Page 3 of Branded By Shadow
“Natural,” I replied, happy to explain. Overwhelming presence aside, he seemed genuinely interested, and that was what mattered. “Most modern species take longer, but silphium evolved fast reproduction in harsh terrain. It’s an advantage of working with the real thing.”
“The real thing…” Alexander mused. “So you did indeed manage to reproduce it. I’m impressed. And users can self-administer the suppressant?”
His eyes stayed fixed on my face with an intensity that made my skin prickle. I licked my suddenly dry lips and nodded. “Yes. Dosing can be adjusted individually, without constant medical oversight.”
“That level of autonomy changes everything.” Something shifted in his expression, a sharpening of interest that went beyond professional investment. “Especially for Omegas with irregular cycles. I assume your own experience with side effects influenced your work?”
My pulse quickened. I hadn’t mentioned my own history during the presentation. I wasn’t ashamed of my situation, but it simply wouldn’t have been professional. His wording seemed harmless enough, but still… It suggested he’d looked me up specifically before this conference.
“The most meaningful discoveries has some personal element,” I deflected, taking a subtle step back. “Scientists rarely dedicate years to problems that don’t affect them somehow.”
“Of course.” His smile seemed warm, but his tone suggested he knew exactly how much I was hedging. “Your dedication shows in the results. House Zeus would be very interested in discussing a development partnership.”
The stifling air in the reception area felt suddenly oppressive. Alexander’s scent filled my lungs, sharp and electric, like the air before a thunderstorm. My head was spinning and I had to force myself to speak again.
“I appreciate the interest. I’ll need to review every proposal carefully before making any commitments.”
“Naturally.” He gestured toward a quieter corner, leaning in closer without quite touching me “Perhaps we could discuss preliminary terms somewhere less chaotic? I’d like to understand your timeline a little better.”
Every instinct I had screamed that going anywhere more isolated with him would be a mistake. My rational mind denied it. Surely, I was just being paranoid. He was offering exactly what I needed. Resources, connections, the power to bring this research to the world. Refusing felt beyond rude. It was absurd.
“I should find my research partner first,” I lied, and had no idea why. “He’ll want to hear about investor interest.”
“Of course. But this will only take a few minutes.” He moved slightly closer, and the air between us seemed to thicken. “There’s a private conference room just down this corridor where we can discuss specifics without interruption.”
He guided me toward the hallway with a light touch at my elbow. The brief contact shouldn’t have affected me so strongly, but the uncomfortable heat flared hotter. My thoughts scattered, making it harder to remember why I’d wanted to refuse.
“Mr. Stormwright, I really think we should schedule a formal meeting,” I tried. “Next week would give me time to prepare proper documentation—”
“Why wait when I can offer you everything you need right now?” His hand settled on my lower back. “Full development budget, regulatory support, global distribution networks. We could have your formula in clinical trials within six months.”
Six months. That sounded amazing. It also sounded a little too good to be true, but this was House Zeus. Why would they not have the influence to pull that off?
The temperature in the hallway suddenly plummeted. My breath steamed the air, goosebumps erupting across my arms despite the warmth still flushing my skin. The change felt unnatural,as if reality itself had shifted.
A massive shadow fell across both of us, pulsing with a life of its own. It stretched along the wall and floor in ways that violated the overhead lighting. I squinted, trying to figure out what was happening.
That was when I saw him, the man blocking our path. Broad-shouldered and imposing, he was dressed in an impeccable black suit with a cut so fine it rivaled that of a diamond.His midnight-black hair fell over his sharp cheekbones in bold, taunting waves. When he looked at Alexander, his dark eyes were cold and empty, impossible to read.
He took a step closer, and his scent invaded my nostrils. Dark earth after rain, smoke from ancient fires, and something primal that I couldn’t put my finger on. If I didn’t sway, it was out of sheer stubbornness.
“Stormwright,” the stranger rumbled, the single word carrying volumes of contempt.
Alexander’s hand finally dropped from my back. “Blackwood. What an unexpected surprise to see you here.”
The dark-eyed man walked up to us, the shadows around him seemingly stretching like living extensions of his will. “I could say the same. You’re in my way, Stormwright. Dr. Ellis has another appointment. With me.”
2
The Unclaimed Omega
Damon
There were few things I hated more than House Zeus Alphas. To me, and to House Hades, none of those arrogant assholes would ever be trustworthy. And Alexander Stormwright was perhaps the worst one of all.
I hadn’t come to the conference looking for a fight, but as a favor to a friend. Cassandra Reed had reached out to me just this morning, claiming Dr. Ellis’s formula was something she was interested in.
“A House Hestia Omega can’t go to a conference just like that,” she’d said. “But you can sneak in easily, Damon.”
