Page 4 of Stripe for the Picking (Paranormal Dating Agency #92)

Not now. The thought pounded through his consciousness with desperate intensity.

Not when Nova Aurora's security hung by threads thinner than spider silk.

Not when forty-eight hours separated them from potential catastrophe.

The last thing he needed was his tiger fixating on some unknown female while critical systems remained vulnerable.

Kael raised an eyebrow from his chair, clearly catching the implications in Gerri's tone. His mentor's expression shifted from professional concern to barely suppressed amusement, as if watching a masterfully played chess match unfold.

"Gerri," Rylan's voice carried warning edges sharp enough to cut steel. "I'm not in the mood for your matchmaking schemes. I need cybersecurity expertise, not romantic complications."

Her laughter tinkled through the speakers like silver bells, completely unaffected by his intimidation tactics. "Oh honey, I'm not going to confirm or deny yet if this woman is your fated mate. You'll just have to determine that on your own—if you're willing to accept her help."

Before he could respond, data began streaming across his workstation. "I'm sending her file now," Gerri continued. "Take a look at what she brings to the table before you dismiss possibilities you haven't even considered."

The holographic display materialized with information that made Rylan's breath catch in his throat.

Wren Calder's credentials scrolled past in impressive detail—genius-level IQ, advanced degrees in computer science and cybersecurity, and a track record of solving cases that had stumped entire government agencies.

Her success rate against highly complex systems and sophisticated hackers was nothing short of extraordinary.

But it was her photograph that stopped his world entirely.

Long dark brown hair framed a face that belonged in ancient sculptures celebrating feminine beauty.

Green eyes held intelligence that seemed to leap from the holographic display, studying him with the same intensity he was studying her.

Fair skin looked impossibly soft, and something in her expression suggested both vulnerability and strength coupled with curiosity and caution.

His tiger went absolutely still, every instinct suddenly focused with laser precision.

The beast recognized something his rational mind couldn't yet name, some primal connection that transcended logic and reason.

Heat spread through his chest, unfamiliar and unsettling, as if his body was waking up from a deep sleep he hadn't realized he'd been trapped in.

Dangerous. The word whispered through his thoughts like a prayer. This woman represented everything he'd spent fifteen years avoiding—emotional entanglement, divided loyalties, and the weakness that came with caring about someone more than duty.

"She's exactly what you need for the cyber threats," Gerri continued on, her voice carrying smug satisfaction. "Her approach to problem-solving is unconventional but brilliant. She thinks several moves ahead, adapts faster than most people breathe, and has never met a system she couldn't crack."

Rylan forced himself to focus on the technical specifications, analyzing her methods and success rates with the same detachment he applied to military strategy.

Her precision matched his own, but her adaptability exceeded anything in his experience.

She approached problems from angles that would never occur to him, finding solutions in chaos where he sought order in structure.

"The Protocol Trials are next week," Gerri added with deceptive casualness. "Leadership, strategy, and synergy with a partner who can anticipate threats and complement your strengths. She could tip the scales in your favor."

The observation hit like lightning striking twice in the same spot.

The annual Protocol Trials represented his best chance at the promotion he'd coveted for years, the opportunity to prove his leadership capabilities beyond question.

Past attempts had fallen short because he'd insisted on operating alone or with unqualified partners.

But if this woman possessed the skills her file suggested, if she could truly complement his tactical approach while covering his blind spots...

His tiger paced with growing agitation, torn between attraction and territorial instincts. The beast wanted to claim what felt like theirs while simultaneously protecting their established dominance from outside interference.

"Fine," he said finally, his voice carrying grudging acceptance. "I'll accept her help. But I'm not making any agreements about mates, even if she happens to be my fated match."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, darling." Gerri's teasing laughter filled his workspace again. "Just take it as it comes. Don't rule out possibilities that might surprise even you if you take a chance on fate."

"I'm not promising or guaranteeing anything," Rylan replied with characteristic bluntness, his alpha nature demanding control over the situation. "This is purely professional necessity."

The connection ended with Gerri's satisfied chuckle echoing in the sudden silence. Rylan stared at Wren's image, his mind already calculating risk versus reward while his tiger continued its restless prowling.

Proceed carefully. The strategy formed with military precision. Maintain control. Use her skills. Win the Trials. Save Nova Aurora.

Simple objectives with potentially complex consequences.