Her revengeful Bastard

Family dinner

*Anna*

“Father, what do you know of Kai Tempest ?” Kyle asks, and I very nearly choke on my glazed pheasant. We agreed not to mention him, and here he is mentioning him.

Oddly, the alpha concentrates on slicing his poultry as though it requires precision. “I’m not familiar with the man, no”.

“He has torn down all the buildings in a rundown area of the city and is now replacing the structures. He has already built a massive fancy hotel and from what I hear he has plans for a series of shops. I thought we might consider investing with him …”.

“Let’s not talk business during dinner”. The Alpha says in a rather cut-off tone.

“Oh, let’s”. I blurt out, wanting to hear more about the enigmatic Mr. Tempest, although I know it is improper to show any interest in another man. But my interest is mere curiosity, there isn't anything wrong in that. “Well, not business necessarily, but of the new shops. Ladies always have an interest in new shops. What sort exactly ?”

“I’m not sure”. Kyle says, sounding slightly confused. “He’s rather tightlipped about his plans”.

“You’ve spoken with him, then ?” My tone is mildly interested while my brain goes; When ? Where ? What did he say ?

Kyle shakes his head. “No, but some guys at the club have. He made them a fortune in another business of his”.

“It’s crass to discuss money”. The Luna says from her place at her husband’s side. She appears so small and frail next to the robust and muscular Alpha. She is wearing a pale pink pantsuit that goes well with her salt and

pepper hair. “Besides, do we even know the man’s family or his pack ?”

“I doubt it. There’s some question as to his …”. Kyle clears his throat. “… Legitimacy”.

The Luna appears absolutely scandalized. “Then you should not be associating with him, much less discussing him at the dining table with two women present”.

Kai Tempest was born in sin ? Little wonder he has the devil’s look about him. I welcomed him holding my hand, kissing it, when in truth he shouldn’t have been allowed near enough to breathe the same air as me.

“It’s not as though I’m planning to invite him to dinner”. Kyle says. “But he has become a man of wealth …”.

The Luna shakes her head. “We do not associate with the immoral”.

“But is it not his mother to whom that should apply to ?” I ask. “Surely a child cannot be held accountable for his parents’ sins”.

“A child born out of the sacred mate bond is tainted”. The Luna becomes more agitated. “You must not associate with this man, Kyle. I forbid it”.

“But …”. The future Alpha begins.

“You heard your mother”. The Alpha says, cutting off any objections his son might have put forth. “There will be no further discussion regarding this man or this matter”.

“However, you may pray to the Goddess for his soul for it is certainly in need of redemption”. The Luna says. “Anna, how was your visit with the designer ?”

The abrupt change in topic has my head spinning. I glance over at Kyle, who is signaling for more wine … an indication he isn’t going to pursue the conversation. We will not be discussing the interesting Kai Tempest anymore. Rather I will have to entertain them with talk of silk and satin. “My new gown is coming along. I’ll return in a few days for my final fitting”.

“It would be more convenient to have the designer come here”. The Luna says.

Which is how she handles it when she wants new clothing. But I can’t live my life without moving from beyond these walls. “It was a lovely day. I welcomed the excuse to go out”.

And I needed to speak with Mr. Beck. I wonder if he made the delivery I requested.

The conversation turns toward the balls and affairs me and Kyle will attend. Never is a ball hosted here. I wonder if the Luna misses them. Or does a time come when they no longer hold any appeal, when they are attended out of duty rather than enjoyment ?

Finally dinner comes to an end.

“Worshester, Miss Anna and I shall have tea in the parlor”. The Luna announces to the butler.

The Alpha stands and pulls out her chair. I stand too and Kyle comes to his feet.

“Kyle and I shall have our port in the library”. The Alpha says. “Then we’ll meet you ladies in the parlor”.

“Actually I won’t be staying”. Kyle says. “I have an appointment”.

“This time of night ?” His mother asks worriedly.

Kyle actually blushes. “It’s barely nine. Most bachelors my age have appointments this time of night, mother”.

“I was hoping for a game of cribbage”. I say. It’s not fair that he can go off and do what he wants, and I am left here with very little in the way of entertainment.

“You know how much I enjoy playing against you, but I’ve already made these plans, and there are those who are counting on me to make an appearance. Perhaps you can beat me another time”. Kyle says with an almost brotherly smile.

I usually win. “I’ll walk you to the door, then, shall I ?”

He bows slightly and smiles. “I would enjoy that”.

I doubt it as I am going to give him a piece of my mind.

“I’ll join you in the library then”. The Luna says to her husband, and I watch them walk off, arm in arm, before turning my attention back to Kyle, who is coming around the table to join me.

V“Don’t scowl”. He says, offering his arm. “You are much prettier when you smile, and I got you out of drinking tea”.

I wrap my arm around his. “Are you headed to the gardens ?”

“As a matter of fact, I am”. He escorts me from the dining room and along the hallway.

“I should like to go with you”. I feel my pulse quicken.

He is shaking his head. “I’m staying late tonight”.

“With Mr. Tempest ? And before you deny it, I overheard you making arrangements last night”. I look at him.

He grins. “You little scamp”.

Which isn’t exactly a denial that I have the right of it. “Your parents won’t be pleased to discover you’re spending time in his company”.

“Which is the reason you won’t mention it to them”. He winks at me.

“If you take me with you”. I suggest.

Coming to a stop in the front hall, he faces me, his features set in a determined mask. “We’re going to be engaged in activities inappropriate for women”.

“I could stand in the shadows. No one would notice me”. I try.

He tucks a finger beneath my chin. “They would definitely notice you. Going with me tonight is

absolutely out of the question”.

“Will you take me to the gardens again sometime ? Very soon ?” I ask hopefully.

“Not in the too near future”. He says with an exaggerated scowl, which I know indicates he doesn’t mean it. “I wouldn’t want you to get spoiled”.

But if he loves me, shouldn’t he want to spoil me ? The unkind musing races back and forth through my mind. I never before had a harsh thought toward him, but then I have never before had anyone to compare him against, have never had any interest whatsoever in anyone other than him. I try to convince myself that I still don’t, but the little lie mocks me.

*The Alpha*

Tempest. It is a name that sends ice skittering down my spine, even after all these years.

Me, The alpha of the High Moon pack, has received from the man a half dozen letters seeking an audience with me. The words were terse and to the point: I am your bastard. I want you to publicly acknowledge me.

I ignored them all, except for the first, as I have no intention of ever acknowledging the bastard.

I had given the Widow Tempest extra coins so the child might have a fair start in life. Other than that, I will take no responsibility for him.

“Darling ?”

I glance up at my wife, who is sitting in the plush chair opposite me, sipping her brandy while the fire roars, comfortably warming her, yet causing me to sweat. “Yes, my sweet ?”

“You seem miles away”. She says sweetly.

Years away. Thirtyone to be exact. I was young, frightened and so afraid of losing the only woman I have ever loved. Reckless in my actions, actions that haunt me every hour of every day. I was stupid, careless, not nearly as cautious as I should have been. All of my focus was on doing what was best for my love. In spite of everything, that night cost us both, and I still lost her.

There are moments when I still search for her, hoping to find her again.

“What were your thoughts ?” My wife asks.

“I was just thinking that Kyle is of an age where he needs more responsibilities. At twentyeight he plays far too much”. I lie.

She smiles softly. “Marriage will change all that. It did for you”.

Ah, yes, it changed me, not necessarily for the better. Sipping my port, I stare at the fire. If I only knew then what I know now. Hindsight is a curse.

“I always thought Kyle and Anna would settle on each other”. My wife says. “But if he doesn’t ask her this year. . . she’s all of twenty now. He will see her on the shelf”.

“Don’t fret. I’ll have a word with him”. I promise.

She nods. “He is a good boy. He will make a good husband for her”. She smiles softly, whimsically almost. “You’ve set a fine example”.

I have been a good husband, but I am not altogether certain I am the best of men. And the bastard is likely to make me pay for my error in judgment.