Chapter 38

Jacob sat on the couch and stared into space. Hunter was watching him after spending almost half an hour trying to make him look at himself in the mirror. However, Jacob refused. He didn't want to because he knew he'd see the changes.

He was very freaked out and kept talking himself out of losing himself and breaking down.

Margo and Anthony had been in touch with Margo's parents in hopes of finding someone who understood what was going on. Anthony doesn't have any parents, they passed away when Hunter was eleven. That is a time nobody speaks of.

"I can't go home like this," Jacob whispered. His eyes were fixed to the ground. He was scared that something else would happen to him.

"Let's just be thankful that this happened here and not at home." Hunter was sitting on the table in front of him. He leant forwards and rested a gentle hand on his knee. "I'm sure if you act normal around them and pretend like you've always been this way, they'll believe it. It's not like you were small before."

"I'll now be taller than my dad and my brother, they'll know."

"It's only by a few inches," Hunter sat next to him on the couch. "I like this change. Obviously, muscle is my weakness."

Jacob's saddened gaze watched him smile.

"Come on," Hunter stood back up and pulled him up too. It was odd that they were the same height but he'd quickly get used to it. "You should change."

Jacob's eyes dimmed, even more, when he felt Hunter's parents watching him.

When they were in Hunter's room, they continued to stare at the closed door.

"Nobody else can know about this until we understand what in god's name is happening to that poor boy," Anthony ran a hand through his hair. "It's bad enough that this is happening with no warning, but without an explanation is a lost cause. How can we help him?"

"We'll find answers, we have too," Margo said quietly. She felt so sorry for Jacob, he was obviously scared, frightened and confused with nobody who could truly help.

Hunter pulled out a t-shirt that was a little big on him, knowing it would fit his mate's new hunky size better. When he turned, his jaw almost hit the floor when Jacob pulled his t-shirt over his head and placed it gently on the end of his bed.

His pupils instantly dilated and a shiver of pleasure crawled down his spine. Jacob was toned, he was sculptured to perfection and Hunter just wanted to run his hands all over his body.

"Jacob, you are so hot," He walked over and gave him the top. "If you don't embrace this... perfectioness, then I'll do it for you."

"Perfectioness?" Jacob mumbled and to Hunter's disappointment, pulled the t-shirt over his bare body. He rubbed his eyes. "I want to change back, I don't like it."

"Well, I do. And if I'm honest, I don't think you can change back, this has obviously happened for a reason. You're not meant to be anything other than powerful, clearly."

"But why? I don't want to be like this."

"I know you don't because you don't have an explanation. That electricity stuff was just weird. But it's not happening for fun, there's a bigger purpose going on and I'm sure we'll find out eventually."

Hunter then turned and picked up some black shorts.

"put these on, they'll be comfortable to sleep in and they'll fit you." He understood that Jacob had serious confidence issues so he turned and allowed him to change. As much as he wanted to watch, privacy for Jacob was key until he was comfortable within himself.

Hunter also knew that he was too strongly attracted to him sometimes but his mate gave off a very, very intense and irresistible scent. He couldn't stop himself from being so, affectionate.

He turned around when he was finished and walked over, he grabbed his wrist and turned him to face the mirror. Jacob instantly looked away.

"You need to look," Hunter stood behind him, held onto his strong arms and rested his chin against his shoulder. "You need to see how amazing you are."

Jacob took a breath. His heart was beating fast but the werewolf was right, he couldn't stay in denial.

Slowly, he turned his head and looked at his new appearance. His eyebrows instantly raised, he was muscular and did look rather powerful. However, this would most definitely not go to Jacob's head. It isn't possible for someone who's so timid and shy to gain an ego. He constantly questions how he looks and whether he's good enough.

"You're perfect," Hunter whispered. "Every inch of you."

The mirror was body length so Jacob could get a good glance.

"You're looking more like a werewolf now," Hunter continued with a smile. "Without the wolf part."

Jacob opened his mouth but closed it again. He didn't have anything negative to say about himself for once. But admitting that he liked his body out loud would feel like too much.

"Why? It's not a bad thing to love yourself." Hunter turned him back around to face him.

"I'm not... I'm not quite there yet," Jacob whispered. Hunter smiled and rested a gentle hand on the side of his face.

"One day you will, and I can't wait until you look at your reflection and smile because you feel good. There's nothing better than loving yourself. But you won't understand the benefits until you feel it personally." For an eighteen-year-old, Hunter is very wise. He understands that he received this characteristic from his mother.

"I can't wait until that day too," Jacob whispered. He stared into Hunter's beautiful mystic grey eyes, finding it easier to keep that essential eye contact.

Hunter ran a hand through the back of his mate's hair and watched how his pupils grew. He loved that he liked it and how he has found something which makes Jacob's affection spark. He then gently pulled him over to his bed. He wasn't going to kiss him, He couldn't take advantage when he was feeling low.

"I'm going to change into my wolf," His voice was soft and felt like silk filling Jacob's ears who nodded. Hunter took off his t-shirt and effortlessly changed. Jacob stared down at his huge and beautiful form before he jumped onto the bed and sprawled across it.

"Lay with me." His voice boomed in Jacob's head.

The sides of his lips curled towards a smile but didn't quite make it as he climbed onto the bed. He shuffled closer and with a bit of hesitation, he rested his head against the wolf's side.

Hunter so desperately wanted to lift his mood and he knew he was really warming up to his wolf. He let out a quiet and content howl, making Jacob look up and connect eyes with him. He could feel how relaxed Hunter was but it was the first time he had heard him do that.

Strangely, it really settled him too, almost like it was in tune with his emotions.

* * * * *

When half ten rolled around on the clock, Anthony knocked on Hunter's bedroom door before opening it. He was about to tell them to go to bed but was surprised to see Hunter's wolf form sprawled out across it. Jacob was curled up against him and also fast asleep.

"This day must have really taken the energy out of them," Margo whispered and glanced into the room. "Come on, let them sleep." She silently closed the door, wishing them good dreams.

* * * * *

"Boys," Anthony found himself knocking on their door once again. However this time, it was half seven in the morning. "Get up, you've got college in half an hour." He thought about keeping them out of college today to allow Jacob to come to terms with his change but other people needed to get used to it as well.

When he heard silence, he opened the door to see Hunter back in his human form. They were both curled up against each other and deep in sleep.

Anthony smiled. Seeing his son like this with someone was sweet and he really did deserve a mate after his patchy childhood.

"Boys!"

His booming voice woke them both and Jacob was a little startled. He was waking up in a new place with a new voice yelling at him to get out of bed. He quickly sat up, almost knocking Hunter onto the floor who groaned and rubbed his eyes.

This was the first time in a week where his chest didn't ache and his head didn't throb. Actually, Jacob felt great this morning and sleeping allowed his body to get used to the quick change. However, his eyes are not yet adjusted to his body.

"Get ready, we're going in half an hour," He smiled before shutting the door.

Hunter frowned until he felt his mate climb over him. He quickly turned and pulled him back on top of him. Jacob was heavy but he gripped him tight.

"Don't go," He spoke in his husky morning voice, melting his mate. "You're my only source of warmth."

Jacob yawned but pulled himself up.

"If you get up, you won't need my warmth," He mumbled and climbed out of bed. Hunter turned and eyed him up and down.

"I can't wait to show you off at college today," His grin was cheeky but Jacob turned with wide eyes.

"What if my brother see's me?"

"Don't worry," This forced Hunter to face the cool breeze circulating his room. It was the first night in a while where he wasn't overheating with clothes on. "He needs to see you at some point. Remember, just act completely normal."

* * * * *

"I feel a bit sick," Jacob said when Sam came sprinting over to the Rayson's truck. They were parked outside the college.

"Hey!" He beamed when Hunter climbed out. He ignored Sam and turned to his mate.

"Don't worry, I'm going to be with you all day," Jacob frowned and opened his mouth. "And yes, I'm skipping my lessons to be with you, don't argue."

He moved when Jacob sighed and also climbed out of the truck, making Sam stop and stare at him.

"Jacob, you look different this morning," His eyes examined him, not really knowing why until it hit him all of a sudden. "Weren't you like I don't know, not bursting out of your t-shirt with muscles like that?"

Hunter gave him a death stare, making Sam instantly regret opening his mouth.

Jacob furrowed his eyebrows and started to fidget, he felt extremely worried now.

"Why is that a bad thing?" Sam asked quietly. "Also, why are you suddenly the same height as-"

Hunter turned and lifted his hand. Sam flinched and quickly edged away, not wanting to be hit.

"Stop talking, right now," He said through gritted teeth.

Sam glanced at Hunter's parents who motioned for him to come over. They were going to explain this the best they could.

Hunter took Jacob's hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Don't freak out, don't put your hoody on, just be confident and allow people to get used to this okay?"

Jacob took a breath and nodded. There was no way around it.

"Oh, so he had like a crazy growth spurt? Is it related to that crazy healing thing he did?" Sam questioned.

"We don't know what's causing it yet but the best thing to do is just carry on like normal."

Sam nodded with a smile and turned towards his alpha's mate.

"You look great though Jacob, you're putting the alpha to shame," He chuckled.

Hunter clenched his jaw.

"Sam," He growled.

"Sorry, you both look great." Sam smiled nervously.

Hunter rolled his eyes and started walking towards college with a very anxious looking mate.

"Just don't look at anyone, you'll be fine," He said quietly when they walked through the glass doors. People were watching them but Hunter thought it was due to their hands that were tightly locked together.

They didn't see William on their short walk to the classroom. People were standing outside that had been in Jacob's classes all year, they were glancing at him with confused frowns.

Jacob was very good at avoiding people's gaze but he could feel Hunter's on him. Heavy in his heart, panic was rising. He has suppressed a break down for too long and now, with people staring at him and judging him, he could no longer keep one down.

Hunter could just about feel it and let go of his hand. He rested it on his shoulder and stood very close.

"I know it's not the right thing to do to skip college but you should have stayed off today," He spoke quietly and glared at a girl who was staring Jacob up and down, clearly liking his change. "Do you want to go to the field?"

Jacob nodded. He hated what was happening to him, he felt so out of his depth. Hunter stood up straight and went to take his hand again but quickly pulled it back.

"Ow, you gave me an electric... shock..." His voice trailed off and his eyes grew slightly bigger, as did Jacob's. They glanced at each other with instant worry.

Surely another change wouldn't happen, not here, not now.

Would it?