Jaxson shook his head. “It’s not you, trust me. It’s definitely him.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” she asked, as if her employment might hinge on Jared and his moods. Her frown was substantial, like this really worried her. She had mentioned a rent payment was due.
Jaxson placed a hand on her shoulder. “Absolutely not. I’m the CEO around here, and if I say you’re in, you’re in.” He could feel the heat of her skin through the thin fabric of her blouse, but not that tingly sensation from before. That must only come from skin-to-skin contact… he had to shove that thought away before his mouth started to water. But his wolf was rumbling happy growls again. Jaxson wondered what in the world he was thinking—she would be at the office every day. There was no way his willpower was going to hold out forever.
He gestured to the just-vacated seats. “While we have a moment alone, let’s discuss the situation with finding a mate.”
She slid into a chair and threw a glance around the office. “I’m assuming this topic is confidential?”
He took the seat opposite her. “Very much so.” He waved a hand at the darkened offices. “If the pack knew I was trying to delay choosing a mate, it would weaken my position as their alpha. Even my brothers would be dismayed.”
Olivia frowned, but her dark, intelligent eyes were searching his face. “Jared seems like he might understand.”
His eyebrows lifted. She was perceptive as well as smart. “Jared is the eldest. He could easily command the lead alpha position of our pack. He found his mate, but… well, let’s just say he lost her.”
Olivia’s frown grew. “How does this mating thing work, exactly? I mean, I’ve heard that shifters mate for life, but that’s really all I know.”
“The mating itself is a magical bond that strengthens both the alpha and his mate.” A familiar pain stabbed his chest—he’d known for a long time that this was the one thrill in life he would never experience, but it still hurt to think about. And not just him—his wolf was howling a long, mournful cry.
Jaxson took a breath and continued, “Technically, mating is a transfer of some of the alpha’s magic to his mate’s blood. The bond makes the resulting shifter pups strong and healthy. Full shifter powers. And, of course, the mating provides a solid family unit for the raising of those pups.” Another howl. Jaxson tried to work the tension in his shoulders out by rolling his neck.
“That doesn’t sound so bad.” Her voice was very soft. Pained almost.
That lost sound hurt him even more. His hand was out, touching hers before he realized what he was doing. The electric feel of her soft skin against his jolted him enough to make him pull back. He couldn’t figure out what that was about.
“Mating’s far from bad,” he pressed on. “It’s great really. One of the better things about being a shifter. It’s just that… I need to buy some time before I can make that commitment.” Somehow lying to her about this, especially with her helping him, seemed wrong. But he couldn’t risk telling her the truth—he’d only just met her, and it wasn’t the kind of secret he could afford to let loose.
She was nodding, but thoughtfully. Thank heavens the lost look was gone from her eyes. “So you need a delay.”
“Yes.”
“And how many contenders are there?” she asked. “I mean, are there certain requirements your future mate has to meet?”
He smiled and leaned forward on the table. “Are you asking me what like in a woman?”
She actually blushed.
He couldn’t help smiling wider in having caused that reaction.
“Let me guess,” she said, ducking her head. “Gorgeous, smart, and with a talent for keeping secrets.” She peeked up.
He met her gaze. “That’s a great start.” God, what was he doing, flirting with her? He coughed and wiped away his smile. “It would help if she were a daughter of one of the three packs we should be making an alliance with. The daughters are all full-blood shifters, so that’s not an issue. But they’re not all equally… well…”
“Hot?” She smirked, but he didn’t like her knowing look—like she was judging him, and he was coming up shallow. He was even more surprised how much that bothered him.
“It’s not just that,” he said, a little defensively. “It’s not even primarily that. It’s more like… a connection. Some shifters think there’s just one mate for every wolf. And maybe that’s true. But I think it has to be something more than just magic that binds you together. There should be… something else.”