Kella (Black Jack's Curse Book 1) Read online

  “Yeah,” Parker took a breath, “we should do this everyday.” Jackson would have smiled wide if he could, but instead, he put his head on Kella's leg and remained still as the other two enjoyed his brilliant work.

  Chapter Six

  “Great, I'm catching a cold.” Kella wiped her nose and gave herself another look in the mirror. Jackson waited in the hallway until she was finished and they walked together to the living room. He assumed she would start breakfast soon, and he would get anything she offered, but his hopes were lost at the sound of her coughing.

  I'm not eating anything that you touch. Let's just go to the office... he'll be there! Jackson assumed correctly that she would forego on a meal as well, and the two of them headed to work.

  Jackson had high hopes that morning as he'd spent the entire day earlier with Kella and Parker, watching them relax and learn about the other person's life. He was shocked to find out that they hadn't spent much time together, outside of taking in foster animals and Parker offering to help. For Jackson, everything was moving along perfectly and Kella would have the love in her life that his queen had expected.

  “I guess I can't be mad at Wyatt for getting me sick, I mean, he only stopped over to apologize for not being able to help.” Jackson listened, and a part of him was angry at the kid for passing his germs along. Yet, he wasn't sure if he was angry because it might delay his plans if Kella got even worse, or if his concern was for the woman herself. Either way, he thought, it didn't matter because she was going to the clinic and Parker agreed to be there as well.

  The man had taken the money that Kella earned at the festival and purchased supplies that she needed for the animals. New enclosures, with locks that they both agreed were needed, along with food bowls and blankets for all were on the way. Kella knew that she probably wouldn't get any patients, but at least she could put the money to use as it was intended.

  They entered the office and Jackson saw the same look on her face as he'd seen a few times already. Defeat. It wasn't something that he was used to, and he had no way of telling her that she had to be strong and get through the tough times. Instead, he walked with her and even went out back to keep her company as she took care of the animals.

  He could see how much she loved them, and it made perfect sense that she chose a career doing something that she would enjoy for the rest of her life. It was a shame, he thought, that no matter how hard she'd tried, it wasn't working.

  “Can you believe this?” She pointed to the back of the pens and showed Jackson that work had already been started. “That probably took hours! I feel so bad, I know he had work to do today.” Kella assumed that Parker would just bring supplies later, when he got a break from his own job, and she felt horrible to see that the man probably got there hours earlier.

  He's a man. Don't pity him for being one. Jackson followed her inside and looked out the front windows when he heard a car approach. I hope that's him.

  “Blake? Oh shit.” Her words stoked rage within Jackson and he was at the door before she could even get around the counter.

  “Hey!” He knocked on the glass, even though the door was unlocked and she was open for business. “I left my phone at your place. Do you have it?” His muffled voice filled the small lobby, and she shook her head in response. “I'll stop by your place tonight to get it.” She started to protest but he ran down the concrete stairs outside her door and was in his car before she could get out to the sidewalk.

  “No! I don't want … shit!” He was gone, and she turned to find Black Jack right behind her. “Damnit! I don't want him at my house. Ever.”

  Don't worry, I'll make sure he gets his phone.

  She coughed into her hand and Jackson could already hear that her lungs were trying to push the sick from her body. “I'm glad it's just us today, Jack. I probably shouldn't be around people.” Jackson had to agree, not that there were people around right then, but she looked awful.

  Her beautiful pale skin had gone from Irish princess to wet chalk overnight. Her eyes, although brilliantly blue, were shining brightly as if she'd spent a week in tears. Yes, he thought, his plan to get her with Parker that day would have to wait as her health was far too important.

  He nudged her leg hard, much more than intended, and she reached to grab anything to hold her upright. In the process, her bag spilled to the floor and its contents ended up scattered everywhere behind the counter. She bent to pick it all up and was shocked when Black Jack grabbed things gently in his mouth and dropped them inside her purse. She'd never seen anything like it, and it nearly brought her to tears.

  “You're the coolest dog I've ever met.” Her arms came out and she brought him into a tight hug, burying her face into his neck. The move caught him off guard, but he remained still until she let go. “I'm going to miss you when we find your family.” Jackson wished so badly that he could tell her to stop looking, but he couldn't, and memories of her staring at her phone, computer, and making calls recently were reminders that she wouldn't give up.

  They were still on the floor behind the counter when the door opened again. “Hello?”

  “Park! Hey, I'm down here.” Jackson looked up in time to see him peeking over the counter. They had nearly cleaned the mess, and she dropped the last of her makeup into her bag. “Thanks for the work this morning.” She nearly dropped her bag again but Jackson caught it with his back. Her nerves around the man was charming and he couldn't help but truly wish that she would find the love she deserved.

  “No problem. I knew I'd be here at some point today, but I had a few extra hours this morning so I thought I'd get started.” Kella thanked him again before coughing loudly into her arm.

  “Hey.. are you alright?” Kella nodded and told him quickly that she'd probably caught Wyatt's cold. “Can I suggest something?” Kella coughed again and nodded slowly. “How about taking the day off? Or a few days if need be. I'll come by and take care of the animals, you should probably rest until you're better.” Kella's head immediately started to shake, and she was about to explain that she can't run a business from her bedroom. “Okay... just take the day off. One day?” Kella felt Jackson's nose against her hand, and that subtle nudge that Jackson had mastered was all she needed to agree to one day.

  “Fine. I'll go home. It's not like,” her words held so much sadness, “I'll get any business today anyway.” Jackson didn't want to leave Parker, but hearing the rattle in Kella's chest had brought him back to the present situation. “Thank you. I mean it, thank you.”

  “I'll be by to check on you when I'm done, if that's alright?” Kella nodded and smiled wide, and her charm had returned in an instant.

  There's still hope to get these two together tonight. Jackson was thrilled with the way the day was going, and things were back on track. I'll make sure you get rest before he comes to the house, and you'll be fresh and ready for a visit. Rest. That word struck him as his thoughts screeched to a halt. Kelsia wanted her to take medication. Pills that would make Kella sleep. She knew! She knew the woman was getting sick and she tried to help her! Well played, my queen.. well played.

  That morning and afternoon had passed easily. Kella took cold medicine and was sleeping in no time. Jackson had watched her, waiting in the hallway outside of her bedroom until she fell asleep. Her familiar soft snore was all he needed to enter her room and crawl gently into her bed. He didn't know if she needed his warmth, but it was there right beside her just in case.

  His peaceful slumber was interrupted several hours later when he heard feet walking far too close to Kella's home. He got out of bed quickly but was sure to not disturb her.

  He walked to the front door and saw immediately who the feet had belonged to. Blake. Jackson turned slightly and saw that his phone was still on the floor where Kella had dropped it, and he picked it up between his teeth before wedging the door open and walking through.

  “Easy...,” Blake's hands went out in front of him, showing the dog that he
was there in peace, “I'm not here to hurt you.”

  As if you could.

  “Is.. is that my phone?” Jackson's teeth bared as he smiled and the crunch of his phone between his jaws was a satisfying sound. “No! No.. no!” Jackson bit down again before dropping the shards of plastic and metal that was remaining. “Shit! My phone!” Jackson's tongue pushed the rest of the device from his mouth as he stepped forward, closing the distance between himself and Blake. “Fuck this! I hope the bitch knows that I'll never call her pathetic ass again!” Jackson watched him walk away and thought of the fun that could be had if he chased him. Still, he had more pressing matters to tend to since Parker was most likely on his way to the house as well.

  “Jack?” Kella rubbed the sleep from her eyes and Jackson ran back into the house to greet her. “Was that Parker?” She looked outside but didn't see his car. “I think the cold meds are making me hear things.” Jackson wanted to tell her that she needed to see things in her mirror because half of her hair was pointing in the wrong direction.

  Fix yourself, woman! Is that how you plan to see your man? Jackson ran to the bathroom and grabbed her brush from the sink. When he brought it to her, all she could do was laugh.

  “Are you trying to tell me something?”

  Yes.

  “You're a weird dog, I don't want to play right now. But thanks for reminding me to brush my hair.. I'm sure I'm a mess.” Jackson stared at her until she finally started walking again. There was no time to waste and she had to be presentable.

  She was still in the bathroom when Parker arrived. He didn't have a chance to knock before Jackson opened the door with his big head.

  “Uh.. hey there. I'm not sure I should just walk in..,”

  “Park?”

  “Yeah! The dog opened the door. Did you teach him that?” Kella came out and was already laughing at the situation.

  “I didn't. But I swear he knows exactly what I want, before I even know what I want.” Parker laughed as well.

  “So, I can assume you wanted me to come in?” Jackson would have done a back flip if he could, because Parker was officially flirting. The dog looked to Kella and she nodded, just as Jackson and Parker hoped she would.

  “Yes,” she smiled, “very much so.”

  Here we go! I'll be home soon! Move in for the kill, Park! Seal the deal! Jackson backed away slowly, unnoticed, as Parker did just that.

  Jackson couldn't help but see, and feel, the difference between Kella's time with Blake, and how things were right then with Parker. The very air had changed, and to witness a connection from the heart instead of the nether regions was shocking. Love. The only word that came to mind as Parker touched Kella's face gently. The man didn't care that she'd tossed in bed all day, still partly disheveled, suffering from a cold, and could pass her sickness on to him easily... all he cared about was being close to the woman. She didn't need to look beautiful, because to him, she already was. It was eye-opening, and the fact that Jackson himself had never experienced that kind of need for another human being was felt throughout his very soul.

  What's it like? To love a woman? He found himself watching the two interact, and the smiles on their faces that were brought by the other. There was no plan for the night, no date, no games, no expectations... they just wanted to be together.

  *****

  “Oh! Finally! Yes!” Runa applauded and sent a mental message to all of her friends. He gets it! He finally gets it! She raised her glass to the dog that she'd watched in her viewing glass since their queen had uprooted his life and sent him to the human realm.

  She was truly a junkie when it came to watching the humans, but so far, watching Black Jack maneuver through their world had been her favorite. Little did she know, thousands of her fellow Fae were enjoying the show just as much.

  *****

  Jackson let himself out and found solace in the backyard, as usual. His day had been filled with far too many ups and downs for his liking, and he was exhausted. Yet, the best part of it all was the fact that Kella and Parker were on the right track and he was closer to seeing his home.

  He wasn't sure of the reason that he felt so out of sorts and, surprisingly, sad. That wasn't an emotion that he was used to and he had no idea how he could make it go away. In truth, he'd done exactly what his queen expected and everything was moving perfectly between the couple, yet all he could think about was how happy they both were. And that.. he realized.. is what was pulling at his heart.

  Not once in his life could he remember ever having a woman look at him with love, and until that very moment, he was happy with that fact. But was it something to celebrate or continue? That's what he didn't know, but he planned to find out when he returned home.

  I've never been loved because I didn't want to be. Why?

  Chapter Seven

  “I promised Parker I'd take another day off. This sucks.” Kella sipped her tea and took more medicine before heading to the shower. Jackson wasn't happy to wake that morning and see that Parker was gone, and he wished he hadn't fallen asleep because he didn't know how things had progressed.

  He did think that Kella seemed better that day, which was great news for all parties concerned, but the fact that he would have to spend another day in the human realm until the two declared their love was a kick in the gut.

  I thought humans stayed with each other when they're sick. Maybe I should find Parker? Jackson thought of the powers that were held by his kind and there wasn't an illness or disease that couldn't be healed. He, himself, wasn't a healer... but there were enough of them among his people that no Fae would ever be sick for long.

  Kella was asleep quickly, and Jackson listened to her breathing and marveled at how fragile the human race truly was. Such a brief contact with someone else and she would be sick for days. It wasn't fair, but there was nothing he could do about it. Right then, all he could think of was how to get her man back to the house.

  He did offer his warmth, as usual, but after a few hours he was too restless to stay in bed. There had to be a way to get Kella's man there, and he'd find it.

  Jackson easily let himself out again and started walking directly to Kella's clinic. He knew that Parker would be doing work there at some point.

  He hadn't paid much attention to the small town since he'd been there as every minute of his life was dedicated to the mission, but that afternoon, he took his time to see what the woman loved about Comfort, Texas.

  Flowers were planted in front of most houses, and to see that humans had taken the time and effort to spread and appreciate nature was encouraging. In his realm, no Fae would damage the world and they worked hard to make sure that it would be left better than they found it.

  “Hey pup!” An older man, probably close to eighty by Jackson's guess, waved at the dog as he sprayed water on his old car. Another person, probably his wife, held on to the man while he washed his vehicle as he'd probably done for many years. Seeing the couple together, and the woman seeing to it that her husband could still get out and do the small things he loved, was also a beautiful thing to see.

  He continued walking the short distance and came upon something that he hadn't expected. Keep your distance. I don't know how much dog I am, or how much man, but I don't want to hurt you. A tiny white and orange kitten, with eyes newly opened, mewed from a storm drainage runoff at the side of the road. I know, Kella would probably reach down and get you, but I'm a dog. The tiny thing called out again, only two feet from the surface of the street.

  Jackson knew that it would please the woman to rescue another helpless stray, but without knowing what he'd do with a kitten in his jaws, he hesitated.

  He looked down, staring at the helpless creature who wouldn't survive a day where it was, and all he could see was Kella's face when she cared for all the rescues. Fine. But if I eat you.. I'm sorry. He bent down and wedged his head into the opening, grabbing the wet baby by the head gently. To his relief, he had no desire
to do anything but carry it to the clinic.

  Why are you squirming so much? Hold still. He ran up the steps, still keeping a soft hold of his rescue, and was relieved to see Parker's vehicle. Jackson took off around the building until he could see the man.

  The kitten was placed on the grass in front of him, just long enough to bark and get Parker's attention. It worked, and the man came out from the enclosure to see what the dog was doing there.

  “Hey, Black Jack! What's going on, buddy?” Jackson picked up the kitten again and showed Parker the helpless creature that he'd found. “Easy! Okay..just...let me have the kitten.”

  Yeah, pretty much what I'm doing right now.

  “Good boy! Where did you find it? Wow.. you're tiny.” He held the kitten close and Jackson could see that his love of the animals was truly like that of Kella, and he hadn't been faking it just to please her. “A girl! Well,” he opened the gate for Jackson and moved aside, “thanks for finding her. I need to show Kella.” Jackson had no idea that what he did would get his desired result, but no matter, he planned to go with it.

  Parker finished what he was doing and put his tools away. Jackson didn't wait for permission to jump inside his truck, and the two were on their way to Kella's house with the kitten it tow.

  It's been three hours. I hope you got enough sleep.

  Jackson opened the door, something he'd mastered while being with the humans, and walked ahead of Parker. Thankfully, Kella was up and moving around, and was surprisingly very concerned about Black Jack.

  “There you are! I've been so worried!” She was on the floor and hugging him before he could even think about the fact that he'd been missed. He hoped that she wouldn't be too upset when he was taken back home, but for right then, he was content with getting the hugs from his friend.