The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 8~Ready~

Octavia

Abel was serious about the wedding being in eight days. He had sent people to assist me with packing up my cottage. I had lived modestly so my packing was complete within a few hours. Abel also provided plane tickets to California, transportation to the villa, and a new phone. The rest of the days were spent saying goodbye and Nalina harping on me, telling me that I didn’t need to go.

I wish I could better explain how I felt to her. I’ve been without a true home since I was eleven. Although I had a place at Wisteria and at Archeon, none of them were mine. I wanted to be stable and to have a secure future for Raven. I wanted to take control of my life.

“You don’t have to do this.” Nalina said after we departed from the plane.

I rolled my eyes. “You didn’t have to come.” I reminded her.

“Ha! And leave alone in the hands of the most notorious underground Clan?! Never! I will make sure this place is suitable for you then make sure you're safely married. Even though I don’t agree with your decision, I will always make sure you’re safe.” she huffed.

I chuckled, she was forever playing the big sister role. “Besides, Mama So said you’d be fine but I want to make sure with my own eyes.” she added as she grabbed her luggage. I grunted, if Calypso said I’d be fine then that was that. If she’s seen it then it will happen.

“Señora Sullivan! Señora Sullivan!” a male called. He was holding a sign that said welcome Octavia and family. I approached him with a soft smile.

“Hello, you must be the driver Mr. Noctem sent?” I asked.

“Yes, ma’am. My name is Elliot and I will be your driver. Please allow me to assist you.” he said, reaching out for my luggage. Elliot gathered our items and led the way to the exit. He started to load up a very fancy luxury limousine.

“Now Abel’s just showing off.” Nalina mumbled under her breath.

“Are we almost there yet, Mommy?” Raven sleepily yawned.

I squeezed his hand, “Almost sweetheart.”

“Why’d we have to leave?” he grumbled.

I sighed, unsure of how to answer. “Do you remember when Mommy said we were going to a new home?” I asked him. Raven nodded his head. “We have to leave because Mommy is going to get married.” I tried to explain.

Raven tilted his head, “Does that mean I’m getting a daddy?” My heart melted at his innocence.

“Yes. A new daddy. Remember how I told you about your new grandpa too? You’ll make new friends and attend a new school.” I told him.

Raven pouted, “I don’t want new friends.”

“I know, baby. I know it will be hard for you. But everything Mommy is doing, is to make sure you don’t ever have to live the way that I did.” I said, feeling hopeless.

I wanted to tell him that this was the first step in reclaiming his birthright. I wanted him to live a life full of happiness instead of uncertainty, blood and betrayal.

“What if my new daddy is mean to me?” Raven asked, tears pooling in eyes. Over my dead body.

“I’ll kill him.” I vowed. Raven opened his arms and let me pick him up. I patted his back as Elliot packed the last of our bags.

“Please be seated.” he smiled and opened the door.

I put Raven inside then followed after him. Nalina huffed and puffed as she looked around the spacious cabin. The limo pulled away from the airport, headed towards our new home.

Raven rested his head on my lap, letting the lull of the ride coax him to sleep. I stared out the window. This was the first time I’ve been off Wisteria territory in five years. The first time I was able to walk around freely. For once, I wasn’t worried about who was following me or if I was safe. It was weird. I’m anxious and excited. I can’t believe that I’m really doing this.

After traveling for three hours, our vehicle pulled up in front of the Noctem family villa. Its grandeur was intimidating. “At least we know he can actually afford to give you what he promised.” Nalina snickered as we piled out of the car. Abel was standing at the top of the grand stairs, a wide smile plastered on his face.

“Welcome home, señora.” Elliot beamed, his attention now on unloading the trunk. I took a deep breath as I met Abel on the landing.

“Welcome! I hope the trip went smoothly.” Abel beamed as he clasped my hands.

“Yes, thank you for handling everything.” I answered with a smile of my own.

“Ah! Is this Raven?”

I bent down and patted Raven’s back, “This is your new Grandpa. Would you like to greet him?”

Raven took a brave step forward and introduced himself in Spanish. “Hola Abuelo, me llamo Raven Sullivan, y me da gusto conocerlo.”

Abel took a step back, his eyes bright with surprise. “¿Tú hablas Español?”

“Sí. Mama taught me a lot of languages.” Raven announced proudly.

Abel tilted his head back and roared with laughter. “Excelente! You did good, mijo!” he clapped. Raven smiled and puffed out his little chest. “Wow. I’m surprised that you are carrying on the teaching style of your old clan.” Abel exclaimed.

“It’d be a shame to let such a custom die. May we come in? Or will the wedding be held on the outside?” Nalina frowned, avoiding my elbow meant for her ribs.

“Ah, yes, yes of course. This way.” Abel smiled, reaching his hand out to Raven. He happily accepted it and marched into the mansion.

“Your home is marvelous.” I commented, taking in the beautiful building.

“It’s your home now, mija.” Abel said dismissively.

“All of your belongings from the move were put in your room. I know you must be tired from your trip, but the wedding guest will start showing up in a few hours. I encourage you to take a quick rest then assistance will be up to help you get ready for the ceremony.” Caleb smiled as he approached us. I was really doing this. A knot in my stomach began to form.

“Yes, mija. Go up to your room and rest. If you don’t mind, I would like to spend some time with my new great-grandson. I would love to show him his room and give him a few welcome home presents.” Abel grinned, pointing up to the third floor.

Raven’s face lit up, his excitement making him jump up and down. “Can I go with grandpa?” he squealed.

I bobbed my head, “Yes, but you better listen to him.”

“Thank you!” He yelped, his tiny feet taking him up the stairs.

Nalina rolled her eyes, “Mini traitor.”

“He will be fine with me. I’ll get him ready for the ceremony as well. Take your time and prepare yourself. In a few hours, you’ll be the señora of this house.” Abel chuckled, following in Raven’s footsteps.

Caleb smiled and shook his head, “I’m not sure who was more excited. Please follow me to your dressing room.” He led the way up the marble staircase.

“Why didn’t Octavia’s betrothed welcome us?” Nalina asked.

Caleb awkwardly cleared his throat, “I apologize on his behalf. My nephew is busy with the wedding preparations.” Nalina and I shared a look but didn’t say anything. Caleb avoided eye contact as he opened a door to a bedroom. “This is your dressing room. Everything you need to get ready is inside. I'll send up some refreshments and the ladies who will be assisting you.” he said, quickly closing the door behind us.

Nalina raised her eyebrows as she walked around the extravagant room. A vanity desk was set up with multiple lights. Rows and rows of makeup brushes lined the surface. Several tubes of lip gloss, lipsticks, foundations, creams and mascaras were organized based on shade color. The eyeshadow palettes seemed to take up half of the room. She walked over to the hanging rack and ran her hand over my covered wedding dress. “Did you wear a wedding dress for your first marriage?”

I shook my head, joining her. “No. My first marriage was different. I didn't have a ceremony or a beautiful dress. I was just property being sold to the highest bidder.” I confessed.

“O, you don't have to do this.” Nalina pleaded softly.

I grabbed her hand and smiled. “I didn't have a choice the first time around because I didn't have a way to protect myself. This is my only chance to build a life for Raven and I. I'd be a fool to say that I wasn't terrified. But I can't keep living in fear.” I sniffed, wiping away an unwanted tear.

Nalina pulled me into a tight hug. “Ok. I know there's nothing I can do to stop you. But if you ever, and I mean ever, need me or any type of help. You better call me.” she grumbled.

“Of course I will." I chuckled. A knock sounded, then the door opened, admitting five women.

“Welcome, Señora. It is time to start getting you ready.” one said with a bright smile. The knot in my stomach tightened.

“Please be seated.” another said, her strong hands pushing me into the chair.

The women immediately went to work. They fussed over my skin, my face. Ugh! Even my nails! They were practically suffocating me. While Nalina giggled at my distress, more women entered the room. They circled Nalina who looked ready to run.

“Señor Abel sent us here to assist the maid of honor.” One assistant explained.

“Woah, I'm not participating!” Nalina squeaked.

The group of girls giggled as they wrestled her into the chair. Nalina growled and grumbled as they fussed over her. The process took forever. My butt was numb, I even managed to fall asleep a few times.

“You're absolutely beautiful Señora.” The girls cooed once they finished torturing me. Nalina complained loudly as they put on her dress.

“It's time for you to get changed too.” she urged. I was handed my dress cover and pulled out my gown. “Holy Hell. Were you the one who picked your dress?" she exclaimed with wide eyes.

I shook my head, carefully running my hands over the delicate fabric.

One of the girls giggled. “It was your husband's, Señor Gabriel, choice. He said it was his wedding gift.” she explained, helping me put the dress on. I stared at myself in the mirror, the knot in my stomach tighter.

The whole room erupted with excited chatter and compliments. Nalina nodded her head with approval. “It's not something I would've picked for you, but it suits you well. You look immaculate.” she grinned.

“It's time, Señora.” someone announced, everyone's hands eagerly guiding me out of the room.

Gabriel

I angrily paced back and forth in my dressing room. I still couldn’t believe there wasn’t a way out of this f*cking wedding! My body strained against the tuxedo I was wearing. I pulled out a copy of the blood contract from my pocket and read it again. There was one clause that would save me from an eternity of married hell. I just detested that I’d have to marry the woman first.

“If either party of this union commits an act of infidelity, the contract is immediately broken and all assets will return to the original owner.” I recited words to calm me down. I had a way out. I’d just have to catch my wife cheating on me and then I’d be free. It shouldn’t be too hard. It’s not like she has any interest in me, just my money. I took a calming breath, this had to work.

My plan was simple. After we were married, I would distance myself and create situations that would lead her to stray from the marriage. I would start small, by controlling our wedding, starting with the dress.

I know some of my schemes would be a little juvenile but I needed her to be completely turned off from me. I haven’t met her yet but the fact that she could be so easily swayed by power and money made me dislike her even more. I need to play this smart. I will feign innocence and put on the show of being a good husband, but her infidelity will be her downfall. I just need to be patient.

“Gabe, are you ready?” Daunte asked from the door.

I looked myself over in the mirror. I fixed my hair and straightened my tie. “Yes. Did my betrothed accept my wedding gift?” I asked, walking down to the ballroom.

“Are you sure that dress is appropriate for the future Señora of Noctem?” Daunte countered with a raised eyebrow.

I furrowed my brows, “Of course, what’s wrong with it? It cost a quarter million dollars and it was handmade in Italy. I even paid extra to have it expedited. I put in a lot of time to make sure it was perfect.” That wasn’t a lie.

“She accepted it without complaints,” He replied with a shake of his head. I smirked, of course she did. If she had the audacity to wear something so risque to her own wedding, then catching her cheating would be a piece of cake.

The doors opened to the ballroom, allowing us to enter. The large crowd turned to watch me walk down the aisle. Goddess, Abel must’ve invited every damned elite on Midhaven. I took my place at the altar with Daunte behind me.

My fathers waved at me from their row. Abel sat at the front, his attention on a rambunctious child. Whose kid was that? Before I could ponder it further, the music began. The guests stood up and watched the doors open.

The bridal procession came forward. A woman who I assumed was the maid of honor walked down and stood across from me. I tried to hide my annoyance; she reeked of wolf. Next were the two flower girls who tossed red rose petals.

I could hear the crowd murmuring about how beautiful everything was. The music changed, signaling the entrance of the bride. The crowd and I stood paralyzed as my betrothed began her walk down the aisle.