Leaves in a packet (3)
I believe the answer is:
tea
'leaves' is the definition.
(as in tea leaves)
'a packet' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'te' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tea that I've seen before include "Infusion of dried leaves" , "Assam or Darjeeling, for example" , "Hot beverage" , "(Infused) drink; meal" , "Refreshment" .)