Page 49 of Furry Equations
Marcus straightened reluctantly, helping her down from the counter. His eyes still smoldered as they fixed on her mouth. “This isn’t over.”
“Promise?” She smoothed her hair, grateful the mirror showed only mild dishevelment.
His answering smile sent shivers down her spine. “Count on it.”
They found Emily in Marcus’s home office, surrounded by stacks of papers. Her dark curls bounced as she looked up, blue eyes sparkling with mischief at their slightly rumpled appearance.
“Well, well.” She grinned. “Don’t let me interrupt.”
“You already did,” Marcus growled, but there was no heat in it. “What did you find?”
“Besides your inability to hide a kiss-induced blush?” Emily dodged the pen Marcus threw at her. “Actually, it’s pretty interesting. Natalie, those molecular samples you sent me, they’re showing some wild properties...”
“Define ‘wild properties.’” Natalie leaned forward, scientific curiosity overtaking her lingering physical awareness of Marcus. Emily spread several printouts across the desk, pointing to a series of complex molecular diagrams.
“See these protein chains? They’re unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The formula appears to target specific genetic markers, almost like it’s searching for dormant traits to enhance.”
Natalie’s mind raced with implications. “Like a catalyst for latent abilities?”
“Exactly.” Emily’s eyes lit up with the same enthusiasm Natalie felt. “But here’s where it gets crazy. The enhancement isn’t random - it seems to adapt based on the subject’s existing genetic structure.”
Marcus moved closer, his hand settling on the small of Natalie’s back. “In English?”
TWENTY-NINE
“It means,” Natalie explained, “that the formula doesn’t just enhance abilities - it optimizes them according to each individual’s genetic potential. For shifters like you, it could amplify your natural strengths. For humans...” She trailed off, the implications hitting her. “Oh God.”
“What?” Marcus’s grip tightened.
“That’s why they want it so badly.” She started pacing, mind whirling. “Think about it - a formula that could unlock hidden genetic potential? The military applications alone would be astronomical. Super soldiers, enhanced operatives...”
“And in the wrong hands,” Emily added grimly, “it could be weaponized.”
Natalie stopped abruptly. “I need to destroy it.”
“What?” Both Vale siblings spoke in unison.
“The formula, my research, all of it.” She ran shaky fingers through her hair. “I wanted to help people find love, not create some sci-fi super-serum. This is too dangerous.”
Marcus caught her shoulders, stopping her nervous movement. “Breathe, sweetheart.”
“Don’t ‘sweetheart’ me when I’m having an ethical crisis.” But she leaned into his touch despite her words. “I’m serious,Marcus. What I created... it could change everything. And not necessarily for the better.”
“Or,” Emily interjected, “in the right hands, it could help people. Think about the medical applications - helping people heal faster, strengthening immune systems...”
“The risk is too high.”
“Nothing worth doing comes without risk.” Marcus’s voice held quiet conviction. “You’re brilliant, Natalie. If anyone can figure out how to use this safely, it’s you.”
She looked up at him, finding unwavering faith in his eyes. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I know you.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “And I’ve never met anyone with a bigger heart or sharper mind.”
“Ugh, you two are disgustingly cute.” Emily made gagging sounds. “But he’s right. Don’t let fear of what could go wrong stop you from doing something amazing.”
Natalie’s reply was cut off by her phone chiming. She pulled up her encrypted email, eyes widening at the new message.
“The algorithm I set up to track our mole just pinged. There’s been another access attempt - someone trying to get into my backup servers.” She went to the computer on his desk and quickly pulled up the tracing program. “They’re good, but not good enough. I can track the signal if...”