Jacob stood on the castle balcony, looking down into the courtyard where warriors rehearsed in the early morning light. His heart was split between duty and love, between his love for Leah and the traditions that had been ingrained in him since birth.
He had defended her, fought for her, and even went against the grain to claim her as his own Luna. But the doubtful murmurs continued to reverberate in his head. An Omega ruling as Luna—it was unheard of, unthinkable to the elders who had governed the pack for generations.
"You're troubled."
When Jacob turned around, Beta Samuel was coming toward him, his keen eyes detecting his inner anguish.
Jacob said, "It's nothing," but his tense posture betrayed him.
Samuel's arms were folded. "Is it? Despite your love for Leah, you are hesitant to fully acknowledge her as an equal."
Jacob blew out a long breath. "Samuel, I have no doubts about her strength. Every day I witness it. However, the pack still expects a Luna with a noble background rather than an Omega who used to be a maid."
Samuel moved in closer. "What do you anticipate? What is your intuition telling you?"
Jacob's fists clenched. "I love her, that she is more competent than any previous Luna."
"Then perhaps it's time the pack learns from its Alpha, instead of the other way around," Samuel replied with conviction. "The strength of tradition depends on its adherents. You have the ability to alter it."
Leah stood below, teaching fresh recruits how to defend the fortress, and Jacob became silent. She was obviously born to lead because of the ferocity in her eyes and the unflinching assurance in her voice.
Samuel clapped Jacob on the shoulder. "Don't let the past dictate your future, Jacob. She was chosen for a reason. Don't change your mind.
As Samuel left, Jacob stood still, his mind and heart at odds. But as he looked back at Leah, he understood that he could no longer let fear or tradition stand in the way of what was supposed to be.