Chapter Two #2
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me,” I argued. “I need you to tell me everything.” When he stayed silent, I begged, “ Please , Brodie.” Speaking his name made my lips tingle, and I couldn’t stop myself from repeating it.
Brodie took a deep breath and told me everything, just as I asked.
And I mean everything , from losing his mother at his birth, to a lifetime of abuse from his remaining family.
My heart went out to him; I couldn't believe that a father could treat his own son so horribly.
Brodie was so open about everything in his past, and I assumed it was because he'd never had someone to talk to. I hoped it wasn’t because he feared me.
Then Brodie told me about the events of the morning of the games; attempting to run away from home, being strong armed by his brothers, and finally, accidentally shooting Sam.
He exuded honesty as he spoke, and my heart filled with relief; Fate didn't send me a criminal who needed punishment.
She sent me a sweet, trustworthy young man who needed protection.
"Thank you for telling me, and I'm so sorry for everything you've been through."
"Don't apologize. No matter what happened to me, it doesn't excuse what I did."
"Brodie, there's something you need to know." He turned his head towards me a bit, giving me a view of his pretty brown right eye. It widened a little when it landed on me, as if in recognition. "You didn't kill anyone. The bullet just grazed Sam's face, and he's already healed."
It wasn't entirely true; the bullet had indeed lodged into Sam's head, and would have surely killed a human, but this was an easier explanation for the time being.
The words barely passed my lips when Brodie burst into tears.
Relief washed over him and filled the room.
"In fact," I continued, "He got married yesterday and I performed the ceremony.
He traveled back to Spain with his partners and his friends to finish out their vacation.
" 'Marriage' and ‘partners’ were close enough and again, easier to explain than bonding ceremonies and eternal mates.
Brodie's sobbing paused long enough for him to ask, "Partners? Do you mean the redheads?"
"How did you know?"
"I saw them at the games. It looked like they were blowing him kisses and even showing off for him."
"That sounds about right," I replied with a chuckle. "So, since he's okay, I think we should get you out of here."
Brodie sniffled before asking, "Really?"
"Really." I scooted closer to him and held out my hands for his restraints. "I'll get these off of you and get you home."
He pulled away from me while shaking his head. "No, please don't send me home. If I have to go home, I'd rather just stay here."
I mentally kicked myself for my word choice; I didn't mean his old home with his wretched family.
I meant his new home with me. I needed my mate with me; being apart from him would cause physical pain.
Taking him home with me was my first natural thought, but of course sweet Brodie didn't understand, being human.
It broke my heart that he'd rather stay in prison than go home to his father and brothers.
"Brodie, I swear to you that you'll never step foot in your old house again.
If you're agreeable, I have an extra room in my home where I'd like you to stay.
" For now; once I explained our connection and our relationship grew, I wanted him as close to me as possible, but I didn't want to push or make him uncomfortable.
"Really? You...you’d let me stay with you?” I tried not to read too much into the excitement in Brodie's voice; I got the feeling that he'd gladly stay anywhere but his old home, and without question.
He finally turned to face me fully, and I was awestruck by his beauty.
Curls fell onto his forehead, just above a pair of big brown eyes.
His plump lips were drawn up into a pretty smile, creating a small dimple on his cheek.
The only blemish on his handsome face was the greenish purple bruise under his left eye.
I slowly reached my hand out, and Brodie didn't flinch when I brushed my thumb lightly over the bruise. "Did your father do this?" His smile faded as he looked at the floor and shook his head no. "Was it someone here?" He remained silent while staring at the ground. "Was it the guard?"
"It was right after everything went down and he thought I killed Sam. He was probably scared for his friend. But it's okay; I deserved it, and it barely hurts now," he added swiftly. "I’ve had much worse.”
“He’ll pay for this.”
“No! Please, I don't want him to get in trouble."
Many emotions warred within me; I was in awe of Brodie's grace and forgiveness, sick over what he’d been through in his life, furious with Kade for harming my mate, and finally, cautious not to show my anger because I didn't want to scare Brodie.
I couldn't make the promise not to punish Kade, so I gave my beloved a tight smile before tapping my fingers against his handcuffs.
"I'll get the key and be right back." I wanted nothing more than to rip them off of his wrists with my bare hands; I had the strength to do so and wanted him free as quickly as possible, but I didn't think Brodie was ready for all of my secrets just yet.
After receiving a nod and another pretty smile, I stood up and left my mate's cell.
"What was the piece of shit's defense?" Kade asked when I stepped into the main room of the jailhouse.
I wrapped my hand around his throat and tossed him into the wall so hard that his head dented the cinder blocks.
Ordinarily, I was a peaceful man, but knowing Kade hurt my mate brought my aggression and strength to the surface.
I got so close to him that our noses nearly touched, and glared into his eyes as I answered, "You watch your fucking mouth. "
Kade was unfazed by the head bashing, given his resilience and quick healing ability, but my words caused his face to scrunch up in confusion. "What's wrong with you? The guy's a prisoner."
"That guy is my mate, and the only reason you're still breathing is because of his kindness. Even though you hurt him, he asked for your safety."
"Your mate ? But he's a criminal!"
"No!" Kade flinched when I slapped the wall beside his head. "This is exactly why I have rules against anyone punishing prisoners before I speak with them; rules you ignored. You know nothing of him or the situation. It was an accident and-”
“How was it an accident?” Kade interrupted. “He shot a gun at Ben’s face.”
I clenched my fists and took a deep breath. “I’m trying very hard not to kill you right now.” Kade’s eyes widened slightly, and I took another breath to calm down before continuing, “Who is the Master of this coven?”
“You are.”
“That’s right. My rules and judgements are absolute. All that you need to know is that my mate is innocent, and things are being taken care of.” I’d speak to Prince Dante and Sam later, but for now, my top priority was releasing Brodie. “Give me the keys.”
Once they were secure in my hand, I told Kade, “I’m suspending your security position until further notice.
You directly violated instructions, and I need someone in this job whom I can trust to carry out the coven’s rules.
” Though we didn’t get many prisoners, I didn’t need a loose cannon overseeing them when we did.
“I understand,” he replied with a subtle nod. “I apologize for hurting your mate; I never would have touched him if I’d known who he was.”
“You shouldn’t have touched him regardless.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I guess I just got carried away in the moment.”
Kade was young and hadn’t dealt with any serious offenders before this. It was easy to see how he could become overzealous, but it didn’t excuse his actions. Kade had a large build and vampire strength, and my Brodie could have been seriously injured by him.
“Thank you for your apology. We’ll re-evaluate your position in one month.” Hopefully the suspension gave him time to get his head straight and realize his wrongdoing.
Kade nodded his understanding. “Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?” Whether he was remorseful or just sucking up to secure his job, it didn’t matter; there was something I needed his help with.
“Go into town and buy my mate some new clothing.” I retrieved a wad of cash from my pocket and handed it over. “Bring them to my home when you return.”
“Do you know his size?”
Shit. I wasn’t thinking about that. “Erm...little?”
Kade pursed his lips and nodded slowly. “I’ll do my best, sir.”
“Thank you.” Kade gave a determined nod and skittered out the front entrance.
I hustled back into my mate’s cell, and when he saw me enter, Brodie gave a slight smile and ducked his head.
Now that fear and guilt weren’t consuming him, I felt his nervousness towards me.
..along with a hefty dose of desire. I wasn’t shocked at his interest, seeing as he was my mate; we were each other’s perfect match, hand-picked by Fate, so it made sense that he’d find me attractive.
But just because I wasn’t surprised didn’t mean I wasn’t honored and thrilled as hell.
“Okay, let’s get those cuffs off of you,” I said as I knelt in front of him again. Brodie held his hands out as far from the wall as possible, allowing me to slip the key into the slots. Once the metal clanged to the ground, I gently massaged his wrists. “Does that feel okay?”
“Yes, thank you.” Even though it was dark in the room, my enhanced vision clearly picked up the flush on his cheeks.
I massaged for a few moments longer because I just couldn’t help myself, and then stood upright.
When I helped Brodie to his feet, I saw that the top of his head barely reached my shoulder.
He was even smaller than I originally thought, which made me smile; Fate delivered the greatest gift in a tiny package.
He wasn't just small when it came to his height; his slim frame suggested that he hadn't eaten well for far longer than two days. But he no longer had to worry; I'd dedicate my life to caring for him and making sure he was full, happy and healthy.
As my eyes roved over his beautiful body, I noticed more blotches of color, along with an array of scars, on his skin through the holes in his shirt. My heart broke, thinking of the years of torment he'd endured.
"Oh, Brodie," I whispered as I reached my hand out to him. I pushed feelings of peace and love into him while I slowly traced my fingers over his skin, hoping to soothe him on a soul deep level.
A quiet moan left his lips and I snapped my eyes up just in time to watch his expression morph from bliss to panic.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry!" He raised his hands in front of him and backed away until he bumped into the wall behind him. "It's just...no one has ever touched me like that and it felt so nice. It just slipped out; I'm so sorry!"
"Brodie…" I took a step closer to him, but stopped when he shielded his head with his arms and crouched low to the ground. Jesus, what has this poor boy been through?
"Brodie," I said again in my calmest, gentlest voice, "It's okay; you're safe with me." I pushed more positive vibes into him until he relaxed his arms, uncovering his head. I crouched down as well to look into his pretty eyes. "I will never hurt you, and I promise to protect you from all harm."
"Thank you," he whispered, "But…why?" My poor mate couldn't understand that he was worth looking after.
"Because I like you, Brodie," I said with a gentle smile, though my feelings for him were so much deeper than that. "You're sweet and honest, and being with you makes me feel good too."
He blinked wide eyes when I offered him my hand and helped him to his feet. When he stood up fully, he swayed and gripped my hand. "I'm sorry; I'm a little dizzy."
"You need to eat," I explained. Brodie looked down at the bread and water on the prison floor, but my mate deserved so much better than that.
"We'll get you something on the way home.
May I hold your hand while we walk? I don't want you to fall if you get dizzy again.
" While that was true, I also just really wanted to hold his hand.
Brodie let out a small grasp when I linked our fingers together. After staring at our tangled digits a moment, he whispered, "I've never held hands before. It's really nice."
At that very moment, I pledged to show Brodie every pleasure in life, no matter how small.
I'd spend eternity showing him love, patience, and understanding, and I'd make sure he had a thousand good memories to overshadow every bad one.
I'd show him his worth in this world and in my life.
He was mine to love, protect and cherish, and I wouldn't let one minute go to waste.