by Stella Price
“If you consider Tempest the dark side, though I haven’t seen you wandering about in a black bed sheet mumbling about letting the hate flow through you. So what can Tempest offer me and Bella?”
“I save the bed sheets for members. What would you like me to offer you, cousin? Other than a drink.” He smiled, pouring four drinks out from a decanter.
Mina walked in, kissed Ben on the cheek and went to sit next to Bella, cuddling with her. Harley smiled and knew where it was heading, but turned back to Ben when he handed him the scotch.
“Something to rival what I would have had at Rummer. I don’t want a lead spot in a clan. Hell, Boris even knew that. Far too much responsibility right now. I need freedom and opportunity.”
“I can manage that. I do love to share out the responsibility. I’ll give you the position that Boris should have given you, but with more advising and shit.”
Harley smirked. “Generous, Ben, quite.” He turned to Bella and Mina who were watching intently, Mina’s hand inside Bella’s shirt stroking her nipple. “And does this suit you, love? Being close to your playmate?”
“Yes, very.” She nodded happily.
“Don’t call me generous till you see the paperwork,” Ben said.
“Paperwork? Nothing doing there. And I expect it. I mean getting the old stuff back and running. What’s your plan, Ben? Aside from sitting here watching the girls enjoy each other. I mean for the future?”
“Plans? I have my fair share,” he said noncommittally.
“Yeah, that’s the answer I expect for anyone not part of this clan,” Harley said.
“Then you’ll understand why I’m keeping mum till you cross over officially.” Ben gave him a shrug. “Sorry, cousin, I don’t think you’ll run to Boris to curry favour.”
“Sure as shit right there. So what is the deal here? I mean does Corbin have any clue how we do this and make it all legal?”
“Funnily enough he mentioned it earlier. It should be a declaration of intention before witnesses, maybe a blood oath for show.”
“Whatever gets ya hot, Ben.” He grinned and looked over at the girls again who had begun kissing each other sweetly.
“Cousin, you don’t get me hot in the slightest. They on the other hand.” Ben smirked at the girls. “Mina, love, I’m beginning to think you’re undersexed.”
Mina smiled at Ben. “No, just keeping my blood up for you. And why can’t I enjoy Bella? Harley doesn’t seem to mind.”
Harley grinned. “You got me there.”
“I didn’t say you shouldn’t. I’m very much enjoying watching you both,” Ben said.
“Then by all means ladies, enjoy yourselves while we talk business.” Harley winked at Bella. “So? You decided to move the clan completely to the compound? I think it’s a smart move.”
“I think so, it’s much safer. Not that we’re under threat in any way, but it means I can keep an eye on everyone.”
“How many people can the compound support? I mean, do you still have the staff?”
“About seventy-five more at a push. We have a full staff, hired with the help of a telepath friend of mine.”
“Well then, that’s good.” Sighing, Harley sat back and watched his woman and Mina kiss in a tangle of limbs. “Tonight’s dinner is going to be interesting. The question is should I go and see him like a man in private, or do it at the event tonight?”
“That depends on how much you respect the man,” Ben said.
Well, that was the question, wasn’t it? “He is my father, taught me to be the Satyr I am today. And I don’t wanna upset my mother.”
“Then you should give him the heads up. I can send Corbin with you if you like…and keep Bella company here.”
Harley grinned. “Yeah, I bet you will. Bella? What do you think? You wanna stay and play with Ben and Mina?”
“Will you be okay without me?” she asked.
He nodded. “I think it’s for the best, love, less I have to worry about.”
She nodded her understanding. “Just be careful, okay?”
He smiled. “Bella, he might be shady when it comes to Rummer issues, but he is my father, and I am his only son. Mother wouldn’t stand for him hurting me in any way.” The words left his mouth as a comfort for his female, but he didn’t really believe them.
Boris was ruthless and loved to win. He would sacrifice his knight, even his queen, if it meant winning the game of chess. Harley had seen him do it, and he didn’t think him and his mother were any different.
“Ben, call Corbin,” Harley said. “I would like to know what his thoughts are on this before we change history.”
“I’ll get him to come up,” Ben told him, giving him a look that said he knew exactly what type of man Boris was.
He stepped away to make the call and came back a few moments later. “He’ll be right over. I don’t believe he gave the impression he thought it was a good idea.”
“What, confronting my father or going alone? I, sure as shit, am not going alone. I’m defecting, not stupid.”
“You could use the phone or email him.” Corbin walked in, looking flushed. “I doubt even I could stop one of Boris’ rages.”
“Well, yeah, I’m a lot of things, but a coward isn’t one of them. He will be pissed, but he likes his place too much. So you in, Corbin?”
“You two are going to be more trouble than I thought.” Corbin sighed, shaking his head. “Fine, I’ll go with you. If I get to hit him, it’ll be worth it.”
“I’m hoping he’s gentleman enough to not resort to violence.”
“Still a Satyr can hope.”
Bella sat frowning at them both. “No trouble?”
Harley smiled at her. “I’ll be fine, you have fun with Mina and Ben. They will keep you well occupied.”
“Hmmm,” she said, sounding unconvinced, and he doubted it was about Ben and Mina’s ability to occupy her.
“Don’t worry, beautiful. I’ll bring him back in one piece.” Corbin beamed at her then clapped Harley’s shoulder. “Come on, kiddo.”
* * * *
Harley walked with Corbin into the morning room of his father’s suite where Stephanya sat with a look of surprise on her face.
“Harlequin, this is a nice surprise! Where is Arabella?” she asked. Looking past him to Corbin, she frowned. “I know you.”
“That’s a nice surprise because I know you too.” Corbin smiled politely.
“C-Corbin? Is it you?” she asked and cocked her head. “We thought…we thought you were dead.”
“Me?” he sounded offended. “Please Anya, I have more lives than a cat. Despite some people’s efforts.” He directed the last at Boris. “I had to move quickly. How have you been, love? I kept an eye on you.”
Smiling, she went to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I am well, very proud of my Harlequin here.” She smiled at him. “I assume you aren’t here for a social call though.”
“They are here to see to see me, Steph.” He nodded to his Beloved. “We need some privacy, my love. Go to the spa. I expect your hair and nails done tonight.” He turned from her and looked at Corbin. “Am I to assume you are here to talk about joining Rummer?”
Corbin smiled, ignoring Boris and hugged Stephanya back, kissing her on the cheek. “Enjoy your day, princess.”
“We should catch up.” She looked at Boris and back at Harlequin. “Give Bella my love, darling.” She grabbed her purse and walked out of the suite.
Harlequin looked at his father. “A word, Father?”
“Of course. I’m dying to know why Corbin has shown his face after so long.”
“I’m sure Lord Corbin will indulge you, but I have a pressing matter.”
Boris frowned. “So? Corbin? What do you have to say for yourself?” he said, ignoring Harley.
“You know me, Boris, I get bored easily. I only ever pop up when things look like they’re going to get interesting. You should let your son speak, Boris. He has some bright ideas.”
“I a
m more interested as to why you are here with him. I wasn’t aware he knew his long lost uncle.”
Harley looked over at Corbin, and Boris smiled. “What? He didn’t tell you? He is your mother’s brother, which is the only reason I allow him to be so familiar with her, family and all.”
Harley decided to not let the information sway him. “Regardless of who he is, I’m here to talk business with you, Father.”
“So he is here to join Rummer, or are you taking me up on my offer? I have them both picked out, beauties in their own right. Callisa and Lenora.”
“No, Father, I’m not here to accept anything on that side of it.”
“And neither you should,” Corbin said. “Your father seems to be mixing up his words again, it happens in old age. He meant to say harpy instead of beauty, and I don’t even know what you meant by allowing me to talk with Anya. You don’t allow me to do anything. You have no control whatsoever over me, and if you think to control Anya in that way, we’ll have to rethink those words we had when I allowed you to take my little sister away.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Now why don’t you stop talking and listen to your son, though if you were capable of that, I doubt you’d be in this mess in the first place. Just try.”
Boris laughed. “And the coward gets a spine. It’s sad really. Corbin, you had it in you to be quite a Satyr. Now you’re just a low life running with the next generation. So what is it, Harlequin? Bella not what you imagined? She seemed like it last night, I’m surprised you allowed that with her father and clan present.”
“What I do with my Beloved is my business, Father. Now if we can focus on the reason for my visit, I need to know why you haven’t declared me as your successor.”
Boris leant back on the side table and smirked. “Why? Because you’re not. Not now anyway, you haven’t earned it.”
“Excuse me?”
Corbin chuckled, then smiled brightly. “I’m going to enjoy this.” He walked to the bar, helping himself to the good stuff, always keeping an eye on Boris.
“A prince must be willing to do anything for his clan, including taking extra women. It’s what’s good for the clan, and his holdings.”
“So you’re telling me that because I won’t take two other women and create a harem, I have no place at Rummer?”
“Not no place, but no place visible,” Boris said and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Son of a bitch,” Harley said and looked at Corbin who smiled and took a long drink of the scotch in his hand. “Well then, I’m going to have to resign.”
“Excuse me, Harlequin?”
“You heard me, Father. I’m not a puppet, and I’m not your bartering tool.”
“Oh, I happen to think you are. And where would you use that degree that means so much to you if not with Rummer?”
“I think Esben has something in mind for him at Tempest. Really, pushing Harley away has done him a wonder in benefits.” Corbin smiled. “Odd how the younger generation is suddenly the future of our race. It’s not surprising that’s often how life works. Maybe I’ll be a great Satyr after all. Eh?”
Boris, for all his refined finesse, turned purple with rage. “Bullshit. I won’t allow this.”
“You can’t stop me. You stonewalled me in my own clan, and I’m young enough, and not declared as a full clan member by your own doing, so I, like all the other young Satyrs here, can choose my own fortunes anywhere I see fit.”
“No, you can’t, not and keep Arabella. She was gifted to Rummer, and I gifted her to you.”
“And it’s against the law to steal collared women, we all know that,” Corbin said gleefully. “If he hadn’t collared her, it would be a different matter, but as it is, Bella is staying where she is. But I hate to think how this makes you look to the Greek contingent. You gave his prized daughter to a son you didn’t even think worthy enough to succeed you, and he took the girl and left for Tempest. If it makes you feel any better, Bella’s brother’s moved to Tempest as well.”
Boris’ eyes narrowed on Corbin, then he looked at Harley. “You do this, and you’re dead to me and your mother.”
Harley sighed. “You do this, and you will never know my children, and neither will Mother. Don’t push my hand, Father. You need me much more than I need you at this point.”
“Bullshit. You are nothing without Rummer.”
“That is where we differ.”
“Harlequin… Last chance…,” he said and pushed off from the table, stalking forward with violence in his eyes.
Corbin was in-between them before Harley could blink. “Touch the boy and your life won’t be worth living,” he growled low and threatening. “Now, so far, we’ve all been rather amicable. Let’s try and keep it that way. I doubt Anya would be pleased at being cut off from her only chance at grandchildren.”
“What she wants means nothing! Harlequin, this isn’t over.”
“It is, Father. I’m taking my rightful position with Tempest. I am half Tempest after all. There’s nothing to stop me, not in the eyes of the council. You can’t say shit.”
“No!” Boris said and stepped forward, his body a tight string resonating his caged malice. “You will not help that half breed bring Tempest back to glory.”
“Careful there, Boris. Don’t wanna blow a blood vessel. That half breed you’re talking about is mine to protect, as is Harley.” Corbin made sure his body was between Harley and his father at all times. “You wouldn’t happen to have a problem with Tempest’s former glory, do you? It’s not very glorious at the moment, but still, we manage to look more appealing than Rummer to your own son.”
“Sod off, you coward!” Boris said and swung at Corbin.
He ducked easily. “I’m the coward? What gives that impression?”
“Enough!” Harley sidestepped Corbin and decked his father, sending him sprawling. “This is over. In one hour I will be a full member of Tempest, and you will have to deal with all your bullshit yourself. You fucked this one, Father, and nothing now will change it. Resorting to violence? I thought you were more refined.” He dropped his wallet with his corporate cards, ID and keycards to his parents’ house in it.
“You didn’t have the balls to do it, Boris.” Corbin shook his head looking down at him. “I don’t know why I thought you could have. Come on,” he said to Harley and they left.
“Nice hit, feel better?” Corbin asked as they walked out.
Harley shook his head. “No, I will miss my mother. What were you talking about to my father? Do what?”
“You’ll still see your mother, for all Boris’s faults he does love her. It’d kill him to see her miserable. I just wish we could let her know what you’re doing. I have the feeling she won’t know until it’s done. As for what he didn’t do, Boris always hated Tempest and your uncle. Somebody did something to the clan, and I have no idea what happened. The prick knew it was coming though. He sent Ben away, and he effectively got rid of me. For a long time I thought it was Boris or maybe Milton, but now I’m not so sure.”
That was interesting. Corbin would have gone missing, as well, had he still been with Tempest. It was a lucky thing he was still around. “So technically you’re my uncle too. I mean, you’re my mother’s brother, right? I remember when Tempest went missing. She was a mess for a long, long time. My father indulged her frequently then, and took a lot of time off at the company to help her through it. I never thought my father did anything to Tempest. I mean, it would have hurt my mother too deeply. So that leaves Arcane, who I have been suspicious of for ages, and Toloose, who had the most to gain from Tempest going missing. If Ben wasn’t tapped to come back during the convergence, the Tempest stronghold would have gone into escrow with Toloose since it bordered on their territory. The convergence year made it twenty-five years since they had gone missing. It was convenient that Milton tapped Ben when he did.”
“I’m not convinced that Toloose had the power to see it through, but Milton’s summons of Ben always did strike me as
unusual.” He shook his head. “I’m not your uncle. I’m technically your mother’s uncle. I left Tempest rather spectacularly when I was a teenager. Your grandfather let me stay with him, and in return I helped look after his kids. Your mother was a baby, and Ben’s dad was five or so. It was easier for them to see me as a brother, and as I really shouldn’t have been there, my presence was well masked. I was a bit of an oddity.”
“Well then. Okay, so you’re my great-uncle and an original Tempest. Milton on the other hand has been sketchy as fuck for a while now, ever since Minerva turned sixteen, and he decided she was off limits to the young Satyrs.”
“Then he gave her to Ben.” Corbin sighed. “I don’t know. Ben’s father kept journals. If I could get my hands on them, I might have more of a clue what happened. It might not even have been one of the Satyrs. There are other things out there. Tempest were treading on all sorts of toes in their business dealings.”
“Seeing as Ben can’t read Puckish, nor can I, which I think has debilitated us in a number of ways, I’m sure he will give you full access to the old man’s archives. There are tons of ledgers and such in the study, but it wasn’t till recently that Ben found a hidden chamber off what was his parents’ bedroom that houses some more books. It bears looking into, and Ben does want to know why he was abandoned,” Harley said as they rounded the corner of the main hotel and walked up the gravel path to Ben’s cottage.
“It’s something I’ve been wondering as well. As a race we don’t abandon our sons.” Corbin shook his head. “I don’t think there’s ever been a case of it happening. From an outsider’s point of view, it may make sense, protecting our young, but no, our children are safer with us. Sending a young Satyr out to live with demons is just…well, it’s cruel and dangerous. Especially given that nobody told him what he was.”
“Nicolai and Inez wouldn’t have done it if they didn’t have to. My mother, when I was a bit older, always told me that Nicolai was ecstatic about being a father. He wouldn’t have given Ben up to anyone if he didn’t have to. Tempest, at the time they disappeared, were the most powerful and were going to take over the council. Milton had cause to act.”
