After a long, relaxing bath, Autumn slipped into the dress. It fit her body perfectly, as if it had been made specifically for her. She combed her hair so that it fell in soft waves down her back, and applied minimal makeup.
Looking into the mirror, Autumn barely recognized herself. The woman in the mirror looked beautiful, elegant, and strong, unlike the frightened captive she had become.
"This is me," Autumn whispered to her reflection. "I am Autumn Clover. I am strong. I do not belong to anyone."
Just as the clock struck the appointed time, a knock sounded at the door. Autumn took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself, and walked to open the door.
Jacob stood there, looking stunning in his formal black suit. He looked Autumn up and down, his eyes gleaming with appreciation and something more primal.
"Beautiful," he said simply, his voice hoarse.
"Thank you," Autumn replied formally.
Jacob offered his arm. "Shall we?"
Autumn hesitated for a moment before accepting his offer, placing her hand lightly on Jacob's arm. The touch, though minimal, sent a familiar wave of warmth flowing from the point of contact.
Jacob led her down the grand staircase and through a different hallway than the one they had come through this morning. They stopped in front of large double doors made of oak with intricate carvings.
“Formal dining room,” Jacob explained as he opened the door.
Autumn gasped as she looked beyond. Unlike the dining room she had been in yesterday, this room was far more grand. High ceilings with soft crystal chandeliers, elegant wood paneling on the walls, and tall windows that revealed a view of the forest in the dark, moonlit night.
A long, dark mahogany dining table had been set at the far end of the room, with two seats facing each other. Tall candles in silver candlesticks provided romantic lighting, while soft classical music played from hidden speakers.
"This is... too much," Autumn commented as Jacob led her to the table.
Jacob smiled faintly. "Nothing is too much to talk about our future."
He pulled out a chair for Autumn, a gentlemanly gesture that contrasted with the circumstances of their kidnapping. As soon as Autumn sat down, Jacob took his place opposite her.
The waiter quickly entered with wine and an appetizer smoked salmon with capers and brioche buns. Autumn recognized the waiter as Gabriel, the young beta from Jacob's pack who was renowned for his culinary skills.
"Wine, miss?" Gabriel offered politely.
"Just a little," Autumn replied. Tonight she needed a little alcohol to deal with whatever Jacob had planned, but she still wanted to keep her head clear.
After Gabriel poured the wine and left the room, an awkward silence hung over them for a few moments. Jacob raised his glass.
"For an honest confession," he said, referring to Autumn's earlier confession.
Autumn hesitated before raising her own glass, lightly tapping it against Jacob's. "For an honest confession."
They enjoyed the appetizers in silence, broken only by occasional comments about the food.
Finally, after Gabriel had taken their empty plates and served them the main course wagyu steak with truffle sauce and grilled asparagus Jacob decided to speak.
"I've been thinking about our situation," he began, looking at Autumn seriously. "And I have a proposal for you."
Autumn straightened her back, ready for whatever Jacob was about to say. "I'm listening."
"I still want you to come back to me, Autumn. That hasn't changed." Jacob cut his steak with precision. "But I realize that... my methods may not be ideal."
“Kidnapping and threatening? Yeah, I agree that’s not ‘ideal,’” Autumn replied sarcastically.
Jacob ignored the sarcasm. “So here’s my offer: Stay here for a month not the three days I said before. A month where we really try to rebuild our relationship.”
Autumn nearly choked on her wine. “A month? Are you crazy? I have a life, Jacob. A job. Responsibilities.”
"Everything is set," Jacob replied calmly. "I have sent your resignation email to the Silvercrest library, citing that you have a better job offer abroad. Your apartment is also pre-paid for the next three months, and your belongings are being packed by a team I trust."
Autumn stared at him in disbelief, a mixture of anger and awe at Jacob's thoroughness in erasing his tracks.
"You have no right to do that," she hissed angrily. "That's my life, Jacob! You can't just... erase it!"
"I'm protecting you from the consequences of suddenly disappearing," Jacob replied calmly. "No one will suspect that you were kidnapped. For all the world knows, Autumn Clover is taking on new opportunities abroad."
Autumn's hand gripped her fork so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "And if after a month I still want to leave? Will you let me go? Or will you continue to hold me and force me until I break and give in?"
Jacob set down his cutlery, looking Autumn straight in the eye. “If after a month you still want to leave, I’ll let you go. On one condition.”
“What condition?” Autumn asked suspiciously.
“You have to participate fully this month. No pretending or flat-out refusing.” Jacob leaned forward. “You have to really try, Autumn. Participate in pack activities, talk to pack members, and most importantly no attempt to escape.”
Autumn bit her lip, considering the offer. A month seemed like a long time, but if it meant a chance to be truly free later…
“How can I trust you?” she asked finally. “How can I be sure you’ll keep your promise after a month?”
Jacob reached for something from the inside pocket of his jacket and placed it on the table a signed and sealed document.
“This is a written agreement, ratified by the Alpha Council,” he explained. “This document states that if after a month you decide to leave, I will grant you complete freedom without interference or retaliation.”
Autumn took the document with trembling hands, reading it quickly. Sure enough, the document was exactly as Jacob had said, complete with the signature and official seal of the Alpha Council the highest authority in the werewolf community.
“You… you really are,” Autumn said, surprised.
“I never played around with you, Autumn,” Jacob replied seriously. “I may have used the wrong method to bring you back, but my goal has never changed, I want you to be mine by choice, not by force.”