William Rivers' face darkened with shame and anger. "My son," he muttered, the words bitter on his tongue. "My mistake."
Gerald's face turned a dangerous bluish tinge, his aging features contorting with fury. "A mistake you made over twenty years ago that continues to haunt this pack! I told you to handle the situation properly when that woman came to you with her pregnancy."
William flinched visibly under his father's verbal assault. "I sent them away as you instructed."
"Away, not dealt with!" Gerald snarled, his wolf's rage evident in his flashing eyes. "And now look at the consequences of your weakness. Not only has your illegitimate son become our enemy, but the girl you and Katherine raised as your own has betrayed us all!"
Connor remained silent, observing the exchange with
