Chapter 10

TEN

“ T he council members might be... traditional in their views,” Lucas warned as they walked, his hand now firm in the small of Emma’s back. Every instinct screamed to keep her close, especially with Malcolm’s cold presence behind them.

“You mean they might not like a human scientist poking around in shifter business?” Emma grinned up at him. “Even one who thinks your ability to completely rewrite your DNA structure is the coolest thing ever?”

Her simple enthusiasm and the pure joy she took in discovery made his beast want to preen. Made him want to shift right there and show her exactly what he could do.

“The coolest thing ever?” he teased instead, trying to maintain some control. “Very scientific terminology, Dr. Greene.”

“Would you prefer I say your transformation abilities represent an unprecedented achievement in genetic evolution that makes my inner science nerd want to swoon? Because that’s also true.” She stumbled slightly in her heels, and his arm automatically wrapped around her waist. “See? Enhanced reflexes. Though I notice they’re especially quick when it comes to catching me. Is that a mate thing or just you being a secret softie?”

The purr escaped before he could stop it. She was perfect – brilliant and fearless and completely unfazed by his other nature. If anything, it made her more interested.

“Dr. Greene,” Malcolm’s sharp voice cut in, “the council doesn’t need a detailed analysis of your attraction to the alpha.”

Emma straightened, but didn’t move from Lucas’s side. “Actually, they might. Since mate compatibility could be key to solving the fertility crisis. The way Lucas’s presence affects my biochemistry suggests optimal genetic alignment, especially given the heightened response to his shifter traits. Though I suppose discussing my hormonal reactions to his alpha displays might be a bit much for the first meeting...”

Lucas laughed, the sound echoing through the hallway. Several passing employees stopped and stared – their terrifying CEO never laughed.

But how could he not? His mate was trying to science her way through their attraction while simultaneously driving him crazy with her scent and brilliance.

“What?” Emma blinked up at him. “Was that too technical? I can dumb down the biology talk. Though your uncle’s eye is twitching, so maybe we should wait on my theories about shifter-human chemistry...”

The council chamber doors loomed ahead, all dark wood and ancient power.

She raised her hand as if feeling the air. “The energy here is incredible,” she whispered. “Like the air itself is charged with something... wait, is this related to how you channel energy during transformation? Because that would explain?—”

Lucas pressed his lips to her ear. “Focus, little scientist. Try not to mention electromagnetic readings to the elders. They’re still adjusting to having electricity.”

“That was one time,” Malcolm muttered. “And candlelight is traditional.”

Emma’s eyes lit up. “Oh! Do different light sources affect your shifted vision? Because?—”

Lucas growled softly. “Emma.”

“Right. Sorry. No scientific analysis of your sexy cat eyes in front of the council. Got it.”

A choked sound came from behind them – possibly Malcolm having that aneurysm.

The chamber doors swung open to reveal a semicircle of elegant chairs, each occupied by a distinguished-looking elder. At the center sat his mother, Iris, looking entirely too amused.

“Dr. Greene,” Iris said warmly, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I believe you were just discussing my son’s... sexy cat eyes?”

Emma didn’t miss a beat. “Actually, I was theorizing about the physiological mechanisms that allow for partial shift characteristics like pupil dilation and enhanced senses while maintaining human form.” She paused. “Y’all heard everything in the hall, didn’t you?”

“Indeed,” one of the older members said stiffly. “Most irregular.”

“Oh, you haven’t seen irregular yet,” Emma said cheerfully. “Wait until I tell you my theories about how shifter DNA maintains stability during transformation. I have notes! Though I left them in the lab...” She trailed off as every elder stiffened.

“And I’m babbling about genetics to a room full of people who probably already know how their own DNA works. Sorry. I get excited about science. Especially impossible science that makes everything I thought I knew about genetics look like kindergarten finger painting.”

Lucas couldn’t help but pull her closer, inhaling the intoxicating mix of brilliant mind and complete acceptance that made up his mate’s scent. The elders might disapprove, but she was perfect.

“Kindergarten finger painting?” Iris’s eyebrow rose.

“Well, yes. It’s like your DNA is doing quantum physics while normal human DNA is still learning to count. Though that’s probably not the most diplomatic way to put it...” She glanced up at Lucas. “I’m not making this better, am I?”

The rumble of amusement in his chest was impossible to suppress. Every word out of her mouth made his beast more certain – she was meant to be his.

“Perhaps,” Malcolm said silkily, “we should now discuss the security breach rather than Dr. Greene’s... colorful analogies about our nature.”

“Oh! Yes, the other shifter.” Emma perked up. “His muscle density suggested canine rather than feline base genetics?—”

“You tried to measure—” one of the elders sputtered, “during an attack?”

“Knowledge doesn’t stop being important just because someone’s trying to be menacing,” Emma explained reasonably. “Besides, Lucas had the situation under control. You should have seen him move. Though I’d love to run some tests on how your muscles can generate that much force without tearing... um.” She caught Lucas’s heated gaze. “And I’m probably not supposed to be admiring your physical capabilities in front of the council either.”

Iris let out a decidedly unelderlike snort of laughter. “Oh, I like her.”

“She’s human,” another elder protested. “And apparently incapable of maintaining appropriate professional distance.”

“To be fair,” Emma cut in, “it’s hard to maintain professional distance when your boss’s pheromones keep announcing ‘mine’ every time someone looks at me.”

Lucas’s growl cut her off, but not because he wanted her to stop. The sound was pure possession, triggered by her casual acknowledgment of their bond.

“See?” Emma gestured at him enthusiastically. “The vocalization patterns align perfectly with traditional mate-claim behaviors in large cats, particularly when?—”

“Dr. Greene,” Malcolm interrupted smoothly, “the security breach, not your observations about my nephew’s... mating habits.”

“Of course, I believe the attack proves I can handle knowing about shifters. I mean, my first response to supernatural danger was scientific curiosity, so clearly I’m not the panicking type.”

She beamed at the council. “Plus, I can help with the fertility crisis, which seems more important than maintaining secrets I’ve already discovered.” She made a small gasp as if just realizing something. “Unless there are more surprises. Please tell me someone can breathe fire.”