Rejection and Redeemed

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

F ran was rushed off his feet. Emory was in surgery and Fran was doing what he could. He bandaged, plastered, monitored and whatever else was needed. It was hours later before he had a moment to himself and walked into the staff room to grab a drink.

He wished he had Jacob’s phone number to check up on him. He set up a group chat with his cousins, Finn, and Emory and sent a message asking how Jacob was and to apologise to him that he was still busy at the hospital.

Putting his phone down, he made himself a coffee and sat at the table. He didn’t have long, but was desperate for a drink. He was just taking a sip when his phone pinged. He saw it was a message from Finn and clicked it open.

Jacob is resting, he’s not healing very well. It looks like he has an infection in his stomach. Robbie has taken some blood to run tests. He’s currently checking your dad to make sure he doesn’t have one. Will keep you posted.

Fran read the message twice. Shifters don’t get wound infections. They get hurt then heal up. True some wounds take longer to heal than others, but infections were practically unheard of.

Noted. Thanks for letting me know. Tell Jacob I’ll be back as soon as possible.

Finn : Will do.

Ezzy: Have you seen Emory?

Finn: He’s in surgery, he might be a while.

Ezzy: K, thx.

Fran put his phone back down, and drank more of his coffee, sighing, wondering what could have caused the infection, and how it could be fixed.

He was pulled from his thoughts when James walked in, heading straight for the coffee pot.

“Hey, James.”

James turned to look at Fran as he poured coffee into his mug. “Fran. I thought you had some time off.”

“I do, or did, but when they called Emory in, they asked for me as well. I knew they wouldn’t have done that if they weren’t desperate.”

James walked to the table, sitting down and taking a sip of his drink. “So good,” he sighed out. “Yeah, so many injuries, thankfully no one died.”

“Always a plus,” Fran agreed.

James gazed at Fran. “You okay now?”

“Yes and no, still some stuff to sort out, but I’m hopeful.”

“You know I’m here if you need to talk, but you do seem better than you were the other day. I know Rose has been concerned about you.”

“Bless her. I’ll pop in and see her before I leave.”

“You can go now if you want. Just update everyone, see Rose, and go home.”

“Are you sure?” Fran asked him.

James nodded. “Yep, everyone is patched up and either on their way home, in a ward, or in surgery. Seriously, it’s late, go home.”

“Thanks James. I will do just that,” Fran replied, downing his drink, then going to update everyone and write up notes. Once done, he changed out of his scrubs and popped in to see Rose. It was late, but he knew she would still be awake.

“Evening, Miss Rose,” Fran said, walking into her room.

Rose looked at the door and her face split into a smile. “Fran, come and tell me how you are. I heard you had taken some time off.”

“I have, but there was an accident and they needed me. I’m back on leave again now, but thought I would pop in and see you,” he said, walking over to Rose’s bed and sitting on the side.

Rose took his hand. “Now tell me everything.”

So, Fran did. “And now he has an infection in his wound.”

“Our Robbie will find out what it is and fix your mate right up. So, what of the future?”

“That’s the question. I think he’s beginning to like me, so that’s a plus, but for now, I’m going to take one day at a time.”

“Very sensible. I wish I could meet your mate, but my days are running out. I’ll try and hold on for as long as I can.”

Fran squeezed her hand. “Don’t do that, just think of Ike, he’s probably pacing back and forth waiting for you to join him.”

Rose smiled and her eyes shone with happiness. “He probably is. I’ve missed him so much. But now, you need to go and check on your mate.”

Fran lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I will do. Take care Rose.”

Not long later Fran walked outside and looked for his car, before remembering Emory had driven him in. He could walk home, or straight to the castle. It wouldn’t take him long to walk to either as he could cut through the forest and fields. The darkness of the night not fazing him, wolf shifters had excellent night vision.

He was just leaving the hospital grounds when a car slowed down next to him and a window rolled down. “Excuse me,” a man called through the window.

Fran walked to the car and leant down, looking at the man, he looked to be probably mid-twenties. He smelt wolf and noticed that his car was filled with bags and boxes. “Hi, how can I help?”

“I was told Jacob Bishop had been accepted into the Pullman pack. I don’t suppose you know him, or where I can find him, do you?”

Fran stared at the man for a moment. “Yes, I know Jacob and know where he is. Who are you?”

The man gave a relieved smile and Fran realised he was younger than he originally thought, maybe late teens.

“I’m Joe Buchann, Jake’s my best friend. I’ve tried messaging him, but he hasn’t gotten back to me. I know he wants to protect me, but I’m worried.”

“You’re his one friend,” Fran summarised.

“Well, I don’t know if I was his only friend. There were others that hung out with us, but I’m pretty sure I was the only one of his friends that didn’t want anything from him but friendship.”

“If you don’t mind giving me a lift I can take you to see Jacob, I was on my way there anyway.”

“Jump in,” Joe said with a grin.

Fran opened the door, sat down, and buckled up.

“I can’t believe with a pack this large I actually found someone who knew Jake and on the first time of asking.”

Fran laughed. “The stars were aligned.”

“Which way?”

“Keep straight on this road and I’ll tell you where to turn. It’s late to be out and about looking for Jacob.”

Joe nodded. “It is, but I’m worried about him. I would have parked up a in a bit and slept in my car.”

“Thank goodness you found me then.”

“Yep,” Joe agreed happily.

Not long later Joe was staring up at the castle. “Is this a hotel?”

Fran laughed. “No, Bernard Pullman is a duke, this is his ancestral home.”

“A real duke and a real castle. Wow, how?—”

But before he could finish his question, Fran got out of the car, with Joe following quickly behind.

They walked up the stairs with Joe looking around in astonishment. They had just reached the top step when the door was opened.

“Francis, how was work?” Clairmont asked.

“Busy, but thankfully no one died. Emory’s still in surgery,” Fran told him walking in. “This is Joe Buchann, a friend of Jacob’s.”

“Welcome to the Pullman Pack, Mr Buchann. I am Clairmont, the butler. The Alpha is busy at the moment, but if you follow me, I can take you to Jacob.”

“I can show Joe the way if you want,” Fran offered.

Clairmont nodded. “In that case, I will prepare more refreshments.”

“Thanks. Come on, Joe,” Fran said, leading the way up the stairs.

“Wow, this place is amazing. I bet it has stories to tell and lots of ghosts,” Joe said looking round and then grinning at Fran.

Fran laughed. “Just one for two.” Fran stopped by a door. “Joe, I should have told you before, Jacob is in this room. It’s the castle hospital room.”

Joe frowned. “Is he still injured from his fight with Cresswell? He should be healed by now.”

Fran shook his head. “No, he was injured when some rogue wolves attacked him for being an outcast.”

Joe gasped. “Can I see him?”

Fran nodded. “He might be asleep,” Fran cautioned and opened the door.