Chapter 36

THIRTY-SIX

T he thought that someone wanted to extinguish that precious light made Lucas’s vision red with rage.

Malcolm’s voice cut through the chaos. “Surrender the research data, Dr. Greene, and perhaps we’ll let you live to conduct more fascinating experiments.”

Lucas’s transformation back to human form answered. He pulled her tightly against him, eyes burning gold with protective fury as he gazed into hers.

“Listen carefully,” he growled as more hostiles surrounded them. “I will tear apart anyone who touches you. I will shred any force that threatens what’s mine. Do you understand?”

He saw the gears turning in her beautiful head.

“Emma.” His voice held centuries of predator warning. “I love you. I need you. I cannot exist in a world without your impossible enthusiasm and brilliant mind. So please, just this once, focus on staying alive.”

Her breath caught at the raw emotion in his voice. “Okay.”

The room erupted into chaos.

His cat exploded out of him, midnight fur absorbing the blast as he shielded her with his massive form. Emma’s hands fisted in his fur as Malcolm’s forces pressed closer.

His purr rumbled through them both despite the danger. The surge of love and pride almost overwhelmed his fury at their attackers.

Almost.

Malcolm’s smile showed fang as he approached. “How touching. The alpha and his human mate, sharing one last moment before?—”

Lucas’s roar shook the building’s foundation. His panther form flowed through air, each movement promising death to those who threatened what was precious.

The battle raged on, but Lucas’s heart sang with fierce joy. His mate was finally starting to understand that some things meant more than measurements.

Blood trickled down Lucas’s midnight fur as he faced Malcolm across the ruined safe house. Each breath burned with protective rage, his panther’s instincts screaming to eliminate the threat to his mate. Emma’s crystal pulsed against his flank where she pressed close, her usual scientific narrative softened with concern.

“Your regenerative abilities show accelerated healing patterns,” she murmured, fingers gentle on his wounds. “But the energy drain suggests dangerous power depletion and—” She broke off as Malcolm’s next attack shattered the remaining windows.

Lucas’s answering strike sent two attackers crashing through walls. His wounds meant nothing. His exhaustion meant nothing. Only Emma’s safety mattered.

“But you’re pushing biological limits that could cause permanent damage,” she whispered, understanding in her voice as she felt his determination through their bond.

His rumbling purr tried to reassure her, but Emma wasn’t fooled. Her crystal flared with something deeper than scientific interest as she pressed closer to his solid warmth.

“Don’t you dare get yourself killed protecting me,” she ordered, steel beneath her soft tone. “I’ve only begun documenting our fascinating supernatural compatibility, and I refuse to lose my research subject.”

Malcolm’s laugh cut through their moment. “How precious. The human scientist trying to quantify mate bond devotion. Tell me, Dr. Greene, what are your measurements showing about an alpha’s final stand?”

Lucas’s snarl promised violence, but Emma’s hand in his fur kept him steady. “Actually, the readings indicate remarkable strategic possibilities.” Her voice held that particular tone that made his panther purr with pleasure – the one that meant his brilliant mate had solved a puzzle. “Especially regarding synchronized supernatural resonance .”

Before Lucas could process her meaning, Emma’s crystal blazed. Her power, usually focused on detection and analysis, suddenly refilled his own failing strength. The sensation was electric, unprecedented – his mate instinctively finding ways to protect him even while he defended her.

“The combined energy signature is off the charts!” she exclaimed with unshakeable enthusiasm, though her hands trembled against his fur. “Though I’m noticing concerning fluctuations in the?—”

Her knees buckled as the power drain hit. Lucas shifted instantly back to human form, catching her against his chest. “Emma!”

“I’m fine,” she assured him breathlessly.

“Never risk yourself like that again.”

“Says the overprotective alpha who’s been fighting while critically wounded,” she pointed out, crystal still sparking with residual energy.

“That crystal,” Malcolm murmured. “I’ve seen it before.” His eyes narrowed on her. “It’s hers , isn’t it?” he growled. “It didn’t save your grandmother and it won’t save you.”

Shout in the distance told Lucas his enforcers were finally returning from wherever in the hell they had been.

Malcolm’s expression shifted from calculating to concerned at his force’s retreat. “This isn’t over. The human’s research?—”

“The human ,” Emma interrupted with steel beneath her scientific enthusiasm, “has extensively documented exactly what happens to threats against her mate. Would you like to review the data? The failure rates are particularly fascinating.”

Lucas’s proud rumble shook the remains of the safe house. His extraordinary mate, once again, using technical analysis as a weapon.

Malcolm’s forces scattered, battered and beaten, leaving Emma to fuss over Lucas’s injuries.

“The accelerated healing is proof of remarkable shifter capabilities,” she noted while examining his wounds. “Though I strongly suggest avoiding more combat until these recuperative processes are complete.”

His transformation back to human was smooth despite his exhaustion. “I will always fight to protect what’s mine.”

Emma’s crystal pulsed with deepening emotion as she pressed closer. “I know. Just... let me protect you too. The data says we’re significantly more effective as a unified team.”

Lucas gathered her close, breathing in their combined scent. “I love you,” he murmured.