A change in the winds

A.N. I’m so sorry for taking so long to post the next chapter. My computer crashed and I just got it back. The finals are up so they’ve been taking a lot of my time as well but I hope you can forgive me and will enjoy my chapter. Please review and tell me what you think!

Chapter twenty-seven: A suitable punishment


'' What do ye want ta do about Christian?'' Jack asked as they stood out on the deck

'' I haven't decided yet. I'm sure it will come to me when I see him,'' she replied with a shrug.

'' Then what are we waitin' for? Let's show that vermin who's in charge here!'' Jack said enthusiastically. Kenna's eyes landed on his shirt where a red stain coloured the thin fabric over his chest.

'' Not yet. You are hurt.'' She pointed at the stain that had formed on his shirt. Jack followed her finger with his eyes and then looked up at her again.

'' This be nothin'.''

'' Nothing?'' Kenna said doubtful. '' Your chest is bleeding and you don't think anything of it?''

'' I've had worse,'' he replied with a shrug.

'' We won't go to the brig unless you let me tend to your wound,'' she said firmly. Jack knew from experience that he couldn't win that fight, she was far too stubborn.

'' All right. Since ye insist. Do what ye want with me,'' he said in defeat. This woman was doing irreparable damage to his image.

'' That's a wise decision,'' she said smiling as she took his hand and led him over to his cabin. Inside she took him to the bed.

'' Sit down and make yourself comfortable.'' She pushed lightly on his chest, making him fall backwards on the bed. She smiled teasingly and he grinned back. ''Won't be long.'' And she disappeared out the door.

In a short moment she came back with a bowl of warm water, bandages and an ointment she made. Jack lay back on his elbows and welcomed her with a seductive grin.
'' None of that, Jack. You've had your fun for the day.''

His grin faltered which made her laugh. '' It always surprises me how single minded you are.'' She put the water and the other items she was carrying on a small table by the bed and sat down beside him on the bed. He raised himself off his elbows and ran a hand from her waist up to her breast.

'' Ye can't tell me that ye not be thinkin' the same thing.''

Kenna felt a shiver run through her body at his touch. '' I'm better at hiding it.''

'' No ye're not. Ye be only better at resistin' said urges. I see it in yer eyes and the way ye move around me,'' he said with a grin.

'' Since you seem to be an expert in these matters then why are we still discussing it?''

'' I was just provin' me point.''

'' It's been proven so can we now turn to your wound?'' Jack made no objections so she dipped a piece of cloth into the warm water and wrung it. '' Take your shirt off.''

Jack complied with a grin and threw the shirt on the floor. Kenna gently washed the wound, feeling Jack winch slightly at her touch but didn't show it on his face.

'' Am I hurting you?'' she asked even though she knew he would deny it.

'' Not al all, luv,'' he replied calmly.

She purposely pressed slightly harder on the wound and saw him grimace. '' Sorry.'' She feigned innocence but Jack knew she had done it on purpose.

'' Ye're a terrible liar, luv.''

She laughed and used her free hand to pull his head closer to hers for a kiss. '' If you would be frank with me I wouldn't have to lie,'' she said against his lips.

'' I don't mind yer lies if they be repaid with yer kisses.'' She pushed his head away and he chuckled.

'' Don't get greedy, mister.'' She put the cloth back into the water bowl and picked up a small plate with the ointment.

'' What's that?'' Jack asked alarmed.

'' An ointment I made. It will help your wound to heal.'' She gently smeared the ointment over the wound, being careful not to hurt him.

'' Is it supposed to burn?'' he asked worried when he felt his wound start to sting.

'' Yes, that's natural. The burn will go away quickly.'' She grabbed the bandages and started wrapping them around his torso.'' You have to keep the bandages dry. I'll change them again tomorrow.''

Jack didn't say anything but when she looked up at his face she saw a mischievous glint in his eyes.

'' Jack! We have work to do.''

'' It won't take long, luv.'' He leaned closer to her, captivating her in his chocolate gaze. She felt her heart fluttering and cursed his irresistibly good looks. His body pressed tightly up against her, pushing her into the mattress. She knew this was wrong but her body seemed to have another opinion. She felt his warm kisses on her neck, sliding closer to her chin. She let out a moan and felt his hand cupping her breast.

'' Jack! Not now. We have work to do,'' she tried to protest but it didn't sound convincing.

His lips soon found hers and his slick tongue slipped through her teeth, massaging hers with urgent strokes. Kenna gave herself into the moment, allowing him to take control of her body. His hand travelled down her side, exploring her curves with great accuracy. He reached for the belt buckle and undid her breeches in a minute.

Kenna snapped out of her trance when she felt his hand slide into her breeches. She grabbed his hand and pulled it back.

'' No, Jack. Not now.''

He didn't listen to her denial and started kissing her neck again.

'' Why don't you listen when I tell you to stop?'' she asked frustrated as she pushed him off her.

'' Ye don't want me ta stop. Ye just want yerself ta think ye do. Which ye don't but desperately wish ye did.''

Kenna narrowed her eyes at him, completely confused. '' That made completely no sense at all.''

'' Why do ye fight it? Why not let yer body take control? Ye can't ignore the want, the need yer body feels right now.''

'' I surely can and will.'' She stood up from the bed and buckled up her breeches. '' Life is not all about having fun. You have responsibilities as a Captain and as such should see to that they are fulfilled.''

Jack sat there silent for a minute and then smiled. '' Ye're amazin'. Ye don't let anythin' distract ye from yer duty.'' He got up from the bed. '' Ye've bound me wound so there be nothin' keepin' us from visiting the brig.''

Kenna nodded. '' It's time we show him that it's unwise to anger a woman.''

'' Wait! Don't I get any say in this? I be the one with the cut on me chest!''

'' So now the cut is important? It didn't seem to be bothering you much before.''

'' It's not the cut itself it's the act I'm opposed to. Ye should never cross blades with yer Capt'n unless ye be sure ta win.''

'' You make a valid point. But you're not a hormonal angel so you should let me take care of him.''

Jack had been around her long enough to know when to stop and give her what she wanted. '' Let me at least keep some of me dignity.''

'' Don't worry, I'll let you have him when I'm done,'' she said with a wink.

Jack found himself a new shirt and together they walked down to the brig.

Christian sat on the hard bed inside his cell and looked up when he heard someone enter. Two sets of footsteps echoed on the stairs, moving closer with each step. Jack and Kenna rounded the corner and Christian felt his former rage intensify.

'' Have ye come ta punish me?'' he asked indifferently but his heart was pounding.

'' Yes we have,'' Kenna answered slowly, '' but I think we need to sort a few things out before we do.''

Christian's face turned curious. '' And what may said things be?''

'' Oh, I think you know perfectly well what I'm talking about.'' She leaned against the bars, narrowing her eyes at him.

'' I can only assume ye be talkin' about our dispute out on deck,'' he answered, purposely avoiding eye contact with her and glared at Jack in stead.

'' That's right. There are a few things you should get into your head before they get you killed.''

'' I guess fightin' the Capt'n is one of these things. Ye don't want me ta harm yer little darlin' any more then I already have.''

Kenna felt the anger boil inside her and caught Jack reaching for his sword.

'' No! This is between him and me.'' She stared at him determined until he relaxed and took his hand off the sword. He backed a few steps and leaned against the wall opposite the adjoining cell. Kenna turned her attention back to Christian.

'' It is true that I don't want you to hurt him again but it's not for his sake that I'm telling you this. You see, when a woman finds a man she is willing to sacrifice her life for she will stop at nothing to make sure that special someone is safe at all times. You don't seem to be very experienced with women, or to be more specific, relationships with women, so you probably didn't know that and I thought it would be fair to warn you.''

Christian's face turned a little worried by the icy tone of her voice but other than that he showed no signs of even listening to her.

'' In your case you not only enraged a woman but a new born angel who so luckily happens to know magic.''

He swallowed audibly but still kept his eyes away from hers.

'' Unfortunately you don't stand a chance against me so you should consider your next words carefully.''

He turned his head to meet hers. '' What do ye want me ta say? That I'm sorry?''

'' An apology would be nice but you'd have to try very hard to make it sound convincing.''

Christian took a deep breath. '' I don't want ta lie ta ye so I won't tell ye that I be sorry. He doesn't deserve ye and it angers me how easily fooled ye be.''

Jack pushed himself off the wall but Kenna gave him a look that said ‘back off.’

'' Which brings us to problem number two, your obsession towards me. I'm flattered that you are willing to risk your life for me but this has to stop. I'm with Jack and you should honour that. Not just because he's your Captain but also because of me. I don't want to hurt you. You've caused me great trouble but I know deep inside you're not a bad person.''

'' Ye don't know anythin' about me,'' Christian murmured angry.

'' I beg to differ. I've gotten to know your personality quite well and can honestly say that I know you better than you do yourself. You want to be tough and emotionless but I've seen your façade slip. You have a heart and I'm sorry that I had to break it.''

Christian didn't say a word; he just stared at the floor. Kenna saw the conflict on his face and regretted that she hadn't sent Jack away. No man wants to be exposed of his weaknesses, especially not in the presence of another man.

'' Jack, can you give us a moment?'' she asked sweetly.

He looked at her concerned but then nodded. '' I'll be right outside if ye need me.''

She gave him a gratified smile and mouthed the words ‘I love you.’ He smiled and left the brig.

Now that they were alone Kenna opened the cell. Christian's head shot up when he heard the keys jingle and his mouth fell in surprise when he saw her standing beside him.

'' What are ye doin'?''

She sat down beside him. '' There's no need for the bars, you won't hurt me.''

'' What makes ye think I won't?'' he asked, staring at the wall in front of them.

'' Call it instincts. Besides, you would be insane to think you could attack me and get away with it,'' she said with a laugh.

'' Why are ye doin' this?'' he asked puzzled.

'' I know how it feels to be hurt. I understand your resentment towards Jack and me but you've got to let it go.''

'' Why do ye care?'' He was still staring at the wall in front of him.

'' I don't want to live every day looking over my shoulder. I want the ship at peace.''

'' That's never goin' ta happen. Jack and I have never been the best of mates.‘’

'' That's not what I'm asking for. I only want to be able to live in peace.''

'' What does it matter, ye're gonna kill me anyway,'' he said with a sigh.

'' If Jack would get his way with you he would but I'm not sure I'm going to let him.''

Christian looked at her surprised. '' Why not?''

'' For starters it would be way more humiliating for you to be spared by the Captain and despite my fiery temper I'm not a killer,'' she replied with a frown but then her face turned serious.'' But if you ever threaten my love again I might have to kill you.''

'' No ye won't. This be the second time ye spare me life. I don't know why after all I've done ta ye. I guess ye secretly like me.'' With that last statement he smiled and Kenna couldn't but laugh.

'' Don't get your hopes up.''

Outside the brig Jack was getting quite impatient. He wanted to know what they were talking about and why it took so long. Finally his curiosity got the best of him and he opened the door. What greeted him at the bottom of the stairs was his woman having a laugh with the prisoner.

'' What's goin' on here?'' he thundered.

'' We're just talking, Jack,'' Kenna replied with a sigh.

'' Was I sent away so that ye two could catch up?''

Kenna stood up and walked towards him. ''It's nothing like that, Jack. Don't you trust me?''

'' It's not ye I don't trust, '' he spat out with a hateful glare at Christian.

'' Leave him alone. He didn't do anything wrong,''

Jack's mouth fell. '' Didn't do anythin' wrong? So ye consider slicin' me up and insultin' me honour ta be nothin'?''

'' Of course not, Jack. You're taking this the wrong way.''

He drew his sword and headed towards the open cell. '' I should just end yer miserable existence right now.''

'' Jack! Don't do anything hasty. Remember what we discussed,'' Kenna called out, trying to get his attention.

'' It doesn't apply any longer since ye decided ta side with him.''

Christian was on his feet and retreating to the back of the cell. Fear shone on his face as he stood against the point of Jack's sword.

'' Any last words?'' Jack growled as he pressed the tip of the sword against his neck.

'' Jack, don't do it!'' Kenna shouted as she pushed him back, trying to separate them. Jack didn't listen and pushed her out of the way. Kenna felt the anger build up in her chest and sent a ball of fire in Jack's direction. The ball hit the floor in front of him, startling him so that Christian managed to escape to the other side of the cell.

'' Have ye lost yer wits woman?'' he yelled.

'' It was the only way to make you listen, '' she replied with a fierce look on her face. Her eyes glowed bright green and her body shuddered slightly.

'' That man deserves ta die and ye can't do anythin' ta stop me. I be yer Capt'n and as long as ye be on me ship ye follow me rules.''

'' Is that so? And how are you going to stop me? I'm much stronger than you are, not to mention my ability to turn your precious ship on fire in a second.''

'' Ye wouldn't dare!'' Jack growled.

'' Try me,'' Kenna retorted. '' If you kill him I swear I'll burn it to ashes.''

'' What does that man mean ta ye? Why are ye protectin' him?'' he asked confused.

'' We both agreed we would keep him alive and I tend to stick to that plan. Of course he'll be punished for his deeds but death is not the adequate solution.''

Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he was calmer he opened them again.

'' You know it's the right thing to do. Don't get carried away by your emotions,'' Kenna said softly.

He sheathed his sword and nodded. '' Ye be right.''

'' I always am,'' she said with a smile. '' Now, let's find a suitable punishment for you,'' she said as she turned to Christian.

'' What do ye mean? I thought we were past all that,'' he said worried.

'' We have reached an agreement but unfortunately I can't let your crimes against your Captain go unpunished.'' She turned to Jack, who stared at her surprised. She winked at him and laughed. '' You didn't think I was going to go back on my words did you?''

'' I admit I had me doubts…'' Jack answered astonished. He closed the space between them and crushed his lips against hers. '' Ye're the best, luv.''

'' I wasn't going to ruin your fun. After all you are the Captain and he did break the code.''

'' I'm sorry that I got carried away…I should have trusted yer instincts.''

Kenna smiled. '' That's what I'm here for. I'm sure you can make it up to me somehow,'' she said grinning.

Jack caught her meaning and grinned back. '' It would be me pleasure.'' He gave her a soft but passionate kiss and then turned his attention to Christian, who was too scared to be repulsed by their intimacy.

'' What should we do ta ye? I can't kill ye but I can make ye wish ye were dead.'' He walked slowly towards him, pondering over his options. '' I could keelhaul ye, no ye would probably die…What about tyin' ye ta a rope and throw ye overboard? No, the sharks would probably get ye…'' He rubbed his moustache and beard with his thumb and forefinger, deep in thought.

Christian thought his heart was going to jump out of his chest and rubbed his sweaty palms on his breeches.

'' No, I've got it!'' Jack said triumphantly. '' I'm gonna tie ye ta the mast and whip ye.'' He looked over at Kenna who nodded in approval.

'' I think that's a good decision my love.''

Jack grinned widely and turned back to Christian, who had visually turned paler.

'' Ye scared boy?'' he snickered. '' Ye should have thought about the consequences when ye attacked me.''

'' I'm sorry, I truly am, '' Christian tried to save himself from immense pain by the hand of his Captain.

'' Sorry is not good enough.'' He patted him on he shoulder and grinned. He walked over to Kenna and wrapped an arm around her waist.

''Ye better get a good night's sleep; we'll do it tomorrow at noon.'' They left the cell and Kenna locked the door.

Christian stood rigid by the wall, feeling the fear lock itself in his stomach.

'' Don't worry; it will all be over soon. Hopefully you'll learn your lesson so that you won't have to do it again,'' Kenna said with a smile as they left the brig.

When the door was shut, Christian slid down to the floor and buried his head in his hands. This was not something he was going to get out of.