Lukas & The Lion

Chapter 50- The Boys

We arrived for dinner just as Brandon was dishing out the food to everyone. He started with Mr. Hadid, his master, then my father and then the boys.

I noticed Ryan was not at the table. I made my way to the two empty seats next to my father.

"You finished your work, little one?" Dad asked in English.

Lukas started to answer, but I cut him off by putting my hands on his shoulders and moving him away. I took the seat next to my father and put Lukas on the end.

"He has a little more to do, but he will finish after he eats," I said.

I looked over at Lukas who winced as he sat down.

I'd put him in a long-sleeved t-shirt and soft sweatpants over a white thong that wouldn't touch his burning cheeks.

"Ryan is by himself in contemplation. He will eat when everyone has finished," Tavi said.

"Withholding food from Lukas isn't a punishment, the boy prefers to skip meals," I said in Arabic to switch the conversation from a language Lukas would understand.

"I apologize for Ryan leading him astray. That boy is an embarrassment and I administered a stern punishment myself. If he wants to stay in this family then my son will get him under control. He has had much forgiveness, yet continues to bring shame on our family", Mr. Hadid said while giving Tavi a stern look.

"Lukas has a mind of his own. We can't place the blame solely on Ryan. My boy needs a stronger hand and I intend to give it to him," I responded.

"He's just a boy, and a very innocent one at that. He has no problem following the rules in my home. I think it's just all the anxiety from the fires and being away from everything he knows. The sweet boy is confused." My father made excuses for Lukas.

Brandon put a heavy helping of lamb and rice on my plate then gave Lukas about half the amount he'd served me.

"You will clean your plate then go back to work," I told the boy and put my hand on the back of his neck to give a gentle squeeze.

"Yes, sir," Lukas said and immediately began eating after thanking Brandon.

"He is growing, father. You can't be his buddy when he needs a daddy. I had to spank him. It wasn't pleasant, but now he knows. Whether in your house or mine or far away, his home is with us and he should never forget he is expected to follow the rules," I told dad in Farsi.

"You spanked him? Is he bruised? Did he understand it? He's just a tiny little flower!" Father started to get up to go and check on Lukas.

Lukas looked up, not understanding our language, but seeing the anger in my father's eyes.

Lukas looked at me with confusion. I put a hand on father's arm and urged him to sit back down.

"He is MY tiny little flower and I discipline him as he needs. You told him to do his work and he chose to disobey you. You never would have put up with that from me or my brothers. You disciplined us like a good father does. I must do the same for my boy," I told him.

Father stared me down, but his anger subsided quickly. He knew I was right. He saw I was a man like him.

"Did he cry much? Were you too harsh on him?" Dad sighed.

It broke his heart to think of his little friend in pain.

"I took a shower first and calmed myself. I talked it out with him. He cried, but I used light swats so he won't have bruising. He understands now the importance of following our directions. He knows he has a daddy who expects the best of him," I explained.