Page 17 of Stripe Theory (The Matchmaker’s Book Club #8)
SIXTEEN
T he scent of jasmine and sandalwood permeated the formal dining room of Rehan’s Manhattan estate, an aromatic shield against his growing tension. Crystal glasses gleamed under chandelier light, each place setting arranged with military precision—a stark contrast to the chaos about to enter his carefully ordered world. His family had gathered early, dressed in their usual impeccable fashion, his father Franklin’s tailored suit as rigid as his expression.
Rehan adjusted his cufflinks, a nervous tell he’d never quite eliminated. The tiger within him paced restlessly, anticipating her arrival. Even thinking about Alora made his control slip, memories of yesterday’s lab explosion still fresh in his mind. The way she’d laughed through the dangerous smoke, fearless and intense...
The security system chimed, announcing her arrival. His enhanced senses picked up her heartbeat first—slightly elevated, betraying her nerves despite her calm exterior. Then came her scent, vanilla and coffee with an undertone of something uniquely her, growing stronger as she approached.
Maya entered first, scanning the room with typical shifter awareness. But Rehan barely registered her presence because Alora followed, and his tiger’s attention snapped to her like a compass finding true north.
She wore a deep blue dress that made her eyes sparkle, her usual lab coat replaced by elegant simplicity that somehow made her even more compelling. Her slight hesitation in the doorway triggered every protective instinct he possessed.
“Dr. Sky.” He stepped forward, automatic and proper, though his tiger growled at the formality. “Welcome to my home.”
“Mr. Kedi.” Her smile held a hint of their shared amusement at the pretense. After yesterday’s proximity in the lab, such formality felt absurd. “Thank you for having me.”
Before he could respond, Sierra practically bounded across the room. His sister’s enthusiasm would have annoyed him any other time, but watching Alora’s face light up at Sierra’s approach eased something tight in his chest.
“So you’re the genius who’s been making all the breakthroughs,” Sierra grinned, her casual tone making their father’s jaw tighten. “Can I steal you to pick your brain?”
Alora’s laugh sparkled through the formal atmosphere. “Only if you promise to share your tiger wisdom in return.”
They fell into animated conversation about genetic markers and viral mutations, Sierra’s usual reserve melting away in the face of Alora’s genuine interest. Rehan watched from a careful distance, pride and unease warring in his chest.
The ease with which Alora navigated between scientific terminology and warm engagement reminded him of how she’d similarly slipped past his own defenses, one explosion at a time.
His father’s disapproving scowl spoke volumes. Franklin Kedi stood like a statue near the window, his silence more pointed than any criticism. When he finally spoke, his words cut through the room’s gentle murmur.
“A human leading shifter research?” Franklin’s tone could have frozen flame. “Bold move, Rehan.”
Rehan met his father’s gaze steadily, years of practice keeping his expression neutral even as his tiger bristled at the implied insult. “Her results speak louder than her species.” He allowed himself a small smile, remembering their breakthrough. “Yesterday’s work alone proved that.”
The tension thickened until his mother Jewel stepped forward, her diplomatic skills honed by years of pride politics. “Shall we move to the dining room? The first course is ready.”
Hunter materialized at Rehan’s elbow, a glint of mischief in his eyes that spelled trouble. “Here, let me help with the seating arrangements.” He moved with exaggerated care toward the chair beside Rehan’s place at the head of the table, then promptly “stumbled,” splashing red wine across the cushion.
“Oh, how clumsy of me,” Hunter’s feigned dismay fooled no one. “Dr. Sky, you’ll have to take the seat on Rehan’s other side. Can’t have you sitting on a wet chair.”
Maya’s barely suppressed snicker from across the table confirmed their conspiracy. “You’re welcome,” she whispered to Alora, loud enough for shifter hearing to catch.
“You look happier already,” Hunter murmured to Rehan. “Less rigid than yesterday.”