Chapter 70

I have an exam on Monday so I won't be able to update until Tuesday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well but I've neglected my revision so... probably not! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

- Sian

When the bathroom door was locked, Jacob knelt down next to the brass taps, pointing into the bath. He turned the hot tap and allowed it to splash onto his fingers as he waited for the temperature to change.

hunter leant against the sink, crossed his arms and tried to steady his heart. The thought of sharing another special moment with Jacob was somewhat distracting his mind.

The water was quickly filling up the huge bath when cold water was added, trying to find a happy warmth for them both to enjoy. Jacob pursed his lips and avoided Hunter's eyes, knowing he would see the cheeky twinkle and an upcoming smirk. His cheeks were still bright, warm, and red. Yet he was excited that he was able to switch on his confidence.

It used to hide in the shadows of his mind, taunting him about the person who he could have been. Whenever it rose to the surface, it fizzled like a snapped fuse, blowing its energy and sinking back to the lonely corners of his thoughts. He could never hold it firmly out in the open until someone reassured him that his true self is acceptable and could be loved.

"Hunter," He mumbled over the running water. "Why did you used to tell me that you would take me swimming?"

The werewolf thought back to those days where his mate didn't know him and yes, he did say that.

"Well, I know you liked the water. Especially when it's freezing cold because it took your mind off me. I would say it because I wanted to hold a conversation. I don't know what I was hoping for, you'd always shoot me down instantly."

"Who wouldn't? You were a bit of a creep," Jacob chuckled lightly.

Hunter walked over and crouched next to him.

"I was in a lot of emotional pain you know," He grinned. "It hurt so much seeing you every day and knowing my words were making you worse."

"I like it now," Jacob returned his attention to the water. Seeing that the bath was full, he turned off the taps and stood up. "Hearing your voice feels normal."

Hunter stood up too and released a big sigh.

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for this." Looking at the water was making it harder for him to breathe. "Sam used to try and force me into rivers to clean my wolf and he never understood why I got mad at him and refused."

Jacob pulled off his shoes, his socks, and then his jumper.

"Are you worried that he'll treat you differently if you told him?"

Hunter nodded and watched him closely. Jacob dipped his fingers in the water, checking that he wasn't going to scold himself before lifting his leg and stepping in.

"What are you doing Jacob?" Hunter's confusion grew when he sat down, fully clothed, getting his jeans and t-shirt soaking wet. "You can't tell me you're still shy? We showered together this morning."

Jacob looked up with eyes that could read a thousand expression's and a little smile that could warm a thousand hearts.

"If you want to see me naked, you have to get in the water and undress me." His voice was quiet and cute.

Hunter's mouth very slowly hung open and his words echoed around his mind. One eyebrow raised as he subconsciously started to pull at the bottom of his t-shirt.

"You told me you didn't know how to flirt," He was rather stunned. "You're a fast learner." He stepped closer, feeling his mate take advantage of his over affectionate personality. "But well played, there's no way I'm missing out on this."

He pulled off his shirt and unbuttoned his jeans. Jacob awkwardly watched him strip down until he had no clothes on. Yet, he was still relaxed because the shower they shared definitely helped. He was also ready to share some affection with him. Now that he was getting used to it, his cravings grew innocently stronger.

Hunter watched the gentle ripples in the water and took a breath. Jacob's white t-shirt was becoming see through and clinging to his muscular body.

He lifted his leg and lowered it into the warmth. When he was stood in the bath, he crouched, letting the water rise up to his waist, hiding his lower half and only exposing his knees.

Jacob watched him take a sharp intake of air and immediate thoughts of panic flooded Hunter's head.

"Remember where you are," He thought, boldly dominating his worries.

Hunter was gripping the bath hard. He flashed back to the moment when he rose to the surface of the lake after being rescued by a stranger. He was screaming, kicking and fighting with everything he had, understanding that his grandparents were stuck and not able to set themselves free. He had coughed up water and cried until it left his system.

"I can't do this." As he started to stand, Jacob leant forwards and gripped his shoulders.

"Look at me," He whispered, bringing his face close. Hunter made eye contact and Jacob knew he was completely exposed. Physically and mentally. "Everything is okay now. Nothing can hurt you."

Hunter blinked, seeing him more clearly. Jacob felt his shoulders relax and he started breathing again.

"Sorry, I just- I panicked for a minute," He sat down, letting himself relax into the curve of the bath when Jacob let go of him.

"Don't be sorry."

Hunter sighed and ran his wet hands through his hair. He inhaled strongly and exhaled slowly. When he crossed his arms, he allowed his dashing and spirited personality to shine again.

"Thank you. Not even my parent can calm me down like that."

Jacob smiled and tugged at his t-shirt.

"My clothes feel weird on."

Hunter's eyes grew wide.

"Is this like, one of your kinks? Because I'm totally digging it."

Jacob's cheeks flared a deeper shade of red if that was even possible.

"I didn't mean for that to sound-"

"Of course you didn't," Hunter slowly sat up onto his knees, not really enjoying the water around him. But he ignored it the best he could. "You're too sweet."

He moved forwards, putting his hands on the side of the bathtub and trapping his mate and himself against it. It took him a matter of seconds to connect their lips.

Jacob closed his eyes and kissed him back. The passion rose between them, as did the heat.

Hunter moved his hands and stroked them along the bottom of Jacob's t-shirt. They both shuddered and separated their lips so he could peel off the wet fabric, clinging to his skin. When the t-shirt was off, Hunter dropped it on the floor, letting it slap the tiles.

He pushed his face in again, connecting their lips once more. It was strong and full of meaning. Jacob could feel his passion rising while they moved in sync.

Hunter pulled at his jeans button, then slowly, he unzipped them. Jacob felt his hand brush a delicate area and he couldn't hold back his pleasure. He lifted a hand and cupped the back of his neck, deepening the kiss.

The Alpha stayed in control and pulled his jeans down his legs. It was a little difficult in the position they were in but when they were off, he dropped them on the floor too.

The kisses continued to deepen until Hunter had one hand buried in Jacob's hair and one hand tugging on his underwear waistline.

"Do I have permission?" Hunters musky voice clouded the Gods thoughts.

"Yes," Jacob breathed out loud, giving his mate the opportunity to invade his mouth with his tongue. But the innocence hit him hard and he pulled back.

Hunter immediately stopped and opened his eyes.

"Um, I-I don't-" Jacob felt embarrassed.

"You don't like that?" Hunter moved his face closer. "That's okay, it does feel weird the first few times." He brushed his nose down his cheek and kissed the outline of his jaw, feeling the little jabs of approaching stubble against his lips.

Hunter liked the feel of it and moved onto his neck, kissing harder and deeper into his skin, wanting to make his mate moan at least once.

Jacob closed his eyes, only able to focus on how his smooth lips felt against him. He had never experienced anything like this before and he didn't understand what was so special about affection, until now.

Hunter was gently nibbling him, marking him as his. He was trying to find his sweet spot but was running out of room, so he kissed closer to his collar bone.

Jacob's fingers instantly tightened against the back of his neck and he knew he found it. Softly sucking on it and pulling on the back of his hair was enough for Jacob to expose the cutest little-pleasured whimper Hunter has ever heard.

He stopped for a moment, treasuring the sound, wanting to go much further and fully mark him. But he looked up to see that the brown in Jacob's eyes had almost been masked over by the black lustful pupils. His cheeks were red and he was biting his bottom lip. Hunter had to sit up, otherwise, he would lose his self-control and Jacob was still not ready.

In the process of them kissing, Hunter did manage to pull off his underwear. They were sitting naked in a bathtub which was something they did not think would be done for a while.

Hunter's eyes traced Jacob's beautifully sculptured body. He looked like one of the marble naked statues he sees in posh places or museums. He stopped when there was a little love bite forming just above his collar bone. Satisfaction filled him to the brim. He would try and show that off, making sure everyone knew he belonged to him.

It's a wolf trait to be a little possessive.

Jacob's eyes examined Hunter in return. What he felt when they were so close and intimate was something he could barely describe. Why was he nervous about affection when it brought such magnificent and truthful feelings? They were both raw, exposed, and completely themselves. It was breathtaking to feel this comfortable in the eyes of another being.

Hunter coiled his legs around Jacob's so they could sit more comfortably in the limited space. He was pumped full of great emotions that he almost forgot why Jacob wanted him to take a bath in the first place.

Staring at his immense perfection, there was one emotion that dominated his whole body, including his heart. Jacob was connecting their stare, seeing right into his soul and Hunter felt like now was the perfect time to express himself. He could no longer hold the precious words back.

"I love you."

Jacob's eyes widened but only for a second. Those three words have never meant anything so powerful before. Yes, he has heard it from his family but they are somewhat inclined to love him. This was different. Even though the bond was forcing them to be together, they had to find the love on their own.

Jacob then smiled. But it wasn't small and timid like it usually is. This one was significantly happy, bright and full of pride, flashing his perfect teeth. A surge of fulfilment rippled through him and nothing would ever stop him from saying this out loud.

"I love you too."