Page 96 of Rejected By the Shifter King

Chapter Six

“S-SIT HERE, PLEASE.”

Hexius paused at the entrance to his own office, golden eyes taking in the sight of Samira standing behind his massive glass desk. She wore nothing but one of his white dress shirts, the fabric swallowing her small frame while somehow managing to make her look even more tempting than when she’d been half-naked in his arms. The shirt hung just low enough to tease him with glimpses of her bare thighs, and the way it gaped slightly at the collar revealed the creamy rise of her breasts.

She gestured awkwardly toward the leather chair positioned across from where she stood, which was his usual seat for intimidating business rivals and pack challengers.

How surprisingly tactical of her, to ensure they would commence negotiations as equals. He approved of it, too, but of course now was not the time to let her know this. Later perhaps, when they were done negotiating.

But for now, it was nothing personal.

An alpha always negotiated to win, for his pack’s good.

Hexius deliberately moved at human pace as he settled into the chair. It was Deception 101 to lull humans into a false sense of relaxation, and unfortunately for both of them, the trick still worked. Once they were married, he would make sure she understood not to fall for the same trap. But for now?

The more vulnerable she was, the better.

“I’ll go first.”

She paused as if thinking he’d argue, but he simply waited, and the silence stretched between them until her nervousness became almost palpable.

“So, um...” She cleared her throat, the sound sharp in the quiet office. “Could you tell me how you presently feel about Brandy?”

Hexius leaned back against his chair, studying her face. Did she realize how she had said the other woman’s name as if the syllables burned her tongue?

“I’m responsible for her as she will always be a part of our pack.”

“Do you still love her?”

The way she stumbled over the words, her voice catching slightly on‘love’...was something he had to ignore, as he would with anything that could soften his stance or impair his judgment.

“Why do you ask this?” His tone remained perfectly even. “As alpha, I’m expected to lead by example, and I do not intend to dishonor my vows when we marry.”

“I haven’t said yes.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Are we even negotiating?” A helpless smile touched her lips as she said this, and he inhaled deeply to repress the lust that immediately flared. So many things she did affected him, and he didn’t like it.