Page 27 of Furry Equations
“One of... you know what? Never mind. I’m already nervous enough without contemplating your real estate portfolio.”
Marcus rounded the car to open her door, offering his hand. The gesture was old-fashioned but somehow perfectly him. As she stepped out, he pulled her close, his free hand cupping her face.
“You have nothing to be nervous about,” he murmured. “They’re going to adore you.”
“How do you know?”
His thumb traced her bottom lip. “Because I—“ He caught himself, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. “Because you’re extraordinary.”
There it was again, that moment where it seemed like he was about to say something else. Natalie’s heart thundered in her chest, and judging by the way his eyes darkened, he could hear it perfectly.
“Your heart’s racing,” he murmured.
“Maybe if someone would use their words instead of their super-hearing...” she started, but the front door opened before she could finish, spilling warm light onto the steps.
Victoria Vale stood in the doorway, elegant in a sage green dress that complemented her silver-streaked dark hair. Her smile lit up her entire face as she descended the steps to greet them.
“Natalie! We’re so delighted you could join us.” Victoria’s hug was warm and genuine, catching Natalie off guard. “Marcus has told us so much about you.”
“He has?” Natalie shot Marcus a look.
“All good things,” Victoria assured her, linking their arms. “Though he failed to mention how lovely you are. Come in, come in. Sheri’s dying to talk to you about your research. And don’t worry—we’ve locked up all of Emily’s AI experiments for the evening.”
The interior of the house matched its impressive exterior, but the atmosphere was surprisingly homey. Family photos lined the walls—Marcus and his sisters at various ages, candid shots of family vacations, moments frozen in time that showed a side of Marcus she’d never seen.
She paused at one that showed a teenage Marcus teaching what must have been a young Sheri how to ride a bike. His expression was so tender, so protective, it made her heart ache. This was the man behind the alpha facade—the one she was rapidly falling for, whether he was ready to define their relationship or not.
“He’s always been the best big brother,” Victoria said softly beside her. “So protective of everyone he cares about.”
“Mom,” Marcus warned from behind them, but Victoria just smiled innocently.
Before Natalie could dwell on that loaded exchange, a tall woman with straight black hair and intelligent blue eyesrushed into the foyer. “You must be Natalie! I’m Sheri—Marcus said you’re working on biochemical compatibility markers I’d love to hear about your methodology. I’m studying genetic enhancement patterns in—oh wait, are we not supposed to talk about the secret formula that has everyone trying to kidnap you?”
“Sheri,” Marcus growled.
“What? I’m just making conversation. Besides, any woman who can make our alpha brother wear navy instead of charcoal deserves to know she’s already legendary in pack circles.”
Natalie raised an eyebrow at Marcus. “You changed your suit color for me?”
“The pack nearly had a collective meltdown,” Sheri stage-whispered. “They thought he’d been body-snatched.”
“I wore navyonce,” Marcus muttered.
“And smiled. Twice. In public.” Sheri clutched her chest dramatically. “The elders are still recovering.”
“I smile,” Marcus protested.
“Since meeting Natalie, sure. Before that, you were basically a brooding statue with better hair.”
SEVENTEEN
Natalie bit her lip to hide her grin, but her amusement must have shown because Marcus shot her a betrayed look.
“Come on,” Sheri linked arms with Natalie. “I’ll show you the house while we talk shop. Marcus can help Mom with dinner and pretend he’s not using his enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on our conversation.”
“I wouldn’t—“ Marcus started.
“Your left eye twitches when you lie, brother dear.” Sheri steered Natalie toward the stairs. “Also, fair warning—Emily’s coming late because her toaster staged a protest demanding better working conditions.”