Page 23 of Healing His Darkness
Me: I just need some air, and I don’t want to go alone.Please just come and don’t ask me too many questions.
Brody: So ask your new mate, duh.It’s not like he’s wrong, but since Rooster won’t claim me until he’s taken out Rodney, he won’t do what I need done.
Me: Because asshole I need air from him.
Brody: Fine, but you owe me.Guilt washes over me, I’m about to ask my brother to do something that goes against everything we’ve both been taught.
Sneaking out the back door is a lot easier than I thought it would be. Making my way toward the creek, I say a little pray that this will work. If it works, I’ll handle my own shit and Rooster will understand that I’m not a fucking damsel in distress he needs to rescue.
Finding my favorite rock that overlooks the creek to sit on, I wait for Brody. We’ve been coming here since we were kids. Thinking back on all the times we’d come to this creek to cool off during the summer brings a smile to my face. I know that after this moment everything will change between me and my family.
What I’m about to do could make me lose them forever. It’s a risk I’m willing to take though. Rodney needs to be taken care of and the only way to make sure that happens is to do what I’m about to do. Fear that Rooster won’t even want me after I do what I plan to do courses through me.
I don’t hear him at all before he approaches me. One minute I’m alone on my favorite rock and the next Brody is sitting next to me wrapping his arm around me. He might be a little shit most days, but he still loved me. My stomach churns with the thought of what I’m about to ask him to do.
“Hey, what’s wrong George? You’re shaking like a leaf.” Even at just twenty Brody has a deep soothing baritone voice just like our dad. It cuts me to think of what my dad will think about what I’m about to do.
“Lots is wrong Brode, lots is wrong. Shit, I don’t even know where to begin.” I need to do this before my resolve falters, or I run out of time.
“I know, but that Rooster guy and his crew seem legit. They’re going to help get us all out of this mess.” Letting out a big sigh I look out at the creek in front of us, hoping that it might have the answers to everything.
“I need your help Brode.” It’s now or never, a part of me wishes it was never.
“What do you need?” Why is this so hard to ask for? I know why, because it’s wrong to even ask it.
“Come on George stop looking like I killed your dog, tell me what’s going on.” He nudges me with his shoulder.
“I mean besides the obvious. Is this about that guy Rooster? Do you not want to be his mate? Just give me the word and I’ll kick his ass for you.” I laugh at his antics because he would try to kick Rooster’s ass if I asked him to.
“No, I definitely want to be his mate, but Brode I need to be able to handle my own business. I feel like a damsel in distress and Rooster is this prince riding in to rescue me from my tower. That doesn’t work for me, which is where you come in.” Brody gives me an assessing look; he’s trying to figure out how he’s going to help me with my problem. Suddenly his eyes get as big as saucers and he stands shaking his head so hard I’m surprised it isn’t falling off.
“No George.” I nod.
“Fuck, George don’t ask this of me.” He runs his hands through his hair making it stand up straight. A part of me wants to tell him to forget it, I didn’t mean it, but now that I’m on this course of action I can’t detour.
“Please Brody, it’s the only way.” Tears are streaming down my cheeks, my stomach churning.
“George I can’t, are you crazy I could kill you.” His eyes hold betrayal as he paces back and forth, his hand at the nape of his neck gripping it so tightly I can see the white of his knuckles. Standing I go to him and reach for his hand, ready to plead my case.
“No George, what you’re asking is fucked up. Why me? Dad will fucking kill me if I do what you’re asking. Hell, Rooster will fucking kill me.” His breathing is coming out in harsh puffs as he continues to pace back and forth.
“It’s the only chance I have at fixing things myself. I caused this Brody, me. If I hadn’t fallen for Rodney and his bullshit none of this would have happened. I have to fix it, let me fix it. I’ll explain that I forced you to do it, that you didn’t have a choice. They won’t kill you; I won’t let them.” I’m pretty sure our dad won’t actually try to kill him, Rooster on the other hand might be a problem. Especially after finding out about his previous mate, would he see this as choosing someone else over him? No, I’d explain things to him, and he’d have to understand.
“Bullshit Georgia May.” Oh, shit he was using my full name, that didn’t bode well for getting him to do what I wanted.
“You can sit your little ass in that house and let Rooster and his crew take care of shit for you. Do you know what it will do to him to have another shifter change you? Are you really willing to risk losing him just so you don’t feel like a damsel in distress?” Anger radiates from him, his body practically vibrates with it, and his voice is rougher. His animal is close to the surface, which should be a good thing, but it honestly scares the shit out of me.
“Brody listen to me please.” He pushes me away and strides to the edge of the creek.
“Do you not remember what we were told all those years ago? Is that really what you want for me? Do I mean so little to you?” The pain in his voice nearly breaks me. I do remember, that’s what makes this that much harder. The day that I was told what they were, and the rule for living with them.
Dad had just one rule, there were guidelines, but just one rule. The boys weren’t allowed to bite me, period. It didn’t matter if it was in anger, the heat of the moment, or accidental it was not allowed. The penalty was steep, which growing up was a good deterrent, but now seems kind of extreme. If one of them bit me, changed me, they would be disowned. They would have to leave the sanctuary that was our family.
“If I explain it to Dad then he’ll understand, he won’t kick you out. He loves you too much to kick you out because I asked you to do this for me. He’ll blame me; I’ll make sure of it.” I feel like a fucking bitch for asking this of him.
“You should really give the guy a break.” Yelping in surprise, I turn to see Rooster standing off to the side, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he rocks back on his heels.
“What you’re asking him to do goes against most shifter rules.” I start to argue my case, but he puts his hand up to stop me.
