Kella (Black Jack's Curse Book 1)

by Rebecca Ratliff

  “Look what he found.” Parker brought the kitten down and showed her, and her hands left Jackson instantly.

  “Oh!!!! Look at her! She's so little!” The tiny kitten yawned and looked at Kella without making a sound. “I have formula here... she needs to eat.”

  Jackson took his leave and climbed to the sofa as they worked together to make a bottle for the kitty. It fascinated him how very much they both cared for animals, and he was reminded once again how much alike their kinds actually were. It was also reassuring to see them standing so close together, happily cooing and smiling as the baby drank with gusto. It was a good sign that she had been found in enough time that she'd make it, and if anyone would be in charge of seeing to the hard work, it was Kella.

  “You know, I was thinking.” Parker and Kella had already moved to the kitchen table and Kella listened as she fed the kitten. “It might take some time to get your business off the ground...,” Kella nodded and sadness filled her eyes in an instant.

  “I agree,” she never looked up from the baby, “I think that maybe.... I need to let go of my dream.” Parker's head shook quickly as that was the last thing he wanted.

  “No, not give up on it. Just... change it a little.” Kella, that time, gave him her full attention.

  Jackson listened as well, as Parker explained that the town was in desperate need of a full time rescue. A facility that would house animals in need and a staff to tend to them. Kella agreed, but her dream was to take care of animals medically as well.

  “I can set it up, Kel. I'll file the paperwork and you can get funding, as well as donations, and you can have your own rescue facility. Not a temporary dumping ground that people have been expecting of you, but go all in. You have the clinic there to take care of their needs, and you can get reimbursed for most of what you do. Then, in time, your reputation will grow and you can do both.” Kella listened, but she wasn't sure she could take on such a large endeavor.

  “It's just me. I mean, you and Wyatt have helped so much but I can't do that on my own. I can't have a bunch of animals in my care and no way to keep up with them. It's not fair to the rescues.”

  “I'll step it up, I have more time to give you. I mean.. the rescues.” Kella smiled and was so happy to hear that she could see more of the man. “Wyatt's sister wants to help as well, and of course Wyatt himself. Not to mention all the people that we haven't even asked. This is absolutely something you can do, and we'll all help.” Kella couldn't believe what he was saying, and the truth was, he was right.

  “Do you really think we can do it?” Parker's hand moved slowly to her face before kissing her softly.

  “Yes I do.”

  Jackson watched the birth of their lives together. Every moment of their beginning would be a part of his heart, and for that he was grateful.

  *****

  “The kitten! And the little feeding bottle! Have you ever seen anything more adorable?!” Runa nudged her best friend who had been watching with her all day.

  “And they're going to rescue animals together! I can't love this enough!” Starly filled their cups and gave a healthy shush when Kella spoke again.

  *****

  Jackson had spent that evening watching Kella and Parker plan the new facility, and even though the woman was still under the weather, she couldn't contain her excitement for the new beginning.

  He waited in the kitchen, knowing that Kella was awake and would most likely join him so that she could enjoy her morning tea. Yet, that morning, she never made it there.

  She had made it as far as the hallway before collapsing. Jackson ran to her side, but he didn't know what to do to help, or even what was wrong. It was on impulse that he left the house and returned to her shop, hoping with all of his might that Parker was already there.

  There he is! The man's truck in front of the building, but within seconds, the tail lights could be seen and Parker was leaving the clinic. Most likely, Jackson assumed, he was heading into his own job or getting more supplies. It didn't matter, Jackson had to stop him.

  Parker drove past several homes on the street when he heard a loud thud in the back of his truck. There, in the rear view mirror, was Jackson.

  The dog barked loudly and jumped against the back of the cab, going crazy in a way that Parker hadn't seen from the massive animal. “Dude! What are you doing?” He stopped and looked in the mirror again. It was then that Jackson jumped from the back and ran to the driver's side door He continued barking and scratching at the paint until Parker finally opened it. “What's the matter with you?” Jackson started running back, down the street behind the truck, then back to Parker. His agitation was evident and Parker was far too curious at that point to let it go.

  He got back in and turned around with Jackson standing on the sidewalk as if he were waiting. Then the dog started running again, with Parker keeping his vehicle close behind. “What the hell?”

  Jackson led him straight to Kella's, and Parker ran inside to see what had set the dog off enough to act the way he did. There, he found Kella.

  He and Jackson both tried to wake her, but she would only go in and out of coherence until it was obvious that an ambulance had to be called.

  *****

  “No! How can she be admitted? Did you hear what they said?” Luna dropped her grape on a tray and tried to focus on the ever changing scene in the glass.

  “How am I supposed to hear when you keep talking? Okay... okay,” she sat closer to Runa, “the doctor is going in to talk to Parker!”

  *****

  “Are you family?” Parker only nodded because he knew that Kella didn't have anyone in the area. “Well, I'm sorry to say that the news isn't good.”

  Jackson sat outside, near the window of the small room where Parker had been told to wait. He too listened, finding out together what was wrong with their girl.

  “She said she has a cold, which she does, but her other symptoms led us to run several tests. I don't know how far it has spread, I should get that information in a few days, but Kella..,” he took a shallow sad breath, “has cancer.”

  The rest of the information was more of a blur for Jackson, as he knew that the disease for humans could have a horrible outcome. It was the last thing that he expected to hear, and there was nothing at all he could do about it.

  He ran from the hospital and back to the field where he'd first appeared. The reality of being sent to a woman who didn't deserve to die so very young, with all of her dreams about to come true, was the most cruel thing that his queen could have done to him.

  Chapter Eight

  This is about love? Soulmates? Why did you do this to me?! She can't find love! She's dying! Jackson's heart broke as the words were screamed in his mind, and he felt as if a part of him would die as well.

  A beautiful young woman, so full of love and commitment for animals and even her fellow humans, shouldn't be taken the way that she was. If there was anyone that he could blame for her ill fate, he certainly would.. and then some.

  And would she not find love? None of us know when our end will come, but we still go on living until then. Jackson had called out to his queen, but he didn't want to hear her words right then.

  The man may walk away! Do you not know that? Why would he want to love her and then watch her die? You knew this.. didn't you?! You sent me here to fail! Queen Kelsia didn't respond and he knew she was gone. He didn't care, as all he could think about was Kella and how short her life would be.

  I'll stay! I'll stay here and look after her! It will be my love that she has! Do you hear me?! I will love the woman until she dies! I won't allow her to be alone!

  *****

  “Oh no he didn't!”

  “Oh yes he did!”

  “He'll stay! I can't believe it! He's willing to stay with her if Parker turns his back! I think I'm in love!” Runa stared at the black dog and watched the beginning of a storm begin to wash over his thick fur. If she could go to
the human realm right then, she would, but all she could do was send her best to Jackson for what he was going through.

  *****

  Kella pulled her sheet to her chin and stared out the window of her bedroom. She had only been home for a few hours but was already too weak from the medication they gave her to do much outside of rest. Jackson watched her eyes and waited until they met his.

  I won't leave you. I'm right here, Kella.

  She stared at him until her eyes closed and the pills had taken her to a place where she could sleep and forget about her current situation. Jackson took his place beside her, as usual.

  His heart ached for Kella, more than it ever had in his life for any other, and the pain was almost unbearable. But offering his time and his love was all he had, and both belonged to the woman until she no longer needed it. They remained there, sleeping against one another until the front door opening woke them both.

  “Don't get up, I just wanted to check in on you.” Parker stood in the doorway and Jackson saw that he'd changed overnight. Then again, they all had.

  You lost your smile. You could have found a fake one before you came here. She needs it.

  “I'm okay.. just.. tired.” Kella tried to sit up but Parker reminded her that he was only going to be there for a short time. Just as Jackson had assumed, he was removing himself from Kella's life. And since that's what he chose to do, he'd rather it happened sooner than later. With all of the anger and frustration that he felt, Black Jack growled loudly, showing his teeth and ability to put an end to anything.. or anyone. “Jack.. it's okay.” Her voice was weak. His was not.

  “He's just protecting you. You're laying down, you're vulnerable. It's what dogs do.” Kella knew that, but she also knew that Black Jack shouldn't be bothered by Parker. “I'll see you soon?” Kella nodded and rolled over to face the wall. It was clear to Jackson that she too was aware that the man would probably turn his back on her as well.

  “Thank you, Black Jack. For coming into my life when you did. You're truly my very best friend.” He looked up to see her face, and caught her eyes closing as she went right back to sleep.

  *****

  “It can't be! There's no way! Parker loves her... he can't turn his back now!” Starly was beside herself with the events that she witnessed, and she stomped off to find more food in Runa's kitchen. Runa stared at the scene, seeing Black Jack place his fluffy head on Kella's hip as the woman slept.

  “Love. It's different for everyone... but it looks beautiful on you, Jackson.” She leaned back on her gold colored chair, and wished that she could force Parker to return. “At least you have Black Jack.” The thought alone was so sad, and she was happy that Starly returned as they continued to watch Kella's life.

  *****

  Are you crazy, woman? You should be resting! Jackson did his best to prevent Kella from leaving the house the following morning, but he failed miserably. He'd taken her keys and buried them in the sofa, but her spare set was in her bag. He'd already taught her that he was a key thief.

  Every cough that he heard from her was a reminder that he had to do everything to keep her comfortable. Yet, right then, he couldn't even stop her from going to work.

  “Do you want to go to the office with me?” She smiled at Jackson and he couldn't believe how much life she showed in the simple gesture, and knowing that her time was short was heartbreaking.

  If I can't stop you from leaving then of course I'll go with you. He followed her to the car and jumped in, feeling his whole body tense when he heard her coughing again as she rounded the vehicle. There was no point in what they were doing, but he had no choice.

  Jackson noticed right away that Parker wasn't there, and nothing more had been done to the animals' enclosures either. He couldn't even finish the job that he promised he'd do? I doubt my queen would mind if I ate just one of his legs. And an arm. They entered the office and Kella went through her normal routine, and Jackson helped care for the animals. There wasn't much he could do outside of carry the large food containers, which was impressive to Kella, but he made sure to take the burden from her as much as possible.

  As usual, there were no patients brought in that day and she had wasted an entire eight hours of her precious life just waiting for anyone who needed her help. It was a long and monotonous day, watching her walk from the front door to her desk, with the same results. “I've always thought that I was so strong. Putting myself through school, and then moving all the way here. But... what was it all for?” Jackson wanted to tell her how many animals she'd saved, and the handful of people in town who adored her, but all he could do was lick her hand and hope that she found peace somewhere in her world.

  Their drive home was silent, even Kella's cough had improved for the time. Jackson could still hear her lungs when she took a breath, and he wished he didn't have that ability right then. Yes, he thought, her cold would improve but her disease would not. None of the situation was fair, and sitting in his large body with enough strength to take on a dozen humans at once, he was still helpless.

  “I'm going to get a bath. Then,” she smiled as she spoke, “how about I make us some pork chops for dinner? Would you like that?” Jackson didn't care about food, but he ran in a circle in the middle of the living room to feign excitement over her offer. “Okay... I won't be long.” Jackson sat slowly and watched her disappear down the hall.

  I wish I could bring you food, Kella. You shouldn't worry about anyone but yourself right now. He stared to walk to the sofa and take his position until she returned, but the sound of a familiar truck door closing outside had caught his attention. Back for another bullshit visit? Just stopping in to check on her? It's better if you just stay gone! Parker didn't get a chance to even knock when Jackson bolted out the front door.

  “Hey... it's me.” Parker stood still and spoke softly as Black Jack walked slowly towards him. “Jack.. easy.. it's just me.” The growl from the dog's throat was terrifying, and Parker stepped back. “It's okay...,”

  Nothing is okay! Get out of here! Black Jack's mouth opened even more as he snarled and growled enough to produce two stark white lines of saliva that fell slowly to the porch.

  “Parker?” Kella's voice was nearly frantic as she peeked her head from the doorway. Jackson turned around to see that she had obviously heard the commotion and wrapped herself in a towel to see what was going on. “Jack! Stop that!” She reached out and tried to grab him, while keeping her towel in place, but he was too far out of reach. “Come.. here!” Jackson growled again and stared into Parker's eyes for several seconds before turning and joining Kella inside.

  “I guess I pissed him off somehow.” Parker couldn't figure the dog out, but he was happy to see Kella. “Is it safe to come in?” He smiled, but Kella did not.

  “I.. was taking a bath. Did you need something?” Jackson had been right, she too was aware that Parker was only making an appearance, weaning himself from her life before disappearing completely.

  “Uh,” Parker seemed to be lost, and he struggled to find the answer to her question, “I... I thought I could stay.... with you...,”

  “Stay? What do you mean?” Parker didn't know how to explain that he had enough of his personal items in his truck to partially move in with Kella, nor could he find the words that were prettier than his thoughts. He intended to stay by her side for as long as she would have him, but nothing more came out. “Park?” He stood there, silent, and Jackson's held tilted as he started to realize that he'd been wrong about the man.

  “I... told work that I needed some time off. And, I packed up some of my things to..,”

  “So,” Kella nodded slowly, “you want to partially move in with me? Until I die?” Her words were brutal, and neither Parker or Jackson were prepared for them. Surprisingly, Parker answered her question.

  “No. I want to partially move in with you while you live.” Kella was stunned, and she stood motionless as Parker stepped forward and brought
her to him, in a hug that even Jackson could feel. “I love you, Kella. I've loved you from the first minute we met. Marry me. Please,” he dropped to his knees and held both of her hands tightly, “marry me.”

  *****

  “He proposed! I can't believe it! I hated him! Say yes... say yes!” Starla had stood and was nearly screaming at the glass. Runa, on the other hand, remained calm as both women watched Kella nod.

  “He's carrying her back to her bath! How romantic!” Pellora, who had joined the woman in their binge watching, raised her glass to toast the newly engaged couple. “He did it! Jackson did it!” All of the women applauded Black Jack for bringing the couple together.

  Runa watched Kella as she sunk into the warm bubbles. The other two were keeping tabs on Jackson and were laughing at how afraid Parker had been when they were on the porch. Everything seemed to have been forgiven, but Runa didn't focus on the men. It was the woman that continued to break her heart.

  Epilogue

  Jackson walked Kella down the aisle, with half the town wondering how a dog could be chosen to give the bride away. Yet, for Kella and Parker, it seemed natural to include the good boy who had been through it all with them.

  Kella's hand barely left Jackson's back that day, and not just because she was weak from treatments. She had to know he was there, her constant companion and protector since they'd met two months ago.