Chapter 33
CHAPTER 33
J acob had eaten the chicken broth Laura had made him and kept it down, which everyone was thankful for.
It was getting late when Jacob noticed everyone was flagging. “Okay, friends, away to bed with you all.”
“We can stay,” Joe said, ending with a yawn.
“Nope, off you go. I’m getting better, no longer about to die, and hoping to have sleep as well.”
“If you’re sure,” Ezzy said.
“Totally. You too, Doc, Fran.”
“Really?” Fran said, looking at him.
“Okay, you can stay.”
“We’ll go, but if you need anything, just call,” Robbie said.
“Promise,” Fran said.
“Night everyone, see you all tomorrow. Thanks for staying with me.”
“Silly Jacob. You’re our friend, where else would we be?” Finn replied, patting his leg.
“And don’t forget, I came looking for you. Of course I’d sit with you,” Joe added.
After another round of goodnights, everyone left until only Fran and Jacob were left, but before the door closed, Berni walked in.
He looked at Jacob and smiled. “You’re looking better.”
“I’m feeling better. Thank you for what you did, you literally saved my life.”
“I honestly didn’t think it would work, but it was worth a try. Robbie told me you may have long term issues, but we’ll do everything we can to help you.”
“Thank you, Alpha. Fran and I would also like to take up your offer of living here.”
Berni smiled. “Excellent. I will assign you two a suite of rooms, so you have your own lounge, dining room, and kitchen. We can have your mother’s furniture moved in when it arrives, and any furniture you want to keep, Franny.”
Fran nodded. “Thanks, Uncle.”
“Now it’s late, so I’ll leave you to rest and see you both in the morning.”
“Night, Alpha,” Jacob said.
“Call me Berni,” the Alpha said, patting Jacob’s leg. He then left the room, closing the door behind him.
Jacob looked at Fran and took his hand. “I know we’ve not really discussed anything, but I know you want to live here, was what I said okay?”
Fran smiled and sat on the side of the bed, facing Jacob. “It was, if you’re sure, or we can stay in my house or buy a new one.”
“I’m quite looking forward to living in a castle. I can’t wait until we can explore and you can show me all the hiding places.”
“I can do that. You spoke to your mum?” Fran queried.
Jacob nodded. “I did. I must admit when she turned up I thought I had died, but we chatted. She told me the silver was all out of my body, that I would never be a hundred percent better but nothing that would stop us from having a fantastic life together.”
“How do you feel about that? It might mean that no pack will accept you as their Alpha.”
“Honestly I’m glad. I never actually wanted to lead my own pack. Sure, I thought about it after my father was killed, but it wouldn’t have made me happy.”
“What do you want to do?” Fran asked, secretly relieved that he wouldn’t have to leave and become Alpha Mate of a pack.
Jacob grinned. “Well, I did want to be Iron Man, but once I figured that was impossible, I decided I wanted to be a vet.”
Fran laughed. “Being a vet will be good but hard work. We have a college near here that can help you achieve your dream, plus a pack university.”
“You don’t mind?” Jacob asked.
Fran looked confused. “Why would I mind? If I can do anything to help you achieve your dream just let me know.”
Jacob rubbed his thumb over the back of Fran’s hand and leant forward. “I know I said it before but I want to tell you again so you know I was serious. I’m sorry for the way I treated you at the lodge. I was filled with anger.”
“And I was serious when I said I forgave you. I’m not sure if I thanked you for protecting my dad or not, but thank you.”
“How about we start again,” Jacob held his hand out and gave Fran a gentle smile. “Hi, I’m Jacob Bishop.”
“Francis Pullman, but my family calls me Fran,” he replied, shaking Jacob’s hand, and then not letting go.
Jacob laughed. “Really? I thought they called you Franny.”
Fran scowled. “That’s because they’re mean.”
Jacob grinned then dropped his eyes to Fran’s lips, lips that look thoroughly kissable and perfect, and looked up. “Is it wrong that I really want to kiss you now?”
Fran shook his head. “No, that sounds like a really good idea.” Fran internally sighed, he had been longing to kiss Jacob since they met and now finally it was hopefully about to happen. Fran moved closer and, with his free hand, touched Jacob’s cheek.
Jacob smiled and closed the distance, gently kissing Fran. Well, that was his plan until their lips touched. Fran’s lips were just as kissable and perfect as he thought they would be, and so he deepened the kiss.
Fran was in heaven, kissing Jacob was a dream and he happily tangled his tongue with Jacobs.
After what felt like forever they broke apart, Fran resting his forehead against Jacobs.
“So perfect,” Jacob said softly.
“It was and just imagine how much better it will be as we get to know each other.”
“I would love to keep on kissing you, but I’m getting tired,” Jacob broke out into a yawn. “Sorry.”
“There is nothing to be sorry for. How about we settle down and sleep. We could both do with some,” Fran suggested.
“Yeah, that sounds good.”
“Do you need the bottle?”
Jacob laughed. “So romantic, but please.”
Fran laughed, gave Jacob a quick kiss and stood up walking to the cupboard and getting a bottle and walking back to hand it to Jacob.
“I can’t believe how much I miss peeing normally.”
“Hopefully tomorrow you can. Let me help you move to the side of the bed, then while you’re doing your thing, I’ll get myself ready for bed.” As he spoke he helped Jacob move. “Be back in a bit.”
Jacob did his business, all the while glaring at the bottle. “Do you have any idea how much I detest you, little bottle?” He screwed the lid on and managed to settle himself back without letting out a moan, which he called a win.
Not long later Fran walked to the bed dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt and took the bottle from Jacob. Taking it to the bathroom, he sorted the bottle, washed his hands and brought out a wet cloth for Jacob and a towel.
“Thanks,” Jacob said, using them and then handing them back. Fran threw them into the bathroom.
“You have clothes in the wardrobe?” Jacob asked, looking at him.
“Apparently, just these. Clairmont thinks of everything.”
“Sleep on the bed with me?”
“I will. Let me help you lie down first,” Fran offered, and once Jacob was comfy, Fran walked around to the other side of the bed. He went to lay down on top of the covers, but Jacob pulled them back.
“Underneath, sweetheart,” Jacob said.
Fran slipped in and rolled onto his side, facing Jacob.
Jacob rolled onto his side too to face Fran, then put his hand over Fran’s and locked their fingers. “Tell me about being a nurse.”
Fran smiled. “I think you’ve seen the highlights.”
Jacob moved a bit closer so their noses were practically touching. “There’s probably more to tell,” he said softly. “Finn said you were head nurse.”
“I am. It took a lot of hard work and training to get that position. Everyone was so proud when I was promoted.”
“I can understand why, that’s an incredible achievement. Have you always been a nurse here?”
“No, I started work at a hospital in a no man’s land. I wanted to learn from the best, so I studied hard, learnt what I could, and when an opening became available here I applied. The interview process was intense. All candidates had to work at the hospital for two weeks. As well as an interview, there was an on the job assessment from everyone I worked with and the patients I dealt with. Because of who I am, I was allowed to use a fake surname so no one would connect me to the family and Robbie could give his report, but as he was my cousin, and even though he’s the doctor in charge, he wasn’t allowed to vote. It was only after I was hired that everyone found out who I was. I’ve been head nurse here for about four years now and I can honestly say, I love my job.”
“It doesn’t hurt that you get to work with your cousin and Emory now.”
Fran grinned. “There is that, although I’ve only had a couple of shifts with Emory,” Fran broke off and yawned.
“Sleep, sweetheart, we can talk more tomorrow.”
Fran brushed his nose against Jacob’s. “We can. Sleep well, mate.”
“And you, sweetheart.”