The Alpha's Winning Bid

Threshold of Acceptance

Natalie's POV

"What’s wrong? Tell me," his calm voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I felt his grip on my wrists loosen, and my heart sank as he let go of my hands, but then he gently held my shoulder. For a brief moment, warmth flickered inside me, but deep down, I knew it wouldn’t last.

Once he finds out that I still haven’t found my wolf, he’ll reject me just like Asher did. I shouldn’t lie to myself. I need to face the truth and get ready for what’s coming.

“So, are you going to do it, or should I?”

I pushed his hand off my shoulder, forcing my voice to stay firm even as my chest tightened.

“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning in confusion, and I gave a small, bitter smile.

“Reject me, obviously. Since I haven’t found my wolf yet.”

It took everything in me to say it calmly, but I chose to be honest instead of holding on to false hope.

"What? Reject you? Why would I ever do that?" he asked.

His confused look made it clear he didn’t understand what I meant, like my words hadn’t fully reached him.

"Are you really that blind, or are you just ignoring it? Don’t you get it? I don’t have a wolf. I can’t even shift," I said, letting the sarcasm in my voice show, hoping he’d finally understand.

But he didn’t react at all.

"How does it matter if you can’t shift? That doesn’t change anything for me. You’re my mate, and I’ll always stand by you," he said.

His words sounded too good to be true. Were they real or just a trick to make me drop my guard? I drew in a sharp breath and straightened my back, forcing myself not to waver. No, I couldn’t let myself believe him. This wouldn’t last. Once he saw what I really was, he’d see me as a burden—just like the others.

"Sir, you should choose your words carefully so you don’t regret them later. Once said, they can’t be taken back," I said, trying to sound polite.

"I, Jacob Wood, never take back my words," he replied.

What? Jacob Wood? The strongest and most feared alpha among all alphas, known for being cold and merciless? My stomach dropped, and I took a small step back before I even realized it. His name alone brought back every story I’d ever heard about him.

Dear Moon Goddess, what have I gotten myself into? I couldn’t help but cry inside and curse my luck. The stronger the alpha, the more he expects from his Luna. I worried about how he and his pack would treat me from now on.

“Now, just try to relax. I won’t hurt you, and I’ll never force you,” Alpha Jacob said softly.

With unexpected care, he lifted me into his arms, and a shiver ran through me. I froze, unsure what to do, my heart pounding as he gently placed me on the bed and tucked me under the comforter.

“Now, may I ask your name?” he asked again.

“Natalie Myers,” I whispered, my voice tight. I kept my eyes down, my body tense, obeying even though part of me wanted to resist.

Despite his cold reputation, he was surprisingly gentle with me now. He had even gone so far as to rescue me from the rogue king.

"Natalie, I know you’re nervous and unsure, but as my mate, you don’t need to be on edge around me. I want to reassure you that as Jacob Wood, alpha of the strongest pack in the states, I don’t need a powerful she-wolf as Luna to protect my pack. I am strong enough to take care of both my pack and you."

"So relax. I’ll always be here to protect you. Now it’s time to rest. Your wounds still need to heal," he said, gently stroking my head.

His gentle words stirred something in my heart, my breath catching for a moment. No one had ever spoken to me like that.

Has my fate truly changed?

I stared at him, unsure if I should trust the quiet kindness in his voice. My hands twisted the edge of the comforter, and a knot of uncertainty tightened in my chest.

When he leaned in to kiss me, I flinched and turned my face away. He didn’t push, just pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, then picked up a pillow and settled on the couch.

I let out a shaky breath, my shoulders loosening slightly. At least I was safe for tonight.

But sleep wouldn’t come. I shifted under the covers, stared at the ceiling, and clenched the blanket as thoughts of what tomorrow might bring raced through my mind.

Hours later, my body finally gave in, and I sank into a heavy, untroubled sleep.

The bright sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, waking me.

I blinked a few times and sat up, my eyes moving quickly around the empty room.

He wasn’t there.

My stomach tightened and a small frown appeared on my brow.

I reached for a glass of water on the side table, my lips dry as I drank, my thoughts spinning about where he had gone.

One glass of water wasn’t enough. I hadn’t eaten in the last two days while protesting against Nora and the rogue king. My stomach growled, and irritation bubbled up inside me, making me clench my fists in frustration.

I got out of bed and paced around the room, fidgeting with my fingers, unsure of what to do.

My eyes darting toward the door. After a few restless steps, I made a decision, and walked out of the room to find myself in a corridor on the third floor of a large palace.

Wow it's so beautiful.

Looking around for the kitchen, my eyes scanned every corner of the palace. The neat, organized interior made me pause for a moment, a small smile tugging at my lips.

I headed downstairs, my stomach growling with impatience.

Finally, I found the kitchen. I let out a relieved sigh as I reached the big room, eager to prepare something to eat.

I was busy searching through the drawers for ingredients when a voice behind me made me jump. My heart skipped a beat.

“What are you doing?”