Chapter 30

When Grace got home from work, Scott had just pulled up onto the driveway and parked behind Hunter's parents truck. He climbed out of his car and was greeted by his wife.

"Have you apologised to him yet?" He questioned.

"No, but-"

"Then get out of my face, Grace." He turned and headed inside. He didn't have the time of day for her at that moment.

When he entered his home, he placed the meat he bought for the barbeque in the kitchen. He could hear voices and he knew Hunter's parents were here. All day, he has thought about Jacob and how good it is that he's in a relationship. It proves to him that he's starting to make a positive change in his life.

He was very proud of him.

The backdoor was open and everyone seemed to be enjoying the sunshine.

Margo and Anthony were talking to Sam when Scott made an appearance. Jacob and Hunter were leaning over the pond they had at the bottom of the garden. Hunter had also spotted the built in pool that they owned. Scott spent all summer building it.

"Um," Jacob said quietly. "Why do you not like water?"

Hunter watched the fish as they aimlessly swam around and poked things with their mouth.

"I just don't," He shrugged. However, deeper stories may rise to the surface when he's ready to talk about them. He was very good at blocking them out of their mind link.

Jacob could feel it and understood not to provoke his problems. He glanced up at Alisha who was already staring at him. William made her apologise and it was very awkward for him.

"She creeps me out," He whispered. Hunter watched her too but his expression was subtle and dark.

"She irritates me so much," He muttered. "I hate her."

William could see her looking at Hunter in a funny way. He put an arm around her waist so she returned her attention to him.

"Why do you not like Hunter?" He questioned quietly.

She studied his hazel eyes with thought. She could really ruin his image, although, Anthony was here and he would definitely start the war between the two packs today for certain. She had orders from her Alpha to ruin Jacob, not Hunter.

And that is why she is pretending to be with William. She doesn't have feelings towards him, she definitely doesn't want to be in a relationship with him. It's over as soon as she's done messing with Jacob.

"Do you need any help with the barbeque Scott?" Anthony asked after Sam had introduced himself and talked about his life story in under two minutes. Scott barely took a word in, he spoke rather quickly with an excited bounce to his actions.

"Sure, thank you." Scott beamed but glanced over to his son who was watching Hunter intensely as he spoke. Usually, he found it difficult to keep that essential eye contact. With Hunter, it was obviously different and he was a lot more comfortable around him. "Son? Could you head into the kitchen and grab some ice for the drinks please?"

Jacob nodded and stood up. Hunter flashed him a smile, just as Sam walked over.

When He was gone, Hunter glared at his pack member.

"Wipe that grin off your face," He muttered.

"What did I-" Sam quickly stopped. "Yes, Alpha."

"Don't be so mean to him." Jacob's voice was vibrant in his mind. Hunter softened his gaze and also rolled his eyes.

"Sorry," He mumbled to Sam. "I'm just really annoyed about Alisha."

"I know," Sam sighed. "Me too."

When Jacob entered the kitchen, his mother was stood with a cup of coffee in her hand. Her eyes were fixed on the floor and they looked incredibly sad. She instantly perked up when he entered.

"Oh, Jacob," She smiled and quickly brushed down her dress like she was nervous about something. "I've been meaning to talk to you. Do you have a minute?"

Jacob nodded. He so desperately wanted things to be on good terms with them.

"I think," She said and took his hand. "I have a lot of apologising to do."

Jacob chewed on his lip and stared at the ground.

"You were horrible to me."

Grace stepped closer and rested another hand on his shoulder.

"I know. And I hate myself for it. I am your mother, I should never have said those things but I had a moment of panic. I know you're growing up and I'm just so scared to lose my little boy. I was scared to see that you are getting older and you are capable of making your own choices. I just refused to believe it. I am selfish, I was cruel and I'm so, so sorry."

"It's not just me you need to apologise to," He mumbled quietly. "You were mean to Hunter too."

"I know honey. I was awful. He's not taking advantage of you, he's a lovely boy," She was gripping him hard and Jacob could tell she is so afraid of the thought of losing him physically, and mentally.

He stepped forwards and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm getting better mum. I don't feel so empty when I'm around him," He whispered.

Grace closed her eyes. That really pulled at her heart strings.

"I'm so glad," She muffled into his chest. "That's all I ever wanted to hear."

"You don't have to worry," Jacob continued. "I'm not hearing the voice as much."

"You're not?" Grace pulled back and reached up to cup her tall son's cheeks. "I've been waiting all year for you to say that."

Jacob released a small smile which she returned.

"I love you so much, please never forget that."

"I love you too, mum."

Grace then stood back and took a big breath.

"Right, I should really go and say hi to our guests."

Jacob watched her leave feeling a lot less heavy chested. He really didn't like it when they argued. He then turned to get ice for his dad but he heard someone else walk into the kitchen.

He turned to see Alisha storming up to him. He gasped and pushed his back against a cupboard as she continued to get really close with a deep scowl on her face.

"You," She muttered and poked him hard in the chest. "Are a freak."

Jacob didn't know what to do. He was scared.

"Do you think Hunter's family want you in their lives?" Alisha had started her game of tearing him down. Picking on his insecurities was the best place to start. "Anthony and Margo wanted a strong and stable person for their son so they could help Hunter run his pack. Instead, they got you, someone, they have to babysit. You're weak and pathetic. You don't belong in a werewolf's world."

Jacob opened his mouth but he didn't have the confidence to stick up for himself. He was too afraid to move.

"And that proves my point," She smirked. "You can't even defend yourself. And your brother hates looking after you and he finds you irritating. He told me." Of course, William would never say that but Alisha didn't care.

"He-He wouldn't-"

"Wouldn't he?" Her chuckle was nothing short of sinister. "Nobody likes you, they just have to put up with you because they feel sorry for you."

Jacob's heart was beating hard. He couldn't help but listen to her and unfortunately, with his struggling mind, it was sinking in.

"Alisha," Hunter roared, making them look up. He stormed over and shoved her back before standing in front of his crumbling mate. "I'm going to kill you." His voice spoke only the truth and she heard it. He was pulsing with anger.

"Have fun with that," She smiled and turned. Hunter couldn't hurt her here, not with humans close and Jacob needing help and she knew that. But nobody can help her soul when she leaves this home.

Hunter glared at her until she left the room. He couldn't wait to get his revenge. He quickly turned to see his mate looking rather distraught.

"Hey," He soothed and lifted both his hands. He placed them delicately on Jacob's cheeks and rested their bodies together. After living in his head for a year, he understood that no matter how hard he tried, he can't help but let those negative thoughts in. It'll eat away at him until he believes it.

Jacob's eyes grew watery. In his head, he is weak, he is pathetic, he is a freak.

"Don't you dare think that," Hunter wrapped his arms around him and pulled his face into his shoulder. Jacob took his comfort and wrapped his arms around his waist. He gripped his t-shirt tight. "This is her plan. She knows you can be vulnerable and you can't let her win."

"It-It's so hard n-not to listen," He sobbed quietly against him.

"I know," Hunter soothed and rubbed his back, just as Scott appeared at the doorway. He was coming to see what was taking his son so long to get the ice. He was shocked to see him crying against Hunter. "I know you struggle," His voice was soft. "And I know It's hard for you to not let it in. But you're perfect for me. My mum adores you, my dad likes how you get bossy with me sometimes. You don't realise how much of a positive impact you make on people."

Jacob was trying so hard to calm himself down. Hunter was helping him a lot.

"I don't see it," He sobbed.

"It's because you don't believe it. But I promise it's true. You know I never break my promises," Hunter pulled Jacob's head back and wiped the tears from his face. He is a very emotional person because he was doing the same thing to him last night. "Don't let it get inside your head, I know you're stronger than that."

Jacob nodded and sniffed his sadness back.

"T-Thank you," He whispered, creating Hunter to smile.

"You're so cute, it actually hurts my heart," He chuckled. Jacob's eyes lightened. He was beginning to feel a lot better. Hunter ran a hand through his mate's hair and examined his face. "Let's get you some food, I know that will definitely cheer you up."

Jacob smiled and Hunter melted as they turned towards the door. They both stopped when their eyes caught sight of Scott standing there.

However, his expression was different and he looked like he had just watched a life changing film or read and inspiring book.

He knew, just from witnessing something he never thought he'd see that Hunter Rayson was perfect for his son. He calmed him down with a hug and kind words. Nobody was as understanding as that, not to Jacob.

He knew Hunter could save him from drowning in his own anxiety.

"Food is now nearly ready son," He said softly as they walked towards him. On the way past, he gave Hunter a nod of appreciation and a grateful smile. Hunter didn't feel like he did enough to deserve that because he was only doing what was right.

It was clear to him that Jacob has required someone in his life for a very long time. He had felt alone for years before he entered his mind. Them finding each other was no coincidence.

Jacob needed Hunter, just as much as he needed him.