Frustrated, Leah bounded through the halls of Barduff Castle. After Marcus publicly pursued her, the already intolerable tension between her and Jacob only got worse. Jacob had remained unyielding despite her attempts to reason with him and engage in conversation.
Even before she stepped into his study, Jacob could feel her rage. As she bounded through the door, her eyes blazing with defiance, he turned.
"This has to stop!" Leah slammed the door behind her and yelled. "You can't keep treating me like I'm not worthy of standing by your side."
Jacob said sharply, his jaw tightening. "I don't treat you like that." Leah sneered. "Then why is it so hard for you to accept me as your Luna? Why do you let Marcus think he even has a chance with me?"
Jacob's wolf growled, his possessiveness coming to the surface. "Because you're mine!" he barked, bringing them closer together in a few steps. "And yet you entertain his attention like it means something!"
Even though Leah was having trouble breathing, she persisted. "I consider it since Marcus at least treats me fairly. Conversely, you don't accept me for who I am. Her voice trailed off to a quivering whisper as she took a step closer. "Jacob, do you even love me? Or am I merely your property?
Jacob's whole body shook with suppressed emotion as his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He was angry—angry at her, angry at himself, angry at the situation that separated them. His voice hoarse with desperation, he growled, "You know I love you," "But love isn't the only thing at stake here. Leah, you're an omega. The pack—"
"The pack respects me!" she interrupted him. "This is about you and your pride, nothing else."
Jacob raked his fingers through his hair and growled in frustration. "You don't understand, Leah."
Leah stepped closer until she was only a few inches away and glared at him. "Then make me understand."
Jacob had ragged breathing and dark, troubled golden eyes. His hand cupped her jaw as he reached for her before he could stop himself. "You drive me insane," he muttered to himself. "You make me question everything I've ever known."
Leah's lips parted, but she remained silent. The intensity of his stare sent a chill down her spine. Then, suddenly, Jacob pressed his lips against hers, and she gasped against his mouth, but she didn't back down; instead, she pressed into him, her hands gripping his shoulders. The kiss was intense, passionate, and full of all the frustration, longing, and unresolved emotions that had been building between them for so long.
Jacob's lips moved down the column of her throat, effortlessly lifting her and pressing her against the wall. Heat flared between them as Leah arched into him, her fingers tangled in his hair. Every kiss and every touch was simultaneously a struggle and a surrender.
After carrying her to the bed, he gently laid her down and then hovered over her, looking into her eyes. "Tell me to stop," he said in a raspy, restrained voice.
Leah cupped his face, stroking his cheek with her thumb. "I don't want you to stop."
Before reclaiming her lips, Jacob growled deeply. This was more than just passion; it was a tipping point, a moment of surrender when their bodies were the only means of expressing the truth and words failed. He adored her and demonstrated to her that she was his, not merely a possession but also his partner and equal with each touch.
Under the silk sheets, Jacob and Leah's bodies were entangled as dawn drew near. He whispered, "You're mine, Leah," as his fingers traced idle patterns on her bare shoulder. I can't function without you, not because I own you.
Leah's fingers curled over his heart as she grinned drowsily against his chest. "Then, Jacob, begin defending me instead of being against me."
Knowing she was correct, Jacob kissed her forehead. This was only the start.