I laughed. “Sorry, that came out weird.” I shook my head. “Did I mention that I’ve spent most of my time in a white coat asking people’s health histories? That’s been the entirety of my social interaction lately.” Even to me that sounded like a lame excuse.
“It’s cute.” Jacob bit his lip. “You’re kind of like an awkward weirdo.”
“Oh, weirdo,” I laughed. “Thank you for that!”
“Not like that!” Jacob waved his hands, his cheeks red. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way or anything.”
I chuckled. “Too late now. I’m a weirdo. I get it.”
Jacob pushed his face into his hands. “I’m just going to go bury myself under a rock now.”
I tapped his leg. “Don’t hide,” I grinned. “Besides, you also called me cute.”
“Don’t remind me.”
I laughed. Being called a cute weirdo was the best compliment I’d gotten from a guy in a long time. Or maybe it was just getting it from this guy… either way I’d take it. I reached out and grabbed Jacob, dragging him down to the bed with me. I was too tired to wonder if I was being too forward. Touching him, holding him… just felt like the right thing to do.
Jacob stayed stiff. I shouldn’t have just assumed he wanted me to hold him. I moved my arm and he quickly grabbed it and laid it back over his waist. Jacob turned toward me and curled up.
“Thank you for listening to me,” Jacob whispered. “I always want to tell my pack everything, but sometimes I worry that it’ll be too much. All the shit I went through with Allister.” He shook his head and his eyes watered. “He doesn’t even want me for me. I’m just a doll to add to his collection. I’m so scared I’ll bring him and all of the others here, then everyone will get hurt because of me.”
I frowned. “You can’t blame yourself for that. Besides, if you were out there on your own you would be in more danger. That’s not what you need either.” I reached out and pushed a dark-blond lock out of his face. “Your friends are here for you. I’m here for you.”
Jacob reached up and touched my cheek. “T-thank you. So much.”
I smiled at him before I tilted my head. “Wait, you call your friends your pack? Like a wolf pack?” I grinned.
Jacob laughed and squirmed a bit. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Now who’s the weirdo?”
I pulled Jacob into my arms and he chuckled. He clung to me. Slowly I reached a hand up and ran it over his hair and back over and over. I could feel the anxiety and fear in him, I hated it. Allister. It sounded like a bitch name. I wanted to punch the man in the face for making Jacob feel so insecure. I glanced down when Jacob’s breathing evened out. He was fast asleep. Gently, I maneuvered us until I pulled a blanket over both our bodies and fell asleep right along with him.
When I woke up the sun was shining. The house was pretty quiet, except for moments of chatter and then the smell of breakfast cooking. I glanced down at Jacob. He was still snuggled up against me, his plump lips slightly parted as he slumbered peacefully. God he’s beautiful. I reached out and ran a finger over his cheek. My palm caressed his skin. Everything in me screamed that he was supposed to be with me, to be mine. I wanted to kiss him and keep him locked in bed forever, so he never had to worry about anything else again.
Jacob’s eyes opened quickly. He stared at me, his eyes wide. I felt like a weirdo for real, touching his face and staring at him while he was asleep. I quickly pulled away and he shot up before he rolled away from me.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to—”
Jacob waved a hand. “No, it’s okay. It just startled me, that’s all.”
“Yeah.” I stood up and awkwardly ran my fingers through my hair. “Oh uh, I should go and check on Tom. I need to make sure he’s doing alright this morning.”
Jacob nodded, but he didn’t say a word. I felt a weight drop in my gut. Was he upset that I’d spent the night in his bed? Or was he creeped out that I’d been so close when he woke up? I didn’t stick around to find out. I needed to check on Tom first. We could talk after. I hoped.
7
Jacob
I watched Leo hurry out of the room like he was being chased, and I couldn't help smiling. My mate was adorable, and that was what he was—my mate—I was sure of it.
I'd known the moment he'd taken a seat beside me and that coffee-bean scent had washed over me. My wolf stood at attention howling to get as close as it could to that scent.
Plus, that was the best night of sleep I'd had in a while. I wiped at my mouth. Crap, I hoped I hadn't drooled on him.
I wasn't sure what the rule was for finding out your mate was human and being mated. My old pack hadn't had any mixed mating.
Maybe I could ask Dominik, or Elenore since she'd already been through it.
I got out of bed and stretched, and my mind flashed back to Leo in my clothes. My lips twitched when I realized that he'd left and gone downstairs in my too-small-for-him pajamas.
I wonder when he’s going to realize it?
I hurried to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I couldn't have smelly breath when I spoke to the doc again. My wolf was being an impatient asshat, pushing me to go and find Dr. Leo.
"Jacob, breakfast," Soren called.
I hurried out of the bathroom and down the stairs, pushing my hair behind my ears and smoothing my t-shirt.
When I walked into the kitchen, everyone was already around the table, and unlike me, Gray and Elias were still in their pajamas. Soren, as usual, was already dressed. That man woke up first and was out of the house before the sun came up.
"I see someone got dressed up for us today," Graysen's eyes were filled with mirth.
My eyes immediately sought out Leo's, and I found his eyes on me.
"Looks like it," Dominik chimed in. "I wonder why?"
Elias chuckled and nudged his mate, but I ignored the two of them, not bothering with an answer. Instead, I was thinking about new and creative ways to kill them. Could they be any more embarrassing? It didn't help that they’d left a seat for me right next to the doc.
Not that I want to sit anywhere else.
I walked over to the empty seat making sure to shoot evil looks at Dom and Graysen when I knew Leo couldn't see me.
Still, there was a part of me that couldn't help smiling, it was like having an older brother again. I felt a pang in my chest when Rory floated into my mind, and I shoved it down. I wasn't going to go there.
When I lowered myself beside Leo, he leaned over and whispered, "I found my clothes. Thank you. Oh, and thanks for telling me I was still running around in your PJs."
I smiled at him, "Well good thing you didn't go around showing your ankles and shoulders to everyone."
"I only show those to really special people." He said, holding my gaze.
My cheeks flushed even as Dominik cleared his throat. I looked his way and he shot me a curious look, but all I could do was shrug. It wasn't like I could ask him about fated mates with the doc at the table.
"So how is my dad doing, doc?" The table was suddenly quiet and all eyes went to Leo.
"He's not doing as well as I hoped. The fever hasn't gotten worse, but I hoped it would have broken already. I gave him another dose of antibiotics, so we have to wait and see."
I could tell he was worried. It was like I could almost feel it.
"Thanks, Doc, I know you didn't have to stay over. We appreciate it," Dominik said, before taking Elias' hand in his.
"I was happy to," Leo and I felt his eyes on me for a moment, and of course that took me back to the memory of coming awake in his arms.
I couldn't help wondering if it meant as much to Leo as it did to me.
After that, breakfast was pretty quiet. I knew everyone was thinking about the pack members that hadn't joined us for breakfast. Elenore was probably with Tom. I knew for a fact that if it was Leo in there, I wouldn't be able to stay away.
You can barely stay away now.
After breakfast, while Leo
went to check up on Tom, I went in search of Dominik. He'd taken some time off, spending more time fixing up our home since his little one had been born.
I found him at the back of the house, cutting up some wood. I walked up beside him and watched as he measured, then put the pencil behind his ear and began sawing.
"You know I can do this and talk." Dominik's voice made me startle and look up at him. I met his eyes through the safety goggles he had on.
"I was just getting some fresh air," I said.
"In this heat? Right Jake. How about I cut, and you talk,” he said.
I kicked the ground and bit my lips, before speaking, "So how did you know that Elias was your mate?" I asked.
Dominik stopped the sawing and I felt his eyes on me, even though I refused to meet them.
"Let me guess this is about the doc huh?"
I lifted my shoulder and dropped it.
"So, you think he's your mate?"
I nodded.
"Well if you only think he is then I guess he isn't," Dominik said.
My head flew up. "I know he is!"
Dominik's lips twitched, "Of course you do, you know your mate. You don't have to guess. That scent, the pull..." Dom released a sigh, "Trust me, you never have to second guess it."
"So, what do I do?" I pushed my hair behind my ear and looked up at Dominik.
"My advice would be just to tell him, but I guess that doesn't work here with him being human all..." Dominik tilted his head to the side. "I don't think I'm the one to talk to here, even though Elias technically didn't know about his wolf, it was kind of different because I at least had Elenore and Tom to back me up... I think they're the ones you should talk to."
I nodded, Dominik was right, Elenore and Tom had been through this, they would probably have more advice to give me.
Dominik's body froze before he turned and fled, I followed even without knowing what was wrong.
"Dominik what's up," I asked as I struggled to catch up to the alpha and his much longer legs.
"Something is wrong with Elias." He threw those words at me before disappearing into the house.
When I walked in it was to find Graysen carrying Tom and Elenore beside him, tears in her eyes, and Elias already wrapped up in Dominik's arms.
"We have to get him to a hospital now," Leo barked the words out and everyone started moving again. “I’ll meet you there, tell them he has a rapidly spreading infection from a rusted fence, and he was already given a tetanus shot.”
I wasn't sure what to do to help as I looked wide-eyed as Graysen hurried Tom out of the house with Elenore hot on his heels. They all got in Dom’s truck and left, Elias and Lilianna included.
“Come on,” Leo held out his hand and I slipped my hand into it. “You can ride with me.”
We got into Leo’s car and followed the others to the hospital. It wasn’t until several minutes into our drive that I realized Soren didn’t know what was going on. I shifted in my seat and got my phone out of my pocket shooting him a quick text.
“He’s going to be okay right?” I asked, my voice even sounding small to my ears.
Leo’s hand covered mine and I looked down at it. “We’re going to give him the best care possible.”
When we got to the hospital Leo disappeared somewhere and I went over to join Elias and Dom in the waiting area.
"Do we know what's going on?" I asked
Elias shook his head, and I could see that he'd been crying. His eyes were red and he was leaning against Dom like he was physically drawing strength from him.
"They haven't told us anything, but he didn't look good. He didn't look good at all." Elias' voice ended on a sob.
"They are going to take care of him," Dominik said, before placing a kiss on top of Elias' hair.
"I hate having Lilianna here when she’s so young, but I can't stay at home waiting to hear about Dad," Elias closed his eyes, "He has to be okay right?"
"Pups are resilient, Lilianna will be fine," Dom soothed his mate. "And Dad will be fine too."
I took a seat beside Graysen. His leg bounced up and down, a frown on his lips.
Leo walked into the waiting room and Dom jumped up, even though he was careful not to jostle his mate or his pup.
"How is he?" Dom asked.
"The infection is spreading faster than we thought. Right now, Tom is on an antibiotic drip, and he is being monitored. That's all we can do for now."
But Dom was insistent, "You didn't answer my question. Will he be okay?"
Leo looked his way and let out a sigh. "If he doesn't respond to the treatment, he may lose the leg. It's to stop it before the infection spreads any further.”
"Can we see him?" Elias asked.
Leo nodded. "I'll just take you guys to the room, but you can't stay long."
Elias got to his feet and walked in front of Dom, while Gray and I stayed behind wanting to give them privacy, but they stopped at the door. "You guys can come too," Elias said. "Dad would want you to."
I got up and hurried over, and so did Graysen.
"We're a family…" Elias whispered, "…pack."
Elias didn't know how much those words meant to me. I hadn't had either of those things for almost a year.
The walk to Tom's room was quiet, and when we got there Elenore was lying beside him in bed, her head on his chest.
My heart clenched. I had just met Leo and we weren't even mated but just the thought of something happening to him had me rubbing at my chest.
"Hi, Dad."
I watched as Elias went up to Tom and kissed him.
"Why do you look so worried, son. I'm fine. I'll be back at the diner in no time." Tom tried for a smile, but I could tell it took a lot of energy.
Dom shared a look with Elias that I couldn't quite decipher, then he turned to Leo who was waiting by the door to the room.
"Dr. Kalter, could we have a second please?" Dom said.
"Of course, I'll give you guys some privacy." Leo looked in my direction and shot me a small smile before leaving the room, then shutting the door behind himself.
"Elenore…" Dominik started, "…Elias and I have been talking, and we think we know a way to make sure Tom makes it out of this."
Elenore sat up and wiped her eyes, and even I stepped closer to the bed.
"We think that if Tom decides to change into a wolf, then he will get all the benefits we have. We still get infections, but our bodies can fight them quicker. I know this wasn't an option for you guys before, but if you wanted to, and Tom agrees…" Dominik looked at Tom, "…then it would be my honor to help you guys out."
Gray stepped forward, "Why didn't I think of that?"
"Because it's not really done much, anymore," Dom replied. “Population control and not screwing with humans has been a tentative rule during the past few decades.”
"I don't understand,” I said. “I didn't know humans could become wolves." I looked between Graysen and Dominik.
Dom let out a sigh, "It's not common knowledge and most packs don't allow it anymore, and omegas have it worse."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because only an alpha can turn someone into a wolf, and even so, a person can only become a wolf if they are mated to one."
"You would do that for us?" Elenore's voice was awe-filled.
"Of course, I would. All it will take is a bite from me, but then the two of you would…" Dom's cheeks flushed red and Elenore chuckled.
"We would have to seal it in private," she helpfully supplied.
"Right," Dom replied.
Elenore took her husband's hand, but before she could speak, Tom said, "You know my answer is yes, my love. I would do anything to share that with you."
As I watched them, I wondered if Leo would feel the same way. Would he ever want to become a wolf for me?
"How about you go on a date first dummy?" a voice pointed out.
Good point.
8
Leo
"We're going to take him
home."
I glanced up at Elias and frowned. We'd sat around the hospital for most of the night. When I wasn't with them, I was with Tom checking on his condition and making sure that he was okay. From what I could tell he wasn't doing any better. So why the hell are they trying to take him home?
"Why?" I ran a hand over my face and my frown deepened. "Your father still isn't doing well at all. The fever, his heart rate. They're all indicators that the infection is spreading. We should be discussing courses of action not—"
"No offense," Dom cut in and wrapped an arm around Elias' waist. "This is a matter for us to handle and we've discussed it. Tom has already signed the papers and let us know that he wants to go home."
My blood boiled. I clenched my fist and stared between the two of them. While Dom met my gaze more than Elias, neither of them seemed to want to keep eye contact for very long. I scoffed.
"You understand that he could die, right?" The rest of the group glanced down the hall at me, but I didn't care. "Taking him home right now is negligent!"
Dom started to speak, but Elias laid a hand on his arm. He gently shook his head and glanced up at me. "I know you're confused and pissed at us, but please trust us. Dr. Kalter, we know what's best for him."
"They do." I turned to see Jacob standing close to me. He ran his hand up and down his arm. "We wouldn't do anything to hurt Tom, ever. It's going to be okay."
I wanted to fall into the sweet smile on his lips. His eyes were so soft, and I wanted to trust him. Instantly. Warmth spread throughout my body and I wanted to believe every word. The medical professional in me wanted to tell him how utterly nonsensical that was. Instead of saying anything I simply stared at him.
It doesn't matter what I think. They've already made their decision and I can't force them to undo it. It was true, but it didn't make me any less angry. I couldn't wrap my head around what they were doing, but it wasn't any of my business either.
I stepped back. "Of course, it's your decision. It's a stupid one, but it's yours."
Hunted: An MM Shifter Romance (The Lost Wolves Book 2) Page 4
