Kella (Black Jack's Curse Book 1)

by Rebecca Ratliff

  “Okay.. I'm going to call him. Wish me luck, Black Jack.” The dog walked in her direction and sat right in front of her, staring as she dialed the number.

  “Uh.. hey,” she stammered. Jackson wanted nothing more than to grab the phone from her hand and tell the man to get his ass back to her house, but all he could do was wait and watch. “I was wondering why you left without saying goodbye. I,” she looked down to the dog as if searching for the right words, “thought we were going to breakfast.” Jackson heard the pain in her voice and could tell that she was doing her best to sound casual, and it bothered him a little to know that she did nothing wrong yet she was the one who had to pretend everything was fine.

  He could hear the other side to the conversation, and he wasn't sure he was thrilled with his canine abilities at the moment. The man's voice made Jackson hold back a growl that started to rumble within his chest.

  “Yeah... I had shit to do this morning. Sorry about that. How about I stop by tonight? I'll bring wine.”

  Classic move. Well played. You bailed and now you're going to have the day to yourself and come back for her when you're ready. I still think you're an ass.. but it's the only way I'm going to go home.

  Jackson looked to Kella and was surprised that she didn't look happy at all. True, he knew, that she was being used and their love would be one-sided, but it was obviously what she wanted. Say yes! What's wrong with you?

  “Uh.. sure. I'll be here.” Jackson's mouth opened wide and his smile looked more like a pant from a dog that was dying of thirst.

  “Good. See you then.” The silence that followed wasn't shocking, and Jackson was happy that they were back on track.

  “Yeah, see ya.” Kella spoke to the lifeless phone before putting it on the counter. She still didn't seem happy and Jackson didn't understand at all. Everything was coming together for both of them, yet, she didn't even smile.

  He watched her leave the kitchen and disappear into her bedroom. There must be something that he missed because it seemed as he was the only one happy about the situation. I'll never understand women.

  Kella returned, and Jackson once again couldn't help but to admire her beauty. Her hair was stick straight and fell around her shoulders and upper arms, yet it had a shine that would rival that of his own women. Her make up was minimal yet it added to her natural beauty and he found it difficult to keep his mind where it needed to be. I've only seen hair that dark with the lightest of blue eyes in the women of Ireland. I wonder if that's where your people are from. Jackson shook away his thoughts, literally, and managed to fling his own drool across the room. Uh... that's gross. Why am I drooling? Am I hungry again?

  “Hey! None of that! You goobied my wall!”

  Goobie? Really?

  Kella grabbed her phone again and he listened as she made calls on his behalf. For nearly two hours, she dialed the numbers of almost everyone she knew at the festival to ask about the dog. As he already knew, she didn't make any progress and she was starting to lose hope in finding his family. For Jackson, he was just happy that the day was passing quickly and he was that much closer to getting back home. She could call anyone she wanted, just as long as she was in that house when Blake returned.

  “I'm trying, handsome. What if,” she looked across the room and he grew a bit nervous when her gaze landed on her car keys, “we drive to the country. I know a few people out there, but not all of them. I'm sure someone will know who you belong to.”

  First of all, I don't belong to anyone. Second... you're staying right here! Jackson ran to her keys and had them in his mouth before she even knew what was going on. In seconds, he sprinted to the back door and pushed it open with his large head. Kella wasn't going anywhere, and if he had to bury her keys in a twenty foot hole, so be it.

  “Black Jack! No! Bad dog!” Jackson ran though the yard, keys in mouth, while Kella chased him. The two zigzagged through her rose bushes and along the back fence, with Jackson leading at every turn. “Give those back!” She lunged when she thought she had him but landed face first on the grass. “No! No.. no no!!!”

  Fire ants. The creatures with a bite like no other, had built a hill that was home to thousands of the little demons. Kella was attacked in an instant when she landed on their dwelling, leaving red welts on her chest and neck before she could even get back on her feet. “Oh my God! No!” She pulled her shirt off quickly and dropped it to the ground before running into the house. She was already at the sink, wiping ants from her upper body before Jackson went inside. He did, however, grab her shirt on his way.

  He tried not to admire her nearly bare breasts as she smacked her skin several times to rid herself of the creatures. Yet, when he saw the several dozen raised marks that were going to be quite painful, his need to look at anything beyond the bites was forgotten.

  A knock brought her back to reality and she looked at the dog before eyeing the door. Jackson walked over quickly and nudged her shirt against her hand. She took it, and thanked him, even though she thought that he was probably still trying to play tag.

  Kella shook it out, just in case, and pulled it over her head before answering the front door. “Wyatt? I thought you were sick?” The young man nodded and Jackson noticed the shine of sweat that typically came with fever, and he joined Kella at the door to make sure he didn't try to touch her with infected hands.

  “Yeah, but I had to go out and get medicine. I just wanted to stop by and let you know how sorry I am for not taking care of the clinic today. I know you rely on me on Sundays.” Kella didn't expect an apology, as his work was all volunteer, but she appreciated his kindness.

  “It's okay. Parker took care of them today.” Wyatt looked down, his thick blonde curls nearly covering his eyes, and took a good look at Black Jack. “Oh, I found him. Or,” she laughed, “he found me. I'm trying to find his family.” She then went on to ask if Wyatt knew of his owners, in which he didn't.

  “Hey,” he took in the raised marks that had turned blood red on her neck, “what happened?” Her hands immediately went to cover them before answering

  “Fire ants.”

  Enough! This kid is sick, he needs to go home or anywhere else than here.

  “Take care of those.” He wanted to offer to get her anything she may need for the bites, but he saw that she was already starting to shut the door. “Bye, Kella.”

  Jackson felt bad for the guy, considering he was obviously madly in love with the woman, but his age alone would disqualify him from being her true love. No, he thought, even if Blake was an utter fool and six shades of asshole, he was the one that Kella chose and he would be the one to get him back home.

  Jackson jumped to the sofa and stretched on his back, leaving virtually no room on either end for anyone who may have wanted to sit as well. Kella didn't seem to mind and she took a seat on a chair as she rubbed the ant bites that plagued her flesh. “I haven't been attacked by these since I was a teenager. I'm probably going to need to take something, because if I remember correctly, I had a bad reaction to them.” Jackson would have nodded as he yawned, because he knew that ant bites weren't likely to kill the woman.

  Yeah, take whatever. Just stay put.

  She needs medication, Jackson. First cabinet, second shelf, make sure she sees it. Jackson sat up quickly when he heard his queen speak. It was the first contact since shortly after his arrival, and he finally had her attention again.

  Your majesty! Please! Bring me home! She found her love, and he's coming back here tonight! I did what you've asked of me! Kelsia didn't respond to his request as she was only concerned with Kella.

  Now! First cabinet! Second shelf! Jackson got up at the sound of urgency and ran to the kitchen. He got on his back legs and his face was even with the first cabinet. With one paw, he managed to wedge it inside enough to open the door. You can't just grab it, she'll know something isn't right... make her come to you. She'll see it.

  Jackson had no idea what medication
would be needed, so dragging his colossal foot over the shelf should do the job. Most of what was placed in the cabinet was knocked to the counter and floor, all of which got Kella's attention.

  “No! Bad.. bad dog!” She ran to his side, hoping that he hadn't put anything in his mouth as that was where she kept her personal over-the-counter pharmacy, and was relieved to see that he'd simply knocked it all down. “Really? I've known cats to open cabinet doors.. but.. dogs?” Jackson ran back to the couch and tried to speak to Kelsia again. However, he didn't get a chance as his queen was already speaking to him.

  See that she takes it. Red and white bottle. Jackson was no scholar on medications, but he did know that the bottle in question was to help with itch relief and wasn't a cure for the bites themselves. Don't think about questioning me. This needs to be done.

  If I remember correctly, those capsules will make a person tired. My queen.. she can't go to sleep right now! In only a few hours, her true love will be here! Jackson wanted to say more, he wanted to tell her that Kella was sad that morning but her love would return if the man spent the night. And it wouldn't work if the woman was already asleep.

  You've been gone for only two days, and you question me? Perhaps I need to rethink the severity of your punishment. Jackson's mind remained quiet, as the tone in Kelsia's voice was enough to silence him for all time if need be. She's taking it. Good. Now look after her. Don't fail the woman, Jackson. She's going to need you.

  Jackson was then met with the silence that meant his queen was gone. Yet, he was no further ahead in his quest and his queen just prolonged his misery. Right then, he was expected to babysit Kella while she slept and he had to wait that much longer to complete his quest. With any luck, he thought, Kella wouldn't sleep long and she would be ready to greet her man when he arrived.

  “I guess it's a good thing that you made this mess. I didn't even know I still had these.” Kella showed him the bottle, which again was nothing more than allergy pills, but he agreed that they'd probably help with her symptoms. As well as, he sadly surmised once again, make her tired.

  Hours later, Jackson helped himself to the outdoors when needed, and also the refrigerator for more lunch meat. The lack of thumbs left much to be desired, but he managed well enough and was never seen by Kella.

  She had relaxed on the couch after the pills, and when she told Jackson that she would take a little nap before moving forward in her mission to find his family, he knew that she would be asleep in minutes. He was correct.

  The sun had finally set and Kella's soft snore was the only sound throughout her small home, and Jackson found it soothing as he too took a nap. He had climbed gently up next to her, and when he woke, his head was on her lap and her hand was buried in the thick fur on his back. If he ever came back after death, he would want to be a dog in Kella's care as life couldn't be much better than it was right then. If it hadn't been for the sound of feet approaching on the sidewalk out front, he would have stayed there the rest of the night.

  Wake up! It's him! Kella! Kella wouldn't know if it was his loud whimpering or the heavy paw to her shoulder that woke her, but she sat up slowly and tried to get her bearings.

  “It's.. dark?” She rubbed her eyes and Jackson saw her fingers go immediately to her chest and neck. It was then that he noticed how horribly she must have been scratching herself in her sleep. “Ouch! This is awful!” She pulled her hand away and saw a tiny bit of blood from one of the many bites. “I need to clean this.” She didn't get too far from the couch when they both heard a knock on the door.

  Chapter Four

  “Hello, beautif.....what's.. that?” Blake stared at Kella's neck and the part of her chest that showed above her top, and the look of disgust was enough to bring a low growl from Black Jack. Kella's hand immediately went to Jackson's head to remind him that she wasn't in danger.

  “I had a run in with some fire ants. The bites tend to get a little worse for me than most.” Blake wasn't even listening as all he could focus on was the small blood trail that ran from her collarbone. “Let me go wash this off, I'll be right back.” She opened the door wide and let him in, then nearly ran to the bathroom. Jackson followed her, making sure nothing stopped her from the continuance of her love affair with Blake. “I look so stupid. Hi,” she made a face at herself in the mirror, “I got bit.” Her tone was that of a child, as she mocked herself for the interaction. “After two years, he finally notices me, and I look like this.” She wasn't exactly talking to Jackson, but he listened to her rant anyway.

  A woman as beautiful as you shouldn't beg for any man to look her way. How can you not know that? Jackson refused to give in to his own thoughts and he nudged her leg as soon as she was done cleaning herself. But if that's the one you want, then go get him.

  “I forgot the wine! Do you have any?” Jackson couldn't believe what a loser the guy was, but he huffed quietly as he walked by Kella's side to the kitchen.

  “No, but we can go get some.” She smiled wide, showing a deep dimple on the left side of her mouth that Jackson hadn't noticed until then. He was certain that Blake would see the woman for the angel she was if he noticed it as well.

  “I've had a long day, I'd rather not go shopping right now.” Kella nodded slowly and wondered if he meant for her to go. “I'll take whatever you have.” He walked to the couch and sat down, then propped his feet up on the table. It was a move that marked his territory, and Jackson felt the sting of another male in his area that spread out as if he were king.

  Kella found two beers that she'd forgotten about and carried them to the living room. He took one, happily, and opened it before tossing the cap on the floor. Jackson, even on his worst behavior, could never disrespect a woman such as the man that was meant for Kella. He didn't understand why the guy couldn't even show a shred of kindness to a woman who was clearly trying so hard to please him.

  “I'm glad you're here.” She sat next to him, and that damn smile melted Jackson's heart once again. “And it's a shame that we couldn't have breakfast together. The new place that opened up on..,”

  “Yeah. But like I said, I had things to do.” Kella simply nodded and took a quick sip. “In fact, I was busy all day. I'm almost ready,” he finally looked in her direction, “for bed.” Kella wasn't, and she was lost with how to explain that she'd slept most of the day away and was wide awake. Then again, she understood his meaning.

  Kella sat, holding her beer, knowing that she had a decision to make. The man might just be looking for bedroom companionship, or a relationship, and she was only interested in one of those long term. She had slept with him, and the fact that she might have started something that she didn't intend was the thought that prevented her from answering the man.

  “Hey, did the ants take your hearing too?” His smug laughter, even though he wasn't funny, made Jackson walk slowly to the living room. He stopped right at Kella's knees and sat on the floor with his body pressed against her leg. “So? You ready?” He sat up but Kella's words stopped him. She still didn't know if sleeping with him again was the start of something she'd always wanted, or a mistake that she'd beat herself up over for years to come.

  “I.. uh... excuse me.” She got up quickly and walked straight back to the bathroom. Blake assumed that she returned to tend to the bites on her body, and he hoped that it would be the last time that night. Jackson stayed in the living room, watching Blake's every move.

  “Where did you come from, anyway?” Jackson simply looked at him, knowing that if he made the wrong move, the asshole might leave and he would have to start over entirely with trying to get them together.

  Blake looked behind him and Jackson watched as he took out his phone. He called someone and stood from the couch, walking further away from the hallway where Kella disappeared.

  “Hey, stop texting me. I'm at Kella's.” Jackson was behind the man and followed him silently as Blake walked closer to the front door. “I'll be there, man. I'm just going to get a
little ass and get out of here. I'll meet you there.” Jackson felt his lips rise, and he couldn't stop the reaction. “No, man.. I don't like that bar. The bitches are rough. Just meet me at Leon's Grille in about an hour. I should be done with Kella by then.” Jackson could hear the music playing in the background, along with the voice on the other end.

  “What?! Did you say Leon's? I can't hear you!”

  “Yes!” Blake tried to whisper, but his voice carried throughout the small home. The door to the bathroom opened, and Kella was returning.

  “Damnit! Yes! Leon's!”

  “Dude! What?!”

  Jackson had enough, and he wouldn't have been able to stop himself even if he tried.

  A growl, unlike any sound that any animal had ever made as far as Blake was concerned, emitted from the space behind him. He turned slowly, dropping the phone to his side as he looked down to Black Jack.

  “Easy, boy. Just back up.” Jackson stepped closer until his head was at the one area of Blake's that he prized most. Slowly, he reached for the doorknob and turned it.

  From the phone, a faint voice could be heard. “Get it over with! Bang the bitch and I'll meet you later!” Jackson was up on his hind legs instantly.

  “Get off me!” Jackson felt his entire chest and throat vibrate as the pits of hell unleashed in a fury of growls that nearly made Blake piss himself. Eye to eye, the two stared at one another as Jackson's mouth opened wide. His bright green eyes daring Blake to turn away.

  “Black Jack! No!” Kella ran into the room and Jackson turned to look at her. In that split second, Blake pulled the door open and rushed through. “What are you doing?!” She grabbed his collar and pulled him away, but Blake was already running as quickly as he could from the house. The only thing he left, to Jackson's surprise, was the phone that he'd dropped in the process. Kella picked it up quickly and put it to her ear, hoping to tell the person on the other end that Blake had dropped his phone. She, however, didn't get a chance to say anything.