Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series

by Hopkins, J. E.

  “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.

  The deafening silence between the mother and son began to overwhelm Olivia. For a moment, she thought Julian was as pleased to see her as she was to see him, but quickly that moment passed and his eyes were once against blank and unfeeling. The intensity of his stare increased her nerves and it took all of her strength not to just run away and give up now.

  Quitting was not an option. This trip, this moment, was too important. She could not surrender to her fear and withdraw to her sadness. She would face her son and welcome him with love even if he welcomed her with hate.

  “Julian, it’s so good to see you. It has been too long. I’ve missed you horribly.”

  Olivia took a deep breath and walked closer to her son, pulling him into her embrace. He did not fight her, but he did not return the hug. After a moment, she took several steps back, waiting for him to say something, but he remained a silent wall, just staring at her with those eyes of disdain.

  “My darling, I’m so glad you called me. I really wanted to see you again and talk.”

  “I called you to help with Kaden, not to talk to me,” Julian responded so coldly that Olivia’s desire to flee resurfaced. Too shocked to respond, Corinne stepped in to admonish Julian.

  “Do not talk to your mother like that!” Corinne warned. Her once affectionate eyes were now glacial. “Show her some respect, or I will teach you a tough lesson in respect.”

  “I’m not a child anymore, Aunt Cori…” Corinne grabbed Julian by his collar, lifting him several feet off the ground and silencing him before he could finish his words.

  “You may not be a child, but I’m still much older and much stronger than you. Although I love you like a son, I will not stand by and watch you disrespect Livy. She’s your mother and you’ll treat her with respect and dignity -- otherwise, I’ll treat you like a misbehaving child in need of serious punishment. Do not doubt my words. You have known me long enough to know when I’m playing and when I’m not. I’m not playing with you now, Julian.”

  Julian knew Corinne was right. He hated the reprimand, but speaking to his mother in that harsh tone was wrong. He asked her to come here and without hesitation, she arrived. Although she came to help Kaden, she came at his request. He should at least be grateful to her for helping him deal with his problem brother.

  “I apologize for the way I spoke to you, Mother. Thank you for coming.”

  The response was not as warm and fuzzy as Corinne would have liked, but it was acceptable. She let go of Julian’s collar and tapped him a few times on the cheek. “Now that’s a good boy.” Julian rolled his eyes in disgust.

  As much as Julian wanted to be angry with Corinne, he could not. She was right, he was wrong, and he needed her to help keep the peace while his mother and Kaden were here. He would need one person on his side and Corinne was the best option.

  Julian gave her a phony, but playful smile. “Why don’t we go to the house and get something to eat. I’m sure you both must be hungry after the long flight.” Julian reached for their bags and escorted Olivia and Corinne to his house.

  Olivia stood there a moment watching them proceed up the driveway. She had hoped Julian would soften toward her during all these years apart, but the distance seemed to harden his heart toward her even more. She hated the fact that Corinne had to step in and fix things while she watched silently. She could not find any words. Olivia wanted to be tougher, knowing that winning Julian’s love, or at least his respect, would require every ounce of strength she had, but already she had failed at her first test. She wilted away at soon as Julian unleashed his ire. This was just the beginning and if she couldn’t handle this outburst, how could she handle the confrontations that would inevitably ensue?

  She began to wonder if trying to repair all these wounds was the wrong approach. Maybe peace could come only when she was no longer around to cause him pain. Her very presence tainted his soul. Maybe her end would revive it.

  “It’s too late for you and him. He doesn’t want you as his mother. He doesn’t want you around at all. He would rather Corinne be his mother than you. Can’t you see how much he hates you being here? Don’t delude yourself, Livy, you really are alone.”

  “Earth to Livy.” Olivia did not respond. Corinne grabbed her and gently shook her. Olivia looked even paler. “Olivia, where are you?”

  A startled Olivia looked at Corinne as if a stranger was standing in front of her. Then she closed her eyes and reopened them, acknowledging her best friend. The voice was quiet again. Lately that malicious voice invaded her thoughts, spewing its cruel words. Olivia wondered if she were finally losing her mind. Was this the vampire equivalent to schizophrenia? “I’m sorry. I was lost in thought. What did you ask me?”

  Corinne’s look of concern remained, but she didn’t want to make Olivia more uncomfortable. “It’s best we go inside and get something to eat. I think you need to eat.”

  “You’re right. Food and blood are just what I need. It has been a long day and in anticipation of our arrival here, I didn’t eat anything. I was so anxious about coming and I couldn’t focus on sustenance. Before you yell at me, I admit that was stupid and I will be smarter about these things going forward. Can we avoid
the lecture and go inside?”

  Julian stood at the door, waiting impatiently for his mother and Olivia to join him in the house. After a few moments, Corinne and Olivia followed him. As always, Corinne had to have the last word. “I know something is not quite right with you, Livy, and I’ll find out what it is. I promise you that.”

  “You’re making a big deal out of nothing. This is a stressful situation for me. I have been here five minutes and Julian already wants to get rid of me. I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances. There’s nothing more nefarious going on, I assure you. Stop looking for something that’s not there.”

  “No, you’re playing me for a fool. Don’t let the blonde hair fool you. I’m do dummy. I know you too well. You can fool others, but not me.”

  “I would never try to fool you. I know it’s a lost cause. Stop lecturing me and let me eat, ok?” Corinne did not respond and her silence made Olivia even more uneasy.

  II

  Olivia and Corinne stood in awe of Julian’s house, both shocked that the haunted mansion possessed such inner beauty and warmth. Neither should have been surprised that this house was extension of the owner – a mirror of Julian’s personality. The warm, gentle, kind boy hid behind a façade of coldness and distance.

  The interior of the house was as bright as the exterior was dark. The parlor resembled a museum. The furniture looked like it was taken from Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles. The walls were opulently adorned with rare artwork depicting various historical events, including the Crusades, the French Revolution, the destruction of the plague, and the numerous European wars. Julian had always been a historian, collecting rare treasures from wherever he travelled.

  “Your house should be on The History Channel,” Corinne commented. “This is absolutely amazing, and I don’t even like historical stuff.”

  Julian showed them to his study, which was much more modern with respect to the furniture, but the numerous bookcases on the wall displayed his collection of rare novels, including many first editions of classic works.

  Olivia shared her son’s love of books and could not help but marvel at all these classics. One book in particular caught her eye. It was a rare collection of poems by Edgar Allan Poe -- a collection that Olivia had purchased for her son when he showed an interest in literature. She never had much money, but Daughton gave her a stipend for personal expenses and she saved it up until she could afford this gift for Julian knowing this precious gift would give him such joy.

  “I can’t believe you still have this,” Olivia tearfully acknowledged.

  She used to read a poem or short story to Julian every night when he was a child. That was their special time together. A time when Julian looked at his mother with love and affection. That time seemed so long ago. How she wished he could remember those days. Those moments before Daughton set out to destroy Julian’s love for her.

  “It’s a unique compilation, worth a ton of money. I would never give it away.” Julian could not acknowledge that the reason for keeping this work had nothing to do with the monetary value, but the sentimental value it held for him.

  “No. There’s a lot of value in this. I’m sure you could make a nice profit if and when you sell it.” Olivia said those words as if daring Julian to threaten to sell this book.

  Julian was tempted to accept her challenge, but the sadness in her eyes prevented him from making a sarcastic retort. “I would never sell that book.”

  Warmed by his words, Olivia knew that saying more would ruin the moment. Any words of kindness by Julian filled her heart and she would not tempt fate by trying to elicit more. She was grateful for this moment and if she never had another it would be okay, as she would have this one to take with her. A moment like this meant that Julian did not completely hate her. A little part of him maybe even cared. That was enough for her.

  Julian showed Olivia and Corinne to their rooms and then waited for them to freshen up and join him in the kitchen. As he was finishing up dinner, Corinne entered the kitchen.

  “What smells so divine?” Corinne asked as her hunger intensified.

  “Nothing special. There is calamari for an appetizer, my special recipe for seafood linguine, and Oreo cheesecake for dessert. Of course, there is plenty of A negative to help us wash all this food down.” Julian smiled as he sipped his goblet of A negative.

  Corinne was dumbfounded. “You actually cooked all of this stuff?”

  “Don’t be so shocked. I actually love to cook, but cooking for one isn’t much fun.”

  “Are you gay?” Corinne blurted out.

  “What?” Julian asked as he nearly choked on his favorite blood type.

  “I was just wondering because I don’t understand why you’re still single after all these years. You’re like a girl’s dream guy. You’re gorgeous, wealthy, talented, domesticated, kind, generous, and just an all-around great guy. Minus your mommy issues, you’re a great catch. I know women would want you. I was just wondering if the reason you were single was because you don’t want them. It wouldn’t matter to me either way. You can sleep with whomever or whatever you like, and I’ll still love ya.”

  Julian could not help but blush at those compliments. “Thanks, Aunt Cori. I’m definitely not gay, but I’m glad to know you wouldn’t be bothered by that.” Julian was hoping to avoid having to explain why he was still single, but he should have known that his aunt was not going to let him get away with that partial answer.

  “Ok, then -- so why are you still single? Are you a playboy?”

  “Of course not. I just haven’t met the right person yet.” Julian recalled the memory of the woman he thought was the one, but who clearly did not share his feelings.

  “Maybe the problem is that you live in a haunted mansion. That would scare most chicks away.”

  “My house isn’t the problem. I’m just not interested in a relationship right now. I have too many other issues to deal with, the main one being my lunatic brother. There’s no room for love. What about you? Why are you still single? You’re much older than I am.”

  Corinne poured herself a glass of A negative and sat at the kitchen table. “First of all, never mock a woman’s age. Keep up that behavior and you’ll be single forever.”

  “Mea culpa,” Julian apologized. “Aunt Cori, you have so much going for you, and I know guys drool over you all the time -- so why haven’t you gotten yourself married and knocked up by now?”

  “Good Lord! Married and knocked up? You must be joking. I have spent so many years taking care of other people’s brats. The last thing I want is my own little parasite bleeding me dry. After seeing how you guys grow up to treat your parents, I would be a fool to have a child.” Julian gave her a look like he wanted to say something smart, but Corinne continued before he could interrupt. “Secondly, I’m still single because I like men. Lots of men. I haven’t met one man that I wanted for more than a night, but I have met many men I liked to warm my bed. The life of a slut is much more fun than that of a virgin.”

  “You’re all talk. I don’t think you put out nearly as much as you pretend.”

  “I guarantee that I get more action that you do, little boy.”

  Julian could not deny that taunt. “You’re probably right, but I find it’s less complicated to be alone. Right now I need fewer complications in my life.”

  “Julian, you’re the type of guy who would thrive with love. Don’t push it away and don’t use your brother, mother, or anyone else as an excuse to be alone. You were not meant to be alone. I know you don’t want me to say it, but you’re so much like your mom. Neither one of you was meant to be by yourself.”

  “Yeah well, for now, I’m sticking with the solo thing, so let’s leave it at that. To change the subject, how are you otherwise?”

  “For the most part, I’m great, but I’m also very worried these days.”

  Julian did not like the tone in Corinne’s voice. She was usually so carefree, and to hear that kind of concern in her voice
troubled him. He sat down at the table with her and clutched her hand. “What is it, Aunt Cori?”

  “I doubt you want to hear about it,” she responded, so sadly that Julian’s heart clutched.

  “I want to hear about whatever troubles you,” Julian reassured her, squeezing her hand.

  “Well, I’m concerned about your mother. Something’s not right with her. She has become increasingly distant even from me, and some days she looks dreadfully pale. I can’t understand it. It’s like she’s ill or something, but every time I try to get her to tell me what’s going on, she acts like all is well and that I’m overreacting.”

  “Well, maybe you are. She can’t be sick. Vampires don’t get sick. Maybe she isn’t eating enough or something.”

  “It’s more than that. Don’t you see how pale she is, and weak? Your mother is almost 200 years old and some days it seems like she has the strength of a vamp half her age. She sleeps so much now, even though we generally don’t need more than a few hours per day. She can’t even use much of her abilities anymore. She doesn’t think I know that, but I do. I feel like she is wasting away.”

  “She’s immortal. Wasting away is not an option. You know that better than I. Look, once she has something to eat I’m sure she’ll look better.”

  Corinne knew Julian was probably right, but his casual unconcerned reaction rattled her shaky nerves. She practically flew out of her chair, distancing herself from Julian. “Damn you, Julian. Could you pretend for a moment that you actually give a damn about Olivia?”

  Julian’s temper flared. Angered that his attempt at comfort was turning into an argument, he yelled back, “No, I can’t pretend because I don’t give a damn about her.” There was a gasp at the hallway entrance and both Julian and Corinne turned around to see Olivia standing there. Her eyes were wide with shock and her hand covered her mouth, trying to muffle her cry.

  Everyone stood there in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Olivia composed herself, shaking off the hurt and acting as if she had not heard those words that shattered her soul.