The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 5~Birthmark~

Gabriel

I sighed at the sight of my almost empty wallet. With my feeble funds I was able to afford a one-way plane ticket. California was the furthest I could be from Delaware, and it still wasn't far enough. Now I was stuck in this small diner with sixty bucks to my name. I guess I’ll post up at the motel down the street and work for a little while. I sighed again as I looked around the restaurant, my gaze lingering on the man at the bar. The elderly male was dressed in black and has been watching me since I walked in.

I shifted uneasily. He was a vampire for sure. What if he thinks I’m invading his territory? My body tensed as the man stood up and made his way towards me.

I cleared my throat, “Hey, man. I don’t want any trouble.” he studied me with unbreakable concentration.

“Is that a scar?” his voice was gruff. I touched the discolored mark on the left side of my neck. It ran down from my neckline to my collar bone, its shape was like a badly drawn bat.

I shook my head in confusion, “No, it's a birthmark.”

The man grunted then went and sat back down at his table. I tried to enjoy my meal, occasionally catching him staring at me. Thankfully, by the time I was done, he had left. I paid for my food then headed back to the motel. The sun was setting, making the dark path way dimmer.

I tried to ignore the scuffling of footsteps coming from behind. It sounded like there were two people following me. My adrenaline started to rush. I didn’t want to fight, I was already weak from not drinking any blood. I ducked as soon as one of my assailants reached for me. The second one tackled me to the ground, baring his fangs at me.

I tried to buck him off and dodge his partner’s kicks. I grappled with him, trying to gain the upper hand. I could see the glint of a blade in the corner of my eye, the wielder running towards me. Damn it, I didn’t have time to dodge it. The man was almost to me when he suddenly went flying back. I could hear him struggling with someone. I focused on the one underneath me, punching him repeatedly until he went unconscious.

I groaned and stood up to see who assisted me. The same guy from the restaurant gave a final kick to his victim then looked over at me.“Sixteen years of searching. Of course you’d show up when I had given up hope.” the man said.

I swiped the blood from my lip, “I’m sorry, do we know each other?”

The man pulled down his shirt collar and revealed a mark identical to mine. Tears formed in his eyes, “I’m your great uncle and I’m bringing you back.” I raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure of what to say. I never knew vampires could suffer from dementia.

“I’m sorry sir, but I think you’ve got the wrong guy. I honestly appreciate your assistance.” I felt awkward. I threw the last of my cash on the ground, then started to walk away.

“Gabriel, wait.” the man croaked. I turned around slowly. He knew my name. The man ran his hand through his beard and tried to blink his tears away. “Your name is Gabriel Noctem. You were born on a rainy April day, twenty one years ago. Your birthday was last week.” he claimed.

I had a last name? My heart skipped. No, don’t you do it. Don’t you dare have hope, I chide myself. I studied him more thoroughly. I hated to admit it but I did see some resemblance in our features. We shared the same honey brown eyes, wavy black hair and tall stature. Not to mention the same birthmark. “If what you’re saying is true, then prove it.” I dared him.

“Follow me,” the old man grunted. I was just attacked. I would be crazy to follow this man. He brushed past me with long strides. My gaze followed him where he motioned to a black sports car. “Get in. I’m taking you home.” he ordered, his head disappearing inside the vehicle. Was I really about to get into a car with a complete stranger just because he said we were related?

The man honked the horn, urging me to get inside. I guess there were worse situations. Even if this turned out to be a joke, at least I’d have a free place to stay for the night. And I knew I could take him if he tried anything funny. I plopped down next to him, “Where are we going?”

The vehicle lurched forward, quickly gaining speed. “I’m taking you to your grandfather. He is my older brother and the leader of our clan, Noctem.” he replied gruffly. I grunted, it sounded too good to be true.

The man proceeded to explain who he was. His name is Caleb and he supposedly has been looking for me. The clan he belonged to, Noctem, was a clan that wasn't formed by royal vampires but held just as much authority.

My alleged grandfather founded the clan almost three hundred years ago. Noctem was a well known underground gang that climbed to the top of the industry. I was intrigued. Growing up in the pack there wasn’t much talk of vampires or our culture. This was weirdly refreshing and I was learning a lot. Caleb drove for almost two hours before I started to become anxious.

“Don’t worry, mijo. We’ve been on clan territory for about an hour. We’re almost there.” he tried to calm me. Wait, what? The past hour was nothing but forest and a ridiculously curved road with zero traffic. Caleb slowed down the car as we neared the entrance. The gates opened for us and Caleb sped to the front of the house. This wasn’t a house, it was a damn mansion. Four stories high and covering almost an acre of land.

I absentmindedly exited the car and gawked. Caleb chuckled, “It looks intimidating but you’ll get used to it.” He led the way up the marbled stairs, through the massive french doors and down a hall that seemed to be endless. We stopped at an empty room that was lavishly furnished. “Wait here. I’ll go get your grandfather. Feel free to look around.” Caleb said with a smile before leaving.

I walked around the room, taking my time as I examined the portraits on the walls. The paintings dated back to centuries, each subject displaying the strange birthmark on the left side of their neck. I stopped to stare at the last portrait. A man who looked just like me was standing next to a beautiful woman holding a sleeping infant. The man was looking at her with so much love and adoration. I clenched my fists. The woman looked like she was miserable.

I felt a presence behind me. “Your mother was so excited about sitting for the painting until I walked into the room. That’s why she’s glaring.” a deep voice rumbled.

I looked at the man beside me, recognizing him from the previous portraits. “You must be Abel,” I said.

The man pulled me into a death grip of a hug. “Welcome back, mijo.” he murmured into my ear. My hands raised slowly to accept his embrace. There wasn’t a reason to deny it even without the paintings. I remembered his scent.

“I’m back, Abuelo.” I greeted him back, the sound of Spanish leaving my mouth felt like an old memory. Abel held me closer, letting his tears flow.

After a few minutes passed, Abel regained his composure. “Where the hell have you been?” he demanded. I let out a long sigh, not sure where to begin.

“Señor, the food is ready.” a servant announced from the doorway.

Abel motioned for me to sit down. He quietly watched me while the servant set out the food and took their leave. “Eat, my boy.” Abel smiled. I happily ate the food, letting small moans of pleasure escape with each bite. “Try this.” Abel said, offering me a glass.

I was shocked that I was being offered blood so openly. I normally drank from a small bottle in the privacy of my room. I moaned loudly as the warm sweet liquid exploded with flavor in my mouth. Abel rumbled with laughter. We continued to eat in silence, enjoying each other’s company. When we finished, Abel’s face turned serious, “Now tell me, mijo. Where have you been for the past sixteen years?”

I took a big breath then let everything spill. Abel sat back and listened intently to my story. I told him about how I didn't remember anything prior to my mother leaving me in the woods. I told him about my dads, my ex-pack, even my ex-mate. When I was finished, his face had turned somber.

“Your mother never visited you?” His voice was eerily dark.

I shook my head, “Not once.”

Abel sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his head. “As much as I hate to admit it, the Alphas took good care of you. I’ll be sure to send word to them on your behalf.”

I nodded my head. I loved my fathers very much and I’d be forever grateful for everything that they’ve done. They deserve to know that I’m ok.

“Do you want me to take care of those bastards for you?” Abel growled, his eyes deadly. I was quickly reminded who he was. He was an underground tycoon who controlled everything the royals couldn’t. Abel had forced his way to the top holding onto a dangerous amount of power.

I shook my head, “No. I’m bitter and I want all of them to suffer, but killing them wouldn't make me feel better.”

Abel snorted, “Well, learn from this.”

“What exactly was I supposed to learn from this?”

“Trust no one.” His cold voice made me shiver.

“Can you tell me anything about the past or what happened the night my mother left me?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“Your father, Azriel, met Vanessa when she was twenty two. She was a rogue wolf and struggled to stay in one place for long periods of time. But once she was mated to your father, things began to change. They had you shortly after they met. Vanessa wanted to travel with you but, as my heir, Azriel wanted to stay here. I remember them fighting about it constantly. I warned them that it was unsafe for her to be out since she was an unclaimed rogue. But Vanessa didn’t care.

“She would leave for extended periods of time with you. It took her getting caught by a pack to realize that you needed protection. She agreed to marry your father shortly after that. She wouldn’t have a pack but she’d have the protection of our name. During their engagement party, both of you vanished. Azriel tore up the entire property looking for you, his heart broken. He died a few months later during a raid. I had promised him that we’d never stop looking for you.” Abel finished with a sad voice.

I sat in silence, trying to piece the mystery of my past together. Why did my mother abandon me? Where was she now?

“Come on. A maid will take you up to your room. You have a busy day tomorrow.” he declared, suddenly standing up.

I stood up, “I do?” Abel nodded vigorously, “Yes, you are my only living heir and I plan on retiring soon. It’s time to put you to work. You need to work on your Spanish as well, it’s awful.” He then wished me a good evening and a maid brought me to my new room.

I sat on my silk sheeted bed. My life had changed again, from orphan to almost Alpha, then rogue to newly found heir of the biggest crime conglomerate in Midhaven. I don't know what’s gonna happen next, but I will make sure to never let someone take advantage of me. I will protect myself.