The Rebelero Brothers' Curse

Eighteen

2 days had past since his whipping. He was sleeping on Dale's table as he had not allowed anyone to move him. Luke did not care to wake for food or drink. He only woke when I tried to heal his wounds. He would stay awake just long enough to stop me from healing him, then he'd scold me. The man was stubborn and would not listen to reasoning!

I wanted to leave here; for this to be done. I was growing frustrated as I constantly brooded over him. Dale refused to come inside his own home while Luke was here, so the only company I had was Luke and occasionally my grandmother. She stopped by every once in a while to check on us, but she hardly said anything. It was driving me insane! I wanted to cure him and be out of here but he would not allow me!

I was scowling by his side when he gently caressed my face. It made me jump slightly and he laughed weakly.

"You are so adorable when you are mad at me." His eyes were still a piercing blue color that were shining with amusement.

"Stop that," I pushed his hand lightly away from my face.

He let his hand fall back down to his side and smiled but it looked more like a grimace as I glared at him.

"Will you let me help you now?" I asked him highly annoyed.

His face turned serious and his eyes glossed over for a second.

"Luke?"

He smiled a peaceful smile and nodded his head. "The Great Spirit says it is time."

My face contorted with confusion and concern. As if reading my mind he clarified for me.

"The Restorer. It has been speaking to me since the day I was whipped."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I was a little agitated and apprehensive. My worry must've been written all over my face.

"I wanted to be sure I was not just hearing my own thoughts. There was no urgency to tell you."

I opened my mouth to yell at him at how ridiculous that was, but I decided not to. If the Restorer did not wish to work with me yet, then fine.

I nodded grimly and gently put my hands on his back. He hissed in pain but otherwise didn't complain. I slipped into my trance and my spirit happily danced across his skin seeking to make his flesh whole again. His skin slowly knitt back together. The gashes weren't as deep as they once were, but they were something not many people survived.

I heard myself whimper at how much pain he was in. He did not acknowledge it and somehow was able to push it aside. I knew it had to be the Restorer making it less painful for him. My mind was racing with all that would happen in the near future. The process was already starting and it was happening all too fast. There would be no easing him into it.

"Enough," he sighed. I didn't listen but he blocked my connection to stop me. I gasped as I felt fire rush through my veins as my spirit was forced back upon me.

My eyes snapped open in anger but his touch was enough to make me forget it. The deep green depths that watched me told me he was out of danger. He was only abiding by what the Restorer was telling him. It was relieving that the Restorer was the one speaking to him and not the Destroyer at least.

"Stop scowling. You've done enough to help me and I thank you for that." His voice came out low and almost pleadingly.

"It is more than my pleasure," I said softly as my frustration diffused. I studied his face avoiding his gaze. His jaw was lax. He was not in as much pain anymore. The stubble on his face had grown quite a bit in the past few days and I have to say, he looked sexy.

I scolded myself mentally for letting my mind wander and went to change the gauze on the remaining wounds. Some of the gashes had closed up leaving no scar and the remaining were not as deep. He could heal on his own if he wanted to, if he did not mind the scars.

"Please help me sit," he said after I disposed of the bloody gauze.

I helped him sit up as gently as I could. He groaned softly and winced.

"Man, my father got me good this time," he laughed weakly and a sad smile perched upon his lip. It broke my heart to see how much his father hurt him not only physically but emotionally as well.

"Your father will regret all he has done to you one day."

"Maybe in his old age. It won't matter. I am no longer his son, I am only a minion in his eyes now. We will continue the charade for the Kingdom, though, I know I am all on my own from now on." He sighed heavily.

"You are not entirely alone," I said as I stood up to get closer to him. The man was tall and even though he sat, he still dwarfed me. I stepped between his legs and he held my waist.

"The Restorer did advise me to keep you close," he chuckled.

"I'm not going anywhere. Even if we are a part, my heart will be with you." I bit the inside of my cheek and flushed with embarrassnent. He made me so vulnerable that it scared me, but he surprised me.

Gently tucking my hair behind my ear he cupped my face and whispered, "My love belongs to you." He pulled me closer and kissed me tenderly. It was a heart melting, knee weakening kiss that made me soar with joy. I had never felt this way before and I have to say, I like it.

His lips parted from mine leaving me a little dazed. "You are God's gift Jessamine." He was grinning at me and looking at me like no man ever has. My face grew hot and I gave him a coy smile.

"She sure is," Dale muttered at the door. Luke and I both jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance. I instantly felt bad for him. He couldn't hide the wounded look on his face soon enough. He steeled his gaze when he caught mine and excused himself to his bedroom.

"Dale, Dale!" I shouted out after him but he didn't stop. I attempted to go after him and try to fix what I had broken but Luke stopped me.

"Don't. He needs time."

I looked at his hand on my arm and knew he was right but I needed to talk to Dale. "I will give him time after clarifying things to him."

Gently pulling away from his grasp I made my way to Dale's bedroom door and knocked. He didn't answer so I went in.

He had his shirt off and was sitting on the edge of his bed with his back to me. His head was in his hands. "Go away Jessamine," he sighed.

"Will you please talk to me?" I approached him slowly and sat next to him. He refused to look at me and ignored me.

"Fine. Don't talk...listen. You know better than anyone else that once there is a bond, there is no avoiding it," I paused and gently touched his knee. "It was never my intention to hurt you."

He looked at me with tears falling on his cheeks. "You don't think I know that? It was a foolish dream that you could ever avoid it to be with me. It was a selfish dream." He sighed and shook his head as he buried his head in his hands again.

"Dale, there is someone-"

"Save it. You and I both know there is no true woman available to me. Without you there may never be a woman for me. It makes no difference. I will be fine. Just attend to Lucian. I want to sleep."

"Dale I-"

"You are sorry. I know. I am too. No worries though, I will remain your warrior and aid you in the defense of Lucian. Now please, get out." His last words were harsh and gruff.

I thus left a broken Dale to sleep.

A/N

Let me know what you guys think so far! Please vote and share!

Cheers

C