Page 79 of Rejection and Redeemed

“Just a little. A normal rate is between 12 to 16 breaths a minute. Yours is 19. It’s nothing to really worry about at the moment as you’ve been so ill. But just something we can keep an eye on,” Fran explained.

“Okay. I would have been surprised if everything looked normal today. Hey, do you think Robbie will let me have coffee and bacon today?”

“Maybe. If not, ask Emory and get a second opinion,” Fran said with a laugh.

They were still laughing when the door opened and Joe stuck his head round. “You’re both awake. Is it okay to come in?”

“Sure,” Fran said, sitting up.

Joe came to the side of the bed. “Jake, you’re looking so much better. How do you feel?”

“I feel so much better, thank goodness.”

“Joe, do you mind staying for a bit so I can go shower and change?” Fran asked.

“Nope,” he said, plonking himself down on the side of the bed. “I’ll stay and chat with Jake while you do what you need to. I can talk to him about your dad.”

Fran laughed. “Go for it.” Fran looked at Jacob. “I won’t be long.”

“Take all the time you need. I’ll still be here, laying in this bed, when you get done.” Jacob pulled Fran forward and kissed him.

Remembering Joe was in the room, they kept it short and sweet.

“Be back soon,” Fran said, jumping out of the bed and leaving the room, with Jacob watching him go.

“Yeah, I probably have that same look on my face when I look at my mate,” Joe commented.

Jacob turned and looked at Joe, grinning. “How lucky are we? So, how is Frank?”

Joe beamed and blushed a little. “Perfect. He’s loving, patient, kind, helpful, lovely, funny, charming, caring, and so much more. I honestly never thought I would be this happy.”

“I’m glad for you, Joe. Have you told your parents?”

“Yeah. They’re happy for me and want to come and meet Frank.”

“And probably check out the castle.”

“I’ve not told them I'm living in a castle yet. I was going to surprise them with that when they turned up,” Joe replied grinning.

“Nice,” Jacob said with a laugh, before sobering. “I saw my mum yesterday.”

Joe looked shocked. “You did, how?”

Jacob went on to tell him.

“How amazing was that?”

Jacob nodded. “It was. I don’t care if it was a dream, vision or whatever, just talking to her was exactly what I needed.”

“I can imagine. I got a text from Nidal yesterday asking why I’d not said goodbye and asking where I was. He’s sure I’m now with you and is pissed that I’d try and find you.”

“He must have known you would. I didn’t realise he hated me so much. I mean, I knew he was only hanging around with me because I was the Alpha heir, but why the anger?”

Joe shook his head. “No idea. But I’m not planning on replying to him.”

“Was he the one that would tell my father everything I did?”

“Pretty sure he was.”