“Dinner smells great. Thanks for going to so much trouble for us, Julian.” Her words were shaking, but Olivia did not falter. She walked toward the table and sat at the far end away from her son and best friend.
“Mother…” Julian needed to say something to explain the harshness of the words he uttered. He did not mean them, but he allowed his temper to overpower his control and he spoke without thought, without consideration for how his words would be perceived. He did not know his mother was standing there at the time, but even so, he knew he should not have said something so cruel, especially because he did not mean a word of it.
“There is no need to explain, darling. I understand.”
“Livy, you don’t understand,” Corinne tried to explain. “I blew up at Julian and he just lashed out. He didn’t mean it.”
“Cori, it’s okay. I do get it. Now let’s just move on and eat. I’m starved.”
Julian wanted to say more, but Olivia clearly did not want to discuss it. He knew he had hurt her badly. Rather than dwell on it, he served his guests dinner. The three of them ate in an awkward silence.
After dinner, Corinne suggested that they discuss the situation with Kaden, but Olivia was too drained for more conversation. She requested they postpone the discussion for some time in the morning. Julian shared his mother’s desire to delay the subject of Kaden. Kaden was out, probably wreaking havoc, and would likely not be home until late morning. Still reeling from the incident at dinner, Julian yearned to go down to his cellar, where he had a first class gym. The heavy bag was calling his name.
Corinne wanted to talk to Olivia and ease her friend’s pain, but Olivia was in no mood for conversation. When Olivia was in this kind of mood, she would not listen to anything. She was trapped in the dark pain of her mind and no one could rescue her. Corinne reluctantly went to her room, leaving Olivia alone.
Olivia returned to her bedroom, undressed, and stepped into the shower. Scalding hot water burned her skin, but the pain of the burns would not ease the ache of her heart. She was not surprised by Julian’s words, but hearing them and the hatred with which he spewed them was like a knife searing her flesh.
She sat on her bed remembering the day Julian was born. As much as she despised Daughton, she had wanted to have another child so Kaden would not be alone and she would have someone else to love. Julian was her miracle child—born too early, but too strong not to survive.
During those early days, she would hover over his crib watching him closely, afraid that if she left, he would never wake. He fought every day and grew stronger. She loved and nursed him through his weakest moments until her baby boy could survive on his own.
He grew into this loving handsome boy whose smile would brighten her dark days and give her a sense of peace that otherwise evaded her. Julian was pure goodness. So easy to love, and so willing to give love. It was amazing how easily love could turn to hate when poisoned.
Olivia walked over to her dresser where her goblet of blood rested. She opened her luggage and went to the secret compartment at the bottom left corner. She reached for the locket around her neck that contained a picture of her boys. Ten-year-old Kaden held baby Julian in his arms with a look of such pride and love on his face. The other side contained a photo of Lucian, taken when he was just seventeen years old. How she wished they were all one happy family. She sometimes would stare at those pictures for hours, imagining the life they could have had if Lucian had been the father of her children. Reality would strike again, reminding her that her boys were not Lucian’s -- and he was not hers and never would be.
As she opened the locket, a tiny key fell out. She held the key in her hands, but she could not help staring at the photos again. The picture of the man she would always love and the children she wished were his.
“Stop dreaming, Olivia,” the voice whispered in her mind, baiting her once again. “That will never be your family. They all hate you.”
She brushed off the annoying voice and focused on her task. She put the locket aside and focused on the tiny key in her hand. She unlocked the secret compartment of her luggage and pulled out a small case. She opened the case and the pungent odor of death was released in the form of several green plants with red and pink leaves. She plucked one leaf and dropped it into her goblet, watching it dissolve. She put the remaining plants back in her bag, locking it once again. After she secured the key in her locket, she reached for the goblet and guzzled the contents.
The blood burned her throat as if a fire was ablaze inside her. Olivia had grown accustomed to the pain. She had been drinking this concoction for several weeks now and her system was becoming immune to the sting. The effect of the drug remained ever potent and before long, she would succumb to it. She lay on the bed smiling at the thought that peace would find her someday soon. As the drug continued to work its way through her system, the desire to sleep overwhelmed her and Olivia surrendered to her temporary darkness and a night of pleasant dreams.
Chapter 3
Olivia awoke around ten the next morning. She slept far later than she had planned—far later than any vampire would need to replenish its strength. The drugs were weakening her as desired, but the more her symptoms progressed, the greater the likelihood that someone would discover her secret. Corinne was already suspicious and it was difficult enough keeping this from her, but trying to hide this from her sons as well would be an even greater challenge. Kaden in particular would notice any signs of a change in her appearance. He watched everything so closely and the slightest crack would never escape his eyes.
Fortunately, Kaden had not yet returned to the estate. Olivia could not sense his presence. Feeling safe for the moment, Olivia showered hastily and applied some foundation to color her skin and give the erroneous impression that she was healthy and strong.
Olivia went downstairs to meet up with Julian and Corinne. She found Julian in his study, staring so intently at a newspaper that he did not notice her enter the room. “Buongiorno Julian.” Olivia greeted her son in Italian, as she always had. Even though she was forced to move to the States when she married Daughton, she tried to teach her boys about their Italian heritage and language.
Julian looked up immediately, somewhat surprised by his mother’s sudden appearance. She looked much better this morning. She was more like her usual self, beautiful, but always sad. Seeing her again reminded him of the dreaded dinner last night when he had hurt her. Part of him wanted to discuss it with her, but she had made it crystal clear that she had no desire to speak of it further. Rather than relive that uncomfortable moment, he decided to focus on starting over today with normal pleasantries natural between a mother and child.
“Buongiorno. I was going to ask you if you slept well, but considering how long you slept, I have to assume that the room was satisfactory to you.”
Olivia smiled that typical grin she mastered throughout the years that never quite reached her eyes, but its falseness could be detected only by someone who did not know the real Olivia Vestano. “The room was impressive and very comfortable. I guess I was more tired than I realized. I just collapsed as soon as I hit the bed. I certainly feel fresh and rejuvenated this morning.”
Olivia was relieved that Julian did not press any further. “Do you want something to eat or drink? I can get you whatever you need.”
“No, I’m fine right now.” The thought of food unleashed a violent jolt in Olivia’s stomach. She could never eat until the drug fully settled, which would not be until the late afternoon. “When I entered the room, you seemed to be distracted by your paper. Anything interesting going on?”
Julian’s facial expression changed. The usual harshness he reserved for this mother returned. “You could say that. There has been another murder. Another innocent female killed in what the police think is an animal attack, but I know better. This is at least the seventh murder of this kind within the last three weeks.”
“You believe it’s a vampire attack?” Olivia questioned. Julia
n nodded in response and the look on his face made it clear who he felt was the guilty vampire. “You think Kaden is responsible?”
“I know he’s responsible. This is the kind of thing he does. He has no regard for anyone or anything. I have seen him kill with ease. No conscience and no guilt. Kaden is a cold-blooded murderer.”
Olivia tensed up at those words. She knew Kaden was no angel, but a murderer of innocent women was not something she could belief without definitive proof. “What evidence is there linking Kaden to these crimes? He’s not the only vampire out there, and there are plenty among us who are so disturbed that committing murder would be the normal course for them.”
“Kaden is one of those disturbed vampires. It’s no surprise that you would defend him no matter what he does or who he destroys. I don’t know why I expected any different from you. Since when has my word alone ever been good enough for you?” Julian growled.
Olivia could sense Julian’s temper coming to life. She did not want to inflame him, but she had to find out everything in order to know if Kaden was truly guilty. “Julian, don’t do this. You’re accusing your brother of such a heinous act. I have to be absolutely sure of his guilt. What if you’re wrong? What if he’s being set up? Have you talked to him about this? Has he confessed his guilt? I just want to understand how you reached the point of determining his guilt.”
Julian knew Olivia was being reasonable, but he so desperately wanted her to be on his side. Just for once, he wanted her to choose him over Kaden -- believe in him rather than defend his miscreant brother. Arguing with her would never sway her. Chances were she would never be on his side, but yelling at her guaranteed she would defend Kaden once again.
“Kaden denied this, of course, but I wasn’t expecting him to confess. He didn’t even seem to care about any of this. You would think he would care, since I have been able to link several of these women to him and give me enough time and I will prove that all of them knew him. He slept with and fed from every last one of them and then suddenly they’re dead from a vampire attack. Also, the attacks happened in places where Kaden had been known to visit. The murders are following him, from Las Vegas to New Orleans to New York. Most of the murders have taken place here right after Kaden dropped in to grace me with his presence. All the vampires I know here have lived in this area for years and would not commit such crimes. This is a sudden crime spree that arrived when Kaden did and follows him wherever he goes.” Julian tried to maintain his composure, but he could not help but lash out at his mother again. “Don’t you think that is a bit too coincidental -- or are you too blinded by your adoration for Kaden to see what a monster he has become?”
Olivia walked over to the window and stared at the bright sun. The outside looked so much less intimidating in the light, but the aura of danger still lurked within these gates. Could Kaden be this killer, or was there another explanation? She knew it was possible and the evidence supported his guilt, but in her heart she knew he was innocent. She could not explain the instinct that was so strong within her, but she knew her son did not commit these crimes. She would have to find a way to convince everyone else before it was too late.
“Mother, have I given you enough proof?”
Olivia faced Julian. His eyes were pleading with her to agree. As much as she wanted to give him this moment of pleasure by supporting him, she could not do so if it meant the condemnation of her innocent son. “There’s definitely evidence pointing to Kaden’s guilt. I understand why you believe he’s guilty, but I’m not going to convict him just yet. I have been alive a long time and I have seen many innocent men seem guilty only to be proven innocent later. I have to be sure. We need to be sure. This is your brother, and I know he doesn’t always act like much of a brother to you, but he’s your family. If he’s guilty, the punishment for this would be death. We cannot take the risk of being wrong. We have to know he’s guilty. Could you live with yourself if you condemned him to death by the Council only to find out later he was innocent? Despite all that he has done to you, could you live with that kind of guilt? I know I can’t, especially as his mother. You’re his brother and at one time, you were close. Are those days so forgotten that you could just walk away and let him die?”
Although Julian believed in Kaden’s guilt, he could not ignore his mother’s words. He knew he could not live with himself if his brother died for a crime he did not commit. Julian needed to be sure, and if it took more evidence to erase all reasonable doubt, then he would find it.
“What do you suggest that we do? We just can’t stand by and let the killings continue when we may know who’s guilty. I don’t want to live with that guilt, either.”
“You’re right. I will talk to your brother and see if I can get a better sense of his guilt. We may have to follow him around for a while. He would never agree to house arrest so we may have to attach ourselves to him the best we can. I also think we need to investigate this more closely. Kaden should want to help with the investigation to clear his name. I think I can convince him to work with us.”
“I get to put my CSI skills to use,” Corinne squealed with delight as she walked into the study. She was a sweaty mess dressed in her workout gear, yet she looked as beautiful as ever. Nothing could ruin Corinne’s sex appeal.
“Cori, don’t get too carried away. You do understand that TV is not quite the same as real life?” Olivia reminded her. “I doubt the TV techniques, no matter how good the show, would really be effective in real life.”
“You mock me now, but one day you’re going to marvel at my super skills. I’m going to figure all of this out. First, I need to know what exactly you’re investigating. I only heard the very end of your conversation.”
“Let’s sit down and Julian and I can explain what we know.” The three of them sat down while Julian provided them with a folder of his research. Through a contact at the police department, he was able to secure pictures of the seven victims.
The women appeared to be human, except for the latest victim. This diminutive creature had pointy ears, slanted eyes, and vibrant red hair. Her ethereal features were consistent with a fairy. Fairies were rare and the death of one would not go unnoticed by the Council. Corinne explained, “Fairies are like the Switzerland of the immortals.” They were nonviolent by nature. They remained neutral during immortal conflicts.
Fairies were the financiers of the Council. They served the Council with absolute loyalty. That loyalty earned them protection. To kill one was an automatic death sentence. “I wouldn’t be surprised if her death was already reported to the Council,” Corinne informed Olivia and Julian. “The brutal death of a fairy will result in the wrath of the Council. They will want blood and vengeance, and I doubt they will be patient with a long investigation. If enough evidence points to Kaden, they will stop there.”
Like all of the women, the fairy’s skin was marred by claw marks that were burrowed deeply in her neck. Just below her neck near her chest were two deep incisor bites—the mark of vampire fangs. Bite marks were also found on their femoral arteries; however, those bite marks were not as deep, nor did they resemble the vicious marks on the victims’ chests. All women were drained of their blood.
Olivia was horrified by the photos. These women suffered. Their pain resonated from the pictures of their lifeless bodies. Their faces were stained with fear of the imminent death. These women did not deserve to die in such a manner. They were the helpless victims of a soulless monster.
“I thought fairies were immortal. Why didn’t this one just heal?” Olivia questioned.
“Fairies are not really immortals,” Corinne replied. “They are generally referred to as eternals. Unlike other immortals, they can die like any other human, but not from human diseases. A bullet in the head, a knife wound, fracture, brain damage, anything like that can kill a fairy. They don’t have the power to regenerate or heal quickly. They heal faster than your average human, but not fast enough to overcome the right kind of wound. Witches are the s
ame. Unless they can conjure a healing spell to expedite the healing process, they will die pretty fast. That’s why they generally keep to themselves and stay away from humans and other immortals. They’re too vulnerable.”
Olivia took a deep breath to compose her tattered nerves. She had to stay strong in order to prove her son’s innocence. “We have to figure out what these women had in common. There has to be some kind of link to connect them.”
“You’re thinking like a detective now. Have you been watching CSI?” Corinne joked.
Olivia refused to admit that her detective skills were credited to the one show she regularly watched, Law & Order. Corinne would never stop teasing her about that fact.
The lightness of the moment did not infect Julian. He was as serious as ever. “I can tell you what they have in common. They’re all pretty young women who died in the exact same brutal manner. And they all carried the scent of Kaden.”
Olivia was not going to rely solely on those facts to determine Kaden’s guilt. “You saw all the bodies?”
“Yes, except for the body in Las Vegas and the one in New Orleans. After I heard the news and the description of the nature of the bite marks, I went to the coroner’s office to take a look. I have a friend who works there and he let me in to examine the bodies. Obviously, I’m no CSI expert, but I was able to view the bite marks -- and most importantly, smell my brother’s scent. There was no mistaking his scent.”
“Did you notice any other scents on the body?” Olivia asked.
Julian reluctantly acknowledged, “There were other scents, which is not unusual, but they were unfamiliar to me. I could not tell you if they were vamp, human, or demon.”
“Could you tell if any of those scents were recognizable on all of the bodies? Maybe Kaden’s scent wasn’t the only one they had in common.”
Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series Page 4
