Her revengeful Bastard

Fireworks

*Anna*

I can sense Kai Tempest’s gaze on me. Odd thing about that: it makes me tingle all over as though he is touching me with his hands rather than his eyes. I can't recall ever being so aware of a man. It is thrilling, frightening, and confusing. It makes me long to snuggle against him and jump out of my skin at the same time. It makes it almost impossible to concentrate on the beauty of the magnificent fireworks bursting overhead.

And it makes me feel guilty. Guilty because my reaction to Kyle whenever he is near pale in comparison. I tell myself it is because I am familiar with my childhood friend, and has known him for most of my life, I live within his parents’ home, frequently enjoys meals with him, dance with him at balls, and have such a close relationship with him that my guardians doesn’t even require I have a chaperone with me when in his company, because they know he will not take advantage.

I suspect that even the sternest of chaperones would be no hindrance to Kai Tempest if he wanted to take advantage of me in order to engage in some sort of mischievous behavior. He is no doubt quite skilled at slipping an untoward touch by the matronly as well as stealing kisses from willing girls. I am stunned by my startling realization that I wouldn’t mind being one of those girls. Only for a moment or two.

Blast it all ! When have I become preoccupied with kissing, with the yearning to feel the press of a man’s lips upon my own, to know the secrets of passion that has so far eluded me ?

I am a ranked she-wolf, and such behave in proper ways. We do not allow ourselves to be caught in compromising positions … Indeed, we do not get ourselves into compromising positions. We do not create scandals nor are we to be the object of a scandal created by someone else. And we most certainly do not contemplate reaching out and running our fingers through a man’s beard.

My Luna would be appalled to learn all her dire warnings about how easily a man can slip off the leash of propriety are being nudged into the corner of my mind where they can merely prick ineffectually at my conscience.

Or not so ineffectually. I should not be having these thoughts about Kai Tempest. If I were to have thoughts like that at all, they should revolve around Kyle. I should yearn for him to break free of the pack's social rules and kiss me. It is unconscionable to be so aware of the stranger standing behind me. Since my coming out, I have been introduced to many young, eligible wolves but none has sparked my interest. Only Kyle has ever held my attention … until now. And that is rather disconcerting.

“The fireworks are spectacular”. Miss Tempest whispers on a sigh as though she fears if she speaks too loudly she would disturb others’ enjoyment of the fantastical display. “Do you watch them often ?”

“This is my first time to visit the gardens”. I admit.

She turns her face to smile at me. “Your brother seems as dificult to manage as mine”.

This makes me furrow my brow. “My brother ?”

Miss Tempest glances back over her shoulder, giving her head a small jerk.

“Kyle ?” Surprised by the girl’s assumption, I laugh softly. “He’s not my brother”.

Miss Tempest blinks repeatedly. “But you have no chaperone”.

Her tone is one of disbelief, echoing the possibility of scandal.

“I’m a ward of his parents. He’s practically a brother”. Even as I say it, it seems wrong to refer to my future husband in those terms, to even consider him in a neutral sort of way. “I mean, he’s more than that, of course. But he wouldn’t take advantage”.

“Kai tells me all men will take advantage”. She says, sounding very convinced.

I shake my head. “Kyle wouldn’t”.

“How fortunate you are. My brothers would never let me step out with a man to whom I am not related. Although if Kai has his way, I will never be allowed to step out with a man at all”. She sighs.

“How many brothers do you have ?” I ask curiously.

“Four. And a sister, who is older and granted far more freedom than I. It’s quite exasperating”. Another sigh.

Discreetly, I point over my shoulder. “Is he the eldest ?”

Miss Tempest nods and rolls her eyes. “And the bossiest, by far”.

Yes, I can imagine that very well. I am accustomed to being around confident men, but none of them exudes self assurance to such a degree that it seems to overwhelm every other aspect of a person. Kai Tempest does. I can practically see it coming from him in waves that have the power to encompass everything around him … including myself. I want to experience that power, be drawn into it, captured by it, seduced within it. All these untamed thoughts are remarkable, they bring a self awareness I have never before experienced.

For the first time in my life, I recognize a woman has needs … I have needs … that go beyond polite dances and courteous strolls through a garden. I want hands touching where they shouldn’t, lips gliding where they ought not. I want my self control shattered and my morals in danger …

Suddenly I become aware of people around me cheering, clapping, wandering off, and I realize that the fireworks have come to an end. There is an odd fragrance of smoke and something more drifting on the air. Whatever powers the explosions, I suppose. I inhale deeply, wondering if exploding passion possesses a unique scent.

“Well, we have best be off”. Kyle says. “I promised Mother to have you home before ten”.

“Surely not all the entertainment is ending just now”. I say, hoping to stay a little longer.

He gives me a stern look. “The ones you are allowed to enjoy are”.

I might have argued if the Tempests weren’t still standing nearby, but a proper she-wolf does not create a scene in public. Besides, remaining in Kai Tempest’s company is causing riots within my imagination and body. I am likely to embarrass myself if I am not careful. “It was lovely to meet you, Miss Tempest”.

The girl smiles warmly. “It was an honor to share the fireworks with you”. She bows her head slightly, giving a quick curtsy. “Good sir”.

“Miss Tempest”. Kyle gives her a nod.

I turn to Miss Tempest’s brother and fight not to imagine all the various explosions, from small to large, that he might create within a woman. “Mr. Tempest”.

Taking her hand, he brings it to his lips, his eyes never leaving mine. Through my skin and up my arm, I can feel the warmth and strength of his fingers, the heat of his mouth seeping into me. “Mis Anna, thank you for your kindness to my sister”.

I can do little more than nod and withdraw my hand. Whatever is wrong with me ? During the time since I came of age, numerous men have held my hand, even kissed it, but none has caused my throat to knot up. I am vaguely aware of Kyle taking my arm and leading me away.

Not looking back over my shoulder for one final glance at Kai Tempest is a challenge. I don’t know why the knowledge that I will never again see him leaves me with a sense of loss.