The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 18~Guests~

Gabriel

Damage control took longer than expected. I had to send the team back early while I handled everything with Necrosis. They were already demanding an official meeting with Abel. I was lucky they hadn’t immediately declared war. All of this was making me eager to return home. After an hour of negotiating, I was finally back. The impulsive need to check on my family was strong.

I peeked inside Raven’s door, making sure that he was soundly asleep. I did the same to Octavia's door, only to find her bed empty. Where was she? I walked back to my room, my stride slowing as I got closer. Surely she wasn’t. I opened the door to find her pacing back and forth. I only had enough time to close the door before she flew into my arms.

She wriggled around, snuggling her face into my chest. I slowly embraced her back, confused by her behavior. “Holy Hell, Gabriel. I’ve been worried sick.”

“You were?”

Octavia hugged me harder as she looked up at me with tears in her eyes, her words rushing out. “Of course I was. They told me you were involved in a fight and were possibly injured. They mentioned dead bodies and then you didn’t come home when the others did. I was scared that you wouldn’t be coming back at all. I-”

I shushed her by cupping her face. “Octavia, look at me. I’m fine.” Her tears fell. “I’m fine.” She bobbed her head, snuggling back into my chest. I held her close, my mind cloudy with mixed emotions. I’ve had people praying that I wouldn’t return. I’ve never experienced someone wanting me to come back.

“Why were you so worried?” My voice wavered.

Octavia looked up at me, “Because you’ve become someone very important to me. I… I care about you, Gabriel. I really really care about you,” Her lip quivered, “And not in a platonic way either.”

For once, I didn’t have a single thought in my head. The wheels slowly turned as I registered what she said. My breath forcefully filled my lungs, stalling for a response. “Like, as a wife cares for her husband?” I’m a f*cking i***t.

Octavia snorted, “Like how a real wife cares for her husband. To every extent.” She stared at me, her eyes full of hope. Does this mean our marriage will be a real one? I sure as hell didn’t want her to leave. Her place was next to me.

“I care about you too.” I heard myself say.

Ocativa gave me the brightest smile I had ever seen. She jumped up, wrapping her arms and legs around me. I carried her to the bed and sat down, reveling in her eager kisses. She rocked her hips against me, urging me to remove my clothes. She moaned loudly as our bodies joined. Everything tingled with a sensation so euphoric it should be a sin. She pushed me back as I happily let her take control.

Octavia made sure I completely sated her needs, leaving me delightedly drained and unable to move from exhaustion. Her long legs draped across me, her head resting on my chest. I tightened my hold on her before closing my eyes. She raked her lazy fingertips across my chest and hummed quietly. I haven’t allowed myself to have this type of intimacy in years. The heaviness that had been hanging on me disappeared. I was at ease, at peace.

I was going through a slew of emotions. My mind was telling me to stay away and keep my guard up. My heart and body were telling me to stay. I wanted to be with her, but the thought of being hurt by her was holding me back. I couldn’t withstand another betrayal.

“Señora, I apologize for calling at a late hour. We have some guests that are demanding to be let inside. They are stating that it's urgent.” Mary called out after knocking. Who the hell was here this early in the morning?

Octavia sighed, “I’ll be right there.” She weakly pushed off of me. I pulled her back down, making her giggle.

“Stay.” I grunted.

“I can’t. It’s one of the duties of the Señora of the house to receive all guests, no matter the time or day.” She tried to get back up.

I pushed her back down, “Stay here.”

She gave a hearty laugh, “You’re being ridiculous!”

I grinned, I loved hearing her say that. “No I’m not. If you get up you might not come back.”

“Gabriel!” she squealed, trying to get away.

I kissed her cheeks, then her lips. “I’ll go to make sure you stay here.”

Octavia sighed dreamily, “Ok, I’ll let you have your way this one time.” I gave her another kiss then jumped off the bed. “You’re not gonna put on a shirt?” she asked as I pulled up my pajama pants.

“No, this is my house. They’re the ones who came unannounced.” I snorted.

Octavia shook her head, “This is why they want the Señora to receive guests.” I chuckled as I closed the door behind me. I made my way to the front door with a little pep in my step. I turned the corner and all the joy I had fled from my body.

Daunte and a few of our men were standing by with the unwanted guests, my traitorous cousin and mate. I stood frozen, loathing that they were in my house.

“It’s about f*cking time you showed up!” Jacob roared.

Isabelle gawked at me, her unwanted desire making her eyes shimmer. Atlas began to howl with joy at seeing his mate. My body immediately reacted to her presence, it made me feel disgusting.

Jacob tried to step towards me but was stopped by Daunte. I raised an eyebrow as I crossed my arms. “I can see that you’re still so smug and arrogant. Pretending to be better than all of us.” he hissed.

I looked around the entryway and motioned to the house. “I think I’ve been doing pretty well for myself.”

“You mother-” he tried to lunge at me.

Isabelle grabbed his shoulder, “Knock it off Jacob, we didn't come here for a fight.” Her voice intensified Atlas’s howling, the sweetness of it made me shiver.

“State the purpose of your visit.” Daunte demanded.

“My business isn’t with you.” Jacob glowered at me with the same hate he showed me at the rift. Daunte bared his fangs, our guards followed suit.

“I’d answer him quickly. Daunte doesn’t like being ignored.”

“We need your help. The pack has been plagued with spirits and they are abducting members.” Isabelle answered.

I kept my focus on Jacob, “And how is that any of my concern?”

Octavia

I frowned at the door, listening to the muffled yelling that was coming from downstairs. Gabriel was never allowed to greet our guests ever again. I slid out of bed and threw on the shirt Gabriel left behind and made my way to the door. I wanted to change first but the ruckus downstairs sounded like a fight was about to break loose.

Kain met me at the top of the stairs, equally concerned. He took the lead as we rushed down, taking the stairs two at a time. Goddess, I hope I can make it there before Gabriel throws a punch.

“All of this is your fault!” A man screamed.

“You got what you wanted, you're the Alpha now! You should handle your pack accordingly. It’s not my fault you’re a f*cking failure!” Gabriel screamed back. I heard shuffling and grunting, then Daunte started to yell. We jogged the rest of the way to the entry hall. Holy Hell! Gabriel was trying to get to a man I didn’t know, while Daunte and four others tried to keep them separated. A blonde woman stood to the side, staring at her nails with a bored expression.

The man backed up and put his hands in the air, letting out an eerie laugh. “I knew you’d do this. That's why I brought something for you.” He motioned to the woman, “Get It.” She rolled her eyes and walked outside.

“There’s nothing you can use to bargain with. You’re wasting my time.” Gabriel snarled.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” The man smirked as the woman came back into the house. Gabriel froze. I wanted to see what the woman had but my view was blocked. I tried to step past Kain but he stopped me. I glared at him, daring him to do it again. He sighed and moved out of my way. I took a step forward, not prepared for the shock that washed over me.

A little girl stood shivering, her honey brown eyes wide and alert. She trembled as we all stared at her. Goddess, she was extremely thin. Her clothes were dirty and torn. Her left eye was swollen shut and bruised and she had dried blood trails coming out of both ears. The same birthmark that seemed to curse this family was on her neck, exactly where it was supposed to be. She was Gabriel’s carbon copy but with blonde matted hair.

The male started to yell again, “Aren’t you thrilled to see the disgusting thing you left behind?! Look at It!”

“Girl, hey,” the woman snapped her fingers at the child trying to get her attention, “Hey!” The little girl stood there seeming not to hear either one of them. “Goddess, she's so stupid, you couldn’t even make a child properly.”

Was she hearing impaired? I raised my hands and signed to her, “Can you sign?” She gave the slightest nod. I looked at Gabriel who stared at his child, still not saying anything. “Kain, go get my golf iron, the new one.” I whispered softly. Kain gave me a confused look but quickly left when he saw that I was serious.

“Imagine the joy I felt when I thought I was having a pup, then this… this thing came out. The only reason why we didn’t kill It was because I figured It’d come in handy later.” I motioned for the girl to come to me. She took a small step then cowered in fear when he raised his hands to point at Gabriel. “You are coming back to Green Ridge and you are going to fix this.”

I brushed past Daunte, catching him by surprise. He did a double take when he saw my clothes. “Bring her a coat.” he murmured to his partner.

“Thank you Daunte, but that won't be necessary.”

“I've already given you my answer. I refuse to aid a treacherous lying bastard like you.” Gabriel declared, finally snapping out of it. His gaze was angry and cold when he saw me.

“Welcome, visitors to house Noctem. Excuse our poor hospitality, we don't normally speak to our guests like this. Of course, we will help you. Allow me to accept your request on behalf of the clan.” I announced. I had no idea what this man wanted, but I'd give him the moon and more if it meant the little girl stayed with us.

“Octavia-” Gabriel warned, reaching out to stop me. I slapped his hand away and got as close to the child as I could. “You can't-”

I gave him a scathing look, “Do not tell me what I can and cannot do. You have no right to speak to me right now.” I gently tugged on the child’s boney shoulder, placing her behind me.

“Who the hell are you?” the man huffed.

“I'm the lady of Clan Noctem, Gabriel's wife. And you are?”

“I'm Jacob Phillips, Alpha of the Green Ridge Pack and this is,” he grabbed the woman's neck, “Isabelle, my Luna, Gabriel's mate and mother to this monster.” He watched me, looking for a reaction while the woman smirked.

I simply nodded. “That means you grew up together. You must've known that a vampire child, even a hybrid, needs blood to survive, right?” I looked at Isabelle. Kain reappeared and handed over the club. I examined it, marveling at its complexity. It was made of stainless steel, tungsten and a little bit of magic. It could withstand a swing speed of 800 mph.

Isabell curled up her lip, “That's disgusting. I will never allow it in my pack.”

“Well, it's not as disgusting as a mother who allows their child to starve to death or let them be beaten by their father.” I glared at Jacob. “You just couldn't control yourself before barging in here, could you?” I pointed at his fist where his knuckles were scuffed and red.

“I won't be accused of something you can’t prove. You will help us and It will stay with us until you do.” He snarled, reaching for the girl.

I only did what was natural; I swung my club as hard as I could, connecting with the soft flesh above his thigh. The sound of his bones cracking was oh so satisfying. Jacob howled as he fell to the floor.

Isabelle ran at me, “You f*cking psycho!” I backhanded her, making her stumble back. She recovered quickly, trying to get a swing in. I slapped her harder, then I slapped her again, forcing her to the ground where her Alpha squealed like the pig he was.

Isabelle began to cry, “Gabriel, do something!” He took a step forward but Kain blocked his path. Jacob tried to stand up, hollering his death threats. I swung again, connecting with his leg. Daunte pushed him down and held him in place.

I tsked, pushing his head down to the floor with my foot. “Isabelle, I find it ridiculous that you would try to protect him, but couldn’t be bothered to protect your own child.” I placed the end of my club against Jacob's head, “Did you know that there's a place on every golf club that's called the ‘sweet spot’? I wonder what part of Mr. Piggy's head I need to strike in order to find his sweet spot.”

Jacob resisted the best he could under Dante's hold. I clucked my tongue, elated that he was on the other side of the beating. Isabelle looked over at Gabriel. “Gabriel, please.” She whined.

I snapped my fingers at her, “Hey, Isabelle,” I mimicked her exact motions, “Holy Hell, you're so stupid. Can't you pay attention when someone's talking to you?”

“You b*tch! Gabriel, make her stop!”

“Yeah, Gabriel, make me stop.” I dared him, making the vein in his jaw tick.

I snapped my fingers again. “Isabelle, he can't help you. Now, what was I saying? Ah yes. This pig's sweet spot.” I positioned myself, resting my club against Jacob's temple. “I'm still working on my stroke so I might need several attempts to locate it.”

I spread my legs and drew my arms back to swing, Isabelle wailed. I was about to let go when I heard the little girl’s soft crying. I let out a dismayed sigh, handing the club back to Kain and crossed my arms.

“Please forgive our rudeness, we weren't expecting company at this hour. However, since you suddenly seem to be in need of medical services, we'd be happy to accommodate you. Our hospital staff is excellent, so do not worry. As I mentioned, we will accept your request for help.

“However, the next time you visit, I expect you to have learned some manners. I’d hate for there to be a repeat of today.” I smiled sweetly, watching Isabelle cry angry tears. “Get them out of my house.”

Our men began to drag them through the door. I signed to the girl, telling her that she was safe now and that she didn’t need to be afraid of me. She stood there shivering from fear. “I promise, I will never, ever, hurt you. I will always protect you.” I signed. I opened my arms to her. She was hesitant but still let me pick her up. Relief and sadness washed over me, her frail body was literally nothing but bones. I ignored Gabriel as I took our daughter inside.