Page 8 of Blazing Joysticks
Keir’s eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. “Anime? Do you have a favorite series?”
Cat’s face lit up, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. “Oh, absolutely! Right now, I’m obsessed with Jujutsu Kaisen. The character development is incredible, and the way they blend traditional folklore with modern storytelling is just...” She trailed off, her enthusiasm infectious. “Sorry, I can go on about anime for hours. Do you watch any?”
Keir nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “I do, actually. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure. And video games? I assume you’re a fan, given your career choice?”
“Are you kidding? I love video games,” Cat exclaimed. “I play them all the time. My absolute favorite is probably the original Super Mario Brothers. There’s something so pure and timeless about it.”
Keir sucked in a breath, startled by the coincidence. “That’s... that’s one of my favorites too,” he said softly, marveling at the connection.
As their conversation flowed, touching on shared interests and passions, Keir felt a strange sensation building in his chest. It was as if something long dormant was awakening, stretching its wings and roaring to life.
With a jolt, Keir realized what was happening. His dragon – the primal, instinctual part of him that he kept carefully controlled – was stirring. And it declared, with absolute certainty, that the woman sitting before him was his mate.
Keir’s mind reeled. In all his centuries of existence, he’d never experienced anything like this. He’d had relationships, of course, but they’d always been fleeting, superficial things. Nothing that touched his core the way Cat’s mere presence seemed to.
As Cat continued to speak, her eyes shining with enthusiasm, Keir made a decision. He couldn’t let her walk out of this office without ensuring she’d be a part of his life going forward.
“Cat,” he interrupted gently, his voice husky with emotion. “I think I’ve heard enough. I’d like to offer you the position of lead engineer effective immediately.”
Cat’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Just like that?”
Keir nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. “Just like that. You’re exactly what Sharpe Drakon needs. Your expertise, your passion, your innovative thinking – it’s all perfect for the role. And I have a feeling you’ll fit in wonderfully with our team.”
Cat beamed, her joy radiating through the room. “Thank you, Mr. Sharpe. I’m honored, truly. When would you like me to start?”
“Please, call me Keir,” he insisted. “And how does tomorrow sound? I know it’s sudden, but I’m eager to get you up to speed on Guardian AI.”
As they stood, finalizing details and shaking hands once more, Keir felt a sense of rightness settle over him. He didn’t understand the full implications of what his dragon was telling him, but he knew he couldn’t let her go.
Watching her leave his office, Keir’s mind raced with possibilities. He had hired her for her skills, yes, but there was no denying the personal connection he’d felt. As he turned back to the windows, gazing out at the city bathed in the warm glow of sunset, Keir wondered what this meant for her.
For the first time in centuries, he felt the stirring of something new, something exciting. Whatever this connection with Cat meant, he was determined to explore it. The future, which had seemed so predictable just hours ago, now held the promise of adventure and, perhaps, something even more precious – true companionship.
Keir picked up the phone and dialed his sister.
“Keir! I was just about to ask you if you wanted to join us for dinner.”
Amelia often invited him for dinner with her husband and children.
“Yes. I’m on my way. I need your help.”
“Ohhhkay. You got me curious. Hurry up.”
Keir sank into the plush dining chair, the chaos of dinner with Amelia’s family swirling around him. His niece, Lily, giggled as she smeared mashed potatoes across her cheek, while the twins, Max and Theo, engaged in what appeared to be a pea-flicking contest.
“Boys,” Amelia’s husband, Derek, warned, his tone stern but his eyes twinkling with amusement. “What did we say about playing with our food?”
“It’s not playing, Daddy,” Max declared seriously. “It’s a science ‘speriment.”
Keir couldn’t help but chuckle, marveling at the warmth and joy that permeated the room. It was so different from his own carefully controlled life, yet he found himself oddly drawn to the chaotic energy.
As the meal wound down, Derek stood, scooping Lily into his arms. “All right, munchkins, bath time.”
“No bath!” Theo wailed, trying to wriggle away.
“Yes bath,” Derek countered, somehow managing to corral both twins with his free arm. “Uncle Keir doesn’t want to see you turn into little gremlins, does he?”
Keir raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Absolutely not. I prefer my nephews gremlin-free, thank you very much.”