A change in the winds

Chapter twelve: Aftermath


Kenna sat in Jack's arms for a while, enjoying the feeling of safety. She had been so scared when Christian attacked her, she never thought he had it in him to assault a girl. Slowly her eyes got heavier and finally she fell asleep in his arms. Jack felt her body go limp and when he saw she was asleep he smiled and kissed her forehead. He laid her down on his bed and pulled the covers over her. She looked so innocent sleeping there. He gently caressed her cheek as he left the cabin. He felt she should stay in his cabin, even though Christian was locked inside. He didn't want to take any chances, he would do anything to protect her.

He went up to the helm to relieve Gibbs of his duty.

'' How be the lass?'' Gibbs asked as Jack took the wheel.

'' She be fine, just needs ta sleep.''

'' I be knowin' Christian wasn't all where he bee seen, but this I would never believe of him.''

'' I had me suspicions, but I never believed he would actually go forward with it.''

'' I can't understand why he be doin' such a thing. He not be unpopular with the ladies.''

'' It has nothin' ta do with that. His desire for this lass was just too much for him ta handle. He can't accept that she doesn't fancy him.''

'' What'll become of him now?''

'' He can spend the night in the brig. Tomorrow I'll be havin' a talk with him and decide his punishment. Keep two men on guard by the brig, I don't want him gettin' out.''

'' There's no need ta worry about that Capt'n, our brig be very strong.''

'' Just do it.'' Jack ordered.

'' Aye Capt'n.'' Gibbs said and left to alert the men. Jack inhaled deeply, feeling the salty aroma of the sea fill his nostrils. It had been so close. He had been so close to ruin his beautiful angel. His beautiful angel that now slept in his cabin.

---

The morning after Kenna awoke in Jack's bed. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Jack lying beside her, sleeping. She smiled, he was so cute when he slept.

'' I guess I fell asleep here last night.'' She thought to herself as she reached out to brush a strand of hair out of his face. Jack opened his eyes and pulled her closer with a grin.

'' I'm sorry I fell asleep here...''

'' I'm glad ye did. Else I would have been up all night worryin' over ye.''

'' Christian is locked inside the brig isn't he?''

'' Aye.''

'' Then there's nothing to worry about.''

'' Maybe not, I just wanted ta be sure.''

'' What did I do to deserve you?'' Kenna said with a smile. '' You're like an older brother…or a father, always looking out for me.''

Jack frowned at that statement. '' I'm glad I'm not. Not after what we be doin' last night.''

'' I hope you mean the kiss because I don't remember much after that…'' Kenna said worried.

'' Aye, a gentleman never takes advantage of a lady who be unconscious.'' Jack said grinning.

'' And are you supposed to be a gentleman?'' Kenna asked with a raised brow.

'' I did save ye didn't I? And I be lettin' ye have yer own cabin''

Kenna laughed. '' Fine, you're right. I suppose in that sense you can be a gentleman.'' She started fiddling with one of his dread locks, which made him smile. Jack leaned closer, pressing his lips gently against hers. He cupped her face with one hand as he slowly deepened the kiss. Kenna's stomach growled, making Jack break the kiss.

'' Ye be hungry luv?''

'' I didn't eat much last night…'' Kenna said guiltily.

Jack grinned. '' Then let's get ye somethin' ta eat. We not be wantin' yer stomach ta interrupt us again do we?'' He stood up from the bed and put his shirt and boots on. Kenna climbed out of bed as well and put her shoes on.

'' Thanks for leaving my clothes on.'' Kenna said with a smile.

'' Another thing that a gentleman won't do…'' Jack said smirking.

'' Have you always been like this?'' Kenna asked laughing.

'' I want ta say yes, but I think ye better ask someone else. Me memory be a bit hazy.''

'' No doubt because of all the rum.''

'' Trifles…who cares about a little loss of memories when he can have rum? '' Jack said grinning.

Kenna shook her head, this man was unlike every man she had ever met.

'' Well I guess that's something everyone has to decide for themselves.''

Jack gave her a grin as he took her hand and led her out of the room. They walked down to the galley where they met Steven, the ship doctor.

'' Miss…how have ya been feelin'? ''

'' I'm fine. I haven't felt any dizziness since I came back.''

'' Good. And how do ya sleep?''

'' She not be sleepin' as hard as she did.'' Jack answered for her.

'' That's good. I still don't have a clue what might have caused that…''

'' Whatever it was it hasn't happened again.'' Kenna said with a smile.

'' And we should hope it doesn't.'' Steven said smiling.

'' Indeed.'' Kenna replied. Jack motioned for her to sit down and went to get something to eat for her. Steven excused himself and left the galley, leaving the two alone.

'' You know I could have fetched the food myself.'' Kenna said when Jack returned.

'' I know, but since I be a gentleman I can't be lettin' the girl fetch her own food.'' Jack said with a smirk.

'' And how long have you intended to keep up that gentleman act?''

'' It be no act. I'm deadly serious.'' Jack said with a humorous glint in his eyes.

'' I shouldn't be complaining, who doesn't like to be doted upon? But I have to ask, how far does your service reach?'' She said with a flirty smile.

Jack looked at her with a wide grin.'' As long as required ta satisfy yer needs.''

Kenna burst out laughing. '' You are unbelievable.''

'' I've heard that a lot. Just wait until ye get ta see what I'm capable of.''

'' And what makes you think that I would be interested?''

Jack grinned widely. '' Oh I know. Ye won't be able ta resist it.''

'' Cocky and self centered…you'll make some woman happy one day.'' Kenna said sarcastically.

'' Ye didn't seem ta be against it this mornin' ''

'' That's because I had no intension of sleeping with you.'' Jack gave her a look of complete lack of understanding and she laughed. '' I can enjoy your company without giving into you. Have you never met a girl who was satisfied with just an occasional kiss from you? ''

Luckily for Jack, Gibbs burst through the door.

'' Capt'n…am I interruptin' anythin' ?'' He asked when he saw the two by the table.

'' No, what have ye got for me?''

'' We've got our headin'.''

'' Great. Any news of the prisoner?''

'' He be up. Should I bring him food?''

'' Yeah, we better not let him starve.'' Jack said with an angry frown.'' Stay away from the brig, this won't take long.'' He told Kenna when Gibbs had fetched the food. Kenna didn't dare to object when she saw the crazy look in his eyes.

'' I won't come anywhere near it.''

Jack and Gibbs left the galley, closing the door behind them. Kenna sat down on a chair and sighed. Even though she had been attacked by Christian she didn't want him dead. She hoped Jack would go easy on him.

Down in the brig Christian sat on the cold floor. This night had been the worst one in his life. His bed was hard and the brig was cold and soggy, reeking of wet wood and death. Even though there were no prisoners in the other cells he could still smell their residence there.

He was really sorry for what he had done the night before. He had never meant to attack her. He just couldn't stand her preferring Jack over him any longer. He had never wanted any girl as much as he wanted her. She was special. With a big sigh he rubbed his face with his hands. What was he going to do now?

The sound of footsteps was heard as Jack and Gibbs came walking down the stairs. Jack opened the cell and Gibbs put the food tray on the floor beside him.

'' I hope yer stay here has made ye think about what ye did.'' Jack said with his arms crossed over his chest.

Christian picked up a piece of bread and took a bite. '' I know what I did was wrong. And I sincerely apologize.''

'' Ye shouldn't be apologizin' ta me. It gets ye nowhere.''

'' Then what do ya want me ta do?''

'' I don't know…'' Jack exhaled deeply. '' Why did ye do it?''

'' I don't know…I was angry…I know I shouldn't have…''

'' This is not the way ta control yer anger. She be a guest on this ship and should be respected as such.''

'' I know…I have great respect for her, it's just…last night somethin' in me snapped.''

'' I honestly don't know what ta do with ye. I can't risk this happenin' again, but it would be a shame ta lose a good crew member such as yerself.''

Christian felt the fear build up in his chest, he didn't want to die! Jack stared at him for a long while, his eyes piercing through him like swords.

'' I'll leave it up to Kenna ta decide what will become of ye.'' He turned to Gibbs. '' Get Kenna and bring her down here.''

'' Aye Capt'n.'' Gibbs hurried up the stairs.

'' For yer sake I hope she be merciful.'' Jack said with a disgusted frown.

A moment later Gibbs was back with Kenna.

'' What is this? Why did you send for me?''

'' Christian has somethin' he wants ta tell ye.'' Jack said sternly. Kenna looked over at Christian, who was still sitting on the floor. He stood up and brushed the dust off his breeches.

'' I be wantin' ta apologize for me behaviour towards ye last night. I never meant ta harm ye…I let me anger get in the way of a proper thinkin'. ''

Kenna didn't know what to respond. '' I accept your apology.''

Christian's face eased as he smiled in gratitude. '' I'm so sorry.''

'' So what will become of him?'' Kenna asked.

'' I was gonna give ye the honor of decidin' that.'' Jack replied.

'' WHAT! You want me to decide his punishment?'' Kenna said stunned.

'' Aye, ye're the one he assaulted, ye should be the one who decides what his punishment should be.''

'' But I don't want him any harm.''

'' Then release him. It's yer choice.''

Kenna walked closer to the cell. '' Can I trust that you won't do anything like this again?''

'' I won't…I promise.'' Christian said eagerly.

'' I'll release you with one condition. You stay away from me unless I talk to you or someone else is present. ''

'' All right, I'll do it.''

'' If you'll be found breaking that rule I'll give Jack full permission to do whatever he wants with you.''

'' That sounds fair.''

Kenna turned to Jack. '' He's all yours now.''

Jack pulled him to his feet and pushed him out of the cell. '' Return ta yer position.''

'' Aye Capt'n.'' Christian said as he walked up the stairs.

'' Follow him and make sure he doesn't try anythin' stupid.'' Jack ordered Gibbs.

'' Aye Capt'n.'' Gibbs replied, leaving the brig.

Jack wrapped his hands around Kenna from behind. ''Are ye all right? ''

'' Yes, I'm fine.'' Kenna replied as she leaned her head backwards on his chest. '' I'm just surprised I guess.'' She turned around in his grip. '' Why did you let me decide his punishment?''

'' Do ye want the truth?''

'' Preferably yes.''

'' Part of me wanted ta see how ye would solve this problem, the other didn't want ta lose a good sailor.''

'' So you care more about your crew than you care about me?'' Kenna pretended to be hurt.

'' Of course now luv. I didn't need ta scare him away from ye, ye're scary enough as it is.''

Kenna couldn't keep up her fake act any longer and laughed. '' I'm not scary.''

'' Oh yes ye are.''

'' Is it because of my magic skills?''

'' He doesn't know of them does he?''

'' Not unless you've told him.''

'' I didn't. It's our secret.''

'' So why do you think he's afraid of me?''

'' He's admitted it.''

'' No, now you're lying.'' Kenna said in disbelief.

'' Am not. It's the truth luv.''

'' Why? Have I ever done him any harm?''

'' Besides the lip ye mean?'' Jack said with a smirk.

'' That wasn't much. I can't believe he scares that easily. Isn't he supposed to be a pirate?''

'' It's because of your eyes and yer attitude towards him. One minute ye be all nice and friendly, the next ye be cold and distant.''

'' Well has he never met a woman before. This is called hormones!'' She rolled her eyes. Then she turned her attention back to Jack. '' My eyes? What makes my eyes scary?''

'' He said they glowed in the dark.'' Jack replied, trying to keep his laughter down.

'' That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Eyes don't glow in the dark.''

'' Just accept it. Ye be a scary lass.'' Jack finally let his laughter out.

Kenna exhaled deeply. '' I guess it doesn't hurt if it makes him leave me alone.''

Jack chuckled. '' Come, let's go up on deck. This place reeks.''

Kenna laughed and followed him up on deck. Jack walked straight up to the helm where he found Gibbs. Kenna saw Christian scrubbing the deck by the stern and when his eyes met hers he quickly looked away.

'' Could he really be afraid of me or is it just my threats that scare him so?'' Kenna thought to herself.

'' Kenna…can I have a word with you?'' A voice said behind her. Kenna spun around and saw that it was the man that they had met in her town.

'' What do you want?''

'' There's something important I have to ask you. You had a birthday a few days ago am I right?''

'' Yes…how did you know?'' Kenna said, feeling a bit frightened.

'' That's what I thought…come with me. We need to talk.''

Author's notes: What will happen now since Christian is free again? Did she make the right decision when she released him? And what on earth does the stranger want to tell her? Please review and tell me what you think :-D