Chapter 16

Hunter watched Jacob enter his class, leaving him standing in the hallway. He walked him to class because he would do anything to stay with him, even if it was just a few extra minutes.

"You know," Sam said, making Hunter turn quickly. He was so focused on his mate that he didn't smell his presence. "You missed the pack meeting last night."

Hunter could tell nobody was too bothered. He connected with his mate and that was more important.

"We'll re-schedule."

"We don't mind missing out on a few for you to be with your mate," Sam smiled and followed his alpha down the corridor. "How's it going by the way?"

"It could be better," Hunter sighed and crossed his arms. "Jacob's finding this difficult."

"But that's what you expected, isn't it?"

"Yes. I just didn't think it would hurt so much when he thinks about how I've ruined him."

Sam stopped, making his Alpha stop too. "He'll forgive you."

"I know, but I forced this onto him and I feel like I've made things worse."

"You haven't Alpha," Sam smiled with respect. "Things can only get better for him from now on. He'll never feel lonely again, he'll always know he's loved and it'll add excitement into his life. This will bring out the person he lost when you were stuck in his head for half a year. It might take time but it'll be worth it for what you both get out of it." Sam never knew if he stepped over the line or not. Giving his Alpha advice was risky. Hunter often accepted it from Sam because he was right most of the time, and they were as close as brothers. It was normal to value the other's opinion.

"He pushed me away and I can't handle it. But I suppose you're right, it'll be worth it in the end."

Sam nodded and their conversation was quickly interrupted by the bell, indicating that they were late for their class.

* * * * *

Jacob was relieved to finish his college day. Even though his day was not long and he was only in for four hours, the amount of coursework they get in return was not forgiving. He left the class looking thankful that it ended.

Even though things with Hunter were sketchy, Jacob still wanted to see him because his chest felt tight. It hadn't processed that he'd need to grow closer to him in order to understand their connection and how it would make him feel.

"I'm waiting outside the main entrance for-"

Jacob didn't have time to listen because he tripped over something and landed hard on the floor. He quickly turned to see someone leaning against the wall with a smirk.

It was Brad. Jacob didn't know his name and he didn't know he was part of Hunter's pack.

"The freak can't even watch where he's going," Brad sighed with cold eyes. "How did Hunter end up with a disaster like you?"

Jacob frowned and his heart sped up. What did he just say?

Suddenly, a hand flashed from the side and slapped Brad across the head. he stumbled a bit and tried to retaliate.

"Hunter's not going to be happy with you."

Brad glared when he realised it was Sam, the Alpha's second in command.

Jacob had no idea who both of them were or how they knew about him and Hunter.

"I don't care, his mate is-"

"Is what?" Sam growled. "A Human? A male? Get a grip and just accept it."

They both then looked down to Jacob who was still sitting on the floor.

"What's going on?" Hunter's voice was vibrant in his mind.

"Here," Sam held out a hand to his Alpha's mate and helped him to his feet. "Sorry about him, Hunter will have him trained in no time." Sam shot daggers in his direction. "And sorry for the confusion. We're members of Hunter's pack. I'm Sam and this is Brad."

Jacob didn't know what to think about first. The fact that he was looking at more werewolves or the fact that Brad, the bully, was a member of the pack.

"I know," Sam sighed. "I don't want him on it either."

Brad pushed himself off the wall with a scowl. "You can't-"

"Shut up and stop whining." Sam rolled his eyes before holding Jacob's shoulder and leading him down the corridor. Jacob was too stunned to do anything but let him. "Don't worry, I'm just taking you to Hunter."

Hunter was pacing outside the doors. Something was going on and it included his pack members because he could hear Jacob thinking about it. His thoughts were unusual due to the fact that he spent most of his time daydreaming. Jacob could change subjects very fast.

Suddenly, Sam appeared out of the sliding glass doors, followed by Jacob and a sulking Brad.

Hunter locked eyes with his mate and walked over. Jacob secretly liked the rush and the excitement of his heart when he saw him. It made him feel warm inside and he really did want to hug him again.

"What has gotten into me?" he thought to himself. He was one hundred percent, not a hugger. He found physical contact awkward and uncomfortable. But now, that's all he wanted.

"If you want one, have one," Hunter smiled and didn't give him a chance to step away as he wrapped an arm around his waist and an arm around his shoulders. He held him firmly against him, allowing the tightness in their bodies to relax.

Jacob did calm down almost instantly. He seemed to forget everything around him and enjoyed the comfort. Even though he barely hugged back, he didn't pull away and that was a start.

He had forgotten that the day was Thursday and his dad usually picks him up after college because he finished work early. Scott was currently sitting in his car, watching his son share an embrace with someone else.

Sam felt proud and happy for his Alpha to have found his mate. He was looking forwards to getting to know Jacob more too. "Oh by the way," Sam spoke and glanced at Brad with a look that said: 'he's going to kill you.' "Brad pushed Jacob over and called him a freak."

Hunter's eyes opened and his body tensed against his mate. He pulled back from Jacob who watched his expression. He looked very, very angry. His eyes were burning a ferocious storm and Sam was thankful it wasn't him he was looking at like that.

Hunter suddenly stepped forwards and grabbed Brad by the collar of his t-shirt. He turned and slammed him against the wall.

"How dare you touch him," he growled deeply. His eyes were piercing Brad's face who regretted his actions.

Jacob was watching with wide eyes. Even though Brad was getting what he deserved, there was something about Hunter's anger that leaked immense dominance. He was clearly a strict leader and Jacob wondered if he'd ever be like that with him.

"Never," Hunter thought, "you're my mate, I would never display my anger onto you like this."

Jacob felt that he meant it.

Hunter then lifted a hand and smacked Brad across the face. Jacob gasped and Sam watched on like he had seen it a million times before.

"You need to know your place," Hunter muttered with those angry grey eyes. "I'm not done with you." Hunter let go of his t-shirt and turned to check on his mate. "Are you okay?"

Jacob nodded. He was completely fine, but seeing Hunter hit Brad shocked him in an uncomfortable way.

Hunter placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He hated that a member of his pack was bullying him. Brad was scarily close to losing his spot as the Delta wolf.

"If he even dares to do it again, you have to tell me."

Jacob glanced at Brad who rubbed his red cheek and stared pitifully at the floor. He nodded and chewed on his bottom lip.

Hunter stood up straighter, feeling a little more satisfied. "Would you like to meet the rest of my pack?" he suggested. "It's okay if you don't because I know you need time."

"Um," Jacob hummed quietly with thought. Sam seemed friendly and Brad was definitely someone to stay away from. He was worried that maybe the rest didn't want him to be involved with Hunter too.

"It doesn't matter what they think," Hunter said out loud after listening to his thoughts. "You're my mate and I wouldn't have it any other way. If they disagree then they can find another pack." He glared at Brad who crossed his arms and sulked harder.

"I think I need more time," Jacob said quietly. He wasn't ready for more people to be introduced into his life.

"That's fine." Hunter smiled a dazzling smile and Jacob almost melted to the ground, "but what would you like to do now?" Hunter could tell that they were both not ready to go their separate ways just yet.

Jacob wasn't sure what he should do, he couldn't leave Hunter. He hated the pain his body received when they were not together.

"You can come back to mine if you want and we can just chill out and get to know each other? My parents are out until late, so you don't have to meet them," Hunter suggested.

Jacob obviously had nowhere else to be and nobody else to hang out with. "Okay." He needed to know more about Hunter. It had finally dawned on him that he won't suddenly wake up and find that it was all a dream.

"Do you need to phone your parents or anyone to tell them where you're going?" Hunter asked while they started walking.

"Oh," Jacob mumbled and pulled his phone out of his pocket. He rang his dad who picked up almost immediately.

"Hey, son."

"Hi," Jacob said quietly and Hunter understood that he had to lie. He couldn't just say that he was going to Hunter's house. Although, they were not aware that Scott was watching him from the car park. "Um, I'm staying in college to do work, so I'll just walk home later."

There was a pause on the phone as Scott watched his son walk away from college. He knew he had just blatantly lied. Scott narrowed his eyes but kept his voice calm. "That's fine, would you like me to pick you up later?"

"No, it's okay."

"Okay. Text me when you're on your way home. Don't work yourself too hard."

"Bye, dad."

Scott listened as his son hung up the phone, just as William threw himself into the seat next to him and melted into it.

"I hate Thursdays," he sighed and turned to put his belt on.

"Good day?" Scott asked with eyes still pointing in the direction of the trees.

"It was so boring," Will chuckled and glanced at the back seat. "Where's Jacob?"

"He said he's staying in college for longer to do some work."

"He must be behind on something," William shrugged and started messing around with the radio.

Scott thought back to when he saw his son exit college. He had watched how he walked up to Hunter and they hugged. He had also watched as Hunter effortlessly hit someone and he really didn't like that.

"Just a question." He started to drive out of the car park. "Are Jacob and Hunter good friends?" Jacob would never voluntarily hug anyone.

"No. They only met for the first time on Monday." William watched his dad's face. He had a thoughtful frown. "Why?"

"No reason."

William then found a song he liked and they settled into comfortable silence. Scott was deep in thought. He didn't know what was more shocking; Jacob lying to him or his son wanting to spend time with someone he barely knew.