Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series (3 page)

Olivia would never forgive herself for what Kaden had turned into. She had hoped he would find some semblance of peace when he moved away from the family after his father’s death. After years of silence, she had believed her prayers were answered and that Kaden was changing for the better. Julian’s phone call was an unfortunate reminder that Kaden was a long way from being emotionally healed. She might be the only person who could help him before his actions led to his destruction.

“It doesn’t matter. I have to try to help him while there’s still a chance. I’ll do whatever it takes. I’m his mother.”

Throughout the six-hour flight, Olivia’s thoughts were on her sons and her failed relationship with them. Kaden was an emotional wreck because of her, and Julian resented her. She tried to be a good mother to both, but she could never give them what they needed. She was so dead inside that she could not be the mother they both deserved. Kaden especially needed more love than she could give, and her failure to love him enough left him cold and emotionless. Kaden reveled in his vampiric abilities and used them to control others. He was reckless with his feeding and violent with other immortals. Kaden had a reputation for danger, and trouble followed him. He gladly welcomed it as danger was a release of all this pent-up rage eating away at him. This rage prevented Kaden from connecting with her and his brother. He hurt deeply and wanted nothing but to hurt others. Her precious boy would turn into a monster unless she did something soon. Otherwise, he would be lost forever.

Julian was also haunted by an overwhelming sadness that left him lonely and detached. He enjoyed the peaceful remoteness of upstate New York where he could focus on his art and distance himself from anyone who would try to get to close to his heart. Although Julian was generally polite and cordial to Olivia, she could feel his disdain for her. She knew Julian blamed her for the misery that plagued their family. When he was a child, too smart for his young years, he yelled at her after witnessing an argument between her and Daughton. “Why can’t you be nicer to Daddy? Why you messin’ up our family? I hate you. I wish you’d go away.”

Those words haunted Olivia for many years. They still haunted her. Julian loved his father and never knew him for the true monster he was -- and Olivia would never tell him. Corinne begged her to tell Julian the truth, but Olivia refused. She did not want to hurt Julian by ruining his perfect image of his father, though she might have hurt him more by letting him believe a lie. Now, it was too late. Julian’s feelings for her were well cemented and nothing would change them. She hoped this trip would be a last chance for her to say goodbye to her son and maybe make peace with him. For he might never love her, but maybe he could not hate her.

III

“Thank God we’ve landed,” Corinne sighed. “That was the longest flight ever. We’re never flying this airline again.”

“What’s wrong with this airline?” Olivia asked.

“What’s right with it?” Corinne yelled, waving her hands in the air. “There were no movies. All we had was the news and the Discovery Channel. I don’t want to hear about politics, nor do I want to watch elephants mate. Do you know how pathetic it makes me feel that Dumbo is getting more action than me? What’s wrong with this picture?”

Olivia could not help but enjoy another one of Corinne’s rants. Corinne had a natural sense of humor that came from her innate wildness. She was so different from Olivia, but that did not stop them from becoming immediate friends. Even though Corinne was much older, that never affected her relationship with Olivia. They bonded immediately and had been the best of friends for over 170 years. In many ways, Olivia felt that their friendship had prevented Corinne from having the life she deserved. Olivia hoped that her death would also liberate Corinne to live her life without being Olivia’s protector.

“I wasn’t paying attention to the TV screen. I promise to make it up to you in New York. We’ll do something fun in the city so you can find a nice gentleman and cure that dry spell of yours.”

Corinne’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she stared at Olivia in disbelief. “Who are you, and where is Olivia? Never mind. I like you. Stay here. I’m so taking you up on your offer before you change your mind. I’ll find us a club we can go to.”

“That’s a date. I hope you can control yourself for now. You’re like a dog in heat, Cori.”

“I told you I liked those Lycans.” Corinne winked at Olivia, giving her that devilish look that always meant trouble.

“And demons, humans, and every other species that has men,” Olivia reminded Corinne.

“You can’t knock me for not discriminating. I’m a very open-minded girl. I appreciate beauty in all races and species.”

“I certainly can’t argue with that. Just remember that before the fun begins, I have to straighten things out with the boys and then we can go to your club. You can mingle with any species you like and I’ll not get in the way.”

“The boys? I thought this trip was about saving Kaden. You’re trying to fix things with Julian as well? What’s going on, Livy? Why are you suddenly trying to turn your family into the Beavers?”

“Who?” Olivia wondered.

“You know, the Beavers? Leave It to Beaver. Do you not watch TV Land or Nick at Nite?” Olivia clearly did not know what Corinne was talking about. “Forget it. The point is -- why are you all of a sudden trying to fix everything with your kids? Why now?”

“Why not? Stop worrying, Cori. I haven’t seen my sons in a long time and you know I don’t have the best relationship with either of them. I just want to make things right. Kaden is a mess and Julian hates me. It’s hard knowing my kids feel this way about me. I have been dealing with this for years and it’s too long to have this much tension with my children. Now that Daughton is gone, we have only each other, and we should be closer. Maybe now we can bridge some of this distance.”

“I can solve this for you. The problem with Kaden is that he loves you too much, if you ask me, and he knows far more than he should. That knowledge has caused some damage, but that couldn’t be avoided. The truth was bound to come out and he has to learn to deal even though it hurts like hell. Now, Julian is just jealous. It’s easier to hate you than feel bad about how much closer you are to Kaden. He just wants mommy’s love but doesn’t know how to ask for it. And unlike Kaden, he doesn’t know the whole story and so he assumes you love Kaden more than him and that you’re the bad one and his dad was the saint. The poor boy is so confused because he doesn’t know the truth.”

Although Olivia knew some of what Corinne said made sense, she would not give her the satisfaction of thinking she might be even partly right. “Did you get your degree in psychology recently? I’m sorry I missed your graduation.”

“Don’t be snarky. I know what I’m talking about. I watch Dr. Phil. Trust me on this.”

“Well, that’s fascinating, but Dr. Phil is not an authority on vampire family dynamics, nor is he really an expert on anything. I can’t believe you watch that stuff. You really watch too much television.”

“You’re wrong. First of all, Dr. Phil is a genius. You don’t need to be an expert on vampires to figure out this dysfunctional family. Vampire family issues are the same as humans’. The only difference is that because we’re immortals, our problems last longer. Secondly, TV is the best thing ever. I have learned so much. You need to watch more TV. Have you seen Judge Judy? That’s one bad ass chick. I would marry that woman if I liked women and humans.”

“We really should not be discussing this here. I appreciate your...insight. I’ll think about it. Now, let’s get out of here and go see my kids.”

Olivia knew that this was neither the time nor the place to get Corinne going on one of her rants. Corinne was a TV junkie and arguing with her about the merits of television would be a fruitless effort. Olivia also did not want to debate the merits of Corinne’s points about her sons. Despite Corinne’s unusual sources of advice, she made some valid points that Olivia could not -- or rather did not want to -- address. Fixing her fractured family would be the ultimate challenge. Could she heal their wounds and then say goodbye without damaging them forever? Was it too late to fix this? Would her death give her boys the peace they needed to connect with each other?

It was nearly midnight by the time they reached Julian’s home. His estate was located at the end of what seemed like a boundless rocky path. There were no other homes in sight, and no sign of life except for the sounds of the insects and night animals hiding in the wooded area surrounding Julian’s estate. The howling wind swirling the trees seemed to intensify as they approached the home, as if calling out in warning to Julian that he was not alone.

The house was a sizeable three-story building centered in the midst of this forested pit enclosed by a six-foot wrought-iron gate. Two gargoyles rested on each side of the house. It was as dark and unwelcoming as the old manors the European vampires regularly called home in the Middle Ages. Olivia was surprised that Julian would choose such a dark, isolated home -- a place that would deter any passerby to enter. Even Olivia felt the brief urge to avoid this gothic dungeon.

Despite its medieval style, the house included a modern camera and intercom that would alert Julian to any visitors. Olivia pressed the button and spoke into the intercom. “Hello, Julian. It’s Mom and Aunt Corinne.” Olivia cursed herself for sounding so nervous, but her anxiety was uncontrollable. The thought of seeing her children, especially Julian, after so many years terrified her. Would he welcome her, or shun her?

She anxiously awaited Julian’s response. She knew he was home. She could feel him the moment she began walking up the path. His presence grew stronger as she approached the gate. A mother’s bond with her children never severed regardless of time or distance. After several seconds, the gate finally opened.

“Ok, Livy. I have been quiet long enough, but I can’t keep silent. This house is frickin’ creepy as hell. I don’t get freaked out much, but this house is SCARY. I mean Amityville Horror scary. If this house tells me to get out, I will dematerialize back to California before you blink.”

Although Olivia shared Corinne’s concerns, she knew she had to go inside. She was on a mission. It would be easier to do this with her best friend by her side, but she would have to do this with or without Corinne.

“Are you really afraid of a little ghost?” Olivia teased.

“You know I don’t like ghosts. They are downright creepy,” Corinne shivered. “People think vamps are cold, but ghosts are Antarctica cold and they’re so translucent. That’s just not right. Either come back to life or stay dead. There should be no in between.”

“Cori, I’m sure there are no ghosts in the house. Julian would not live with a ghost. He would have had it exorcised. Try to relax. The house isn’t that bad. It probably looks better in the daylight. It just needs sun to brighten it up.”

“It needs a bulldozer,” Corinne replied.

Olivia ignored Corinne’s remark. “You know, Julian loves to be dramatic. What could be better than a creepy house in the middle of the woods? I’m sure the inside is much more welcoming.”

“I’m glad you’re so sure. This is the type of house that axe murderers live in. We came here to help Kaden, but I’m beginning to think that Julian is the whacked one. Who would live in place that looks like the home of the angel of death? He can’t possibly bring girls back to this place. Forget humans, but immortal women wouldn’t be caught dead in this haunted house.”

“Aunt Cori, I’m insulted that you do not like my home.” Corinne screamed as Julian suddenly appeared in front of her. After composing herself, she slapped Julian on the chest, but her anger was quickly replaced with the joy of seeing him. It had been nearly five years since the last time she saw him. Although modern technology made it easier for them to stay in touch, e-mailing was not the same as seeing the boy she helped raise, standing before her.

“You nearly scared the crap out of me, you brat. I can’t believe you live in this freakish house of horrors. You would have to be severely depressed, insane, or a Dexter-like serial killer to live in this hell hole.”

“Maybe I have a little bit of all three in me. That would explain a lot.” Despite the lightness of this tone, the sadness in his eyes revealed that Julian might be struggling more than they realized to battle his inner demons.

“People have said the same about me. Crazy isn’t so bad. Now, give me a hug, you freak.” Julian paused for a moment and gave Corinne a welcoming hug.

Olivia stood to the side silently as she watched her best friend and son interact with an ease she envied. She could not help but wonder why her son could be so comfortable with his ex-nanny, but so wary of the woman who gave him life.

She would not let jealousy interfere with her visit. The point of this trip was to fix things with Julian. Overreacting to his relationship with Corinne would thicken the wall between them.

As she waited for them to remember she was standing there. She stared at her handsome boy, admiring how much he had matured. Granted, he was 164 years old, but he became a vampire at the unusually young age of nineteen. No matter how many years passed, his face would always have that boyish innocence -- yet his body had grown muscular and strong when he transformed. Although he might appear young, he had the strength and skill of any other vampire his age. Anyone who underestimated him would soon realize that mistake. Hopefully for them, it would not be a fatal one.

After hugging Corinne, Julian looked at his mother. No human would believe that this woman standing in front of him could be his mother. She looked only a few years older than he, but there was no doubt that they were related. The resemblance was astounding.

She was as lovely as ever, standing there in her elegantly tailored navy blue wrap dress, her long black hair blowing wildly in the wind. Those lavender eyes were watching him with what looked like love, but he knew better than to fall for that trap. Olivia was not capable of love, at least not for him or his father. The only love she could muster was for Kaden, the bad boy son she always indulged while leaving Julian with whatever scraps of affection she had left in her cold heart. That sobering reminder of his mother’s true colors hardened any softness he began to feel for her. She was not here for him. She was here for the son that mattered.