The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 12~Papa~

Gabe

“SHE CHOSE WHO?!” I yelled.

Daunte gave me a tired look and repeated, “She chose Kain.”

Fuck! How could this happen?! I took a calming breath. “He was your recommendation, right?” I asked.

Daunte nodded, “Correct.”

I scoffed, “Were my candidates not good enough for her?”

Daunte laughed, “Apparently not. But she did want to thank you for doing the basics for her.”

I growled in annoyance. With angry fingers I looked through Kain’s folder. I didn't know him personally as he just joined the family a few months back. I flipped through the file, “What do you know about him?”

“He’s been with us for the past six months. No family or background. He quickly rose up in the ranks of warriors and handled some of our business with trading.” Daunte explained.

“He’s already an S-Rank warrior?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yeah. He secured his position in the top tier just last month.”

I slowed down to fully read his portfolio. “What kind of a person is he?” I wondered.

Daunte shrugged, “He’s loyal, smart, the silent type, but is really resourceful.”

My reading came to a stop, making me frown, “He’s a wolf?” Daunte nodded. Of course he was a damned wolf. We were a vampire clan but we didn't shun away other supernaturals. We had an underground business to run after all. But why did it have to be the damned wolf? I hated this even more.

I sighed, “So, these unimpressive qualities made him stand above the others?”

“I think he’s a perfect fit. Octavia thinks so too.”

My anger suddenly spiked. “Octavia? I’m sure you mean Señora or Mrs. Noctem.” I glared at Daunte.

“No. I mean Octavia. At the end of the selection she ordered me to use her first name. And who am I to deny the lady of the clan?” Daunte smirked. I clenched my teeth. Why did them being on a first name basis make me want to punch a wall?

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. How did things turn out like this? The bodyguard position was a pertinent part in my plan.

I needed him to seduce Octavia and ensure that the contract was broken with their infidelity. I went through an intensive selection process and chose four men who could handle the role but also had reputations of womanizing. Men I knew who couldn’t resist an opportunity to be with her. But the wildcard was chosen!

Nothing was going as planned ever since she showed up. I could feel a headache coming on, my teeth clenched tightly in thought. It’s fine. I don’t really have time to fix this right now, I was already running late for my meeting. “See to it that Kain has everything that he needs. I’ll follow up with him later.” I stood up and put on my jacket. Daunte nodded as he followed me out of my office.

“Gabriel!” I turned to Abel, who was excitedly waving from down the hall.

“Abuelo.” I greeted him.

“What perfect timing, mijo. I was just on my way out and I need you to take over for me.” he grinned as he stepped to the side, revealing the same small child I saw at the wedding. He held onto Abel’s shirt, his eyes curious.

“Who is this?” I asked.

“Your son!”

“M-my son?!” I sputtered.

“Yes, your son.” Daunte smirked.

“Me?!”

“Yes, you.” Abel confirmed while the child nodded his head in agreement.

I shook my head, “No no no .”

“Yes yes yes.” Abel grabbed the boy's hand and pushed him in front of me. “My heart is so full. I’m so happy that I not only gained a granddaughter, but a great grandson as well.” Abel beamed. I continued to shake my head, not comprehending what was happening. Abel bent down and gave the boy a hug, “Ok, Raven. Be good for your papa, ok?” the boy nodded his head. “Well, I’m off.” Abel grinned as he passed me.

“Abuelo, I-”

“You better look after him and not pawn him off. I’ll disown you and kick you out.” Abel threatened with a cold smile.

I let out an exasperated scoff, watching him retreat. “Daunte-”

“I better go check on the Mrs.” Daunte yelled, taking off.

I was left alone with the child who was staring up at me. He looked over me with a careful eye as if he was accessing me. I crossed my arms and returned the look. He had to be four or five years old. His clothes were neat and his calm composure was impressive. His eyes were rebellious; he was the miniature version of his mother. “Gabriel.” I grunted.

“Raven.” he grunted back.

A smile tugged at my lips. I cleared my throat, “I regret to inform you, Mr. Raven, but I do not have time to take care of you right now. Please find your mother.” I stepped past him, not wanting to prolong my absence from the meeting. I could hear his little feet following after me. Hell, how did this happen? Everything has been a big f*cking mess. I pivoted around, “Raven, did you hear what I said?” He bumped into me with a soft oof.

A group of men walked out of the conference room. “Mr. Noctem, I was beginning to think you rescheduled our appointment without telling me.” the leader, Fernando said in Italian. He was clearly annoyed.

“Please excuse my tardiness. I’ve been dealing with some personal matters.” I told him in English. Fernando tilted his head, noticing Raven. Damn.

“And who is your little companion?” he continued in Italian. My brain couldn’t muster up a suitable answer, leaving me fumbling for words.

“Suo figlio.” Raven’s small voice spoke. Both Fernando and I stared at him with shocked faces.

“He’s your son?” Fernando sounded as dazed as I felt. Raven nodded.

I bent down to look Raven in the eyes, “You speak Italian?” He gave a sheepish shrug as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“I’m impressed, Gabriel. Who knew you were hiding such an intelligent child! I assume he will be joining us for the meeting?” Fernando grinned.

I stood up, not sure how to respond. Raven grabbed my hand, his pleading eyes peering into me. I cleared my throat, “If you don’t mind.”

“Of course not! Let us do some business. Your son has to learn it sooner or later!” Fernando clapped me on the back, leading us into the conference room.

The men sat around the long table while Raven sat next to me. I handed him a few blank papers and a few of my pens. He happily accepted them, quickly going to work on his drawing.

We jumped into the meeting, discussing our next business investment for the next hour. I occasionally glanced over to make sure Raven was ok. He was quiet and refined, his attention on his drawings. I stood up at Fernando’s conclusion. I shook everyone’s hands and thanked them for coming while they exited.

Fernando stopped in the doorway and leaned over. “There’s talk of a new drug that's been making the rounds. RedRush. I heard it's some pretty bad sh*t that’s driving the users mad and killing people.” He whispered.

I leaned in closer, “I’ve heard the same.”

“Rumor has it that Noctem is behind it.” I pulled away, my shoulders stiff. “Things like this, are never good. Some clans might see this super drug as a threat. If I were you, I’d get things cleaned up soon or you’ll have a gang war on your hands.” Fernando advised, clapping me on the back before leaving.

Damn. I’d forgotten about the drug. With everything that’s been going on lately it's been hard to focus. I felt a tug on my clothes. I looked down at Raven wondering why I didn’t hear his footsteps.

“Papa, I’m hungry.” He pouted.

Papa? I opened my mouth to tell him not to call me that when my stomach loudly rumbled. “Let’s go get some lunch.” I offered my hand to him then tugged him along to the main dining room.

Raven bounced up and down as his food was being placed. He grinned when his blood was poured into his small cup. It was strange watching him drink it so happily. When I was younger I always drank my blood in private, as if my vampire side was a part of me that was shameful. Raven continued to do a little happy dance as he ate his food.“Is it that good?” I chuckled. He vigorously nodded his head.

“My handsome baby!” his mother squealed from the doorway. Raven jumped up and rushed over to her. Octavia opened her arms, enveloping him into a big hug. “How are you doing sweetheart?” she asked him with a blinding smile. Raven started to do his little dance again.

“Grandpa took me out on a walk and showed me the pool. It’s huge! He said we can go swimming later!” he exclaimed.

Octavia cupped his face, “That’s awesome, love.”

“And then, Papa let me be a part of his meeting. I drew pictures! Do you wanna see?” Raven giggled.

Ocatvia’s smile faltered for a second. “You can show me your drawings after lunch, ok?” she smoothed his hair back then finally acknowledged my presence. She curled her lip up with disgust, as if I was the nastiest scum on the earth. Not a single word was said but she had managed to completely infuriate me. I know I was harsh last night but she was just being childish. I clenched my fork, not that I cared about her opinion of me.

“Oh, Raven. I want you to meet someone.” her smile returned.

An intimidating man entered the room. We made eye contact as he addressed me. “Mr. Noctem.” I nodded. I immediately hated him. He was unnecessarily handsome and his imposing bearing definitely made him stick out from the other candidates. The thought of him being close to Octavia made me tremble with a silent fury.

“Raven, this is Kain. From now on, he will be protecting us.” Octavia explained.

Raven looked up at the man, his eyebrows furrowed. “He can play with me too, right?” his tone, serious.

Octavia let out a surprised sigh.

“If that’s what you’d like.” Kain agreed in a deep voice. Raven began to hop up and down again.

“Will you go swimming with us?” he squealed. Kain gave him an awkward nod.

Raven ran back to me, his face close to mine. “Papa, you’re gonna come too right?!” I looked at Octavia who turned her head away from me.

“I have some things to take care of…” my voice trailed off as sadness crept into Raven’s eyes.“But, I’ll try to stop by when I’m done. Ok?”

Raven jumped into my arms and hugged me tightly, “Ok!” He went to his plate, stuffed the rest of his food in his mouth, chugged his blood then ran off with his mother. I was left at the table feeling like I was duped.