The Blood Covenant

by Emily Bex

  Cory sat up taller in the chair. "Nope, made it myself. I buy at second-hand shops, stuff is cheap. I take them apart and put together my own designs from the different pieces. I stitch all the designs myself. My mom used to sew my clothes because we were poor, so I learned the basics from her. Taught myself more elaborate stuff. When I get enough money, I buy good leather and design things to wear. You would buy this?"

  "Oh my God, I would totally buy this!” Kate reached out her hand to touch his jacket...."May I?"

  He nodded yes, and she ran her hand over some of the seam work and stitching detail. "Shade, this looks as good as the hand-sewn leather I saw in Florence. The jacket is impeccably lined. If he had access to quality leather and other materials, there’s no telling what he could make. Why don't you have him make leathers for your warriors? He could custom design pieces for them. And look at the detail on the pants, the reinforced padding in the knee area, like those guys who ride motor-cross. What do you think?”

  Shade sat with his hands steepled in front of his mouth, watching and listening. It wasn’t a bad idea. The warriors usually purchased their leathers off the rack, paid for through the clothing allowance he provided.

  "I like the idea. The warriors just buy whatever is in the stores, but to have someone make their leathers for them, custom-designed to accommodate their specific weapons; I think they would prefer it. I give them an allowance for such but having Cory on premises to measure and design custom warrior gear would be unique and help us tremendously. What do you think, Cory? Can you manage to design and fit them if I provide the tools and materials?”

  Cory couldn’t believe his ears. He didn’t want to act too excited in case Shade changed his mind. “Sure, no problem. I like doing it. And good tools and quality leather would make a difference. I can do better than this with the right shi…stuff. How much does that pay?”

  Shade stood up, towering over him. "Let’s get one thing straight. If you accept, you belong to me, a member of the Medici coven. You become my responsibility and you follow my command. I do not deal with street living, drugs, or behavior unbecoming. So you better think long and hard. You agree to live in my coven, you live by Medici rules. You represent me, and I do not tolerate any bullshit. No cheating, lying, stealing, and you will never sell yourself for blood. I will draw up a contract with you, as I do my warriors, with salary and living accommodations. There is no negotiating on that. It is what it is. And it will be followed to the letter. If you comply, if you fit into my coven, you become Medici. You prove to me you are worthy of my coven, and life will only get better for you. I provide feeders for all. You no longer need to buy blood nor sell your damn body to anyone. I find out you do, your head leaves your body by my own hand, understood?"

  Listened to him, Cory knew he meant business, he was a master, and Medici was world renown for his power and wealth. Imagine him working for this bastard. He knew he could do this, work hard, and earn his keep. He’d have a place to call his own, food, and feeders. Being clean and having a place he belonged to.

  "I can be a good worker. I know the Medici name and legend. Who the hell doesn’t? Give me a chance. I won’t let you down. I’ll show you I can do it. I’m tired of living on the streets and having no purpose but to survive. I have nothing here, I can’t trust anyone. I know you won’t take advantage of me. Thank you, I’ll sign and accept whatever your terms.”

  Shade was glad he made the right choice. He wanted him to realize he expected work, just as he did with his warriors.

  "It’s done then. The only thing you need to understand is I will need you in Italy at my family home. My warrior camp is there in Florence. I will have Luciano teleport with you to the location, and I will have arrangements made for living, salary, and a place for you to set up your shop. We will provide all the things you need to get started. My warriors are there, that is where I will need you, not in the States. If you agree, I need you to wrap up everything here in California. Do you have family or friends you need to say your farewells to?"

  Cory’s eyes were as big as saucers. Italy? Fuck the luck!

  "My mom is alive, but I only see her a couple of times a year, so that’s no big thing. I just need to let her know I’m leaving the country so she won’t think I’m dead or something. Do they speak English in Italy? I fucking don’t know Italian. But I want to go!"

  Shade threw back his head and laughed. "I think you are going to fit right in with that pack over there. They speak English, some of them not so damn well. I will have Luca and Marcello keep an eye on you and show you around. Tonight, you sleep here. You no longer belong on the streets. Come sunset tomorrow, I will give you two nights to get yourself together. You come back here. Meet Luciano at 11:00 p.m. If you are not here, this never happened, and you never show your face here again. Understood?"

  Cory couldn’t believe what just happened. He was now employed by one of the most powerful masters in the world and he was going to live in Italy. This would fucking blow his mom’s mind when he told her he was out of this damn place and going to Europe.

  "Understood, master. I’ll be here. Now can I have another glass of that Midnight?"

  "No!" Shade bellowed.

  As Luciano entered, Shade told him to show Cory his accommodations for the night. As they left, Shade looked at Kate.

  "You are awfully quiet, bel."

  “Shade, I’m so happy for him. So glad he’s taking advantage of this opportunity to do something with his life. He’s so young. All he needs is a break. All he's known is people taking advantage of him. He’ll need a strong hand. He’ll need friends in Italy, but also someone who’s going to keep close tabs on him. Make him toe the line, teach him discipline and structure, and where better than a camp that trains warriors?”

  He pulled her onto his lap as she snuggled close. "Bel, I have seen enough of his kind all over the world, not half-breeds, but vampires without covens. That is how we end up with so many rogue vampires, they have no one. No structure and they turn into killing machines, but this one, not so much. He would be lost to the streets forever, probably even killed before long. Perhaps half-breeds are more accepted here in the States, but not so much in Europe, so I need him protected as well as providing a structured environment and the love of his brothers. No fear, Luca and Marcello will take him in hand, especially Luca. Luca is young and well rounded. This one will be fine, once he is removed from the streets and shown a more productive way. Now, where were we?"

  Grabbing her up into his arms, he kissed her passionately. The night was still young.

  32

  As soon as the sun sets, Shade awoke and dressed, heading out in search of Luciano to let him know he’d hired Cory, and Cory had two days here in the Stares to get his affairs in order and then Luciano was to get him to Florence. Shade popped in on Cory, told him he and Kate were leaving to go back to Virginia, but let the boy know he could contact him on his cell anytime. He gave the fragile boy a hug, welcoming him to the family. He told Cory to eat whatever he wanted, and Luciano would take care of anything he needed.

  “And Cory?”

  Cory looked up at him. “Yes, master?”

  “Lay off the booze. Drink the wine when you must, but with moderation. Understood?”

  Cory locked eyes with him. “Understood, master.”

  Shade ruffled his hand through the boy’s hair as he turned and left.

  Heading back to their sparsely furnished bedroom, Shade found Kate was dressed and ready to go. She looked up when he came in. “Is he okay? Cory?”

  “Si, he looks better this morning. I think he spent the night in the kitchen eating.”

  They both laughed, but Kate came to him as her face turned serious. “I’m glad he came to you. And so glad you are finding a place for him. You’ve a soft touch for a vampire.”

  “Shhh, don’t ruin my reputation.”

  He scooped her up in his arms and teleported them back to Bel Rosso, landing in their Virginia bedroom. Kate had her
notebook of ideas for the California house clutched to her chest.

  The renovations on the Virginia house had been completed, including the renovations to their master bathroom, and knocking out the wall of an adjoining bedroom to convert the space into his and hers walk-in closets for the both of them. The modifications to the staff quarters had also been completed. Now, all Kate had to do was furnish the staff quarters, and Bel Rosso, and that huge California house.

  Shade had given her contacts for everything; electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, flooring specialists, designers, antiquities dealers, and landscapers ̶ pretty much anything and everything she’d need to complete the project, and all his contacts were vamps. All she did was mention his name and things got done.

  They were both pleased with the results so far, as they took a tour of the house to see what work had been completed while they were in California.

  “Lover, everything looks like it’s done. The Venetian plaster on the walls, repairs to the original tile flooring, and restoration of the hardwood floors. All the plumbing and electrical have been replaced. The kitchen and baths have all been updated. I’ll start furnishing and decorating now. It shouldn’t take long working with your contacts.”

  “Si, mi amore. It looks very authentic. Feels like Tuscany, si?”

  “It does. I’ll complete everything downstairs and do a few bedrooms upstairs. I don’t think I need to furnish all the bedrooms right away. I’ll save our bedroom for last since we at least have something in there. This room with the built-in bookshelves, this will be your office. I like this room with the exposed beams and the one stone wall, very masculine. But this suite of rooms at the end of the hall, it looks like it was an addition to the original building. I think the previous owner was adding a downstairs master suite, but I prefer our space upstairs. What do you think?”

  “Oh si, much prefer the upstairs for us, feels more private to me, bel. But I agree, this looks like it was added on to the original structure.”

  Kate walked through the large space. The sitting area had large windows that would let in a lot of light in the day and more built-in bookshelves. Whoever lived here before shared her love of books. There were French doors that opened onto the patio.

  “It’s a beautiful space. I’m just not sure what to do with it. So, I’m going to leave it for now. Maybe I’ll just get a bed in here, and I’ll figure it out later.”

  Shade smacked her ass as she walked past him. “Whatever makes you happy.”

  Kate grabbed his hand and dragged him from the rooms, back into the hall. She opened the door that led downstairs to a basement that had been converted into a wine cellar. Shade followed her, having never explored this section of the house before.

  “Where are you taking me, bel?”

  She laughed as she looked back over her shoulder at him. “The dungeon, lover, where else?”

  She saw an expression of concern wash over his face as he momentarily slowed his step, or did she only imagine that? As they reached the bottom of the stairs, she opened the heavy oak door, pushing hard against the hinges as they creaked in protest. She flipped on the light switch to a room that was dusty and covered in cobwebs.

  Shade stepped around her to look at the wine cellar. Kate was coughing from the dust already, but followed him in.

  “It doesn’t look like anyone has been down here in...well...forever. I discovered it earlier this week. It will need a lot of work, but it will be perfect, don’t you think? Especially as the vineyards are completely restored? I mean, I know you have the large cellar over in the vineyards, but wouldn’t you want one here in the house?”

  “No, this is perfect! Please add this to your project list. We definitely want this room restored.”

  Shade walked to the far end of the cellar, and another heavy oak door. “Where does this door lead?”

  “I don’t know. That door was locked, and I didn’t see a key anywhere. I just assumed it was part of the wine cellar.”

  Shade picked up the heavy black padlock in his hand and willed it open. Kate’s face registered her surprise.

  “Well, that’s a handy trick to have.”

  He smiled at her as he pushed against the door, opening into a very large, rectangular room that was empty. He willed on the lights as he entered, and she followed behind him.

  Kate looked around the empty space. “This is a disappointment. I was hoping for hidden treasure.”

  Shade took in the space and turned to look at her. “It is hidden treasure, bel. Well hidden.”

  “I don’t understand, lover.”

  “Perfect for me, bel. Weapons bunker. I will take care of this room. And once done, you will stay out, si?”

  Kate looked confused. Weapons bunker? We need a weapons bunker? “Uh, no problem.”

  He took her hand and led her from the room, pulling the heavy door closed behind him. “Now I have a surprise for you since you are looking for hidden treasures.”

  “And where might I find this hidden treasure?”

  He swept her up in his arms and carried her up the stairs to the main floor, and up the stairs again to the second floor. “Why, in our bedroom, my sweet bel.”

  She laughed. “Why does that not surprise me?”

  He dumped her down on the bed and instructed her to close her eyes while he got her gifts. Kate rolled over on her back and threw her arms over her eyes as she heard him leave the room only to return shortly. He set two wrapped boxes down on the chair and told her she could open her eyes.

  “What’s this? Is there an occasion I missed?”

  “No occasion, bel. Other than you have worked hard on the house, and I love giving you beautiful things.”

  Kate slid off the bed and on her way to the gift-filled chair, stopped to kiss his mouth, and run her hand through his dark curls. She picked up the note, reading it as a smile crossed her lips, ‘You are my forever.’

  She looked up from the note to see his eyes locked on hers. “And you are mine.”

  She opened the larger box first to discover a bright red corset with soft satin petals covering the bust.

  “Lover! This corset looks delicious...like a cake frosted in roses. Oh, you spoil me. I can't wait to wear this for you.”

  She looked at him watching her as she held the corset up against her body and his blue eyes sparkled. She ripped into the second box to find a pair of matte black heels trimmed in red, with the trademark red soles.

  “And these shoes...Louboutin? I love heels...have you seen my closet? Oh, I can't wait to wear these!”

  She slipped her feet into the black heels and walked around the bedroom. “I may never take these off, except to wear red boots, that is. Come to me. Gifts this extravagant deserve a kiss.”

  He loved how her happiness flooded through him. As she strutted around in her new heels, he chuckled out loud. Her eyes never left the shoes as she pranced around the bedroom. “Oh si, I have seen that closet, bel rosso. All I can say is, good thing we each have our own, there would be no room for me in yours.”

  He sat down on the bed, leaning his back against the headboard and slid his hands through his mop of curls, never taking his eyes off of her. “Before I get kisses, you must walk across the floor and model the shoes for me.” He crossed his legs at the ankles, his arms over his chest, waiting for her to model the shoes.

  “Just the shoes? Let me model both for you. Hold on while I make a quick change.”

  She stepped into her closet where he couldn’t see her change and quickly pulled off her jeans and sweater, dropped her bra and slipped on a red thong. She put on the beautiful confection of a corset. Balanced on the high heels of the shoes, she stepped out of the closet door, and holding the doorjamb like a stripper pole, she did a slow, hip grinding squat to the floor, where she tossed her hair and then began the slow crawl back to a standing position.

  “Is this what you had in mind?”

  He climbed out of bed and dropped to all fours, crawling slowl
y across the floor to her, his fangs bared and his growls became louder. Reaching her, he grabbed her ankles and nipped them one at a time, slowly leaving a trail of kisses up her calves. He licked behind each knee and felt her tremble with anticipation. He kissed her thighs then slid his tongue over the soft fabric of the thong, teasing her, pulling the thong with his teeth.

  She didn't anticipate the intensity of his response as she grasped the doorjamb for support. It was the only thing holding her upright. As his mouth sought out her sex, she felt her knees go weak, and on cue, he reached out to steady her. She could feel his mouth tug at the thong as a soft moan escaped her lips.

  “Lover...the things you do to me.”

  Biting through the thin strip of fabric, the thong dropped away to the floor. He buried his face between her legs and into those beautiful tight curls, moist with her honey and the scent of her desire. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand and slid it inside his as he guided her hand between her legs. He moved their joined hands over her clit, before inserting their fingers inside her sweet wet sex, slowly sliding in and out of her. He removed her hand, and sucked her fingers, feeling her body completely melt.

  “Lean against me, bel, and I will take you to heaven.”

  His fangs were exposed, and she loved it when his passion was so raw he was almost more beast than man. Her knees were like jelly, and she bent over him, hair falling forward. If he were to move away from her, she’d fall like a rag doll to the floor. She loved to tease him, but oh, the sweet retribution.

  He felt her body go limp with desire, and he loved that she felt nothing but the pleasure he could give her. He picked her up and carried her back to their bed. He lay her down as he climbed between her legs.

  “You are so beautiful like this!”

  Bowing his head, he drove his tongue deep and curled it inside her, scooping every drop of her nectar. She arched her back and moaned. Fucking her hard and sweet with his tongue, he pulled out quickly and slid his tongue over her clit and felt her body quiver as she neared her orgasm and he drove his tongue deep inside her again, her sweet honey on his tongue as she rode the waves of pleasure washing over her.