Jefferson's POV
The words rolled off my tongue with the same indifference I felt watching her sign that contract. "Thousands of women would kill to wear the expression you should have right now. Being my Luna should mean something to you. Show some appreciation."
Her head snapped up, those fascinating eyes of hers darkening to a shade I hadn't seen before. Since the moment she'd collapsed at my feet, those color-shifting eyes had captured my attention in a way few things ever did. The way they transformed intrigued me more than I cared to admit.
Right now they blazed with fury, as if my words had struck a nerve.
"Contracted Luna," she shot back, her voice sharp with annoyance.
She snatched the document from the desk and marched toward me, shoving the papers against my chest with enough force to make her point clear. The fear and hesitation that had clouded her features moments before had evaporated, replaced by a look that promised violence.
My violence, specifically.
I couldn't bring myself to care what had triggered her anger.
Meeting her glare with steady assessment, I had to acknowledge that Elisabeth Kendrick was undeniably attractive, even if beauty held no particular appeal for me anymore.
She held my stare for several heartbeats before looking away, her fierce expression softening slightly. "What happens next?" Her tone remained clipped and professional. "Do I get a security detail? Constant surveillance?"
"Drop the attitude." I cut through her words before she could continue, noting how she trembled at the ice in my voice. Her mouth opened again, but I silenced her with a raised hand. "I'm not finished speaking. When I'm talking, you don't interrupt. Ever."
She flinched harder this time, prompting me to release a slow breath and moderate my tone. After all, I was demanding quite a lot from her. "I have no desire to micromanage your life, but I absolutely will not tolerate disrespect. Are we clear?"
Several seconds passed before she managed a nod.
"Excellent. Now, regarding your question about what comes next. We're going to begin your first session immediately."
Her eyes went wide, understanding flooding her features as red crept up her neck and across her cheeks. "Now?" she stammered. "I don't have any of my medical supplies or instruments."
As if summoned by her words, my study door swung open. A team of assistants streamed in, depositing various pieces of medical equipment across the floor before vanishing as efficiently as they'd appeared.
I allowed a satisfied smirk to cross my lips as her gaze darted around the room in obvious shock. "I make it my business to be thorough in my research. Every piece of equipment you could possibly need for this initial examination has been acquired."
She surveyed the supplies, clearly fighting to regain her professional composure. Her breathing had become shallow and rapid, which earned her a raised eyebrow from me. "You're supposed to be a medical expert, aren't you? This type of scenario should be routine for you."
Her attention snapped back to my face, and she fired back, "My patients have never looked like..." She caught herself mid-sentence, stopping just short of completing the thought. My smirk deepened.
I knew precisely what she'd been about to say. I was well aware of my physical appearance, and I was beginning to realize I enjoyed the effect I had on her specifically.
On her in particular.
"Should I remove my pants then?" I asked, my hand moving toward my belt buckle.
Her eyes became enormous, her face turning such a deep shade of red I wondered if she might actually combust. "Stop!"
What happened next caught me completely off guard. Amusement hit me like a physical force, and for the first time in nearly two decades, I almost laughed out loud.
What was it about Elisabeth Kendrick that affected me this way?
I pushed the thought aside, watching as she straightened her shoulders and shifted into what I recognized as her professional mode. "Take a seat and keep your clothing on," she instructed, a note of warning in her voice.
I suppressed my smile, settling into the chair and observing as she began examining the equipment with practiced efficiency. When she turned back to face me, her expression had transformed into pure business. "I need to ask you several questions about your medical condition."
"Proceed."
Truthfully, I felt no embarrassment about my situation because there were layers to my condition that no one would ever uncover.
Elisabeth launched into her questioning, each inquiry precise and clinical. I answered without hesitation, studying her intently throughout the process. Her professionalism was impressive, but I could detect the cracks in her facade, the brief moments when uncertainty flickered in her eyes.
She was drowning, and we both recognized it.
Finally, she drew in a shaky breath. "I need to conduct a physical examination now. I mean, I have to touch you to properly assess your condition."
Another smirk tugged at my mouth as I leaned back, making myself comfortable and watching her hesitate before taking a step closer.
The instant she moved into my personal space, her scent crashed over me with unexpected intensity. It was stronger than before, completely overwhelming my senses. My entire body went rigid as something deep inside me responded to the sensation.
She extended her hands, the slight tremor in her fingers visible as she prepared to make contact. Just as her skin was about to meet mine, instinct took over and I seized her wrists, stopping her cold.
The reaction was pure reflex, immediate and overwhelming. The moment our skin connected, I felt something else entirely, something I couldn't identify or categorize. My grip tightened involuntarily, and without conscious thought, I growled, "Leave. Now."
She jerked back at the harshness in my command, her eyes wide with confusion and unmistakable fear. She started to speak, but I cut her off again, my voice dropping to a deadly calm. "I told you to leave. You have three seconds to comply."
Her gaze searched mine desperately, trying to understand what she'd done wrong, but there was nothing I could explain to her. I maintained my iron grip and cold stare. Without another word, she wrenched her hands free and fled toward the door, her footsteps echoing through the sudden silence.
Once she was gone, I flexed my fingers, her touch still burning on my skin.
What the hell had just happened to me?
I stood up slowly, my wolf mirroring my complete bewilderment. My body was still reacting, and I couldn't shake the lingering sensation. As I made my way to the bathroom, the voice that had started this entire mess echoed in my memory.
"Your bloodline carries ancient ties to the Moon goddess. Because of this connection, you can only achieve arousal and intimacy with your destined mate."
I still thought it was complete nonsense, but this reaction made no logical sense.
The thought repeated endlessly as I unfastened my belt and pushed down my pants. It had to be simply because she was beautiful, nothing more complex than that. But I'd been surrounded by stunning women my entire life.
We'd been in close proximity before, so why was this happening now?
My wolf sensed no mate bond, which only deepened my confusion. Besides, Elisabeth had already found her mate.
Her scent still filled my senses as I looked down at myself after freeing my length from my boxers. I sucked in a sharp breath. I had definitely felt it, and I wasn't mistaken about what had occurred.
How had Elisabeth Kendrick managed to arouse me for the first time in my entire existence without even making contact?