Chapter 3

THREE

E mma’s brain tried to focus on science while her body was very aware of how he’d shifted forward, how his eyes had darkened to that rich amber color, how the air between them felt charged with possibility.

“It’s about stability markers,” she began, proud her voice sounded steady. “Some bloodlines maintain incredibly consistent traits over generations, defying normal genetic drift. Almost like their DNA has some sort of protection built in, keeping certain characteristics pure across centuries. The statistical probability of such consistent inheritance patterns is...” She trailed off, noticing how intently he was watching her.

“Fascinating.” The word rolled off his tongue like dark honey. “And you’ve identified these markers?”

“Yes! Well, potentially. You see, DNA is kind of like a recipe that gets slightly changed each time it’s copied. But some families have recipes that stay perfect for generations, which shouldn’t be statistically possible unless?—”

She broke off as Lucas stood suddenly, walking around his desk to lean against it right next to her chair. The movement brought him close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from him, smell that woodsy scent that made her want to do very unprofessional things like lean closer and see if he tasted as good as he smelled.

“Unless?” he prompted softly.

Emma’s scientific mind waved a white flag of surrender. How was she supposed to think about genetics when he was looking at her like that? Like she was a particularly fascinating experiment he wanted to study thoroughly?

“Unless there’s something unique about their genetic structure,” she managed. “Something that protects certain traits, keeps them pure despite environmental factors or generational drift. It’s remarkable really, almost like some families aren’t quite...” She paused, watching his eyes shift color again. “...standard Homo sapiens.”

Lucas went very still. Something flickered in his eyes – Interest? Concern? – before his expression smoothed back to professional attention. But Emma could have sworn she saw a flash of pure gold in his iris.

“And what made you start researching genetic stability?” His voice had dropped lower, more intimate.

Sadness hit her heart. “My grandmother was a brilliant genetic scientist for her time. She was an incredible woman, full of life and fantastical ideas. A bit quirky in her ways, but who isn’t? She had me interested in science that normal kindergarteners couldn’t pronounce, much less understand.”

“That’s wonderful,” Lucas said. “Where is she now?”

“Unfortunately, Grandma Mags’s brain was attacked with early onset dementia. She died when I was in grade school. I promised her I would carry on her legacy and find cures for genetic diseases.”

“Grandma Mags,” he said with a smile as if thinking about his own family.

“Her name was Magdalena, but none of us kids could pronounce that. So…” she shrugged. A nervous habit, her fingers found the crystal around her neck and she rubbed it, noticing it was warmer than it should be.

Lucas’s eyes widened briefly. “That’s an interesting necklace.”

She yanked her hand away, embarrassed by her unconscious ticks. “Uh, thank you. Grandma Mags gave it to me before she stopped recognizing my face.”

Grandma Mags also told her that science couldn’t explain everything and not to be afraid of that. Don’t be scared, be logical . And Emma had lived her life by that dogma.

“Indeed.” Lucas straightened, and Emma had to fight the urge to follow his movement like a flower tracking the sun. “Which is exactly why we’re interested in your work, Dr. Greene. Particularly regarding... unique genetic structures.”

“Emma,” she said automatically. “Dr. Greene makes me feel like I should be wearing my lab coat and safety goggles and not noticing how your pupils change shape in a way that defies human physiology.”

His mouth curved. “Emma.” The way he said her name should be illegal. “Tell me, how do you feel about working with... exceptional genetic variations?”

There was something about the way he emphasized “exceptional” that sent a shiver down Emma’s spine. Not fear – she’d never felt safer than in this moment, oddly enough – but recognition of something her rational mind couldn’t quite grasp.

“I find exceptional genetic variations fascinating,” she said, proud her voice remained steady. “Especially traits that seem to defy conventional genetic theory. Like, hypothetically speaking, enhanced strength, accelerated healing, or even...” She hesitated, then decided to be bold. “Or even eyes that change color and shape based on emotional states rather than light exposure.”

Lucas went preternaturally still. The air thickened with tension as his eyes met hers, definitely more gold than green now. She could practically feel the energy vibrating between them like molecules excited by heat.

“Hypothetically speaking,” he said, voice pitched low enough to make her shiver, “what would you do if you encountered such... anomalies?”

Emma wet her lips, noticing how his gaze tracked the movement. “Be logical. Study them. Try to understand them. Help them, if they needed it. Science isn’t about fear or judgment – it’s about discovery and understanding.”

Something shifted in his expression – Approval? Relief? – before he moved back behind his desk. Emma tried not to feel disappointed at the increased distance.

“Tell me more about how you’d use DNA to figure out fertility issues,” he said, his professional tone at odds with the intensity still burning in his eyes. “Particularly regarding fertility issues in bloodlines with specific hereditary traits.”

“You mean like the rising infertility rates in certain family groups that maintain unusually stable genetic markers?” The words tumbled out before she could stop them. “I’ve noticed patterns in the public health data – clusters of families with remarkable traits also showing increasing reproductive difficulties.”

Lucas leaned forward, all pretense of casual interest gone. “You’ve tracked these patterns?”

“Well, yes. It’s not exactly public knowledge, but if you know where to look...” Emma straightened in her chair. “The data suggests something fascinating – the very genetic stability that makes these bloodlines unique might be causing reproductive challenges. Like their DNA is too perfect, too resistant to the natural variations needed for successful reproduction.”

“And do you have theories about addressing this... perfection problem?”

Emma’s mind raced with possibilities. “Theories, yes. This morning’s breakthrough – it’s not just about identifying the correct markers. I think I’ve found a way to selectively modify them without compromising the core genetic traits. Like tweaking a recipe without losing the key ingredients that make it special.”

The intensity of Lucas’s gaze made her breath catch. “That could change everything,” he said softly.

“Exactly! I mean, theoretically. For these hypothetical populations we’re totally not talking about.” She gave him a knowing look that surprised even herself. Where had this boldness come from?

His answering smile held secrets and heat. “Hypothetically speaking, of course.” He stood, walking around the desk again. “I think you’ll find Spectre Industries has quite a few... hypothetical situations that could benefit from your expertise.”

Emma’s heart thundered as he approached. He moved like a predator, all contained power and fluid grace. Her body recognized something her mind couldn’t quite accept – he wasn’t a normal human. And somehow, that realization thrilled rather than frightened her.

“When can you start?” he asked, standing close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

“I already have,” she answered without thinking. At his raised eyebrow, she clarified, “I mean, mentally. I’m already thinking about research protocols and testing parameters and...” She trailed off as his scent enveloped her again. “And I’m babbling. About science. While you’re standing very close.”

His low chuckle did dangerous things to her nervous system. “I find your scientific babbling charming.”

“Charming isn’t usually the word people use,” Emma managed, very aware of how he towered over her. “More like ‘overwhelming’ or ‘please stop talking about DNA at dinner.’“

“Then they’re not the right dinner companions.” His voice had dropped to that intimate register again.

Emma’s heart performed a statistically impossible series of beats. Before she could formulate a response that wasn’t just scientific babble, a knock at the door broke the moment.

“Mr. Spectre?” A sleek woman in a designer suit poked her head in. “The board is waiting.”

“Thank you, Noelle.” Lucas didn’t take his eyes off Emma.

“You’re hired. Effective immediately.”

Emma blinked. “But... we’ve barely discussed my qualifications or?—”

“You’ve already demonstrated exactly the qualities we need. Someone brilliant enough to see patterns others miss. Curious enough to pursue unusual genetic markers. And brave enough to suggest, to my face, that my family might not be entirely human.”

Heat flooded Emma’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean... I was just theorizing about statistically improbable patterns and unusual physiological responses and...” She caught his amused look. “And I really did just tell the CEO of a major biotech company that he might not be human, didn’t I?”

“You did.” His smile showed hints of teeth that looked just slightly too sharp. “Welcome to Spectre Industries, Dr. Greene. I think you’re going to fit in perfectly.”

Emma’s inner scientist noted several things in that moment: One – Lucas Spectre’s canines were definitely longer than human standard. Two – his eyes had shifted to pure gold. Three – the air around him seemed to ripple with a different energy signature. Four – she was absolutely, irrevocably fascinated.

“Noelle, Dr. Greene will be joining us as head of genetic research. Please have HR prepare the necessary paperwork.”

The woman nodded efficiently and disappeared, leaving Emma blinking in surprise. “Head of... but I thought this was for a research position?”

“I don’t believe in wasting exceptional talent in entry-level positions.” Lucas moved back slightly, but the air between them remained charged. “Unless you have objections?”

“No! I mean, no objections. Though technically this interview lasted approximately twelve minutes and contained several moments of questionable professionalism on my part.”

His smile should come with a fire extinguisher. “I find I rather enjoy your version of professionalism.”

Emma stood, gathering her papers and willing her legs to work properly. “Even the part where I practically accused you of having scientifically impossible genetics?”

“Especially that part.” He stepped closer again, helping her collect a stray paper. Their fingers brushed, and Emma swore she felt actual sparks. “I look forward to discussing more... hypothetical situations with you.”

“Right. Hypothetical. Like how your reflexes defy normal human capabilities and your eyes still keep changing color—” The words tumbled out before her brain’s filter could catch them.

Instead of being offended, Lucas looked delighted. “Careful, Dr. Greene. Your powers of observation might get you into interesting situations.”

“More interesting than almost setting my lab on fire at three AM and then babbling about genetic stability to the unfairly attractive CEO of a major biotech company?”

Oh god. She’d said that out loud.

Lucas’s laugh was rich and warm. “Much more interesting.” He stepped back, but his eyes promised things that made her pulse race. “Noelle will show you to HR and give you a tour of the research floors. Unless...” He paused, that devastating smile playing on his lips. “Unless you’d like to continue our discussion about genetic anomalies over dinner?”

Emma’s mind spun. Was he asking her out? Already? Was that ethical? Professional? Did she care?

“I...” She took a breath, summoning her courage. “I would like to collect more data about these genetic anomalies. Preferably over dinner. For science.”

“For science,” he agreed, his eyes practically glowing now. “Tonight?”

Emma nodded, not trusting her voice.

“This way, Dr. Green,” Noelle said. On shaky legs, she followed Noelle out the door.