Page 39 of Stripe Theory (The Matchmaker’s Book Club #8)
THIRTY-EIGHT
A lora’s fingers danced across three different keyboards, coordinating data streams while monitoring Sierra’s vitals on the medical display. The lab’s emergency lighting cast everything in a harsh blue glow, transforming her usually cheerful workspace into something out of a sci-fi thriller. Not that she had time to appreciate the aesthetics.
“Blood pressure dropping again,” she announced, reaching for another vial of stabilizer. “Maya, what are you seeing in those neural scans?”
Maya hunched over the main computer terminal, her usual playful demeanor replaced by intense focus. Multiple screens reflected off her glasses as data scrolled past. “There’s definitely a pattern here, but it’s... wait.” She straightened suddenly. “Oh hell.”
“What?” Alora abandoned the keyboards and rushed to Maya’s station. “Talk to me.”
“Look at these synaptic responses.” Maya highlighted a series of readings.
Alerts flashed across the monitors.
A growl from the doorway announced Rehan’s arrival. His presence filled the room instantly, and despite the crisis, Alora’s pulse jumped. He moved to Sierra’s bedside, his face tightening at his sister’s condition.
“More facilities are reporting breaches,” he said, voice rough. “Whatever’s happening, it’s coordinated.”
Before Alora could respond, Hunter burst through the security door, tablet in hand. His usual calm demeanor had cracked, showing genuine alarm.
“We’ve got trouble,” he announced, bringing up a tactical display. “My military contacts just confirmed Genesis Corp is mobilizing. Multiple strike teams, all coordinating around the conference timeline.”
Rehan’s eyes flashed amber. “They’re using our gathering as a weapon.”
“Worse.” Hunter’s expression darkened. “They’ve been collecting shifter DNA samples on the black market. Our intel suggests they’re weaponizing the virus into an airborne strain.”
“How long?” Alora demanded, already calculating modification rates.
“Days. Maybe less.”
The lab door hissed open again, admitting two people Alora never expected to see in her secure facility. “Mom? Dad?”
Dr. Thaddeus Sky strode in, his normally professorial demeanor sharp with urgency. Behind him, her mother clutched a portfolio of research papers, her face drawn with worry.
“We came as soon as we confirmed the pattern,” her father said, moving directly to her workstation. “Leeta isn’t just after strong bloodlines– she’s targeting the scientists themselves.”
Her mother set down her papers with trembling hands. “Three of our colleagues have disappeared in the last month. All genetics researchers, all working on projects similar to yours.”
The implications hit Alora like a physical blow. She felt Rehan tense beside her, his protective instincts radiating off him in waves.
Jewel Kedi stepped forward, positioning herself near Alora in a gesture that spoke volumes about how their relationship had evolved. “We’ll increase security protocols immediately.”
A sudden spike in Sierra’s vitals cut through the tension. Alora rushed to the medical bed where Sierra thrashed against the restraints, her face contorted in pain.
“It’s stronger,” Sierra gasped, “when I fight it... when I try to shift...”
“Hold on.” Alora’s mind raced through possibilities as she adjusted medications. “Jewel, could you try...”
The older woman was already there, pressing her hands to specific points on Sierra’s shoulders. “Like this?”
“Yes!” Alora watched the readings stabilize. “The traditional pressure points – they’re affecting the molecular binding rates. Maya, are you seeing this?”
“Perfectly synchronized,” Maya confirmed, highlighting new data streams. “The ancient practices are actually modifying how the virus interacts with shifter DNA.”
Jewel’s eyes lit with understanding. “Your approach to treatment... it mirrors our oldest healing traditions, but on a molecular level.”