Leah grew increasingly irritated with Jacob and drifted away from him. She had borne his skepticism, his hesitation, his unwillingness to embrace her as his Luna. She could feel the pressure of her decisions now that Marcus's offer was still weighing on her.
She escaped the pressure from the castle to discover peace amid the colorful gardens with their whispering leaves. Sometime during that afternoon Henrietta sought her out to express her worry regarding Leah's growing aloofness.
"Leah, what's going on?" Gently, Henrietta inquired.
A deep breath later Leah chose a rose petal that she released into the air before the winds carried it away. I doubt I have the patience to wait until Jacob finally accepts me. He continues to view me as an omega that lacks the worthiness to be his mate.
Henrietta had her arms folded. "You love him, don't you?"
Leah gave a nod. "But love isn't enough if he can't see me for who I truly am."
Jacob, meantime, became aware of Leah's absence. He was pulled to her by the void she left in his heart, which made him want to find her. A wave of remorse and desire swept through him as he finally saw her talking to Henrietta. She was escaping from his grasp after he had pushed her away with his own fears.
Jacob confronted Leah in the castle hallways later that night. "Leah, we need to talk."
Her face was unreadable as she looked into his eyes. "Do we? Or are you going to tell me again that I don't belong in this conversation?
Jacob blew out his breath and combed his hair. I do not seek that particular arrangement. I—"
She gave a headshake. "I must know, Jacob. Do you truly want me to be at your side or have you chained me to your side for the sake of obligation? You have to make a clear choice because I refuse to remain an option.
Jacob paused to catch his breath as he understood that he was about to lose his lifelong supporter. The time for choosing was rapidly running out.