Elliot's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sharpening as he studied me. "How do you intend to repay me?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with something deeper. Then, lowering it just enough to brush against my senses, he added, "Will you agree to mate with me? That way, everything I've done for your father would simply be support for my future Alpha-in-law."
My breath hitched.
The words struck like a sudden shift in the air, something primal brushing too close to the surface. For a second, I could only stare at him, my thoughts scrambling to catch up.
"That's impossible," I said quickly, forcing my voice steady. "I can't accept a bond with you. Ask for something else." I turned my chair away, picking up my pen and pretending to focus on my notebook, though my hand moved without direction.
His silence pressed against me.
