The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 13~Nothing~

Octavia

These past few months have been exhausting. Gabriel and I made a silent pact to avoid each other. We reluctantly exchanged numbers and solely spoke to each other about Raven. It still makes me a little uneasy with how quickly they became attached. I don’t want Raven to depend on or care for someone who just sees us as temporary. I would’ve preferred them not met at all but both Raven and Abel were very persistent.

I’d be lying if I said Gabriel was a bad father. Every morning Raven eats breakfast with me then Gabriel will drop him off at school. He picks him up and helps with his studies. He stays with him for dinner, then I put Raven to bed. Occasionally, Gabriel will make an appearance to read a bedtime story. It was annoying, but I definitely appreciated having him here.

I’ve been busy keeping my promise to myself. I needed a way to be self-sufficient. I had racked my mind to create some type of business venture that had longevity and would generate wealth while bringing happiness.

The idea came to me while I was watching Kain and Raven playing. They were kicking around a ball but had to replace it multiple times because the ball would pop. Supernaturals don’t have options when it comes to recreational sports.

The current equipment was meant for humans, not us. The balls were too fragile, the bats not sturdy enough. There were also limited areas for us to do activities. The fields needed to be secluded and bigger to accommodate our speed. We didn’t have professional leagues for anything. But what if we did? After a few weeks of researching and making a business proposition, I presented my idea to Abel.

He thought I had a good chance of this taking off and he even offered to invest. I spent a majority of my time meeting investors, realtors and possible athletes who’d participate. Kain had been modest when he said he had little experience in business. He gave me connections to future clients, helped with my business planning and marketing. I honestly think a majority of my success was due to him.

We’ve found a way of using stronger metal embedded with magic to make stronger equipment. Soon I was collaborating with Hell’s Shield and their connections to create and distribute my goods. With the money I borrowed from my dowry, I was able to purchase some plots of land and put up a few recreational centers in the surrounding states. Nalina’s cousin, Estella, helped advertise and was the first to launch my sports arena in the Hell’s Shield’s plaza. We weren’t expecting it to be so successful.

Now I have over a hundred centers around the nation and the demand for equipment has us back ordered for months. I’ve been able to network for myself now and made new connections that have brought me to overseas opportunities. The income that has come in is triple the cost of setting up. I’m no longer worried about Raven’s future.

My allies have doubled. Everything was falling into place. I’m no longer working for survival. It was hard and it was definitely humbling. The thought of a supernatural family hitting up the batting cages I created keeps me going. I’m proud that I was able to give someone a little bit of happiness.

“O, we had better get going. Raven will be down at the pool soon.” Kain advised.

I stood up and stretched. The pool has been the Raven’s favorite place, second only to the library. With the weather warming up he’s been going down almost everyday. I left my office and quickly got dressed to go swimming.

Kain was right, Raven was already jumping in the pool by the time we made it down. “Mama, look!” he yelled before cannonballing in.

I chuckled and joined him in the water. We played for an hour or two, having to pull out a reluctant Raven. He moped as we walked back to the house. “Don’t be sad, my love. I heard the chef was making caramel cheesecake for dessert tonight. We don’t wanna make him wait, right?” I tried to coax him . Raven’s face instantly lit up.

“Let’s hurry and change!” he giggled as he ran. I tried to catch up with him.

“Raven, don't run! You’ll slip-” I was suddenly on my back and staring up at the sky.

Kain was instantly at my side, helping me sit up. “Are you ok?”

A deep laugh rumbled in my chest, making Kain laugh too. I looked over my leg, “I’m alright. I just banged my knee a little bit.”

“Come here.” Kain said, lifting me into his arms.

“Kain stop! I don’t need to be carried!” I tried to push myself off his chest.

“No can do. I’d lose my job if Gabriel found out you fell twice.” I snorted, as if he cared.

“Mama, are you ok now? I wanna be carried too.” Raven complained. Kain chuckled and carried me back into my office. I rolled my eyes as he fussed over me.

“What are you doing?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m looking for injuries.” he grunted. He touched my knee, “Does this hurt?” I gasped, feigning pain. Kain's face turned serious as he continued to prod. I smiled at Raven who covered his mouth to hide his giggles. I moaned and groaned, increasing Kain’s concern. The door burst open, startling everyone.

Garibel’s chest was heaving, the door handle crushed within his grip. The door was splintered and partially hanging off the frame. He looked completely unhinged. “Gabriel, what the hell?” I hissed.

He clenched his jaw, his dark curls falling over his eyes. “I.” he started to say.

“Papa, are you mad?” Raven asked, his frightened eyes looked around as he covered his ears.

“No, I… I thought I heard something. I’m, I’m not mad. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Gabriel gruffly answered. He stared at me with an intensity that made me shiver. “I just need to talk to your mom,” he continued.

Kain was in a protective stance in front of us, looking at me for direction. “Kain, go ahead and take Raven down to the dining hall. Someone’s gotta eat that cake.” I said with a forced smile. Kain took a reluctant step and lifted up Raven. “I’ll be right there.” I reassured them. The room was silent after they left. Gabriel was still holding onto the door. The air was charged with tension. I gave him a perplexed look as I stood up.

“So, what was so important for you to tell me that you had to break the damn door down?”

Gabriel let out a ragged breath, “I heard his voice.” He dropped the mangled door and stared at me with a dark intent.

I frowned, “So?” Gabriel slowly stalked towards me. He was making me nervous.

“And then I heard you.”

I took a step back, “Ok?”

Gabriel followed me, stopping when my back was against the wall. He slowly shook his head, his face hovering over mine. His voice was gravelly, “You don’t understand.” I closed my eyes, enjoying the cool touch of his fingers caressing my chin. “I was seconds away from releasing years of pent up resentment. The thought of you allowing someone else to touch the skin that rightfully belongs to me.

“Your soft moans were meant to be heard by my ears alone. You are mine. Hearing you make those kinds of sounds for another man made me realize something.”

“What?” I whispered.

Gabriel pushed himself against me, securing me between his body and the wall. His lips hovered over mine, “I’d rather watch you be dragged down to the lowest depths of hell than to let another possess what is rightfully mine.”

Gabriel quickly claimed my lips, pulling me into his tight embrace. His cool hands turned hot as they explored my exposed body. I needed him to finish what we started last time. Wait, I…didn’t want this if he was going to treat me like that again. My cloudy mind cleared. I bit down hard on his lip, pushing him away.

The sudden explosion of sweetness took over my tastebuds. Gabriel ran his thumb across his lip, wiping away his blood. My body trembled with pleasure as the taste of him filled me. I licked my lips, desperate for another. Gabriel smirked and closed the distance between us again. His hand was firm as he brought my head closer. My body responded on its own, reclaiming his lips.

Words can’t describe how delicious he tasted. He clamped down on my bottom lip, making sure to draw blood. His kisses and touches grew fierce as he lifted me up and wrapped my legs around his waist. The combination of our blood intensified my senses. I needed him to touch me everywhere. My fangs grew, I had to have more. I dipped my head to get a better bite.

A savage snarl emanated from Gabriel’s chest. Jumping out of his embrace, I let out a startled yelp. He took a step back, his breath sharp. We stared at each other while trying to catch our breath.

His voice was gravelly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I’m not scared.” I sighed. “Just surprised.”

Gabriel’s eyes were cold, “That I’m a hybrid?”

“No, that you despise my touch so much that you’d snarl at me.” I could care less about him being part wolf.

Gabriel’s eyes softened, his long lashes fluttering. “I don’t despise you.”

“Then why can’t I bite you?” I asked quietly.

“It's… It’s my wolf. He doesn’t want us to bite each other.” Gabriel poorly explained.

“Why?”

He ran his hand through his hair, his face haggard. “He doesn’t want me to mark you.”

My face crumbled in defeat. “What have I done to deserve your harshness?”

“Nothing,” he said icily.

I made my way to the exit, “Then you shall receive nothing in return.”