Jacob viewed the training grounds below from the balcony of Barduff Castle, his hands on the stone railing. The twilight air reverberated with the growls and groans of warriors engaged in combat. But his thoughts were elsewhere. Leah had been separating from him for days, and much though he tried to act as though it didn't impact him, it did. Profoundly.
He cherished her. He was aware of that. However, recognition and love were two different things. Despite everything they had experienced, their intense bond, and his wolf's intense desire for her company, Leah was an omega, and he was unable to accept her as his equal.
He was warily approached by Leah's brother, Samuel Ordwolf, his trusted Beta. "Alpha, you look troubled."
Jacob straightened his posture and scoffed. "Is it that obvious?"
Samuel grinned but didn't say anything more. "Leah is powerful. She has repeatedly shown her worth. She is respected by the pack, you know that. She is respected by the warriors. Why do you find it difficult?
Jacob's jaw tightened as he refused to respond. It had nothing to do with respect. He did respect Leah. It had to do with hierarchy, with the status quo. His heart told him that Luna of the Nightwind Pack had never been an omega, yet the thought still tormented him.
Samuel let out a sigh. "You might lose her if you keep this up."
At the thought, Jacob's possessiveness flared and his wolf snarled. "She belongs to me."
"Then act like it," Samuel stated in a direct manner. "Not by putting her in a cage or treating her like a subordinate. However, by embracing her for who she is—your Luna, your partner."
Jacob said nothing, his thoughts battling with one another. Something inside of him, shaped by years of custom and expectations, prevented him from giving Leah the title she deserved, even if he wanted her at his side.
Leah, meantime, was sitting in the castle gardens, her hands lightly grazing a white rose's petals. Sitting next to her, Henrietta watched her anxiously. "You're thinking about leaving, aren't you?"
Leah let out a sigh. "I'm not sure anymore. Love is insufficient, even though I adore Jacob. Before he sees me as his Luna, he still views me as an omega.
Her hand was taken by Henrietta. "And you deserve more."
Leah gave a sorrowful smile. "All I want is to be on par with him. not an exception, not a burden. His equal.
Henrietta gave her hand a squeeze. "Then perhaps it's time to force him to make a decision. Either he recognizes your value or you leave.
The thought made Leah's heart tighten, but she knew Henrietta was correct. She had defended Jacob and this group. Perhaps it was time for her to stand up for herself.
Jacob was back on the balcony as Leah got up from the garden bench and strode toward the castle, her eyes full of resolve. A feeling of dread took hold of his chest. He had a gut feeling that a conflict was imminent. Additionally, he was uncertain about his chances of winning for the first time in his life.