The mounting tension inside Barduff Castle exploded when Jacob and Marcus confronted each other in the grand hall. Behavior between the Alphas became tense since they wouldn't yield even though unspoken threats filled the atmosphere. Leah stood with her arms crossed facing the two larger men while maintaining a blank expression as she observed their competitive behavior like wolves just before physical conflict.
Tall and commanding, Marcus stepped forward purposefully. His piercing eyes were fixed on Jacob as he pondered, "It's rare to see an Alpha so unsure of his own Luna." "Jacob Barduff, you pause. A Luna ought to be treasured, not doubted.
Jacob's hands squeezed into fists and his jaw stiffened. "And you believe that you know Leah better than I do? You claim to know what's best for her after just meeting her once. There was a controlled anger in his voice, but underneath it was an uneasiness Marcus had plainly sensed.
With her chest tight from their words Leah hurriedly released a breath. She had fought tirelessly to prove her worth but Jacob never accepted that she had earned his respect. The shaky foundation of their relationship weakened when another Alpha emerged to oppose him.
Marcus laughed, his voice full of assurance. "I don't say I know her, but I can see something you won't: her value and power. Jacob, she doesn't have to be made into a Luna. She is already one. Then his face softened as he turned to Leah. "If you were my Luna, Leah, I would never make you question your place."
The idea of another Alpha speaking to Leah in such a familiar way made Jacob's eyes darken and his inner wolf awaken. A tiny voice in the back of his mind muttered, "What if Marcus is right?" as his possessiveness blazed.
The pressure of their expectations pressed down on Leah. She had fought for Jacob's approval for so long, and now she was being openly offered with an alternative. There was a lot of tension in the room, and it smelled strongly of power and unsaid challenges.
Observing Jacob's internal struggle, Marcus smiled. "If you truly consider Leah to be your Luna, prove it. Otherwise, let her decide for herself.
Jacob took a step closer and spoke in a voice that was dangerously low. "Leah is mine."
The direct possessiveness in Jacob's voice caused Leah to experience both quickened breathing and increased heart rate.
Was it sufficient, though? Does she have enough satisfaction in her life with a man who keeps evaluating her purpose?
Everything was going to change around her when her decision was made about the ongoing Alpha conflict.