Page 30 of Rejection and Redeemed
Finn plonked himself down on the other side of Fran and nudged his shoulder. “I’m sorry you felt you couldn’t tell me Jacob was your mate,” he said softly.
“No, no it wasn’t that,” Fran said looking at him. “I know Jacob is still in love with you. I didn’t want to put you in a position that made you uncomfortable. I also knew how everyone felt about Jacob and wasn’t sure what to do. Well, that’s not true. I was going to reject him as a mate.”
“But why?” Ezzy asked.
“Well, for starters. like I said, Jacob is in love with Finn. Jacob hates anyone with the Pullman name, and I was sure he wouldn’t want to move to this pack and there was no way I was leaving you guys or my job. But then when I found out he had been made a lone wolf and an outcast, I knew I had to try and help him.”
“The more time he spends with you, the more he’ll realise that he’s In love with you, and will want to be with you,” Finn told him.
“And you’ll be alright if he chooses to stay here?” Fran asked him.
“Yep. I have my Robbie, Jacob knows that. Plus, when I saw him this morning, I told him if he tried to kiss me again, I’d punch him in the face.”
Ezzy laughed. “So violent.”
“If he tried to kiss Finn again, I might punch him in the face myself,” Fran said, bending forward and picking up a plate of cakes. He handed them around. “Do you think he’ll ever like me?” Fran asked them softly, lowering the plate to his lap.
“Yes,” they both said together.
“Fran, he just needs to get to know you, the mating pull will do the rest,” Ezzy reassured him.
“But I want him to like me for me, and not just because of the mating pull.”
They heard movement and noise coming from Jacob. Fran shoved the plate at Finn and jumped up, rushing over to the bed.
Jacob was lightly moaning in his sleep, a frown and pain marring his face.
Fran gently touched his head and bent down. “Shh, mate. You’re safe and protected,” Fran wasn’t sure it would work, but Jacob settled down and his face lost its frown, but the pain lines remained.
Fran checked the time. It would be hours before Jacob could have any more painkillers. Fran smoothed the covers and moved away from the bed.
Jacob started restlessly moving again. Fran turned back and put his hand on top of Jacob’s. Jacob settled immediately.
“Looks like you being near him helps,” Finn offered, walking over and bringing a chair. “Sit here and you can keep hold of his hand. We can bring the yummy treats over.”
“See, he’s starting to feel something for you. He must be, because you can settle him,” Ezzy said.
“Pretty sure Finn would be able to settle him as well,” Fran pointed out.
“Let go of his hand and if he gets restless again Finn can try and calm him.”
Fran looked at his cousin and released Jacob’s hand.
Within a few moments Jacob was again restless.
Finn moved to his side and touched his hand. “You’re safe Jacob, just rest now.”
Jacob didn’t settle.
Fran moved back into position and took Jacob’s hand. “I have you, mate, rest now.” And just like that, Jacob's restless movements stopped and he settled back down.
“There, you see. On some level he knows you’re his mate and has accepted you,” Finn said.
“Unconsciously, yes, but consciously, who knows? But hopefully while he’s here we can talk about everything and maybe get to know each other.” Fran paused. “I wonder when Dad will start to question those three shifters.”
“Later tonight, I think. He was moving some of his things into his new rooms when I saw him earlier,” Ezzy said. “Will you move in now as well?”
“As much as I want to say yes, I need to wait and see what Jacob decides. If he does end up liking me and mating me, he might not want to stay here,” Fran replied.
