“Detailed treatment protocols, genetic markers, family medical histories.” Varix waved a dismissive hand. “The kind of sensitive material that requires proper clearance and understanding of our methods. I’m sure you understand the need for... discretion.”
Korran’s bear pressed closer to the surface, sensing deception in the older man’s carefully neutral tone. Something about Varix’s explanation felt wrong, incomplete.
Why would he withhold medical data from someone specifically brought in to solve the king’s illness?
“We’ll discuss this later,” Korran said, his voice carrying the kind of authority that ended conversations. “I need to speak with Dr. Holt now.”
Varix inclined his head with practiced deference. “Of course, Your Highness.”
Korran strode across the laboratory with predatory grace, his massive frame cutting through the space with controlled power. As he approached Tess’s workstation, he caught fragments of her conversation with Kael—something about inconsistent data patterns and missing timeline information.
When Tess looked up and saw him approaching, surprise flickered across her expressive green eyes. “I thought you had duties today. Didn’t you say I wouldn’t see you?”
“There was a new development at the council meeting.” He stopped beside her chair, close enough that her intoxicating scent wrapped around him like a physical caress. “I’m now going to be personally assisting you with your investigation.”
Tess’s eyes narrowed, and he could practically see her brilliant mind working through the implications. “Kael is already assisting me, and we’re already formulating our new game plan since Varix is gatekeeping information.”
The irritation in her voice was unmistakable, and Korran found himself caught between admiration for her directness and frustration at her resistance to his authority. She wasn’t going to make this easy—but then again, nothing about Tess Holt was easy.
“Well, the council expects me to assist you now and provide oversight,” he said, letting his natural dominance color his tone. “Kael can certainly help as needed, but I’m the one who will be working directly with you.”
“Oversight?” The word came out like she’d tasted something bitter. “I don’t need oversight. I need access and cooperation.”
Kael shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearly sensing the tension crackling between them. “Perhaps I should?—“
“You should stay focused on your work,” Korran said without taking his eyes off Tess. “Dr. Holt and I need to discuss strategy.”
Tess looked like she wanted to argue further, her green eyes flashing with a fire that made his blood sing. But after a moment, she seemed to realize that fighting the council’s decision would be futile.
“Fine,” she said, her tone crisp with professional resignation. “We could probably use your expertise and authority to get some access and answers anyway.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” The satisfaction in his voice was probably too obvious, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
Tess turned back to her notes, clearly dismissing him, but Korran wasn’t ready to let her retreat into her work. An idea formed—dangerous, reckless, but irresistible.
“Why don’t we wrap up here for the day?” The suggestion came out more commanding than he’d intended. “You can come to dinner with me, and you can catch me up on your game plan.”
Tess glanced at Kael, her expression softening. “Do you want to come to dinner too?”
“No.” The word came out harder than necessary, and Korran shot Kael a look that clearly communicated the younger shifter’s role in this particular scenario. “Kael should stay here and get everything prepared for tomorrow. You and I need to discuss this privately.”
Kael, to his credit, caught the message immediately. “Right. Yes, I’ll stay here and get things situated for tomorrow.”
Tess looked annoyed at being managed, but she stood and gathered her coat, notebook, and datapad with brisk efficiency. “Fine. Lead the way.”
As Korran guided her toward the exit, he knew he was walking into dangerous territory. Spending an evening alone with his fated mate was exactly the kind of temptation he should be avoiding. But as her scent filled his senses and his bear growled with satisfaction at having her close, he found he couldn’t summon the willpower to care about the consequences.
He was either about to make the biggest mistake of his life or finally stop fighting what was inevitable.
NINE
TESS
The leather seat of Korran’s black SUV seemed to swallow Tess whole as she settled into the passenger side, her notebook and datapad clutched in her lap like shields against the confusing storm of emotions churning through her. The interior smelled like him—that intoxicating blend of pine and spice that made her heart race despite every rational thought screaming at her to maintain professional distance.
She should be furious. Should be plotting how to establish clear boundaries with this overbearing prince who clearly thought he could waltz into her investigation and take control simply because he possessed a Y chromosome and a royal title. God knew she’d dealt with enough men who assumed their gender automatically made them better suited to lead, even when they lacked half her qualifications.
But underneath the familiar irritation was something far more dangerous—a traitorous thrill that sent heat spiraling through her at the thought of spending the next two weeks working closely with Korran. Sharing lab space. Collaborating on theories. Being close enough to breathe in that maddening scent and watch the way his massive hands moved when he handled equipment.
