Her revengeful Bastard

A future Luna

*Anna*

With my arm snugly entwined around Kyle, I can’t shake off the ominous sensation that I am being watched. But then, if I am to be honest, I kinda always feel under scrutiny.

Perhaps it is because of my overprotective guardians or all the dire warnings about the dangers lurking about in the world that Clara, the Luna of the High moon pack, continually cast my way. Or the fact that she never leaves the house and encourages me to follow her example by staying within the pack boundaries.

Except I long for more: the independence that are given to those who aren't expected to make a suitable match, the carefree moments enjoyed by those not shackled by duty, the excitement offered within the shadows of the night.

Those very shadows are rapidly spreading and deepening now. The occasional streetlamp is being lit, but their light is little match for the darkness easing in around me. I'm kinda hoping to convince Kyle to stay within the gardens long past the time that proper folk leave. I want to catch a glimpse of the naughty things that has been hinted about in the Magazine articles and gossip pages I read when no one is keeping a watchful eye over me. They hadn’t gone into great detail … only enough to titillate the imagination.

Fortunately … or unfortunately depending on one’s perspective … I have always possessed a rather active and creative imagination. I assume that the music that fills the air after ten o’clock is not something found among my music sheets nor would my fingertips be allowed to coax it forth from ivory keys. The clothes worn by the ladies who would then stroll with the men would reveal a good deal more than the hint of a bosom. The women would certainly be snuggled against their escort’s side … not walking along as I am with my hand merely resting on my dates arm as lightly as a butterfly might settle upon a rose petal. There will be nothing proper, nothing decent in those women’s actions. But there my imagination comes to a halt, because I can’t quite envision what the indecent activities might entail. Would a man press his lips to her bare shoulder ? Might he nuzzle her neck ?

And what would that feel like ?

Kyle might like me, a lot even, but he has never been naughty, not even the slightest, he has never even tried to steal a kiss. He respects me, honors me, and fights his baser instincts to ensure I will come to our marriage bed untouched. Which the Luna assures me that it should be between a man and a woman … if a man truly cares for me. Only the most morally inept would seek to take advantage of a woman, would seek to seduce her outside the bonds of a mated marriage.

I don’t want to admit what it says about my own morals or lack thereof, that I am rather hoping tonight Kyle might ask for permission to place his lips against mine, to reach out and touch my cheek, to whisper sweet, passionate words in my ear.

I am all of twenty and have never been kissed. Not that I know any not-yet-formally engaged girls who have been. Women in the packs are taught to guard their virtue and be above reproach at all times. Still, there are moments when being morally upright seems so boring. One can flirt innocently but is never to engage in any questionable action. Buttons are to remain buttoned, lacings laced and clothes to hide as much as possible.

I am not about to place myself in a compromising position, but I often wonder if Kyle finds all the rules as bothersome as I do, if he too yearns to do more than simply stroll along beside me.

Guilt pricks at my conscience because I should be grateful he is such a considerate, upstanding man so I never have to ward off any unwelcome advances.

“I hear the siren call of a soprano”. Kyle says suddenly, placing his hand over mine where it rests on his arm and squeezing ever so slightly. “Shall we head in that direction ?”

“If you like”. I mumble.

He glances down on me. While the shadows cast shade over his face, I can still make out his handsome features. He has inherited his father’s brilliant blue eyes, thick dark hair and the distinctive cleft in his chin. It had fascinated me as a child, and I had often poked my finger into it, especially when I caught him sleeping. It has become more pronounced as he has aged and leaves no doubt he is indeed his father’s heir. Not that anyone would doubt it really. The Alpha and Luna are devoted to each other, so much so that, at times, it is as though no one existed beyond them.

“Are you not enjoying yourself ?” He asks. “Is there something else you would rather see ?”

Not anything I can voice out loud without gaining a disapproving glare from him, so I keep my thoughts to myself as I am meant to do and smile up at him. “I am indeed having a jolly good time. It’s just that it’s a bit tamer than I expected”.

It had taken me weeks of convincing and begging to get him to bring me, and I know it unlikely he will bring me here again. The Luna had opposed to the outing, fearing it would place me in some sort of danger. Kyle had spent a good deal of dinner yesterday convincing his mother that can keep me safe. I don’t know if I have ever cared for him more than I did at that moment when he had fought to give me something I wanted: an evening at the gardens. While I am enjoying it, I can’t help feeling something is missing.

“Have you ever been to the gardens when it’s not quite so cultured ?” I ask him.

“A gentleman does not speak of activities that are not suitable for a young woman’s ears to hear”. He says with a soft smile.

But he has no such concerns regarding an old woman’s ears ? I can’t hardly wait until I am deemed ancient enough to be allowed to get such knowledge presently denied to me. “So you have”.

Rolling his eyes, he sighs with exasperation. “I may …”.

Unexpectedly he is lurching forward, arms windmilling, striving to catch his balance. To stop myself from tumbling after him, I quickly release my hold on him. Hearing a feminine gasp, I glance over my shoulder to see a young woman wearing a horrified expression, her eyes open wide, her hands pressed to her gaping mouth.

“Dear sir, my sincerest apologies. I was so caught up in observing my surroundings that I wasn’t watching where I was going. Please tell me that I did no damage to you”. She says.

Kyle turns and then he stills, perhaps finally getting a clear look at the young woman before him. She is a girl, really, younger than me, but her eyes, a strange golden hue that reminds me of a cat’s, speaks volumes, hinting at a life that is not without challenges. In spite of her pretty lilac dress, she gives the impression that she has not always been accustomed to such comforts.

“No harm done, Misssss . . .”. He drags out the word as though a part of it is absent and he is seeking for the lost piece.

“Miss Lea Tempest”. She says.

Kyle smiles. “Lea ? What a pretty name”.

“My mum chose it, hoping I would grow up to be pretty so I could marry a good man, live in a pretty house and have pretty things. So far, her hopes have been dashed, but I am not one to give up on dreams so easily. And you, sir. May I inquire regarding your name ?” She seems excited.

“Kyle Ridgeback, father Alpha of the Kipley pack”. He announces it like he is the bloody King.

“Oh, my word”. Going quite pale she curtsies deeply, elegantly. “My Alpha, please forgive my utter and despicable clumsiness”.

“Easily forgiven when no harm is done. My companion and I were equally enchanted with the festivities this evening. Anna, allow me to introduce Miss Tempest … Miss Tempest this is Anna Aimes”.

“It’s indeed a pleasure”. I say, fighting to hide my surprise that Kyle would go to such lengths to introduce me to a commoner.

“My lady”. The girl curtsies again. It is a proper curtsy. I would wager she has had lessons. Her mother is depending on more than her name to give her that pretty life she wants for her. “I hope I didn’t ruin your evening. My brother is always telling me I must slow down, but there is so much to see. I fear missing out on something wonderful and get quite lost in the frivolities”. She turns slightly. “Don’t I, Kai ?”

“You do indeed”.

The warm voice sends a shimmer of awareness through me, and I find myself staring at the man who is approaching, as quietly as fog rolling in, through the growing darkness as though he is at the same time swallowed by it and master of it. I instantly know without a doubt he is the sort who prowls these gardens after the good people are safely tucked away in their beds.

He is well dressed, his clothing of the finest quality. I suspect he has a personal tailor because his black coat rests comfortably over his broad shoulders. His dark locks are a bit long for fashion, curling softly. His thick short beard is evenly trimmed, and I am rather certain he gives it great care.

But it is his dark eyes that holds me ensnared. There is a somberness, a solemnity, to them. His gaze lands on me like a physical presence.

“Kai, allow me to introduce you to Kyle, he is a future Alpha and Ann Aimes”.

“I believe, Lea …”. He says in a raspy voice that indicates he might have spent a good deal of his life shouting. “… That in proper circles I am to be introduced to them”.

She gives a small innocent shrug. “Of course. I suppose I should have paid more attention during etiquette lessons, but the teacher would drone on and on incessantly. I fear I grew quickly bored and wasted your coin while at it”.

“We don’t have to be so formal”. Kyle says quickly, uncharacteristically doing away with customs he generally follows as though they are the dictates of a divine being. “Based on the conversation with Miss Tempest thus far, I assume you’re Kai Tempest”.

I fight to hide my shock that Kyle would know of this man, this creature of the night, this commoner. Even more stunned that he appears to be encouraging a discourse with someone beneath him. Kyle, like most of the high ranked wolves, tends to guard his position over those who are not part of the packs.

The man, in a grand gesture, makes a sweeping motion as he gives us a half bow. “I am indeed. Pleased to make your acquaintance … Sir, my lady.”

“I’ve heard of you, Mr. Tempest”. Kyle says.

I am wondering how he knows of the gentleman, what things Kai Tempest might have done that have brought him to Kyle’s attention. Nothing good, I suspect.

“Nothing good, I suspect”. Kai drawls.

I nearly gasp as he gives voice to my exact thoughts. I do not hope they are reflected on my face, that the man isn’t aware that while he has piqued my curiosity, I do not quite trust him. Or perhaps it is that I do not trust myself, because if I am to be honest, he intrigues every inch of my being. I have never before met anyone with such majestic bearing as though he rules over everything upon which he gazes. He has a commanding presence that is both unsettling and thrilling.

“On the contrary. I hear you have a nose for helping men make fortunes”. Kyle sounds intrigued too.

He lifts a shoulder and ducks his head in a way that would appear humble in most men, but I sense he doesn’t have a modest bone in that marvelously tall, broad shouldered body of his. There is an uncivilized aspect to him that has my most feminine parts quivering … It is most shameful. I have never had such a blatant physical reaction to a man. I badly want to run my fingers over his beard to see if it felt as soft and luxurious as it looks, even as I, at the same time, have a strong urge to dash off and protect myself as the Luna has warned me far too many times is the appropriate response when confronted by a dangerous man.

Instinctually, I know he is dangerous, very dangerous indeed, in ways I have never even considered a man might be hazardous.

“Sometimes our adventures meet with financial success”. He says in an unexpectedly soft tone. “Few men brag about the times when they don’t”.

“Please, let’s not talk business”. Miss Tempest begs. “The fireworks will be filling the sky soon. I’ve heard they’re marvelous, and this will be my first time to see them. I don’t want to miss out

on a single burst. Kyle, I Can Call youKyle, right ?” He nods in response. “You wouldn’t happen to know the best place for viewing them, would you ?”

He smiles like he invented the blasted fireworks. “Indeed, I would”.

With her hands clasped before her, Miss Tempest hops up to him as though she is a

rambunctious puppy who had just realised who has a treat. “Would you be so kind as to show me ?”

“I’d be delighted to have that honor. If you’ve never seen them before, you must view them from the best spot”. Kyle announces.

And HE would go with us, this man who merely watches, watches me as though striving to uncover every facet of me. I am not quite certain I want him near. Something tells me that I would be safer if he remained here. Not that I fear he will hit me or harm me in any way. Yet I can’t quite shake off the sense that this man is somehow laying claim to me. It is a ridiculous notion. I don’t even know him. He is a commoner. After tonight, we will never again cross paths, and all my curiosity about him will simply fade away.

“Anna ?”

Jerking my head to the side, breaking free of whatever spell Kai Tempest has cast on me, I

look at Kyle, surprised to see his hand extended toward me.

“Shall we ?” He asks softly.

“Yes, of course”. I force myself to move up and place my hand on his arm even if I would have

preferred to stand there like a silly goose and study Kai Tempest.

I have never known a man who gave away none of his thoughts or emotions. He doesn’t seem bothered by his sister’s forwardness, but then it

isn’t like a girlfriend getting cosy with another man. Although most certainly the girl had been flirting, no doubt testing the waters in order to determine if Kyle might turn out to be the good man her mother wants for her. But he is spoken for. Not formally announced, yet all of the city … all of the country for that matter … know to whom he belongs, whom he will eventually marry, who will become his Luna.

I am aware of Miss Tempest and her brother following behind us. Once again, I have the

strange sensation of being watched. I want to look back, to see if his eyes are resting upon me. Instead I hurry forward, wondering what I might have done if he had offered me his arm before Kyle had. Inrather fear I might have taken it.

Something about him calls to me, draws me in. I don’t understand this attraction, and I am not certain I want to.