Rejection and Redeemed

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

R obert and Finn had had a fun afternoon shopping. They had taken their time hoping that Fran and Jacob would meet and chat, and hopefully clear the air. They had a boot full of shopping, everything from food to more clothes for Fran and a new top for Finn.

They had just parked up by the lodge when they saw Fran stepping out of it looking concerned.

“I wonder what’s wrong?” Finn said, jumping out of the car before Robbie could respond. “Fran?” Finn queried.

“I heard some wolf howls. One of them sounded like Dad,” Fran said, walking quickly down the steps, his face etched in concern.

“Which way?” Robbie asked, jumping out of the car and closing the door.

Fran pointed. “That way.”

Robbie nodded and quick as a flash he shifted and ran in the direction Fran pointed. As he ran, he listened and he could hear the sound of wolves fighting. He didn’t wait for Fran or Finn, knowing they would follow, he just ran as fast as he could. He arrived just as a wolf fell on its side. Robbie skidded to a halt and quickly shifted. Frank did the same.

“Are you alright? What happened?”

“These three wolves attacked Jacob because he was a lone wolf and an outcast. I shifted and helped, but Jacob protected me from the larger one. Robbie, I think he’s badly hurt.”

Ignoring the other wolves, Robbie rushed to Jacob’s side. He knelt down and started checking Jacobs injuries. His movements were fast and efficient as he slipped into doctor mode. “He needs a hospital. Even shifting his stomach won’t heal up properly, and his front paw is badly damaged, not just from this fight.”

Just then Fran and Finn came running up to them and knelt beside Jacob.

“Crap, those injuries are bad,” Fran said, ripping a strip of material off the bottom of his top and tying it around his paw.

“I need to stitch him up,” Robbie said.

“What do you want us to do?” Finn asked, stroking Jacob’s back gently.

“Firstly, we can’t walk out of the woods like this. Finn, run back to the lodge and grab clothes for Uncle Frank, Jacob, and me. I need to try and get him to shift, then get him to the hospital.”

Finn nodded and jumped up. “Be back in a bit,” he said, running off.

“While you do that, I’ll deal with these three. We’re not on Pullman land, but I can’t leave them here like this, it might expose us all,” Frank said. “Franny, can I borrow your phone?”

“Sure,” he said, handing it over.

Robbie looked at Fran. “Cuz, I need you to talk to Jacob, we need him to shift. Hopefully, the fact you are mates will get through to him and he’ll listen to you.”

“He’s not listened to me yet, but I’ll give it a go.” He looked down at Jacob. “Jacob, mate, you need to shift. We need to see how badly you’re hurt and help you.”

Nothing happened.

“Come on, Jacob, shift now,” Fran said a bit more forcibly.

Nothing happened.

Fran hated what he was about to do. “Oh, for goodness sake, you stubborn, stupid idiot, shift,” Fran practically shouted at him.

Suddenly the air shimmered and Jacob shifted back into his unconscious human self.

“Well, that worked,” Robbie said, grinning.

Fran shook his head. “I hated acting like that. From what I can piece together, that is how his father spoke to him.”

Robbie froze. “Do you think his father was abusive towards him?”

“Physically, emotionally and verbally,” Fran replied softly.

“Crap,” Robbie muttered.

Just then they heard running footsteps and Finn came rushing towards them, clothes in hand.

He handed them out. “We need to hurry. Someone in one of the other lodges complained about an animal fight. Apparently, the police are on the way. Fran, help me get Jacob dressed.”

Robbie and Frank dressed quickly and then went to help them.

“We need to be gentle. Shifting helped heal some of his injuries but his stomach and arm are still bleeding,” Robbie said, helping them gently dress Jacob.

“Berni is sending some men to come and collect these three. I’ll stay here until they turn up. Pretty sure the one that hurt Jacob will lose his eye, the other two will be fine.”

“Noted. Thanks, Uncle Frank. Can you collect Jacob’s stuff up and bring it all to the castle? You should be able to drive his car back.”

“I can do that,” Frank said.

“Robbie, I want to come with you and Jacob,” Fran said.

Robbie nodded. “Good. I’ll need you to watch over him as I drive. Sweetheart, can you collect everything from our lodge, check us all out, and drive Fran’s car back?”

Finn nodded and looked at Fran. “Do you mind?”

Fran shook his head. “No, my keys are on the table.”

As they were talking, they finally got Jacob dressed. “I’ll need to carry him. It’s not ideal, but we have no choice.”

“I grabbed this towel, will that help?” Finn said, handing it over.

Robbie smiled at him. “Thanks, sweetheart,” Robbie said, rolling it up and pushing it down on the still-bleeding gash on his stomach, before carefully picking Jacob up.

“I’ve not heard any sirens yet, so hopefully you should get back to the lodge before they arrive,” Frank said.

“Fingers crossed. See you at home,” Robbie replied before carrying Jacob away, Fran and Finn at his side.

They reached the lodge without meeting anyone, and no police seemed to have arrived. Fran opened the Land Rover door for Robbie to lay Jacob down on the back seat. Fran jumped in and got settled, resting Jacob’s head on his lap.

Robbie then went to the boot of his car and grabbed his medical bag, handing it over to Fran. “It’s fully stocked. Leave the towel where it is, and keep pressure on it. There’s gauze and saline solution to wash the other wounds.” He closed the door and turned to Finn. “See you soon, sweetheart,” Robbie said to Finn, giving him a quick kiss. “Drive safe.”

“And you,” Finn replied.