But she would be lying if she said there wasn’t some lingering attraction. Her body betrayed her by remembering what it had felt like to be in Jacob’s arms, how his touch had made her feel like she was burning and drowning at the same time.
“It’s just a biological reaction,” Autumn assured herself, wiping away tears with the back of her hand. “Just an omega’s instinct for a dominant alpha. Nothing more.”
She stood on shaky legs, walking to the bathroom to wash her face. Looking into the mirror, Autumn saw her reflection with red eyes and wet cheeks, looking scared but also… shaken in a different way.
Autumn splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear her head. She needed to think clearly. If Jacob was really upset about her having a relationship with Rick, the situation was even more dangerous. The promise to let her go after three days might no longer hold.
A knock on the door startled her. Autumn froze, afraid it was Jacob coming to follow through on his threats.
“Miss Autumn?” Diana’s voice came from behind the door. “Alpha Jacob asked me to make sure you were okay.”
Autumn hesitantly opened the door. Diana stood there with her professional expression on, but Autumn could see the faint worry in her eyes.
"I'm fine," Autumn replied, though it was clearly a lie.
Diana stared at her intently, then sighed. "The alpha is... not in the best of shape right now. I suggest you stay in the room until he calms down."
"What happened to him, Diana?" Autumn asked. "One minute he's being nice, and the next he's like a hateful stranger."
Diana entered the room and closed the door behind her. "He got word from one of his spies that you've been living in Silvercrest Pack territory for the past few months. The fact that Alpha Rick is giving you shelter is taken as... a personal affront."
"But there is no romantic relationship between Rick and I," Autumn insisted. "He was simply offering to help me when I needed it."
"I believe you," Diana said, surprising Autumn. "But you have to understand Alpha Jacob's position. In our culture, an omega who is abandoned by his mate and then takes shelter with another alpha... it has certain implications within the pack hierarchy."
Autumn sat on the edge of the bed, feeling mentally exhausted. "So what do I do? Jacob won't believe anything I say now."
Diana hesitated for a moment before answering. "Give him some time to cool down. Alpha Jacob may be hot-tempered, but he never acts without thinking it through."
"Really?" Autumn snorted. "I think kidnapping someone is enough to show that he acted impulsively."
"That's... a different situation," Diana looked uncomfortable.
"I'll have the kitchen prepare lunch for you and bring it here," Diana continued, clearly wanting to change the subject. "I suggest you rest for a while."
Autumn nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing further. "Thank you, Diana."
After Diana left, Autumn walked to the window, looking out. From here she could see part of the garden and the forest in the distance. There was no sign of Jacob. Maybe he had gone somewhere to calm down or was planning something more sinister.
Autumn hugged herself, trying to calm her frantic thoughts. She had to be extra careful now. Jacob in a jealous and angry state was the most dangerous thing.
Several hours passed in tense silence. Autumn tried to read a book she had found on a small shelf in her room, but her mind kept wandering. Lunch came a fresh salad and delicious pasta but she could barely enjoy it. Time seemed to slow down in the tense wait.
As the day began to turn to dusk, the knock on the door came again. This time it was heavier, more insistent. Autumn knew exactly who was standing on the other side of the door.
“Come in,” he said, his voice calmer than he felt.
Jacob opened the door and stepped inside. He had changed into a formal black shirt and matching pants, looking elegant yet intimidating. His expression was controlled, but his eyes still held a muted anger.
“I want to apologize for my behavior this morning,” he said immediately, his voice formal and cold. “I overreacted.”
Autumn eyed him warily. This was not a sincere apology, but a formality.
“You scared me, Jacob,” Autumn said honestly. “I really thought you were going to hurt me.”
Jacob stared at her sharply. “I would never hurt you physically, Autumn. That’s not my way.”
“There are more ways to hurt someone than physically,” Autumn replied.
Silence hung between them for a moment. Jacob walked over, stopping a few feet from where Autumn stood.
“Tell me the truth,” Jacob said finally. “About you and Alpha Silvercrest.”
Autumn took a deep breath. "There's nothing between us, Jacob. Rick Silvercrest is an old friend from college. When I decided to leave, I contacted him because he was the only alpha brave enough not to be afraid of you."
Jacob snorted. "Or stupid enough."
"He got me a job in his pack's library and a small apartment on the edge of his territory. That's it. Nothing romantic, nothing... whatever you're imagining with your dirty mind."
Jacob studied Autumn's face, searching for any sign of a lie.