Chapter 44

Hunter's grey eyes watched the black silhouette of a small bird as it flew against the outline of the setting sun. The sky was clear and full of a vibrant red and orange horizon that sat at the top of the forest trees. There was a gentle breeze that stroked his skin.

He moved his foot and heard the faint creak of the wooden steps under his feet. He brushed his fingers across the uneven wood of the porch. His mind was lost in everything he was told today.

Growing up, he heard two different opinions on gods. His mother believed but his dad didn't. He stopped caring when he was older because he didn't think it would matter. Even if the gods did exist, they would have never affected his life so what was the point in wasting precious thoughts about it?

He couldn't have been more wrong.

Never in his wildest dreams would he think he'd be paired with a god. A week ago, Jacob was a human. He was regular, simple and normal. His perception of him has changed so much but his feelings never altered. He still loved the way his voice was so quiet, he loved his nervous and jittery fidgeting. He loved his smile and how it brightened up his face. He loved how he chewed on his bottom lip and how he had mini episodes of showing his confidence.

He didn't think it would be possible to love every little ounce of a person but being with Jacob proves him wrong yet again.

He allowed a gentle sigh to escape his lips while his gaze watched the soft sway of the trees. He felt very at peace with himself when he sat and stared at the world outside. Fields bring a sense of calm and tranquillity. He loved the big open space full of soft grass. He especially loved how it smelt when it was freshly cut.

Just then, light footsteps pulled him out of his serene state. He saw the glimpse of yellow boots and smiled when his grandmother used his shoulder for her to comfortably sit on the steps next to him.

"Hi Nana," He spoke softly when she linked arms with him.

"My handsome grandson," She repeated his calm tone, knowing everything that happened today had settled in his mind. "Isn't it beautiful out here tonight?"

Hunter nodded.

"It's so still."

Flora looked up and saw that his vulnerable eyes were showing. She loved it when he stripped back his defences and exposed his raw personality. His true self is rare and lucky to be seen.

"I think I picked the right days to visit," She rested her head against his arm. Hunter loved her comforts. "This lunar cycle should be very exciting."

"I'm interested but nervous too. I hope everything will be okay with Jacob."

"He's very good at learning quickly. When you first connected with him, your mother said he would barely enter the house. Now he's acting very maturely and coming to terms with this."

"It's a lot for him to think about though. I know if that was me, I'd feel a little too overwhelmed."

"But that's a great quality you have. You're able to put yourself in his shoes so you can fully understand what he's going through. You're full of empathy and it's just what he needs."

Hunter looked down to her wise yet old eyes. They have seen a lot.

"I wish I understood my role in all of this. My mate is a god of the wolves, that's just... amazing," Hunter's voice was full of meaning. "But I don't quite get what I have to do."

"Nothing," Flora could hear faint chatting between Anthony and Scott as they talked about the wolves. "Let everything happen naturally. Things like this cannot be forced, life never happens how you want it. It can change so quickly, that is why you need to keep an open mind. One that's full of anticipation and the need for something to happen is a disappointed one. Just live your life like normal, don't expect too much and don't expect too little. You're blessed with what you deserve, that's life."

Hunter found himself subconsciously nodding. When he hits old age, he hoped he'd carry this much wisdom.

Suddenly, he sensed his mate hovering patiently behind him. He turned and his eyes trailed up his body. He was sad to see him with a t-shirt on but expressed a loving smile, giving him the confidence to complete his journey.

He had a question.

"Hello," Hunter's senses spiked when his leg made contact with his arm on the way down the steps.

Hi," He said quietly and pulled at the bottom of his t-shirt as he stood on the grass. "U-Um, could you help me with something?"

"Sure," Hunter stood up when his grandmother let go of him. "What's up?"

"Can you help me get used to my wolf?"

Hunter let out a happy sigh and walked over.

"I would do anything to see your pup form," He chuckled. Jacob pursed his lips with a little smile. "Do you know how to change on command?" His mate shook his head, realising it only happened when he heard or felt his power. Hunter tapped his chin with thought but he knew what he had to do. "Let's go further into the field and sit down."

When Hunter turned, Jacob surprised him and slotted his hand perfectly into his. His immediate reaction was to squeeze it but he was trying not to pull him into a kiss with satisfaction.

When they made it to the middle of the field, they sat down on the grass.

"Okay, get comfortable and close your eyes," Hunter said and watched him do it. "Now you need to imagine your-"

Suddenly, there was a loud and troubled howl coming from a long way away as it echoed through the air. Hunter turned recognising it immediately.

"Hunter!" Sam's voice echoed in his head. He sounded very distressed. "I'm stuck in an animal trap, I need help!"

Hunter stood up and instantly started running towards the trees. Jacob watched him transform into his wolf form and he didn't stop, he only ran faster.

"Don't worry, I'm on my way."

Anthony ran over to Jacob with a questioning frown.

"What's happening? Was that Sam's howl?"

Jacob nodded with concern.

"He said he's stuck in an animal trap."

Anthony widened his eyes.

"This is not good. If there are people watching that trap, we'll be exposed." He turned into a big white wolf and followed his son's scent, just as Margo ran past too.

Jacob turned and hurried back to the house where his dad and Flora were watching.

"What's happening?" Scott asked.

"Um, a member of Hunter's pack is stuck in an animal trap. they've gone to help him."

Hunter was galloping through the woods, he could tell he wasn't that far from Sam but he needed to help him quickly. With animal traps, there are usually camera's and people watching nearby. He was worried and obviously drops everything to come to his Beta's side. Sam is his best friend and even though he's mean to him a lot of the time, he really does care about him.

When he heard a low and sorrow filled howl, he knew he was injured.

"I can see you," Hunter thought. "Have you seen any humans?"

"I-I haven't. I can't smell any." He sounded like he was in a lot of pain.

Hunter's eyes watched the surroundings while his parents silently stood behind him. He caught sight of two other pack members, Ricky and Jonah also watching through the trees. They must have heard his howl too.

Sam's front left leg was caught in a metal trap that was impaling him. It looked deep and very serious. Just as Hunter lifted his paw to walk over, he heard the crunching of leaves under somebody's footsteps.

Everyone watched as two people exposed themselves. They had their hoods up while one of them brought a radio to their mouth.

"We've got one, bring the rifle."

Hunter's heart thumped. Are their intentions to kill?

Sam growled when one of the guys stood closer. He tried shuffling back but winced in pain.

Hunter connected his mind with Jonah, Ricky and his parents.

"Move out, we need to scare them off before they get guns involved." Everyone followed his command and pushed through the trees. The humans got a fright and pushed their backs to one another when they realised they were surrounded.

The one with the radio dropped it and froze. Hunter's eyes were very cold and he was getting closer and closer. He growled, showing that he wasn't happy about this, not one little bit.

"What do we do?" The human whispered to his friend.

"I-I..." He stuttered, realising they had messed up. "If we stay still, they might leave?"

"I say we make a run for it. They might only be here to protect their injured wolf."

Jonah and Ricky comforted Sam by gently licking his fur. The white wolves were staring hard at the humans, knowing they can't just let them leave.

"Okay," The human was breathing hard. "Let's run in three... two... one... GO!"

They swiftly turned and started to sprint but Hunter was quick and chased them. They were running for their lives and they knew they wouldn't win against Wolves.

Margo bit into one of their ankles and sent him crashing to the woodland floor as Anthony and Hunter jumped on the other guy. He fell onto his stomach and turned immediately.

That's when his hood fell and his identity was out in the open. Hunter rested a paw on his chest and dug his nails into his skin. He looked up to his fearful face when he let out a cry of pain, only to stop and watch with shocked eyes.

"Dad... I-It's," He could barely believe who he was looking at. Anthony sat back with sudden horror and disbelief. "It's William."