The Alpha's Winning Bid

The Luna's Defiance

Jacob's POV

I didn’t waste any time. I ran onto the stage and caught her before she hit the floor. Quickly, I wrapped my trench coat around her, fury boiling inside me. I couldn’t stand seeing her exposed in those revealing clothes under all those leering eyes.

I lifted her into my arms and started to leave when I felt Marcus’s hand grab my shoulder from behind.

"Big spender, you seem eager for this beauty, but remember, she's only yours for one night. Return her by tomorrow," Marcus said.

His arrogant voice blew my mind. A cold fire of loathing ran through me with every word.

"I never share what belongs to me, especially my Luna," I said, shaking his hand off my shoulder without looking back.

"Luna?" He asked, confused.

"Marcus Cromwell, who do you think you are, the self-proclaimed king?" I said, turning to him and pulling off the black mask that covered half my face.

"Jacob Wood?" Marcus said, frowning.

"Yes, Jacob Wood. I'm here to end this auction and stop all your illegal activities, once and for all."

Before he could react or call his men, I kicked him hard, not giving him a chance to defend himself. He flew across the room and crashed into the wall at the far end of the hall.

I couldn’t help the small thrill of satisfaction as I watched him hit the corner.

Next, I used the fire element through my eyes and created a wall of flames in front of the rogues, then walked away with purpose.

"Did you memorize the faces of those who stared at your Luna and made dirty remarks tonight?" I asked Austin firmly.

"Yes, Alpha," Austin replied respectfully, showing his usual competence.

"Every single one of them must be dealt with," I said, before leaving with my Luna in my arms. Austin could take care of the rest.

_________________

"The injuries aren’t severe, but she’s weak, has lost some blood, and has a few cuts that I bandaged."

I called Dr. Zack, our family doctor, to check on my Luna. Since she passed out, both Dylan and I were on pins and needles.

"Is there anything serious? Why is she still unconscious?" I asked, unable to stop fidgeting with my fingers.

"No, she just passed out due to the trauma. She should regain consciousness in a few hours."

I released a sigh of relief.

"Handle her with care and tenderness, Jacob."

His reminder came with a touch of kindness.

I admitted that I am usually rough when dealing with women, but I save my gentlest side only for my Luna.

After seeing Dr. Zack out, I went into our master bedroom. My heart wrenched at the sight of bruises and marks covering her body. Her once clear, pale skin was now covered with red marks.

Once again, anger rose inside me. I called for a nurse and asked her to take care of the sleeping figure, then quickly left, summoning my beta to the study through our mental link.

“I want a full report. Don’t leave out a single detail,” I said sharply as I sat behind the table, covered with files.

“Alpha, the situation at the auction house is under control. All the prisoners have been rescued. Those without known connections have been sent to a refugee camp until they find a pack or relatives. All the culprits have been punished as you ordered, but…”

Austin paused. It was unusual for him to hesitate. I slammed my hand on the table, making the files jump. “What?” I barked, my voice sharp, teeth clenched.

“Marcus escaped,” Austin said, keeping his head down. My fists tightened, and my jaw ached as I ground my teeth, every nerve screaming at the news.

I slammed my chair back, making it scrape against the floor. My eyes burned as I glared at Austin. "That lucky bastard."

I loosened my grip on the table edge and exhaled.

Even as a rogue, Marcus had once been a gamma in a powerful pack before being kicked out. He was tough.

Today, he had been lucky I was busy with my Luna, or he wouldn’t have survived. Next time, I wouldn’t let him escape.

"Keep searching for him," I commanded and ended the meeting.

I walked back to the bedroom. She was still asleep, with the nurse dozing beside her bed.

I snapped my fingers near the nurse, making her startle awake. She immediately apologized. I gestured for her to leave and stayed, watching my Luna. Even though she was sleeping, stress still showed on her face. I wished I could make sure she never felt pain again. Looking at her white skin, long lashes and pink lips… she was so beautiful that it made something stir in me. s**t!

I stormed into the bathroom and stood under the cold shower, letting the water wash over me, trying to calm my overheated, buzzing mind.

The events of the day kept running through my mind—my Luna’s innocent gaze, her embarrassment in those revealing clothes.

I ran a hand through my hair, rubbed my face, and took a few deep breaths, trying to slow the racing thoughts that refused to settle.

After what felt like forever under the shower, I turned off the faucet and heard movement outside. She must have woken up. I wrapped a white robe around myself and hurried out. There she was, staring at the bathroom door. When our eyes met, she flinched and pulled the comforter tightly around herself, leaning against the bedpost.

This is nothing like I expected.

From the moment I saw her, the bond between us burned strong, driving me to claim her. So why is she so scared of me? None of my words seem to help, and even when I try to be friendly, she stays silent.

I tried to talk to her, but she didn’t answer.

I looked at her, trying to read her expression, but she stayed tense. My mind raced, unable to make sense of it. Why is she still so on edge around me? Doesn’t she feel the bond between us like I do?

"Do you know who I am?" I asked again, hoping to ease the tension—and this time, it seemed to work.

My question stirred something in her. She turned toward me, her face red with embarrassment, but her eyes were full of defiance. "You're the highest bidder, the one who won," she said in a sharp, mocking tone..

My frown deepened at her words. Was that really all I was to her?

Now she was scanning the room, her eyes darting around as if searching for something. I scratched the back of my head.

Before I could figure out what she was looking for, she suddenly jumped out of bed and grabbed one of the daggers hanging on the wall.

"What are you doing?" I shouted, shocked and angry at her sudden move.

"Dare to force me, and I'll either kill you or myself," she warned. Her eyes were firm, but her voice trembled. I didn’t stop moving toward her—but then I saw her press the blade against her wrist.