Chapter 9

NINE

L ucas’s control nearly shattered. His mate – because there was no denying that’s what she was, not when every molecule of his being burned to claim her – had just calmly identified his species while smelling like jasmine, lightning, and arousal.

“Scent marking?” he managed, voice rough with the effort of not shifting right there.

“Mm-hmm.” Her eyes sparkled with that deadly combination of scientific interest and attraction that made his beast purr. “And your pupils dilate vertically when you’re... interested.” She blushed but held his gaze. “Like they are now.”

Malcolm’s sharp inhale broke the moment. “Dr. Greene, I’m not sure you understand the delicacy of?—”

“Oh, the secrecy makes perfect sense,” Emma interrupted, turning to face Malcolm but unconsciously leaning back against Lucas’s chest. The trust in that simple movement made his claws emerge. “A population of shapeshifters would need significant protection from discovery. Though your corporate structure is brilliant – hiding enhanced abilities behind business success. Perfect cover.”

She smelled like pure excitement now, mixed with something softer when Lucas’s hands settled on her waist. “The fertility crisis makes more sense too. Your DNA is too stable, too resistant to the natural variation needed for reproduction. But I think I can help with that, if you’ll let me study the genetic patterns in your shifted form. The transformation process alone must be incredible at the molecular level...”

Lucas couldn’t help it. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply. She shivered but didn’t pull away, her pulse jumping in a way that had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with how his hands tightened on her hips.

“Wow,” she breathed. “Your body temperature increases with proximity to potential mates. Is that an autonomic response or?—”

“Mates?” Malcolm’s cold voice cut in.

“Well, yes. The way he’s been scent marking me since yesterday suggests mate recognition. Unless I’m misinterpreting the behavioral patterns.”

When Malcolm stepped closer, Lucas growled, actually growled. Emma’s scent spiked with attraction at the sound.

“You’re not misinterpreting anything,” Lucas rumbled against her neck, giving up any pretense of professional distance. His mate was fearless and currently explaining shifter biology, all while smelling like she wanted to climb him like a tree.

“Good.” She turned in his arms, completely ignoring Malcolm’s presence. “Because I have about a thousand questions about your genetic structure, and some of them might require hands-on research...”

The purr that rumbled from his chest was completely involuntary. Emma’s answering smile was pure wicked intelligence.

“Also, your uncle’s about to have an aneurysm,” she whispered, though her hands had settled on his chest in a way that made his beast want to roar in triumph. “And I think we’re scandalizing your security team.”

He leaned down until his lips brushed her ear. “If you keep talking genetics while smelling like that, I’m going to show you exactly how possessive newly recognized mates can be.”

Her sharp inhale and the sudden sweetness in her scent nearly undid him.

“Promise?” She met his now fully-gold eyes with perfect trust and unmistakable heat. “Because I have theories about shifter stamina that need testing...”

“This is highly irregular,” Malcolm cut in, his voice sharp with disapproval. “The council needs to discuss the implications of a human?—”

“A human who’s already figured out more about our genetics than our own scientists,” Lucas interrupted, not taking his eyes off Emma. She was tracing the collar of his shirt, her brilliant mind visibly cataloging his physiological responses. “And who’s just proved she can handle herself in a crisis.”

“By attempting to measure an intruder’s muscle density with office supplies?” Malcolm’s tone dripped disdain.

Emma brightened. “The tensile strength variation was remarkable. Though not as impressive as Lucas’s. Your genetic expression seems more... complete.” Her fingers brushed Lucas’s neck, right over his racing pulse.

The gleam in her eye suggested her interests weren’t entirely academic. Her scent confirmed it, growing headier by the second.

“Of course,” Lucas rumbled, fighting the urge to drag her into his private office and show her exactly how his enhanced genetics expressed themselves. “Though some questions might require private research sessions.”

“For science,” she agreed breathlessly, her pulse racing under his thumbs where they stroked her wrists.

Malcolm cleared his throat. “The council is waiting, nephew. Though perhaps Dr. Greene should join us since she’s already so... informed about our nature.”

“Absolutely!” Emma’s whole face lit up. “I’d love to observe the social dynamics of your hierarchical structure. Like how Lucas’s alpha status manifests in both human and shifter contexts, particularly regarding territorial displays and mate recognition patterns?—”

Lucas growled softly against her ear. “You need to stop saying ‘mate’ in that scientific voice while smelling like that.”

“Like what?” But her innocent tone was belied by the knowing glint in her eye and the spike of arousal in her scent.

“Like you want to conduct very thorough experiments on shifter endurance.”

“Well,” she whispered, “I am a firm believer in direct research.”

Malcolm made a disgusted sound. “The council chamber. Now. Before you two compromise any more public spaces with your... scientific methodology. The council chamber is a sacred space,” he added icily when Emma opened her mouth, likely to ask more questions about shifter biology.

But his words only sparked more of Emma’s endless curiosity. “Sacred spaces! Of course – you’d need designated territories for pack... sorry, pride meetings. The integration of traditional shifter practices into modern corporate structure?—”

“Emma,” Lucas rumbled in her ear, “you’re doing it again.”

“Babbling about science when I’m nervous?” She pressed closer to his side, that addictive scent of hers tinged with slight anxiety now. “Sorry. It’s just... I really want to help. With the fertility issues, with understanding your genetics. With everything. And I’m afraid your council might not want a human involved, even one who thinks shifter biology is the most amazing thing she’s ever studied.”

The simple honesty in her voice and the genuine desire to help his people made Lucas’s chest tight. His mate was extraordinary.

“Just be yourself,” he murmured, then added with a smile, “Though maybe cool it with the detailed observations about mating behaviors and scent marking. At least until they get to know you.”

“No promises. I have at least three theories about how your enhanced pheromones affect nearby humans, especially potential mates. Speaking of which...” She bit her lip, looking up at him through her lashes. “That thing you do, where your eyes go all gold and glowy when you look at me? Really works for me. You know, scientifically speaking.”

Lucas barely contained his growl. “Scientifically speaking?”

“Mm-hmm. Creates all sorts of interesting physiological responses. Elevated heart rate, increased body temperature...” She pressed closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Makes me want to conduct all sorts of experiments.”

Lucas cleared his throat and took her hand into his, moving down the hall.