The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 6~Eight Days~

Gabriel

I straightened my sleeves then buttoned up my cufflinks. I adjusted my tie, finally feeling ready. It’s been a long five years of grueling hard work. Even though I was his grandson, Abel showed me no mercy. He made me start at the bottom of the hierarchy, forcing me to climb my way up to the top. Now it was just a waiting game to see when Abel would finally be ready to step down as head of the clan.

I knew the ins and outs of the place like the back of my hand. I had my own team, my own men. They were people who earned my trust and proven their loyalty. They were nothing like my old friends. Each of us were at our lowest points when we had first met, now we were in our prime, ready to conquer anything in our way.

I pushed my thick black curls to the side, making sure every strand was in place. I stared at my cold eyes, unable to remember what I looked like before coming here. I pulled on my blazer then left my bedroom.

Huh, it’s been a while since I’ve thought about the pack. I stayed in contact with my dads, who were now retired. After convincing them that their health and comfort was a priority, they agreed to live on one of Abel’s properties in Miami. They didn’t really seem to mind the move. They had often felt uneasy after Jacob took over as Alpha.

I snorted. Jacob got his wish, he even made Isabelle his Luna. My heart tightened at the thought. I clenched my hands, hating that she still had an affect on me. My wolf had howled every night for almost a year after her betrayal. Never again would I let anyone, let alone a woman, turn me weak. I promised myself that I wouldn't become attached to any female, especially the ones that hid behind fake smiles.

It’s not that I disliked women, I just didn’t trust them. They are easier to r******w. If they wanted money for my company, then I’d give them money. If they wanted s*x then I’d give them s*x. If they developed feelings for me then I’d show them the door. I didn’t have time for mind games or heart ache. It was more convenient to keep them at a distance.

I took the stairs two at a time, catching a glimpse of my right hand man, Daunte, waiting on the landing. He offered me his fist and I bumped it.

“Do you know why Abel called this meeting so suddenly?” I asked him.

Daunte shook his head as he followed me to my grandfather’s office. “I did see Caleb carrying some documents this morning. Maybe he has something new planned.” he suggested.

I took a deep breath then knocked on Abel’s door.

“Come in!” his voice boomed from the other side.

Daunte opened the door then followed me in. Abel was seated in his favorite loveseat, his eyes closed. He looked worn out. Frankly speaking, he was in terrible shape compared to his age. I never understood why humans started that dumb rumor that vampires lived for an eternity. The average vampire lifespan ranged from five hundred to five hundred and fifty. Abel was in his three hundred and eleventh year. It was strange to witness his decline. He looked as if he had a few decades left; if we were lucky.

“You called for me, Abuelo?” I asked, sitting across from him.

Abel opened his eyes and cleared his throat. “Yes. Update me on what’s been happening with the business.”

I launched into my report of our current business endeavors. “Oh, I’m not sure if I should mention it but, there’s been reports of a mysterious drug that’s recently showed up in the black market. I believe they called it RedRush.”

“What kind of drug is it?”

I explained that there was little information about what the drug was made of, but we know that it increases supernatural abilities for vampires. It also has a high rate of overdoses that causes delirium and violent episodes. That’s exactly why I’m concerned, it’s been popping up a lot in our territories.

“I see. Make sure you look into it. I don’t want any problems if someone’s member dies at one of our spots.” I nodded my agreement. “Now to our main order of business. I know there have been rumors about me stepping down soon.”

I shared a glance with Daunte. “Yes.” I confirmed.

Abel grinned, “Well, the rumors are true. I’m ready for you to take your rightful place.”

My smile matched his as Daunte cheered for me. “Abuelo, I’m so honored for you to trust me. I promise I’ll make you proud-”

Abel cut me off with a wave of his hand. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, mijo. I have a condition.” he grumbled.

“A condition?”

Uncle Caleb came forward and placed the paperwork down in front of me. “Gabriel, are you willing to do whatever it takes to be the head of this family?” Abel’s voice was cold and serious.

“Of course I am.” I said with zero hesitation.

“Then get married. Immediately.” he demanded.

“Have you lost your damn mind!? I-I refuse! You know how I feel about relationships and you want to-to trap me?!” I exploded with fury, knocking back the small table.

Abel rolled his eyes, undaunted by my rage. Daunte awkwardly cleared his throat, unsure if he should leave.

“Do you know what a blood contract is?” Abel asked. I violently shook my head, watching him rearrange the documents.

“A blood contract is an oath made between two parties where a request and conditions are set. Think of it as a regular contract. But when blood is involved, the contract cannot be broken. The stipulations of the contract have to be met or death will be the end result.” Caleb explained.

“Ok, what hell does that have to do with me getting MARRIED!?” I retorted.

“Twenty four years ago, I made a blood contract with an acquaintance of mine. We had agreed that our families would become one.” f**k, please don’t say it. “When you were two years old you were betrothed to a little lady and her clan. The blood contract has been made and it cannot be broken, Gabriel.” his voice was absolute.

Caleb handed me the documents from the table, proving that the blood contract was a real thing. “Your marriage is the only way. Although the clan you were promised to no longer exists, the bride is still alive. She has accepted her dowry.” Caleb informed me.

“Dowry? How much did you offer her? ” I howled.

Caleb cleared his throat.

“HOW MUCH?!” I roared.

“What was promised and a little bit more, of course.” Abel answered dismissively.

“Ten million dollars and a monthly allowance of fifteen thousand.” Caleb stated.

I picked up the table and launched it across the room. “That isn’t a dowry, that's a bribe! You-You practically bought the b***h!”

Abel rolled his eyes, “Nonetheless, she’s accepted it.”

“Of course she f*****g accepted it! She’s a f*****g leech who will bleed us dry.” I warned him through gritted teeth.

“It doesn’t matter how much she accepts. She will be your wife and the mother to your future children.” Abel's words were unyielding.

“Over my dead body!” I shouted. How could he, of all people, expect me to get married and to a money grubbing b***h too!?

“Gabriel, you have to do this. The contract states very clearly that if you do not follow through, she has the right to inherit everything instead of you.” Caleb advised as he tried to pick up my mess.

I scanned the document, confirming his words. Reading this contract was like reading my death warrant. “This is bullshit!” I yelled. It was taking every fiber of strength to stay in control. I could kill whoever put in this idiotic clause. “Abuelo, please. You know I cannot do this! My wolf would never accept her, we both would be miserable and I could NEVER love her.”

“You have no way out of this, Gabriel. You must marry her. Look at me, mijo.” he said gently. I glared at him, my angry tears blurring my vision. “My strength is deteriorating faster because of this contract. It’s killing me, mijo. You have to do this.”

The weight of this pressure was crushing me. I didn’t want this. “When is the ceremony?” I growled.

“In eight days,” he replied.

I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room. I had eight days to get out of this sham wedding.

Abel

Gabriel slammed the door behind him. I sighed. I knew he wasn’t going to react well but that was a new level of anger. I was worried about the boy. He’s become so callous over the years. This marriage will do him some good. I called Daunte over.

“Yes, sir?”

“Have these items brought in and start making preparations for the new lady of the house.” I ordered, giving him the list of tasks. Daunte swiftly left, leaving me with my brother.

“Are you ready to go?” Caleb asked me. I nodded my head wearily, thankful that Gabriel didn’t call out my bluff.

“Do you think your plan will really work?” Caleb asked as he helped me put my coat on.

“Even Gabriel thinks the dowry is too good to be true. It would be unreasonable for her to decline.”

Caleb raised an eyebrow, “What if she wants more?”

I shrugged, “Then we simply give her more. Now that Gabe has agreed, it is time to bring her home. We have eight days to prepare for a wedding.”