Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series

by Hopkins, J. E.

  Olivia called the club, requesting to speak to Yasmine. There was a long pause as she was put on hold. Another woman picked up. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes. My name is Olivia. I am looking for a young woman who I was told works in your club. Her name is Yasmine. I really need to speak to her.”

  “How do you know Yasmine?”

  “I don’t know her exactly. My son was friends with her sister Madeira. I’m trying to get more information about Madeira.”

  There was another long pause. Suddenly, a gust of air knocked Olivia and Lucian back a few steps. They stood there watching this swirl of wind that slowly revealed an incredibly gorgeous, tall, dark-haired goddess. Her wavy hair reached her hips and her large eyes were a stunning shade of emerald that was amplified by her flawless caramel-colored skin. She was dressed in a short leather skirt and a matching black tight leather shirt. Her black jacket was longer than her skirt, and reached the top of her boots just beyond her knees.

  Olivia was puzzled by this remarkable beauty standing confidently in front of them. She may have looked like a supermodel, but this woman was all Amazon warrior, as evidenced by the sharp swords she held in each hand.

  Lucian stood in front of Olivia as if to protect her, but despite this woman’s kick ass appearance, Olivia did not feel threatened. She was also not stupid and was not going to approach this woman while she stood there with those blades ready to strike.

  After several awkward moments, the woman smiled and her blades disappeared in the sleeves of her coat. “I’m Reysa. I’m the woman you were talking to on the phone. I thought it would be better to discuss Yasmine in person, so here I am. Sorry to pop in like that and freak you out. I don’t mean you any harm unless you have harmed my friends, and then I will have to cut you into little bitty pieces.” Reysa smiled, revealing her fangs.

  She said the words in such a charming adorable way that if you did not pay close attention, you might not realize she had just threatened to kill you. This woman was dangerous, Olivia thought. She might look like an angel, but there was no doubt those blades were not for show. She knew how to use them and wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate any threat.

  This woman’s sudden appearance was startling to say the least. Olivia knew that Corinne was not the only creature who could dematerialize, but Corinne’s ability worked only with places she had already visited. This woman was able to track them to a foreign place with speed and accuracy.

  “How did you dematerialize here? Have you traveled here before?”

  “No. I just followed your voice.”

  “How’s that possible? I’ve never known another vampire who could do that.”

  “Well, I’m a mutt. Half and multi-breeds are usually more powerful. We get the best of all our genetics, but we also get all the weaknesses.”

  Olivia watched Reysa closely, but there were no obvious signs to determine her species. “What are you?”

  “I don’t know you well enough to tell you that. Just know that this dematerializing thing is nothing. I can and will do more to protect my own.”

  Lucian’s arm tightened around Olivia as if sensing a threat against which Olivia needed his protection. Olivia squeezed his arm lightly, urging him to stand down and let her handle this woman. Although Reysa’s expression and tone were forceful, Olivia felt no fear. There was something about this woman that Olivia could not help but admire. She possessed a strength and confidence that Olivia wished she had.

  “Understood. It’s none of my business, and I apologize for asking.”

  Instantly, the tension was gone and Reysa smiled brightly, displaying a childlike innocence. “No apology necessary. I just have to be careful until I know who I’m dealing with and right now, you’re still a stranger. As I’ve always been warned, we have to be extra careful with strangers.”

  Olivia caught that brief moment of sadness that Reysa swiftly dismissed. Part of her wanted to reach out and say something to this stranger to ease that pain, Olivia thought that this strong warrior woman in front of her would prefer not to address that flash of fragility. “We appreciate you talking to us. We need your help. We’re just trying to find out who killed Madeira. She was one of seven women who have been slaughtered recently. My son Kaden is being accused of the crime. He was friends with Madeira and I know he would not have killed her or any of these other women. I’m trying to prove his innocence and find the real killer.”

  “Is this your bodyguard?” She motioned to Lucian, who still looked like he was ready to strike at any moment.

  Olivia laughed. “No. This is Lucian Santoro. He heads the Council and is investigating these murders.”

  “What Council?” Reysa asked.

  Surprised by her question, Lucian finally spoke. “The Council in charge of all immortals, of course. We reside in Sorrento. There are ten of us on the Council. We pass the laws all immortals must follow, and enforce those rules. We’re the enforcers of all creatures of the night.”

  Reysa looked at him dubiously. “Sure you are.” Olivia tried to stifle her laugh as Reysa placated Lucian. Olivia was definitely a fan of this woman.

  “How can you not know about us? We are the authority.”

  “Not over me and my people. I never heard of you and frankly, I have no interest in your authority although I do find you quite amusing. Are you so arrogant as to believe that you and your team of ten sitting in Sorrento have authority over every immortal in the entire world? Seriously dude, you need a reality check. This is 2010. The Roman Empire was impressive during its glory days, but it’s dead and buried. Italy is just a pretty country where one can get good wine, pasta, and gelato. Good men as well, but that’s not really relevant. It’s certainly not the centerpiece for all immortals, and if the immortals I knew even thought you were trying to rule them, you and your band of delusionals would have been assassinated by now.”

  “How dare you speak to me in this manner?”

  Reysa bowed. “My sincere and humble apologies, oh great king of the immortals.”

  Olivia could no longer refrain from laughing. She could see the veins popping out of Lucian’s forehead -- a sure sign that he was about to blow. Reysa could not care less as she stood there with that taunting grin on her face. Olivia needed to neutralize this situation, although she admittedly was enjoying every moment of it. “Reysa, can you help us find Yasmine?”

  Reysa’s smile turned somber. “I wish I could. Yasmine is missing. She has been for weeks. That’s why I came here. I was hoping you knew something that could help me find her.”

  “Maybe we can help each other,” Olivia offered.

  “I think that would be best. I can tell you that I don’t believe your son killed Maddy. She talked about him a lot. They were close, although not as close as she would have liked. She clearly adored him. He was definitely the bad boy type, but he was good to her. I can’t imagine he would have hurt her in any way. It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “Did she tell you about her plans to see him?” Lucian asked.

  “Yeah. She said he was hurting and needed her, so she wanted to be there for him. He had been there for her when she needed someone to talk to. I gave her the money for the airfare to come out here and see him. God, I can’t believe she’s gone now.”

  Olivia could see how much pain Madeira’s death caused Reysa. Her maternal instincts kicked in and she walked over to her and clutched her hand. “It’s not your fault. No one could have predicted what would happen. Buying her that ticket was an act of kindness for a friend. Do not blame yourself for what some monster did to her.”

  “Thank you.” Reysa smiled, comforted by this stranger’s kindness.

  “Did you speak to her when she was here?” Lucian asked.

  “Yes. She called me once she arrived and told me she was safe. She called me later that night to tell me that everything was going well. She felt like she was helping Kaden and that they were growing closer. She seemed really happy. I was happy for her. She asked about Yas,
but Yas wasn’t around at the time. I told her Yas was fine and that we missed her. She promised to come back soon and that’s the last I ever heard from her.”

  II

  Olivia promised to allow Reysa to speak to Kaden. She provided Olivia and Lucian with all the information she had. Lucian did not want to admit anything, but Olivia knew that he had doubts. Kaden killing Madeira just did not fit. She was stabbed repeatedly and drained of all her blood. Her death was slow and methodical. Considering her phone call to Reysa assuring her that all was well with Kaden, it was hard to believe that a few hours later he would have killed her.

  Reysa paused in front of Kaden’s door. She turned to Olivia. “You asked me what I am and the truth is, I’m not quite sure. I never knew my mother, and my father refused to talk about her after she died. I haven’t seen him since I was four. I knew he was a vampire, but he never told me about my mother. All I know is that I have these strange pointy ears like an elf, but I’m not an elf. I can do some other non-vampire things, but my abilities are inconsistent. I’m just a mutt without a true identity.”

  “What you are is a courageous warrior who protects her own. The details of your nature are not nearly as important as what you do. From what I can see, you’re some lady. Both your parents would be proud of you. Trust me. I’m a mother. I would be honored to have a daughter like you.” Olivia pushed open the door and Reysa followed.

  Kaden was sitting on the ground where Olivia had left him. It looked like he had not moved. He turned to face his mother, but saw a pair of sexy black boots that seemed to have no end. He continued to slowly look up trying not to salivate at the sight of the dark porcelain skin just above the top of the boot followed by a short black miniskirt. Eventually his eyes worked their way up to see the most perfect face. She was heaven. A real life Barbie that was ten times sexier. For the first time in his life, Kaden was speechless. He was also embarrassingly aroused.

  “Kaden,” Olivia called out to him.

  He heard his mother’s voice, but could not take his eyes off the statuesque brunette in front of him. He wanted to taste that milk chocolate skin. Olivia gently squeezed Kaden’s arm and that seemed to wake him from his trance. She could see that he was mortified by his schoolboy reaction to this stunning woman. She was pleased to see that Reysa had a similar reaction to Kaden.

  “Kaden, this is Reysa. She was a friend of Maddy’s. She owns the club you were telling me about, The Lore.”

  The reminder of Maddy helped Kaden focus. “I’m sorry for what happened to her.”

  “I know it’s not your fault. The person who did this to her is still out there and I want to find him. Whatever I can do to help, I will.”

  “You should go back to Vegas,” Kaden pronounced abruptly.

  “I will go where I damn well please.” Reysa’s emerald eyes were turning red. She stalked closer to Kaden, their bodies only inches apart. “Maddy was my friend too, and I will find her killer either on my own or with your help. I will not stop until the SOB is dead. I will destroy anyone who gets in my way, and that includes you.” She stepped back.

  Kaden missed her lavender scent as she stepped back away from him. He desperately wanted to follow her. Reysa’s eyes had returned to that exotic jade. He had to admit, he found the red equally attractive and lethal.

  Kaden shook his head, trying to focus and ignore his unusual hormonal reaction to this dangerous stranger. “I don’t mean to offend your female sensibilities, but I don’t need another death on my conscience. Maddy loved you and if you died, then I would have failed her again.”

  “This isn’t about you and your emotional issues. Get over it. This is about my friend who was butchered. I owe it to her and to her sister to bring her killer to justice. I owe it to all of my fellow misfits who follow me. I protect my people and if I fail, I do what I can to make it right. I will not hide in my club just so you sleep better at night. Accept the fact that I am not going anywhere. Frankly, it looks like you’re not going anywhere anyway, so I don’t think you have much say in this. I’m working with your mother and her wannabe king of immortals.”

  “Ah, so you have met Lucian? I take it you’re not a fan either?” Kaden asked.

  “His delusions of grandeur are quite amusing. He thinks his little council of cronies can control all immortals. I wonder if the wine and pasta have gone to their heads. I’ve never seen such ignorant arrogance. It’s cute in a kind of GI Joe way.”

  Kaden laughed until his voice was hoarse. Olivia stood there, stunned. This woman was going to make things interesting. She already managed to put Kaden in his place and chopped Lucian down to size. “You know, Reysa, I think I love you,” Olivia smiled.

  “Me too.” Kaden’s expression became more serious. “Me too,” he whispered.

  III

  “I need to get out of here, now!” Kaden bellowed. After listening to his mother and Reysa discuss one empty lead after another, his patience was at its end. He had been bound to this wall for what felt like an eternity while everyone else was looking for the evidence that would be the key to his life or his death. Feeling this helpless while his fate was left in the hands of others, most of them who wanted him dead, was too much to bear.

  “I know this is hard for you, my son, but please just give us a little more time.”

  Kaden roared in fury as he tried to rip his chains from the wall. He did not want to fall apart, especially in front of Reysa, but the pressure was overwhelming. He was like a caged beast on the brink of madness. Being caged brought back painful memories he had worked so hard to suppress. They were resurfacing and suffocating the life from him.

  Olivia hated to see her child in so much pain. He was sweating profusely as he struggled again his chains. His pallor was ghostly, his breathing labored. He continued pulling at his chains even as his skin bled. It was like he could not feel the pain. He was blinded by his need to be free. Kaden was fighting himself and fighting his fear. Olivia feared he would not last in this room much longer.

  She wanted nothing more than to free him, but she knew Lucian would never agree. She would have gladly traded places with Kaden and taken away his torment. She could see how hard he was struggling to keep it together. Kaden hated to show weakness and Olivia knew that it hurt his pride even more to show it in front of Reysa.

  Reysa looked equally upset at seeing Kaden in this condition. Olivia watched as the exotic warrior reached out to Kaden. He snarled at her like an animal, but she showed no fear as she gently cupped his cheek with her right hand, and rubbed her left along the top of his head in a calming motion. Olivia watched in awe as Reysa somehow managed to calm the beast within Kaden. He was responding to her soothing touch. No one had managed to calm Kaden before when he lost control, but this stranger’s touch was the miracle elixir.

  Reysa eased herself and Kaden to the ground as she continued to run her fingers through his hair gently massaging his scalp. “He needs blood,” Reysa stated. Olivia looked around the room, but there was no blood in sight. Before she could call out to the guard to provide some, she heard gentle sucking sounds. She turned around and saw Kaden feeding from Reysa’s wrist.

  “Vampires can’t feed from other vampires unless they are mated,” Olivia noted.

  “I’m a half breed,” Reysa acknowledged. “Those rules don’t apply to me.” At least Reysa hoped those rules did not apply, but this was the first time another vampire had fed from her. She eased Kaden back. He watched her with eyes that looked truly satisfied. He did not speak, but he grabbed her wrist and gently licked the mark of his bite, sealing her skin again. He continued to watch her closely as she stood up to talk to Olivia. Her limbs were shaky as she approached Olivia. She tried to convince herself that Kaden just took a little too much blood, but her body was on fire with a need that Reysa had never felt. This was dangerous territory. She took a deep breath and regained her focus although her composure was still shaky.

  “I don’t know what his deal is, but he definitely won�
�t last here much longer. If your bureaucrat bodyguard won’t set him free, then I will.”

  “How?” Olivia questioned.

  “I know a charmer. She could undo those shackles and I can dematerialize him out of here before anyone was the wiser.”

  “You could dematerialize with another person?”

  “With several, actually, although it may take a little longer.”

  Olivia knew Corinne would be jealous to hear about Reysa’s abilities. She could not help but wonder what else this warrior could do.

  “No!” Olivia and Reysa turned to see Kaden staring at them. His color had returned and his eyes were razor sharp. The beast was controlled again, at least for the moment.

  Kaden stood and faced both women. “It’s too dangerous. If Lucian found out you helped me, and he would find out, you would end up in just as much trouble as I. Don’t risk your freedom for me.”

  “I’m not scared of Lucian and his council of minions. You’re innocent, but it won’t matter if we don’t get you out of here. You won’t last much longer.”

  Kaden knew it was true, but his pride would not allow him to admit such weakness. He hated that this woman’s opinion mattered so much, but he could not deny it. She may have seen that moment of weakness, but he would not allow her to witness another. “I have survived worse than this. I don’t need your help.” Kaden realized how silly his words were, considering it was Reysa who nursed him back to sanity not long ago. He needed her to be safe, and what she was planning was too dangerous.

  “Did you forget your little meltdown a few minutes ago?” Reysa inquired. “You certainly needed my help then.”

  “I would have handled it. I was just hungry.”

  “A few minutes more and you would have been crying like a baby. Maybe you were hungry. Babies do cry when it’s time for a feeding.” Reysa knew she should not antagonize him, but she hated when men could not graciously accept a woman’s help. Kaden was like all the rest. He would rather pretend that everything was under his control than admit she helped him.