“I need to think clearly,” Autumn muttered to herself. “Not letting my feelings rule my decisions.”
She walked into the bathroom, stripping off her red dress and stepping under the shower. The warm water flowing over her body, as if trying to rinse away the confusion and tension she felt.
After drying herself off and putting on the silk pajamas she had found in the closet, Autumn returned to bed. Her eyes fell on the Alpha Council agreement document that Jacob had given her. She picked it up, reading it over again carefully.
“One month,” she whispered. "One month to decide my future."
Was she really considering going back to Jacob? To be his omega, his Luna pack? Six months ago, the thought would have made her laugh bitterly. But now...
Autumn closed her eyes, trying to remember all the reasons she had left Jacob. The brutality of the other pack. The bullying of omegas who disagreed with her. The banishment of the Bennet family, who had been part of the pack for generations, simply because they questioned her decision.
But on the other hand, she also remembered the old Jacob the man who had cried in her arms when her father died, who had always made sure she got the best education, who had once stood up against pack tradition to ensure Autumn could work at the town library even though most traditional alphas were against it.
“People change,” Autumn whispered to herself. “But is that change sustainable?”
With her thoughts still racing, Autumn finally fell asleep, her body giving in to exhaustion even as her mind searched for answers.
Morning came with warm sunlight streaming through the blinds. Autumn woke slowly, taking a moment to remember where she was. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind their dance, their conversation on the balcony, Jacob’s gentle kiss on her forehead.
A knock on the door woke her completely.
“Come in,” Autumn called, smoothing her messy hair.
Elise entered with a breakfast tray and a friendly smile. "Good morning, Miss Autumn. I brought you your breakfast."
"Thank you, Elise," Autumn replied, settling herself comfortably. "And please, just call me Autumn. We've known each other for quite some time."
Elise smiled, setting the tray on the bedside table. "It's hard to break a habit, No I mean, Autumn."
Breakfast consisted of pancakes with fresh blueberries, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and a cup of fragrant coffee. Autumn realized she was very hungry she had barely touched last night's dinner because she was so nervous.
"Alpha Jacob asked me to inform you that the pack meeting will begin at eleven," Elise said, opening the window shades all the way. "He hopes you'll be able to attend, but emphasizes that it's entirely your choice."
Autumn nodded, munching on a piece of pancake. "What do pack meetings usually discuss?"
Elise began to gather clothes from the closet as she answered, “Usually territorial issues, alliances with other packs, and internal affairs. Lately there’s been a lot of discussion about expanding the northern hunting grounds and a peace treaty with the Barrett Pack.”
“Peace treaty?” Autumn raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Last I heard, Jacob almost started a war with them.”
Autumn stared at Jacob, her amber eyes brimming with an intensity that made her heart race. She had long ago vowed never to submit to any Alpha, to maintain her freedom. But there was something about Jacob that was different something that shook her defenses.
“I can’t,” Autumn whispered, her voice shaking. “You don’t understand what you’re asking of me.”
Jacob stepped closer, closing the distance between them. The scent of pine and cinnamon wafting from him made it difficult for Autumn to think clearly.
“I know you’re scared,” Jacob said softly. “I can feel it. But I can also feel the bond between us, Autumn. You feel it too, can’t you?”
Autumn took a step back, her back against the trunk of an ancient oak tree. There was no escape physically or emotionally.
“I made a promise to myself,” Autumn said, her eyes on the leaf-streaked ground. “After what happened to my pack… after everything I’ve seen… I swore I would never be anyone’s Omega.”
Jacob didn’t move any closer, giving Autumn the space she needed. But his gaze never left her face.
“I’m not the Alpha you used to know,” he answered quietly. “I don’t seek ownership, Autumn. I seek equality a companion, not a follower.”
The autumn breeze blew between them, blowing a few strands of Autumn’s hair. She lifted her face, daring to look Jacob in the eye.
“How can I trust you?” she asked, her voice almost lost in the wind. “Pretty words are easy to say.”
Jacob smiled thinly. “Not with our bond. You can sense lies through the pack bond, Autumn. That’s why you’re so scared now because you know I’m not lying, and it scares you.”
Autumn felt tears welling in her eyes. She hated her weakness, but she couldn’t deny the truth of what Jacob said.
Through the faint bond that was forming between them, she sensed no lies or intent to dominate only genuine longing and the promise of protection.
“I need time,” Autumn whispered finally.
“I’ll give you all the time you need,” Jacob replied. "But let me prove my point. Stay with my pack for a while. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, you are free to leave. I swear I will not hold you back."
Autumn closed her eyes for a moment, listening to her instincts that had always been her guide. For the first time in a long time, her instincts were not screaming to run they were whispering to give her a chance.