The Alpha's Winning Bid

Bridges of Trust

Jacob's POV

I, Jacob Wood, the strongest alpha in our realm, had the worst luck when it came to my mate.

I had been playboy and a troublemaker since my teenage years, and the Moon Goddess warned me many times that I was not an ordinary werewolf. She told me I had serious duties and that my Luna would come from the Crescent lineage, the purest alpha bloodline. But even though I was her descendant, I never listened to her warnings.

Because of that, I was punished. I couldn’t touch anyone except my true mate, and I had to work harder than anyone to find her. My elemental powers were also locked, and the only way to unlock them was to find and mate with my Luna.

While every other werewolf found their mates one after another, I was still searching. And now, when I finally got her, I was ready to make her mine… but something went wrong. I rubbed my forehead.

She was clearly enjoying the kiss and even kissed me back, so what made her pull away from her own feelings? My frown deepened.

A dull ache settled in my chest. Was I really not doing enough to show her that my feelings were real?

Her words hurt more than I expected. After everything I had done to prove she was mine, she still saw herself as unworthy. I didn’t blame her for that, but I hated the people and the past that made her think that way.

I started pacing in my study.

“Are you sure about it?” Natalie’s uncertain voice kept replaying in my mind, again and again, twisting my gut.

Finally, it clicked.

My jaw tightened. She had been hurt so badly she couldn’t trust anyone—and I hadn’t done enough to make her feel safe with me.

A cold tension spread across my shoulders.

I slammed my fist on the table, the sound echoing through the study.

“Even as Alpha Jacob, I’m failing. I should be doing more to earn her trust… but what? What can I do?”

I ran a hand through my hair, pacing back and forth.

The question wouldn’t leave my head.

"Nice going, Jacob," Dylan said sarcastically. "You should’ve gained her trust first instead of rushing in like a bull in a china shop."

Alright, I admit it—it's my fault she's reacting this way. I stood up from there chair, adjusted my messy clothes, and ran a hand through my messy hair to fix it.

Without looking back, I left the study room, needing space to calm the storm inside me. I went straight to the kitchen, opened the fridge, poured two glasses of water, and drank them quickly, letting out a heavy sigh to regain control.

"Jacob, how could you be so reckless with Natalie? She’s delicate and untouched. Don’t you know?" Dylan scolded me again, and I pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Stop blaming only me, Dylan. You’re just as responsible. Didn’t you want her the most?" I clenched my teeth.

"Fine, I agree, we both were wrong. We should’ve slowed down, made her feel safe and comfortable, and earned her trust first," Dylan said. I nodded. "But now, do something to make it to her."

I stood near the dining table, rubbing my forehead, trying to figure out what to do.

"There are many ways to make Natalie feel more at ease," Dylan added. "You used to be a playboy—didn’t you know how to make a woman happy?"

I rubbed my chin for a few minutes and suddenly my eyes lit up with thoughts. Dylan was right. I needed to recall my past and think about what could make Natalie comfortable and trust on me.

I heard some laughing and turned to see a few omegas giggling and chatting. I was about to ignore them when their conversation caught my attention.

"I can’t believe you just got your mate and he showered you with so many gifts," Lisle, an omega, said.

"Yes—dresses, jewelry, bags, everything. He practically bought an entire mall," Katie added.

"This shows how much he loves her. She can trust him."

That’s right. Shopping is the best therapy for every woman. Make them feel cared for. There were many things I could do, but I should start with the basics. What she needed most right now was to feel safe and looked after.

I walked back to my study without stopping. I picked up the phone and called an omega. “Bring Natalie to me,” I said firmly.

A few minutes later, Natalie entered my study, and my heart fluttered. I smiled wide, unable to hide my surprise at how she looked. She wore a mid-length white dress that hung loosely on her slim frame, the neckline slipping slightly off her shoulder.

She looked so delicate, her slow steps and lowered lashes making her seem even more innocent.

Her jasmine scent filled the study, making my breath slow and steady.

I noticed the way she carried herself—she seemed guilty, maybe regretting how she pushed me away earlier. That thought sent a jolt through me, and I had to force myself to stay calm.

“Please, sit,” I said, motioning to the chair across from my desk.

She lifted her eyes briefly to look at me, then lowered them again and quietly took her seat. Her cautious, obedient way of sitting made my chest tighten slightly.

"This is for you," I said, sliding a phone across the table toward her. I figured she didn’t have one of her own. "I’ve saved my number in speed dial, along with a few other important contacts—my beta, Austin, the pack’s doctor, Rosa, and Linda, the omega assigned to assist you. Keep it with you at all times."

A faint smile appeared on her face when she saw the phone, but she quickly hid it, returning to a neutral expression.

My lips curled up in a soft smile seeing her ease even for a second.

"Thank you," she said softly, her eyes on the phone as she seemed to figure it out.

"Is there anything you need?"

She looked up at me and shook her head almost immediately. "No, nothing…" she said, her voice faltering. It hit me in the chest.

What should I do to make her feel comfortable? I hit my fist on my lap under the table.