Chapter 29

"When did Alisha leave?" Jacob asked. It was half ten and he was getting ready to go to bed. So was his brother.

"Shortly after you bolted," William sighed. "It was weird though, she seemed almost proud of herself for doing that to you." He didn't like how she continued to show them pictures of Jacob and Hunter together when it was clearly obvious he hadn't told his family.

"Tell him that I know her and she doesn't like me," Hunter suggested in Jacob's head. "Tell him it's because you think she's homophobic."

Jacob knew they needed to start building her a negative profile.

"She knows Hunter," He said quietly. Lying always felt so wrong but it wasn't technically a lie. "She doesn't like him and Hunter thinks it's because she's homophobic or something."

William studied him for a moment.

"Well if she is homophobic, I'll drop her in a heartbeat. I don't get why people are, it's stupid really," William said and finished his sentence with a yawn. He then chuckled and shook his head. "I still can't believe you and Hunter are together. I definitely did not see that coming."

"Me neither, to be honest," Jacob mumbled.

"How did it happen by the way?"

Jacob chewed on his bottom lip. What should he say?

"We met up with the project and just got on really well," Jacob said quietly. To him, that sounded like a legitimate reason.

"And then, one thing led to another?" William chuckled. "I'm proud of you though. I didn't think you had the confidence. I also didn't think you'd be his type or he'd be yours."

"What do you mean?" Jacob frowned.

"Well, you're so quiet and he's... not quiet," He chuckled. "But if you're making it work, I'm really happy for you."

Jacob smiled and laid down on his bed. He was happy for himself. This was a new chapter in his life and it was heading in a good direction for once.

* * * * *

That night, when Grace came home and climbed into bed, Scott turned around with an angry frown.

"Don't think for one minute that this has sorted itself out," He muttered.

"I know I was harsh but I was only saying the truth."

"You tore him to shreds," Scott sat up. He was very angry at her. "How do you think that made him feel? You're his mother, you're supposed to think he's the best person in the world. You talked about him like he was a stranger to you."

"He's just not ready for this," She sighed sadly. "I don't want to see him hurt."

"You have got to stop babying him. He's never going to get better with you constantly breathing down his neck. He's old enough to know what he wants. Hunter seems to be a lovely guy and by the looks of things, he knows Jacob more than you do."

"How can you be so open about it? If they break up then Jacob will be so much worse-"

"He knows what he's doing Grace. You don't have the right to decide who he's worthy of dating. In my eyes, he's too good for everyone because he's my son and he deserves the best. Hunter is good for him, end of. Don't speak to me, I'm so angry at you." Scott turned and faced the opposite way while his wife stared at his back with tears in her eyes.

Although, she had no right to be upset.

* * * * *

When Scott pulled up outside the college, he turned to Jacob who was sitting next to him in the front seat.

"I know it was awkward with your mother this morning," He sighed. "But you have every right to ignore her until she apologises to you. What she said was horrible, none of it is your fault. Okay?"

Jacob nodded. He felt bad that his parents were not on good terms because of him. However, his dad was right, it isn't his fault.

"Now both of you, go and have a good day. Maybe tonight we could have that barbeque that we didn't have yesterday?" Scott smiled when they both jumped out of the car.

"Yes, that'll be so good. Can I invite Alisha?" William asked. "She needs to apologise to Jacob anyway."

Scott wasn't sure how he felt about Williams girlfriend. In all honesty, he didn't like how she effortlessly hurt his son but if she could apologise then maybe he'll soften his harsh outlook.

"Sure. Jacob, would you like to-"

Before he could finish, Hunter had jogged over and engulfed him into a huge hug, making Jacob stumble back a little. Scott raised his eyebrows. He definitely needs to get used to seeing his son being close with someone.

Jacob had dropped his bag but only so he could wrap his arms around Hunter too. He missed him a lot this morning.

"Good morning," Hunter muffled into his shoulder before pulling his head back. He studied Jacob's face. "How're you?"

"Good," Jacob whispered. He felt so much better now that his pulsing headache was gone. "You?"

"Yeah, I'm great," He smiled. "Can I kiss you?" He questioned in his head. Asking permission was the respectful thing to do. Especially when Jacob is still adjusting and also, standing in front of his family.

"Um, only on my cheek."

"That's good enough for me."

Hunter leant his face in close and gently kissed him on the cheek.

William and Scott felt like their hearts melted in their chests.

"I'm not being funny William," Scott chuckled. "But this relationship is way cuter than yours."

Hunter chuckled. He was very, very happy to hear that considering who William is dating.

"Um excuse me," William grinned. "We kiss and stuff." Jacob actually shuddered at the thought, earning a grin from Hunter. "I wasn't aware you'd make a contest out of it."

"I'm not," Scott said and started up his car. "But they're winning."

Jacob tried hiding a small smile but of course, Hunter saw it.

"Don't you dare hide that from me."

Jacob bit his bottom lip yet it didn't fade. He was just happy that his family were so supportive.

"Also Hunter, would you like to come over tonight for a barbeque? You can bring your parents too?" Scott asked.

"Oh sure, If that's alright?"

"Of course," He beamed. "Right, you boys better get going or you'll be late. Have a great day!"

"Bye dad," William and Jacob said together and watched him pull out of the parking space. When he was gone, they headed into college.

"So, are you two going to showcase this publicly then? I mean, you totally should," William said and spotted some of his friends.

"Um," Jacob said quietly. "I-I don't know."

"Well we could not hold back, but not shove it in people's faces either. We have nothing to hide. But if you're not ready Jacob, I completely get that," Hunter smiled.

"It's not that I'm not ready, it's just people's reactions."

"Screw them," William said. "It's not like you're affecting their lives by being together. If they don't like it then they can just not look."

Jacob loved his brother's attitude.

"Very true," Hunter smiled. "You have nothing to worry about."

* * * * *

When Jacob had finished college, he sat on the steps outside, waiting for his brother and Hunter. It was a sunny day with clear blue skies and barely even a breeze. He loved days like this. He often found that it relaxed him.

He was sitting with his legs crossed and eating his lunch. Hunter could feel pleasure running through him just because his mate was eating a sandwich.

"You like food too much," He thought to him in his head.

"Not possible," Jacob thought back. He was really hungry.

Just then, someone sat next to him, making him jump.

"Hey Jacob," A familiar voice said. Jacob turned to see Sam giving him a big grin.

"Hello."

"How are you today?"

"Good, you?"

"I'm good too, thank you," Sam was very cheerful, as usual. "The weather today is so good. I can't wait to run for miles and miles. I'm going to find a lake and jump right in. You'd think that wolves don't like water but I love it."

Jacob watched him as he ate.

"You know, that's something that Hunter doesn't like," Sam continued. He just loved to talk. "In fact, he hates water. He's like a pup when it comes to bathing his wolf. We literally have to push him in."

"He hates water?"

"Yep, he can't stand it. Although, he likes to run in the rain sometimes. He's a weird guy really."

Jacob liked learning new things about Hunter.

"What else does he not like?"

"Well, he doesn't like hunting which is really strange. Usually, we go hunting once a week but I've never actually seen him personally catch anything," Sam shrugged. "It's not that he can't. I'd hate to be on his bad side, in his wolf form or not but he just hates killing other animals. He'd never do it with his own mouth and I've always wondered why."

Jacob was just about to ask another question when he could sense something. He turned to see Hunter standing right behind them. He was burning holes into the back of Sam's head.

Sam turned and got the fright of his life. He jumped up onto his feet with guilty eyes.

"Alpha I um, I didn't see you there," He said with a nervous chuckle.

"Clearly," Hunter muttered. "Why are you talking about me?"

"I got carried away, I'm sorry Alpha-"

"I don't appreciate-"

"Calm down," Jacob sighed. Hunter could get too hot headed sometimes. "I asked, he was being polite."

Hunter stared at him, so did Sam.

"He's my beta wolf, it's not his job to talk about me to my mate."

"I don't know what that means," Jacob shrugged and turned to walk down the steps. "I'm going home, are you coming?"

Sam was shocked. Nobody ever talked to his Alpha like that so casually and got away with it. Hunter was a little shocked too but of course, he followed with his tail between his legs.

"Can I come?" Sam asked.

"No-"

"Sure," Jacob interrupted his mate once again.

"Hold on a minute," Hunter said and pulled on his arm to stop him from walking. "Where has this confidence come from?"

Jacob stopped and pursed his lips together. He didn't really know. Maybe it was because his family knew about this and he had nothing to hide anymore? Maybe it was because he is accepting his feelings and he's finding it easier to be himself around Hunter.

"I guess it has always been there," He said quietly. "I've just been nervous to show it."

"What's changed?"

"I don't know."

Hunter then grinned and stepped close enough for their chests to touch.

"Well I like it," He said with his silky voice. "It's very... sensual." He stared at Jacob's mouth with desire filled eyes. Jacob secretly liked it when he did that, it sent a jolt of excitement through him.

"I like that about you too Jacob," Sam grinned, causing Hunter to scowl.

"Go away," He growled.

"But I've been invited to Jacob's house."

Hunter's desire faded away and he looked at Jacob with dulled eyes, just as William wandered over.

"Hi, I'm Sam," Hunter's beta said before William had the chance to say anything.

"Oh hey," He chuckled. "Are you a friend of Hunter's?"

"Yep."

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Jacob's brother."

"I know, it's great to meet you too."

"Why would you torture me like this?" Hunter thought and begged Jacob with his eyes to change his mind.

"Don't be so dramatic," Jacob's eyes were glistening. "I think I should start getting to know your pack more though?"

"You do I suppose," Hunter rolled his eyes and sighed. "You've got me wrapped around your little finger already haven't you?"

Jacob was feeling quite full up with Joy today and it was shining through his expression and his confidence.

"Maybe. It wasn't intentional."

"I don't mind," Hunter grinned. "In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. I like being bossed around by you. It's cute."