Free Lover's Betrayal: Misfits of the Lore Series by J.E. Hopkins Page A

don’t understand all this bitterness. You were so close once. What happened? We can resolve this if we talk it out.”
    “Nothing I say will change anything. Right now, I’m tired of talking. Let’s just meet up this evening and we can start investigating these murders. That’s the most important thing. We can deal with our family drama once we find the vamp killing these women.” As Julian stared at Kaden, he added, “Although I already have all the proof I need.”

    II
    Olivia craved fresh air to help her escape the stifling stench of anger in this room. She was so drained from all the arguing and desperately needed a few moments of peace. As if Kaden was reading her mind, he suggested, “Let’s get out of here. We can take a long walk. I know I could use a break from this place, and I’m sure you could use one as well.”
    Olivia and Kaden walked around the grounds of Julian’s estate. They talked casually about the beauty of this area, which was a stark contrast to the eeriness that hovered over this place at night. The backyard was filled with lush greenery like a never-ending garden of paradise. It was as if the trees were alive as they swayed under the gentle breeze. Olivia could walk forever here and never tire of all this life surrounding her, filling her with a tranquility she had not experienced in years. She could see why Julian cherished this place and why he wanted to rid his sanctuary of the darkness that enveloped it when Kaden arrived.
    They strolled to a riverbank on the far end of Julian’s land. Olivia immediately felt the peace of the serene sounds of the water. She sat down on a large rock, dipping her feet into the chilled water. Kaden joined her and the two sat in silence for several moments until Kaden broke the silence.
    “Do you think I killed those girls?” Kaden turned to Olivia, waiting for her to meet his eyes. She did a moment later. “Tell me the truth. It’s just you and me here.”
    Olivia knew that she could not hide in this peaceful area forever. No matter how tempting it was to escape in the solace of this moment, reality could not be avoided. Kaden’s question made it clear that he would not allow it to be. Olivia was not surprised by the question, as she knew Kaden would need her reassurance. He would rather perish than admit that he needed to know she believed in him no matter what. “I know you didn’t kill those girls, Kaden. There is no doubt in my mind of your innocence.”
    Kaden could see the honesty in her eyes and it baffled him that she could have so much faith in him when all of the evidence said otherwise. He still could not accept her trust in him. “How can you be so sure? I knew all those girls. I was with all of them shortly before they died.” He wondered if those facts would create doubt.
    “I’m sure because I know you. You would not do something like that.”
    Kaden had one more fact to test her loyalty. “Are you so sure? Did you know that there are others? Other women I slept with recently who ended up dead the same way. Either that is one big coincidence, or I’m guilty.”
    Olivia responded without hesitation, “It’s neither. It’s not a coincidence and you’re not guilty. There’s a third option and that’s where the truth lies—the real story—and I’m going to do all I can to help you figure it out.”
    Kaden looked at her in disbelief. She truly believed in him even though she had every reason to doubt him. He couldn’t blame her if she did. “Is this a mother thing where you can’t believe that your child could ever do something bad?”
    “No. I’m not nearly as ignorant as you and Julian like to believe I am. Kaden, I know you’re no saint. I know you’ve done some things I wouldn’t want to know about, but I also know that you aren’t innately bad. You have a gentle heart that you keep hidden from just about everyone, including yourself at times. I know that you would do anything for those you love. This killer