Page 28 of Furry Equations
“The toaster?” Natalie asked.
“Don’t ask. Last week it unionized with the microwave. They’re currently negotiating for dental benefits.”
As Sheri led her away, Natalie caught Marcus’s smile—soft and genuine in a way that made her pulse quicken. God, she was in trouble. Deep, alpha-wolf-shaped trouble, and she didn’t even know if he wanted to be more than her very attractive, occasionally overprotective security detail.
The tour quickly turned into an animated discussion about their research, punctuated by Sheri’s commentary on family photos they passed.
“And this is Marcus’s teenage room,” Sheri announced, flinging open a door. “Complete with his collection of brooding alpha romance novels.”
“I did not have romance novels,” Marcus called from downstairs.
“Sorry, my mistake. ‘Warrior Wolf Weekly’ magazines. All dog-eared to the shirtless photoshoots.”
“SHERI!”
They were laughing over more photos when Sheri’s expression turned serious. “You know, he’s different with you. Happier.”
“We’re not actually... I mean, he hasn’t...” Natalie fumbled for words.
“Oh, honey.” Sheri patted her arm. “My brother is many things, but quick to acknowledge his feelings isn’t one of them. Just give him time. He’s never brought anyone home before.”
“Never?”
“Never. Though if it helps, I’m pretty sure Mom’s already planning your wedding. She has a Pinterest board and everything.”
“Sheri,” Marcus’s voice carried up the stairs, “stop terrorizing Natalie.”
“See?” Sheri grinned. “Already protective. Next thing you know, he’ll be leaving dead rabbits on your doorstep as courtship gifts.”
“That was ONE TIME,” Marcus protested. “I was SIXTEEN.”
“The girl’s parents were not impressed.”
“Can we please go to dinner?” Marcus appeared in the doorway, looking adorably flustered. His eyes met Natalie’s,softening immediately. “Before my sister shares any more childhood trauma?”
“But I haven’t shown her the Halloween photos yet,” Sheri pouted. “You made such a cute little werewolf.”
“I’m disowning you.”
“No, you’re not. You love me. Almost as much as you lo?—“
“Dinner,” Marcus cut her off firmly, but Natalie didn’t miss the way his ears reddened slightly. “Now.”
The dining room glowed with warm light from an elegant crystal chandelier. Alexander Vale greeted Natalie with the same warmth as Victoria, though his handshake carried the firm authority she’d expect from the man who raised an alpha.
“Emily’s running late,” Victoria announced as they settled in. “Something about negotiating with the toaster union.”
“Did they at least drop the dental plan demand?” Alexander asked, completely straight-faced.
“Upgraded to vision coverage,” Marcus explained. “Apparently the microwave needs reading glasses.”
Natalie glanced between them. “You’re all joking, right? Please tell me you’re joking.”
“Last month her coffeemaker gained sentience and started a book club,” Sheri said. “They’re currently reading ‘Fahrenheit 451.’ We’re a little concerned about that choice.”
As servers brought out the first course—a delicate seafood bisque that made Natalie’s mouth water—she found herself charmed by the easy banter between family members. Despite their obvious wealth and power, the Vales functioned like any close-knit family, complete with inside jokes and loving jabs.
Under the table, Marcus’s hand found hers, his thumb tracing patterns on her palm that sent shivers up her arm. Above the table, he maintained his composed alpha demeanor, but every soft circle he drew on her skin felt like a secret message she desperately wanted to decode.