The burden of his errors weighed heavily on Jacob as he sat by himself in his chambers. The room was filled with an ethereal light as the moon shone through the tall windows, casting a silver glow. Frustrated, he combed through his hair, reliving every argument, every moment of uncertainty, and every instance in which he had allowed Leah to drift farther away from him. He had made a mistake. A proud, unyielding idiot who had allowed fear and tradition to rule his life.
He cherished Leah. He had loved her all his life. However, he had allowed his pride to prevent him from accepting her as his equal as well as his mate. The weight of his hesitations felt even more heavy now that she was carrying his child.
He was startled out of his reverie by a gentle knock on the door. Leah was standing there with an unreadable expression on her face when he turned around. She looked like something out of a dream as her hair fell over her shoulders in the dim candlelight. The sight of her made his heart tighten. She stood in front of him, unflinching, despite everything she had been through because of him.
"We must have a conversation," she said softly.
Jacob nodded after taking a deep breath. "Come in."
Leah entered while maintaining eye contact with him. Before she spoke, she inhaled deeply. "I can't keep doing this, Jacob. I can't keep waiting for you to accept me, to see me as more than an omega. I'm carrying your child, and yet I still feel like I don't belong here."
Jacob exhaled sharply, standing to face her. "Leah, I—"
She interrupted him by raising a hand. "Allow me to finish. I have stood up for you. for this bundle. I have repeatedly shown my value. But perhaps I should leave if you can't see me as your Luna and if you can't love me the way I deserve."
Jacob felt a jolt of panic at the prospect of her leaving. Taking her hands in his, he moved forward. "No. You're not going anywhere. Leah, I was mistaken. I've always been mistaken. I promise you that I now see it, even though I allowed my pride and fears to get in the way. I recognize you.You are my child's mother, my mate, and my Luna. I don't want to keep shoving you away for another second."
Uncertainty filled Leah's eyes as she searched his. "How can I be certain that this isn't another passing moment? that you won't start doubting me again tomorrow?"
Jacob's hold became more firm. Because I'm not going to let you go. Leah, you're the strongest person I've ever met. Even stronger than me. I also need—no, I want—you at my side. As my equal as well as my mate. Forever."
For the first time in a long time, Leah could see the sincerity in his eyes as tears filled her eyes. The man she had fallen in love with, the man she had always thought he could be, was finally showing through the walls he had erected around himself.
Jacob cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I love you, Leah. I always have. And I promise, I will spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
With a trembling breath, Leah muttered, "Then show me."
Without wasting any time, Jacob drew her close and planted a passionate, raw, and all-consuming kiss on her lips. His hands followed the curves of her body, memorizing every inch of her as if he were worried that she would leave him. Leah responded with equal fervor, her hands tangled in his hair as she melted into him. The tension, the uncertainty, the pain—all of it vanished as they gave in to the unbreakable bond between them.
No uncertainty existed that evening as she embraced love. No hesitation. Just love.
Leah experienced an overwhelming certainty because she had discovered where she truly belonged.