Page 33 of Furry Equations
“I don’t brood.”
“You’re right. What was I thinking? You’re clearly just practicing your smoldering looks for the cameras.”
He turned to her, letting his eyes flash wolf-gold. “Is it working?”
She fumbled her phone, catching it before it hit the floor. “That’s cheating.”
“All’s fair in love and war, sweetheart.”
Her heart rate kicked up at the endearment, and he filed that reaction away for later exploration.
The Met steps were crawling with photographers when they arrived. Marcus stepped out first, his security team already in position. Camera flashes exploded as he opened Natalie’s door, helping her emerge.
She was radiant under the lights, her dress catching every flash and turning her into something ethereal. His wolf howled with pride—she was his, this brilliant, beautiful woman who could command attention without even trying.
“Dr. Grant! Over here!” “Dr. Grant, a comment on your breakthrough?” “Mr. Vale, how does it feel to have the youngest Morrison Prize winner working for you?”
Marcus kept his hand on the small of her back, guiding her through the chaos. She handled it with grace, offering polite smiles but never stopping.
“See?” she whispered as they reached the doors, “no one’s tried to kidnap me yet.”
“Don’t tempt fate.”
The grand ballroom took even Marcus’s breath away. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling while floating orbs of light created an otherworldly atmosphere. The deep blue and silver color scheme made it feel like they’d stepped into a piece of the night sky.
“Dr. Grant!” A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair approached, his smile too wide. “I’m Dr. James Harrison from MIT. Your work on molecular binding was extraordinary.”
Marcus felt Natalie tense slightly before her professional mask slipped into place. “Thank you, Dr. Harrison. Though I hope my current research will prove even more impactful.”
“James, please.” Harrison stepped closer, effectively boxing Marcus out of the conversation. “I’d love to discuss your theories over dinner. I know this intimate little Italian place...”
TWENTY-ONE
Agrowl built in Marcus’s chest, but Natalie’s hand found his arm, her touch grounding him.
“That’s very kind,” she said smoothly, “but between my research at Vale Corp and my other commitments, my schedule is quite full.” She leaned into Marcus slightly. “Right, darling?”
The endearment, clearly meant to stake her claim, made his wolf preen. “Very full,” he agreed, letting just enough alpha dominance seep into his tone to make Harrison step back.
“Of course, how thoughtless of me.” Harrison’s smile became fixed. “Congratulations on your acquisition, Mr. Vale. Quite the coup.”
“Best decision I’ve ever made.” Marcus wrapped his arm around Natalie’s waist, making it clear he wasn’t just talking about the business deal.
Harrison retreated, but he wasn’t the last. For the next hour, Marcus watched as man after man approached Natalie. Scientists, donors, colleagues—all of them drawn to her brilliance like moths to a flame. She handled each interaction perfectly, but he noticed how she stayed close to him, oftentouching his arm or leaning into him when conversations went too long.
During a brief respite, he pulled her behind one of the massive marble columns, needing a moment alone with her. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, his lips close to her ear. “Do you have any idea how proud I am to be here with you?”
She turned in his arms, surprise flickering across her features. “Really? Even though you’ve spent the evening looking like you want to maim half the scientific community?”
“Only the male half.” He traced her cheek with his knuckles. “And can you blame me? Every man in this room wants you.”
“Good thing I’m extremely picky.” She smoothed his lapels, her touch lingering. “And apparently have a thing for overprotective alphas who growl at Nobel laureates.”
“That was one time, and he was standing too close.”
Her laugh made his heart skip. “He’s eighty-five, Marcus.”
“Still too close.”