair to face him. “Right now, we need to talk security.”
Her expression sobered. “Tomlinson.”
“Tomlinson.” Marcus crouched before her, taking her hands. “What you’ve created changes everything, sweetheart. But it also makes you more valuable to Tomlinson.”
“I can take care of myself. Have you forgotten?” A familiar stubborn glint entered her eyes.
“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten.” He sighed. “But Tomlinson has resources, infrastructure. We need to be smart about this.”
“Define ‘smart.’ Because if you’re about to suggest locking me in some secure facility-“
“Would you actually stay there if I did?”
“Not a chance.”
“Exactly.” He couldn’t help smiling at her defiant expression. “So instead, we upgrade security here. Additional guards, better protocols, enhanced surveillance. And you don’t work alone anymore.”
“Marcus-“
“Non-negotiable.” He let a hint of alpha authority slip into his tone, though they both knew it was mostly for show now. “I’m not taking chances with your safety.”
She studied him for a long moment. “And I suppose you’ll be personally overseeing these security upgrades?”
“Among other things.”
“Hovering, you mean.”
“Protecting.”
“Overprotecting.”
“Keeping my brilliant, stubborn mate alive so she can revolutionize shifter science.”
“I maintain full access to my lab. No restricted hours or limited equipment use.”
“Agreed, but with proper security measures.”
“I continue developing the counteragent. We need multiple batches ready before moving against Tomlinson.”
“With adequate safety protocols and backup.”
“And you stop looking at me like I might disappear if you blink.”