Chapter 30

THIRTY

T he pride’s gathering spaces were a symphony of supernatural energy that had Emma’s sensors practically vibrating with excitement. Ancient power hummed through old, thick forests as Lucas guided her through private gardens that were definitely not natural.

“The botanical enhancements suggest remarkable biological manipulation,” she noted, pen flying over her concealable pocket-size notebook. She couldn’t help herself; the scientific impulse was too strong, even in the middle of what was clearly a romantic evening.

Lucas’s laugh rumbled through her as he pulled her away from a particularly aggressive flowering vine that had reached out, seemingly on its own, to grab her.

“Easy there, girl. The plants are already jealous,” he teased, making her laugh.

The gardens opened into a private courtyard bathed in starlight. The scent of exotic blooms mixed with Lucas’s unique power signature in ways that made her crystal pulse with multiple kinds of excitement. She couldn’t help but glance at the plants, analyzing their growth patterns, before Lucas gently cupped her chin, pulling her attention to him.

“Come here,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms, his power swirling around them like a storm.

Emma’s breath caught as his power wrapped around her, a tactile sensation that sent shivers down her spine. “Are you actually purring while kissing my throat?”

“Scientific investigation,” he assured her between heated touches. “Testing mate bond sensitivity under various conditions. For thoroughness.”

“The preliminary results are completely wonderful,” she agreed breathlessly, her crystal blazing with combined professional and personal anticipation. And… oh! That was definitely not a research-appropriate touch.

His satisfied rumble vibrated through her bones. “All part of the scientific process. Would you like to document the results?”

Emma’s attempt at a professional response dissolved into a gasp as his lips found that spot behind her ear that seemed directly connected to her crystal. His kiss was deep and thorough, his cat too close to the surface to maintain complete control.

The world outside them seemed to blur into nothing. It was just Emma and Lucas—his power, her crystal, their bond—a perfect harmony that neither of them could fight, nor wanted to.

“Emma!” Her mother’s voice shattered the moment.

Emma froze, heart leaping into her throat as she realized what had just happened.

“There you are!” her mother called, a little too cheerfully for Emma’s comfort. “We’ve been waiting to meet your very protective CEO.”

Her entire family had arrived for dinner at the pride gathering house. Emma’s heart pulsed with mortification as she realized they’d definitely seen her conducting very important mate bond sensitivity tests in Lucas’s lap.

Her face turned crimson. “Oh no…”

Her father caught sight of their disheveled state and grinned knowingly. “My brilliant daughter is trying to quantify supernatural romance instead of enjoying it.”

Emma groaned, burying her face in her hands as her family’s laughter echoed through the courtyard. Lucas leaned down, nuzzling her cheek affectionately, sending a shock of warmth through her body.

“This is why I don’t leave my lab,” she muttered, but she was smiling.

As they moved into the gathering house, her father immediately launched into a detailed discussion about shifter genetics. Emma could barely keep up as Lucas expertly answered his questions, all the while with his arm protectively around her waist.

Her mother, never one to miss an opportunity, began recounting embarrassing childhood stories about Emma’s early scientific obsessions—like the time she had tried to use her pet hamster for a “genetic mutation” experiment.

Lucas’s laugh echoed through the room as Emma’s face flushed even darker. “It’s a good thing I’m not the only one who can keep her occupied,” he teased, stealing a quick kiss.

Before Emma could respond, their attention was drawn back to the gathering around them. The panther pride’s event was in full swing, but the atmosphere was far more relaxed than she’d expected. There were no power struggles or tense posturing—just shifters and their families coming together in a kind of easy camaraderie that was unfamiliar to her.

“It’s not what I imagined,” she whispered, her gaze sweeping over the peaceful crowd, the warm light casting long shadows across the courtyard. “This feels more like a family reunion than some intense power-play summit.”

Lucas’s arm was still securely around her waist, and he chuckled, nuzzling her ear. “That’s because it’s not a political event—just a gathering of pride members. There’s always some social tension, but nothing like the power struggles of our more official meetings.” He scanned the crowd, his posture still protective. “But it does mean people are paying attention to us. You might want to keep a lower profile.”

She nodded, not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves after everything that had happened with Malcolm’s group earlier. The last thing she wanted was for their every move to be scrutinized.