Chapter 7

SEVEN

M arcus surveyed the newly retrofitted lab space at Vale Corp headquarters, unable to suppress a surge of satisfaction. His penthouse lab, though state-of-the-art, would have cramped Natalie’s style. Here, she had room to spread out, to think, to create—and most importantly, to stay safe.

Three hours of renovation had transformed the entire floor into a fortress. Hi-tech security cameras swept every angle. Biometric locks secured each entrance. Armed guards—all trusted pack members—patrolled strategic positions.

And still, it didn’t feel like enough.

His wolf paced beneath his skin, unsettled by the events of the past twenty-four hours. Finding his mate should have brought peace. Instead, he’d discovered her in the middle of an explosion and watched her fight off mercenaries with office safety equipment.

“You know,” Jax’s voice carried from the doorway, “most people just send flowers when they like a girl. Maybe dinner. A movie. But you?” He gestured at the comprehensive security setup. “You build her a fortress.”

“The penthouse lab wasn’t sufficient.”

“Right. Because that’s why you moved her here. Not because you wanted her closer to your office.” Jax’s knowing grin widened. “Which, coincidentally, is right down the hall.”

“She needs space to work.”

“And you need to stop pretending this is just about security.” Jax crossed to where multiple feeds were displayed on wall-mounted screens. “Though I have to admit, her taking down those guys with a fire extinguisher is rather impressive. Your mate’s got style.”

Marcus’s lips twitched despite himself. The memory of Natalie, blonde hair escaping its bun, wielding that extinguisher like a weapon while muttering about paperwork... “She’s unpredictable.”

“She’s perfect for you.” Jax lounged against a desk. “Finally, someone who won’t put up with your brooding alpha routine. I love how she stood up to you this morning when you tried to assign her a security detail for bathroom breaks.”

“I don’t brood.”

“You’re literally brooding right now. This whole command center screams ‘brooding alpha with control issues.’ Normal people don’t have retinal scanners on their supply closets.”

“Those aren’t supply closets anymore.” Marcus pulled up the building schematics on his tablet. “I’ve converted the entire floor into a secure research facility. The east wing houses her equipment?—“

“Already moved from her old lab and triple-checked for tampering.”

“The west wing has emergency protocols?—“

“Including three different escape routes and a panic room that would make the Pentagon jealous.”

“And the north section?—“

“Has enough backup generators to power half of Manhattan.” Jax’s expression softened. “Marcus. Breathe. You’re doing that thing where you try to control everything because you’re scared.”

“I’m not scared.” The words came out sharper than intended. “I’m being thorough.”

“You’re being a control freak because you found your mate and some adversary is making moves to steal her research. It’s okay to admit that freaks you out a little.”

Marcus’s jaw clenched. The wolf in him howled at the truth of it. He’d spent his entire life in control—of his companies, his pack, his emotions. Then Natalie Grant had stumbled into his world with her brilliant mind and fierce independence, and suddenly control seemed like a distant memory.

“Speaking of adversary,” Jax continued, “my sources say some high-end hackers are itching to get their hands on Natalie’s research files.”

“They won’t get far.” Marcus pulled up another screen, displaying the lab’s digital fortifications. “I had Emily upgrade the entire system. Quantum encryption. AI-powered intrusion detection. The works.”

“Ah yes, nothing says ‘I’m not obsessed’ like quantum encryption.” Jax twirled a pen between his fingers. “You know what would make protecting her easier? Telling her she’s your mate.”

Before Marcus could respond, the elevator dinged. Natalie stepped out, somehow managing to look both professional and adorable in a fresh lab coat over yoga pants and a Vale Corp sweatshirt someone had thoughtfully provided. Her hair caught the light like spun gold, and her eyes...

“You turned my lab into the NSA.” She planted her hands on her hips. “There are more security cameras than a Vegas casino.”

“Standard safety protocols,” Marcus lied smoothly.

“The guard asked for a DNA sample before letting me on the elevator.”

“Routine procedure.”

“For a blood test?”

“Maximum security requires?—“

“Your security team tried to issue me a bulletproof lab coat. With matching goggles.”

Jax snorted. “The goggles were my idea. Very fashionable.”

“You think?” Natalie’s eyes sparked with that defiant fire that made Marcus’s wolf sit up and take notice. “I appreciate the concern, but I don’t need?—“

“Chinese?”

She blinked. “What?”