Chapter 21

Margo and Anthony kept their explaining about werewolves simple. They told Jacob about the history of their kind and how they've existed for as long as humans and their race have always been a secret. They spoke to Jacob about their way of life and how it differs from humankind.

The Rayson family, which was them, are the leaders of the wolf society within the city. Anthony and Margo are the top Alphas and they get paid to make sure everything is in order and stays that way.

Hunter was only going to college to do something with his time, until he was old enough to take over his parent's role.

Margo and Anthony then explained more about the bond which was when Jacob really tuned in to what they were saying. They reassured him that everything he was feeling was completely normal.

"Because our son is an Alpha wolf, his love towards you will be much stronger. I know this sounds almost insulting to humans, but he'll see you as his and you're no longer anyone else's. We are very protective creatures and have ugly amounts of jealousy within us. Hunter's time is devoted to his mate and you'll have to put in the effort too," Anthony said and crossed his arms. He had to be truthful. "Because it's early days and my son didn't treat you with the respect you deserve, it's okay for you to reject his affection until you're used to this lifestyle. But Jacob, you can't reject it forever. Hunter's feelings are very strong towards you and it will cause him physical and psychological pain if these patches remain in your bond."

Jacob did notice Hunter's dominant nature. The way he hit Brad was a very overprotective thing to do. Jacob almost felt like he was losing his freedom, but of course, he wasn't. He was just out of his depth and not in control, which was nothing new.

"Overtime, you will develop mind links with the pack when those friendships are built. You can block them out, including Hunter's thoughts. This will take practice but doing it at your current stage will not be wise. You need to strengthen your bond before doing that," Margo said.

Jacob glanced at Hunter who's arm was still touching his.

"Are you alright? Is this too much information?" Hunter questioned in his head.

"I'm fine."

Hunter connected their gaze and smiled as warmly as he could. "Would you like to meet the rest of my pack today? Or are you still not ready?"

Jacob tried not to melt, but it filled him with hot fuzz.

"I don't think he's ready," Margo added. "Give him time to get used to you first."

Hunter nodded and continued to study his mate.

"Do you feel better about this situation, Jacob?" Anthony asked. Telling the truth to a human wasn't sitting well with him. "We'll answer any questions you have."

Jacob nodded. Now that he had a better understanding of werewolves and how Hunter and himself are inclined to feel, he did manage to swallow his anxieties.

"Good." Anthony liked Jacob, but he wasn't sure how the community would accept it. It would have to be announced, of course, he couldn't keep his son's mate a secret.

"Come on," Hunter said and stood up, "let's go into my room for a little while."

Jacob followed him while Margo and Anthony eyes followed them. As soon as Jacob set foot in Hunter's room, Anthony and Margo noticed how Hunter didn't show a single flinch of emotion.

Once the door was shut behind the boys, they looked at each other. "I can't believe this is happening."

Margo lifted a hand and rubbed the back of her husbands neck. "It was very unexpected," she smiled. "I didn't suspect he was gay at all."

"Me neither," Anthony sighed. "But I'm really happy for him. He was obviously yet to discover he was gay before he found his mate. I'm just glad that Lunar love has given him an opportunity to be his true self."

"Me too."

Jacob sat on the edge of Hunter's bed and thought about what he would tell his parents if they found out that he skipped college today.

"Don't worry about that," Hunter smiled and sat next to him. "We can think about it later."

Jacob nodded, thoughtfully chewing on his bottom lip. "Do you really think of me as your property?" he asked quietly.

"No," Hunter chuckled. "You're much more special to me. Obviously, I think of you as a part of my territory and I'm very protective of it, as all wolves are, but you're not and never will be my property. Nobody owns you, not really. I just like to think I do because those traits are wired into me."

Jacob wasn't sure why he felt it, but there was a twitch of comfort at the thought of Hunter being protective over him. It was nice to have someone who cared about him in that way, someone other than his family.

"I know everything's changing so fast for you, but you're coping well." Hunter's voice was low.

Jacob was very aware that the werewolf was getting closer. He glanced down to his hands when Hunter's fingers gently touched the tips of his. Jacob didn't move his hand away, but he didn't dare to move it closer. It was hard to keep himself composed when feeling strong emotions that he couldn't control.

"You don't need to hold anything back." Hunter stared at his mouth. "You know I won't mind if you get close because I want you to."

Jacob knew that already, Hunter thought about it all the time. So instead of getting closer, he shuffled up the bed a little more so he could lean his back against the wall.

Hunter then moved so he was sitting in front of him and crossed his legs. "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?"

Jacob watched him lean forward. He could feel Hunter's emotions mixing with his own and they felt stronger today. "Why do you want to kiss me?" he said like the words forced their way out of his mouth.

"Uh, Well-" Hunter didn't expect him to ask that. "Because you're my mate Jacob, and I'm attracted to you."

Jacob sighed. He still felt confused about almost everything related to Hunter's world, but he knew what he wanted. "I want to kiss you too," he whispered. "I've never felt like this before. I-I've never been this attracted to anyone."

Hunter couldn't suppress a smile. "That's okay. I want you to tell me when you're ready and don't feel like you have to rush."

"Okay."

"So, does this mean that you're accepting our bond?"

"A bit."

Hunter's grey eyes gleamed at his cuteness. "If you need time, then take it. I don't know what it's like to be human and think people like me and my family are myths. It must be weird. It's like me finding out that vampires exist."

Jacob was looking more and more comfortable, sinking into his bed with his back pressed against the cold  wooden wall.

"I love it when you chew on your lip like that."

Jacob eye's shot up to see Hunter's glowing with a warm passion. He was staring at Jacob in a way that made him feel like he was the most precious thing in the room.

"It's because you are. You're going to be the centre of my attention for the rest of my life."

"And you don't mind that?"

"Of course not," Hunter chuckled. "You need to have more confidence. You don't realise how unique you are. And that's a really good thing."

Jacob's cheeks flustered. He wasn't used to compliments. "I thought I wasn't normal," he mumbled, "I guess I'm not in my world, but I am in yours."

"You're just not meant to live a normal human life," Hunter grinned. "You're supposed to be running around with werewolves. Even if you haven't discovered it yet, it's in your nature." Hunter focused on Jacob's face as he gently placed his hands on his mate's knees. "I know you like my touch." Hunters deep voice always sent a shiver down his mate's spine. "I want you to get used to it."

"I know," Jacob whispered, "you already told me." Emotions were pumping through his veins. He wasn't sure if they belonged to him or Hunter.

Jacob's thoughts drifted to how relieved he felt in the car park when Hunter embraced him. Hunter's smell and warmth surrounded his entire body. Even now when Jacob looked at him, his heart throbbed with the adrenaline of what was yet to come. They were only going to grow closer, they had no other choice.

Hunter squeezed his knees and Jacob clenched his jaw, trying to stop himself from looking into his eyes. Hunter was so hard to resist.

"I told you." Hunter's voice was soft. "Don't hold anything back." He struggled to stop himself from kissing his mate with the love that he so rightly craved.

Jacob had always wondered what it would be like to be in a relationship, one in which he could let his guard down and build trust, and he could be himself and enjoy everything it had to offer. Now that there was a huge opportunity for one to start, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

Jacob thought about what he needed to do. How did two people get close enough to have assurance and faith in one another? At what point does their relationship or whatever was happening between him and Hunter become official?

"You don't have to do anything." Hunter couldn't take his gaze away from those nut-brown eyes. "It will all happen naturally."

"If it happens naturally, then nothing will ever happen." Jacob was too shy to make first moves and hold hands first.

"Then leave it to me. It doesn't matter if you're too shy. I like that. My dominant side will shine more. I can't help that part of me, but it looks like it'll benefit us."

"How?"

"I have enough confidence for the both of us," Hunter smiled. "All I ask is that you accept my affection. I want nothing more than your acceptance and it kills me when you edge away or tense up." His hands were still resting on Jacob's knees.

Jacob fiddled with his hoody sleeves. "Okay, I'll do my best."

"Jacob?" Hunter inhaled a very deep breath and said quickly, "can I please kiss your cheek?" His mate's eyes turned into miniature saucepans. "It's just your cheek, nowhere else."

"J-Just my cheek?" Jacob whispered.

"I promise."

Hunter climbed onto his knees and continued to keep his hands on Jacob. His actions were smooth as he moved his face very close.

Jacob wanted to turn his head away but instead, he was paralysed by the warmth of Hunter's breath against his lips. He couldn't describe how alluring it felt.

But Hunter was true to his promises and moved his head until his lips traced Jacob's blushing cheek. As predicted his skin was hot and soft. Hunter's hands subconsciously moved down his mate's legs. It wasn't enough for Jacob to panic and the human relaxed, pressing his cheek harder against his mouth.

Hunter was placing his mark on his mate.

He then pulled his head back, but only by a few inches. His eyes traced Jacob's face and his scent was suffocating. "That wasn't so bad now, was it?"