Page 14 of Stripe for the Picking (Paranormal Dating Agency #92)
"During the actual Trials, I'll shift into tiger form for certain obstacles," he said, vaulting over a fallen log with casual athleticism. "Rogue shifters, collapsing structures, high-speed pursuits—situations where my animal instincts provide advantages."
"But not today?"
"Today we just focus on communication protocols and control synchronization." His voice carried a hint of warmth that made her heart race. "Try introducing some wildlife variables."
Wren's excitement crashed over her as she activated a herd of digital deer near the lake's edge. Watching them bound across the landscape with lifelike grace felt like wielding magic.
"Beautiful work," Rylan's approving tone sent warmth through her chest. "Now try something more challenging."
For the next thirty minutes, they ran through increasingly complex scenarios.
Wren learned to read Rylan's movement patterns and provided what he needed before he asked her.
When he approached a steep cliff face, she provided handholds.
When he needed to cross a raging river, she created a fallen tree bridge.
"You're a natural at this," he said, breathing only slightly harder after scaling a particularly treacherous mountain path. "Your instincts are remarkable."
Pride bloomed in her at his praise. Working with him felt effortless, their communication flowing like they'd known each other for years instead of days.
"Ready for a full simulation?" Rylan asked. "Last year's Trial configuration?"
"Bring it on, Commander."
The arena transformed into a complex obstacle course that took Wren's breath away. Multi-level platforms connected by narrow bridges, hidden pitfalls concealed by false terrain, and scattered throughout—holographic civilians trapped in various perilous situations.
"Objective is rescue and survival," Rylan explained. "Save as many civilians as possible while navigating all hazards and reaching the final checkpoint."
Wren's pulse accelerated as she studied the course layout. This was real strategy, real stakes, and real pressure—everything she'd been craving during her mundane Earth existence.
"Initiating threat protocols," she announced, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
The simulation exploded into motion. Rogue shifter holograms materialized throughout the course while environmental hazards activated in carefully choreographed chaos.
Wren's fingers flew over her controls, rerouting hostile programs and creating safe passages as Rylan moved through the arena with breathtaking skill.
"Civilian trapped in the eastern sector," she reported, her eyes tracking multiple data streams simultaneously. "But there's a structural weakness in Platform Seven—avoid the northern approach."
"Copy that. Alternate route?"
"Southern bridge, then vertical climb. I'll clear the handholds."
She watched him pivot without hesitation, trusting her guidance completely. The realization sent a thrill through her that had nothing to do with the simulation and everything to do with the man following her instructions with absolute faith.
We're perfect together.
Their synchronization felt almost supernatural as the minutes ticked by.
Wren effortlessly anticipated his movements before he made them, creating solutions he needed before he realized the problems even existed.
When a platform began collapsing unexpectedly—an element she hadn't predicted—Rylan froze for a split second.
"West wall, three meters up," she said, her voice calm and precise. "Handholds are solid."
He moved without question, trusting her assessment completely. The conscious act of faith took her breath away, especially from a man she sensed trusted very few people.
As the simulation wound down, Rylan retrieved the final civilian and crossed the completion threshold. His chest rose and fell steadily, sweat glistening on his forehead but his breathing completely controlled.
"The real Trials will be more dangerous," he said, scanning the arena with professional assessment. "More unpredictable. The threats will be genuine, not holographic."
"But now you have me," Wren replied, confidence ringing in her voice.
"Yes," he said quietly, his blue eyes meeting hers through the arena barrier. "Now I have you."
The weight of his words, the gratitude and something deeper in his expression, made her heart skip a beat.
"I'm going to go shower in the military facilities," he said, his voice slightly rougher than before. "Meet you back at our workstations in thirty minutes?"
"I'll be there."
As she watched him stride toward the locker room facilities, Wren marveled at how completely her life had transformed.
Three days ago, she'd been sitting in a Vermont coffee shop, complaining about the predictability of her life.
Now, she was controlling advanced alien technology, preparing for a competition that determined planetary leadership roles, and working alongside the most magnificent man she'd ever encountered.
Every day here is an adventure waiting to happen.