Chapter 44

FORTY-FOUR

T he pre-dawn Manhattan skyline glittered through the floor-to-ceiling windows as Marcus surveyed the transformed research wing. Scientific equipment gleamed alongside carefully placed molecular puzzles - each one designed to represent a moment in their relationship.

“Everything’s set on the east side.” Jax appeared, grinning as he adjusted a holographic projector. “Though I still say you missed a golden opportunity for chemistry puns. ‘You’re the solution to my equation’ would’ve killed.”

Marcus shot his beta a look. “No puns.”

“Fine. But at least tell me you’re using ‘our bond is stronger than a covalent?—‘”

“Jax.”

“Right, right. Keeping it classy.” Jax tossed him a tablet displaying the security feeds. “Perimeter’s secure. Emily’s got the atmospheric controls programmed for the aurora effect you wanted, and Torres’s team is ready with the molecular light show.”

Marcus nodded, touching the small box in his pocket. Inside, a ring he’d designed himself - platinum and diamonds arranged in the exact molecular structure of their original formula. The accident that brought them together.

“The pack’s in position.” Emily’s voice crackled through his earpiece. “Though Mom’s already crying, and Natalie hasn’t even arrived yet.”

A smile tugged at Marcus’s lips. His mother had barely contained her joy when he’d shared his plans. The entire pack had mobilized to help create this moment, each member contributing their talents to merge science and shifter magic into something uniquely them.

“Timing check.” He pulled up the schedule he’d planned with military precision.

“Natalie’s AI assistant is programmed to alert her to urgent lab results in...” Jax checked his watch. “Twenty minutes. Your future mate’s nothing if not predictable when it comes to science emergencies.”

Marcus touched the nearest molecular puzzle - a holographic representation of their first meeting, complete with miniature explosion effects. Each station would guide her through their story, leading to the final revelation in the new research wing he’d built just for her.

“You really went full romantic alpha on this one.” Jax clapped his shoulder. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“She’s worth it.” Marcus adjusted the final display, ensuring perfect alignment. “Everything has to be?—“

“Perfect, yes, we know.” Emily appeared, tablet in hand. “The molecular light show is calibrated, the aurora effect is ready, and I’ve got every security camera recording. Plus backup recordings because Mom will literally kill us if we miss a single moment.”

Marcus surveyed their work. The research wing sparkled with scientific precision and romantic intention. Even the security measures had been carefully crafted - protection without restriction, just like their relationship had evolved.

“Five minutes until phase one.” Jax checked the monitors. “Want to run through your speech one more time? I still think you should open with ‘You’ve catalyzed a reaction in my heart?—‘”

“Finish that sentence and you’re running perimeter checks for a month.”

“Spoilsport.” But Jax’s grin widened. “She’s going to love it, boss. It’s the perfect formula.”

Marcus touched the ring box again, anticipation humming through his veins. Science and strength. Logic and love. Everything that made Natalie uniquely herself, crafted into a moment worthy of his brilliant mate.

“Places, everyone.” Emily’s command sent pack members scurrying to their positions. “Operation Science of Love is a go.”

Marcus shot her a look.

“What? Jax isn’t the only one who can make terrible puns.”

Dawn painted the sky in shades of promise as Marcus took his position. Soon, his scientist would follow the trail of molecular breadcrumbs he’d created, each puzzle leading her closer to their future.

Time to prove that alpha wolves could master the chemistry of forever.