Page 25 of Furry Equations
Or enhanced werewolf stalking abilities?
...I prefer to call it strategic proximity maintenance.
Despite her anxiety, Natalie found herself smiling.That’s literally just stalking with more syllables.
Marcus appeared in her doorway minutes later, his presence filling the space with an energy that made her skin tingle. He wore a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, and his stormy eyes fixed on her with immediate concern.
“What did you find?” he asked, closing the door behind him.
“Besides the fact that my research assistant is apparently auditioning for a role in corporate espionage?” Natalie ran her fingers through her hair. “Oh, and my formula could potentially create super-soldiers. You know, just another Tuesday in the life of a genius scientist with questionable luck.”
Marcus’s expression darkened. “Show me.”
She pulled up her latest analysis on the screen. “See these protein chains? They don’t just facilitate emotional connections. They optimize cellular regeneration, enhance neural pathways, increase muscle density. The possibilities could be limitless.”
“Government agencies would kill for this.”
“Yeah, I’m getting that impression from all the attempted break-ins and mysterious men in tactical gear. Unless that’s just your typical Tuesday fashion choice for security teams?”
Marcus’s lips twitched despite the gravity of the situation. “My security team prefers casual tactical Fridays.”
“Of course, they do.” Natalie rubbed her temples. “I never wanted to create a weapon. I wanted to help people find love, not...” She gestured at the screen in frustration. “Not whatever this is turning into.”
“Hey.” Marcus caught her restless hand in his, his touch sending warmth up her arm. “This isn’t your fault.”
“Isn’t it? I should have been more careful. I should have?—“
“You couldn’t have known.” His thumb traced circles on her palm, the gentle motion at odds with his warrior’s presence. “But now we can protect it.”
Natalie found herself leaning into him unconsciously, drawn to his steady strength. The connection between them hummed like a living thing, making her wonder if this was what her formula had been trying to replicate—this bone-deep recognition of compatibility.
“We need to secure everything,” she said, forcing herself to focus. “Backups, encryption, the works.”
“Already on it.” Marcus pulled out his phone, firing off rapid texts. “I’m putting my best security team on it. Though given recent events, we’ll need to be selective about who has access.”
“Thank you.” Natalie looked up at him, struck by how natural it felt to have him in her corner. “For everything.”
His eyes softened as they met hers. “Speaking of which... have dinner with my family tonight.”
The sudden shift in topic threw her. “What?”
“My mother’s been asking to meet you. My sister Sheri’s in town—she’s a researcher too. I think you’d like her.”
“You want me to meet your family?” Natalie’s heart skipped. “Now?”
“Is that so surprising?”
“I don’t know. Is it normal for alpha shifters to introduce potential threats to their family?”
His lips curved. “You’re not a threat, Natalie. You’re...” He paused, something intense flickering in his eyes. “Important.”
“Should I be nervous?”
“Terrified,” he deadpanned. “My mother’s been planning this since she heard about you. She’s already picked out names for our hypothetical children.”
“That’s not helping.”
“If it makes you feel better, she’s terrible at names. Her first suggestion was ‘Moon Shadow Vale.’”