The Traitor and her Hybrid Husband

Chapter 11~Huh~

Octavia

I stared out at the lush greenery of the garden from my seat on the balcony of the second dining room. I took an absent minded sip of my coffee, still struggling to understand what had happened last night. After Gabriel had left, I wandered around feeling numb.

A maid had found me then led me to Raven’s room where he was already fast asleep. I tried to climb in the bed with him with my dress still on, much to the maid’s dismay. She tugged me out of the room and tried to lead me to a different one that was down the hall.

I could smell Gabriel’s heavy scent in the walkway and burst into tears. Of course, she would take me to his room. We were married after all. I stubbornly insisted I’d be brought to a different one. After a few minutes of a heated back and forth, Caleb appeared and relieved the perplexed maid. Down the hall he showed me a bedroom that was close to Raven’s and left me alone. I had tossed and turned all night, Gabriel’s words on constant repeat.

I was still awake when Nalina came to say goodbye. She was adamant that something was wrong and wanted to prolong her stay but I had somehow convinced her that I would be ok. I sighed heavily. Why did Gabriel hate me so much? I was petrified when he said he’d annul our marriage. I don’t want to be with him but I needed his protection. If he really followed through with his vow then there would be nothing for Raven and I.

I groaned, thinking about my threats to Melissa and Steven. After all the sh*t I talked, I wouldn't be able to back it up. We’d be on the run again, we’d live in fear again. Ugh, the more I thought about it, the more my hurt and confusion turned into anger.

My whole life I lived repenting for my clan’s treachery but I was a good person. I wasn't perfect, but I’ve never done anything to deserve the way I’ve been treated. How could he outright reject me? He doesn’t even know me! I’m so sick and tired of my life not being in my hands. I needed to change.

I caught Gabriel’s lean figure marching across the courtyard, his focus on the person he was with. Daunte, if I remember correctly. They had serious faces, their strides long. I glared at him. Seeing his face irritated me beyond belief, his threats haunting me. I chugged the rest of my coffee and stood up. I refused to be scared of him. I’m not gonna sit back and let others control me or threaten me.

In this world you need strength to thrive. I needed to create my own empire where Raven and I could be safe, happy, successful and most importantly, powerful. My mind was made up, I’d start by making sure I had somewhere to go if Gabriel tried to break the marriage up. I don’t need a husband to protect me. I don’t need Gabriel. I’ll make sure I never will. If he was going to make my life a living hell, I’d enthusiastically return the favor.

I stomped into my bedroom and looked for my belongings. Where was my stuff?! With a frustrated growl I stomped back out and looked for help. The same maid from last night passed by as I called out to her. “Hello, um I,” I cleared my throat, “I'm sorry for my behavior last night.” My face was hot as I mumbled my apology.

“It's alright señora. I assumed you were overwhelmed with everything happening so quickly.” She chuckled.

My eyes began to water, overwhelmed was such a polite way to put it. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“It’s Laria.” she said with a bright smile.

“Laria, can you help me? I can't seem to find my clothing.” I said sheepishly.

“Oh of course! This way.” Laria said, leading the way back into my room. “The closet is just over here.” She opened a door at the end of the bedroom and walked inside. I frowned as I followed her in, tripping over my feet as I took in the massive room.

The closet had to be bigger than my actual bedroom! Clothes were lined from wall to wall along with matching shoes and accessories. Gems glitter under the lights, making the room look more extravagant. “What’s all this?” I asked.

“Your husband selected almost everything in here. You have everything a lady of the house should need. There are more in the main closet of the master bedroom.” Laria explained.

I walked to the hanging dress and raised an eyebrow. “Does he expect me to wear all of this?” I pulled out a dress that was a beautiful burgundy color, the form tight fitting and low cut.

Laria chuckled, “I believe so, Mrs. Noctem. Señor Gabriel has a sharp taste.” I grunted and put the dress back. It was definitely classy. Mary showed me the room then left me to get ready.

Abel had come by earlier to collect Raven for a morning walk, so I had some time to get dressed and come up with a plan. I looked through the clothes and selected a wonderful dress. Although it was loose fitting, it hugged my curves in all the right places and made me feel regal. I snorted, at least he picked items that were tactful.

Feeling confident in my clothes, I walked towards the study, a place Caleb had mentioned that had books about business. “Señora.” someone called out. I turned around to see a smiling Daunte.

“Yes?” I answered haughty. I wasn’t in the mood to speak to Gabriel’s underling.

Daunte frowned at my curt greeting, “Gabriel set up a meeting for you.”

My frown matched his, “For what?”

“He has some business to attend to, so he wants you to select your bodyguard before he leaves.” he answered.

My frown deepened, “Bodyguard? Why do I need one of those?”

Daunte chuckled, “Because you’re someone who is very very important to us and your safety is a priority.”

My stiff shoulders loosened. I’ve never been important to anyone before. I studied Daunte with an unbiased gaze. He was as tall as Gabriel with a clean shaven head and alert light green eyes. Honestly, he was perfect, from his deep coco skin to his well trimmed beard. His presence emanated like he was a caged animal who was one second away from breaking free. Yet, I felt completely at ease with him.

“Alright, I'll pick you.” I blurted out.

Daunte gave me a confused look, “What?”

I nodded my head, making up my mind. “I want you to be my bodyguard.”

Daunte laughed, making my tension disappear. “I’m sorry señora, but I already have the position of bodyguard for Gabriel,” he replied.

I curled up my lip in disappointment, earning another laugh. “Lead the way I guess,” I rolled my eyes. Daute continued to laugh as we made our way through the house. “So Daunte, why does Gabriel hate me so much?” I asked nonchalantly.

Daunte’s laughter turned into coughing. I smiled sweetly at him, waiting for him to answer. He cleared his throat, “Um, it’s not you per say. It’s more towards marriage in general.”

“What the hell does that mean?” I huffed.

Daunte laughed, “Give him some time. I have a feeling that once he warms up to you, you’ll both be happy.”

I snorted at his attempt to change the subject. “Well, he hasn’t made me happy at all. If anything, he’s only managed to piss me off.” I grumbled.

Daunte chuckled again, “Then piss him off.”

I was taken aback, “Aren’t you supposed to be on his side?”

Daunte shrugged, “Yeah but I think you’re cool too.”

Huh. “Do you have any tips to aid me in this petty war?” I wondered.

Daunte pursed his lips as he thought. “It's not really a tip. Just facts on the type of person he is.” I nudged his side, wanting him to continue. “He is competitive and smart. If you take one step, he’s already calculated the next three. He becomes perplexed when things don’t go the way he expected. And that rarely happens.”

I tsked, “So he’s going to be hard to defeat.”

Daunte let out another loud laugh, “I think you’ll be a worthy opponent. After all, you have the courage to stand up to him.” Huh.

We walked down stairs where I could see five men waiting in a row. I stood by Daunte as he greeted them. Holy Hell, there really was an abundance of attractive men here.

“Warriors of Noctem, you have received the highest honor of being selected to protect Señora Octavia. If you are chosen, your job will be the most important position of the clan.” Daunte announced. I looked up at him in surprise; I didn’t think my role was so serious. “Step forward and introduce yourselves.”

The first man stepped forward and stated his name and his current position within the clan. I guess it doesn’t really matter who I chose. I tuned out the introductions of the next two potential guards. Daunte cleared his throat and gave me a look. I rolled my eyes and paid attention.

“My name is Eric and it would be an honor to serve you. My position within the clan is warrior, first rank. You can do as you please with me.” he stated. Eric was the classic definition of a pretty boy. He even flipped his hair through his speech and I’m positive I saw him wink. I struggled to keep myself from grimacing.

The last man stepped forward and introduced himself. “My name is Kain. My position is warrior S-rank. I can not offer you pretty words, but I will serve until my last breath and become your ally. My life is for you to do as you please.” he recited. Holy Hell. It might not be serious for me, but to these men, this position was their life. I took a breath and tried to focus.

If I had to have someone by my side, I would want them to be useful. They needed to be resourceful and able to assist me in the future. Someone who could be trusted to stay with me no matter what happened. I walked around the candidates, recalling their introductions.

“Daunte, who was in charge of selecting the final five?” I asked, my focus on the men.

“I assisted but, Señor Gabriel gave the final approval.

I nodded my head. “I wonder which one was his top pick.” I quietly thought out loud. I walked behind the candidates. When I was close to Eric, Daunte cleared his throat. Ohh, so he must be Gabriel’s choice.

“All of you have a good background and high ranking. According to my husband, you are more than qualified. I’m sure he was meticulous with his selection and I thank him for doing the basics. But I want to select a man who meets my requirements.” I stated.

I stood in front of Eric, “How many languages do you speak?”

“Two señora. English and Spanish.” he replied.

I grunted and asked the first two. “Same as Eric.” they replied.

I was a little disappointed. Since Spanish seemed to be most common I asked Kain, “¿Y tú?” Kain remained silent. I gave a disappointed sigh and turned to walk away.

“Sí, Señora.” Kain said.

I turned and looked at him, “Do you speak any other languages?”

Kain recited his introduction in Spanish and German. Kain had a dark and mysterious air about him. Handsome, of course, with his black dreads neatly pulled back. His eyes were dark but held warmth in them.

“Will you really be my ally, like you stated?” I asked him Russian.

“When others run, I will be by your side,” he replied.

“Do you have experience in business and marketing?”

“Not a lot but I am a fast learner.”

I switched back to English, “I have high expectations, will you be able to keep up?”

“I will achieve everything expected of me since I am the one you seek.”

I turned away and walked towards the door. “Daunte, I choose Kain. We will be on our way. Kain, do you have any objections?” I asked, his footsteps already following behind me.

“Como deseéis, mi señora.” was his reply. I smirked as I wished, huh? I think I’ve gained a worthy ally.