by Emily Bex
***
Shade gathers his composure. He sees that many of his warriors love her already. She is bright and playful and not uppity in her new status and this pleases them. Calling out each of the candidates for her protector by name, he asks them to step forward.
“I thank each of you for your loyal service. You were each hand selected by me for consideration as my lady’s protector because you represent the highest standards of a Medici warrior. I have asked my lady to choose a protector from amongst you this night and she has made her decision, with my approval. Luca step forward!”
As he approaches, Shade notices Luca catches her eye and smiles very softly. Luca stands before her in his leather garb and goes down on one knee, takes her hand and kisses it lightly. “Mi amore, your protector is before you, you are required to do nothing at this moment. Just watch what happens and I will instruct you.”
***
As Luca kneels before her, the other candidates step back in line as all the warriors pick up their swords and hold it over their heart.
Kate feels awkward that someone would bow down to her. She understands their allegiance to Shade, but it will take time for her to adjust to this role.
***
Taking her hand, Shade leads her to the block of swords.
“Bel, you must pick one of these swords, we must honor Luca in front of the others as is his due of being chosen. I know you are nervous, but you must carry it back to him. I will then proceed with the ceremony and help you. It is not difficult, bear with me.”
She looks at the block that contains numerous swords of different lengths and designs. “May I choose any sword?”
“Si, you may. Just carry it back, and I will show you what needs to be done. Do you like one more than the other?”
“Yes, the one in the middle with the knurled handle. I choose this one.” She lifts it from the pile.
Taking her hand, he leads her back to Luca, where he remains kneeling before her. Shade stands behind her and wraps his arms around her as they grip the sword together, his hands on top of hers as Luca bows his head. “Just watch and move your hands with mine.”
“Luca, warrior of Medici, as your master, I honor you with the title of protector to my mate. You shall, from this night forward, give your life to her as if she were your own, honoring me and my mate.”
Taking the sword, he raises it above their heads and then lowers it slowly, tapping Luca first on the left shoulder. “Your heart belongs to her.”
Raising the sword again, they lower it together and tap his right shoulder. “Your soul belongs to her. Arise!”
As he stands, Luca kisses each of her cheeks and takes two steps back.
“Bel, release your hands from the sword and just watch, do not move an inch!” Taking the sword from her hands, Shade stands beside Luca and raises the sword to the sky and tosses it high in the air behind her. As he does so, the warriors raise their swords in the air and shout in unison, ‘Medici, per sempre!’
Luca leaps into the air and does a flip over her head, retrieving the sword in midair, then performs a mid-air backflip, landing in front of her, standing at attention, the sword pointing to the ground between his legs.
“Go forward and take the sword from him and place it across his heart, he will hold it there for you.”
***
She is trying not to stare with her mouth open as Luca catapults himself skyward to retrieve the sword and then lands in front of her, and now Shade is giving her instructions. She has to shake her head like shaking out cobwebs. She steps forward and reaches for the hand grip on the sword as Luca releases it to her hands. She raises the sword and places it at an angle across his chest and heart. Luca lifts his own hand and holds the sword in place. She takes a small step back to Shade.
***
Shade watches her surprise, and hopes she understands this ceremony is important to Luca, and all of this is for him. Taking her hand, he walks back in front of Luca, and places her hands over his as he holds the sword. Shade stands closely behind her, with Kate sandwiched between him and Luca.
He speaks to Luca, “I give you my sword Luca, to protect my heart and soul, for she is all I have in this world. We form the wall of protection that no other can break through.”
Nodding to him, Shade watches as Luca’s eyes bore into hers and he speaks to her and her alone, the night air soft and still, and no one moves for this is a solemn moment, one of greatest honor, one a warrior works his entire life for.
***
"I am Luca of Medici, and I am now your protector, my lady. I honor you with my heart, my soul, and my life.”
As he finishes, there is a moment of silence, like time stands still, and Shade can feel his parents around him, he can feel Madre’s hands on his shoulders in approval of his choice and he looks at Luca, his face solemn and honored. He is master here, but this moment is overwhelming even for him, for he has found love eternal and is taking his Luca with him. “You may say something to Luca, mi amore. You may also hug him or kiss him on the cheek and the ceremony will then end.”
***
Kate can feel the emotion that is pouring from him as he stands at her back, and she hears his directions in her head. She steps forward and reaches up to place one hand on each of Luca's shoulders.
“It is my honor, Luca of Medici, to be under your protection.” She must stand on tip-toe, as she does with Shade, and kisses each cheek, before stepping back. She feels Shade behind her and leans her back against him, letting her head rest back on his chest, as she feels his one arm encircle her.
***
As bel steps back into him, he closes his eyes, and raises his head, his fangs elongate, and his eyes blaze the hottest red, and in unison, the warriors drop to their knees, swords in hand and raise their heads as well, fangs elongated, eyes blazing and the growl that roars through the night shakes the earth under them. All of the vampires of Tuscany know the master has taken a mate and they are now stronger with their bond.
The warriors call out in unison, “Per sempre Medici!” As they drop their swords, and turn to slap each other on the back, Shade takes her hand and leads her away from the camp.
The warriors cheer and exchange fist bumps before returning to their practice. Luca walks from the field, heading to the barracks to begin packing his stuff. He passes Cory on the way as he watches from the doorway, and nods to him.
“Good thing you made me new leathers. Looks like I’ll be leaving with master to live in the States.” Cory smiles back at him. He will miss Luca. He was the first to befriend him when he moved here.
“So, what was all that about, Luca?”
Luca beams back at him, “I have been selected as protector to our master’s mate. I will remain with him now, and her, for all of their lives.”
***
Cory doesn’t really understand what he just witnessed, but clearly it was a ceremony to honor Luca and his new role. One thing he knows for sure, every warrior here would lay down his life for Shade Medici. Cory is no warrior, and has no skills with weapons, but that loyalty to this master is something he understands quite well.
***
As the night progresses and Shade holds her in his arms, the travel and the night’s events take her into her dreams. Once she is soundly sleeping, he crawls silently from the bed and makes his way outside of the palace in need of a smoke. He can hear the crackling of a fire and he grins, someone else is also up and he turns the corner to find Luca sitting in one of the portico alcoves just staring into the fire.
“Luca, you should be preparing to head to the States, why are you out here alone?” Shade plops down in one of the chairs opposite him and lights up, wondering what is going through his head.
“I am ready, master, but you think I could relax after this night?”
Shade watches as Luca smiles and turns the ring on his finger. “Well, I suppose you cannot, but you have earned this honor Luca. I needed Kate to make her own decision. I had hoped s
he would choose you and she did.”
“I am more than honored, master. I can tell you love her with all of your heart. You are fortunate to find your mate.” Luca stands up and paces in front of the fire.
Shade frowns as Luca continues to twist at the ring. “Damn it Luca, what is it? You can’t hide it from me!” Shade recognizes that nervous habit of twisting the ring on his hand, and almost laughs out loud.
Luca stops his pacing and looks up at him. “I hope she likes me, it will be a great change for her being mortal coming into this world. And even though I have left Florence before, it was not a permanent move, and now I will be leaving, alone.”
Shade feels his melancholy. He understands that leaving home is never easy. “Luca, you will not be alone, you will have me with you, and Kate. I will also be bringing Gi back with me, as well as Theresa to help Kate with the house, and Reynaldo to cook for her. I need Luciano to oversee the vineyards. We live in the countryside, in a vineyard on about 3,000 acres, and it will be a culture change, living in the States. You are warrior, it is a lonely life, you are still young, and you have much time to find a mate that suits you. Besides, Kate likes you. She will come to love you as do I. You need to feed, build your energy, the States is one hell of a teleport and it sucks the energy from you. Do you have a feeder?”
Luca turns toward him, and he stares. “Of course, I have a feeder. I am worried for her, she knows I am leaving. She is in my quarters now. Will you make sure she is well cared for? Will I be able to find another where we are going?”
Standing up, Shade throws the cigarette butt into the flames, turns to Luca, and puts his arm around his shoulders. “Luca, I will arrange everything for her. I cannot have you worried about such things. Your head needs to be clear and concentrating on Kate. Do not let me down. As for a feeder, there are feeders in the States, very different from our feeders, but do not worry. You will have no problem with feeders. Now get to your quarters, be prepared to leave at sunset. I need to get back to bel.”
As Luca turns and gives him a brotherly hug and slaps him on the back, Shade knows he will be fine. Being a young warrior and leaving home for good is never easy, he did it himself once.
44
Teleporting inside the Virginia house, Shade sets bel down and stretches. “It feels good to come home, mi amore. I never thought it would feel so right to come here from Castello, but I like this, it is our home now, and I can just be myself here with you. Fuck, it’s cold in here.”
Walking to the fireplace, he raises his hands and watches the flames roar up, the wood already stacked there. He turns on his heels. “Luca! Damn, where in the hell is he?”
***
Kate regains her balance as he sets her down.
“Did you lose him when we teleported? I don't know how that works. And what about Gi and the others? ”
“No, we teleport separately. But that trip takes energy, it sucks it from you, and they may not be used to it, the house staff especially. It is a long trip.” Hearing a rustling, he looks and sees Luca coming from the kitchen.
Luca walks in, looking around the living room. “Is there is a place you wish for me to stay, master?”
“Bel, will you show Luca where you wish him to stay and perhaps give him a tour? Get the others settled in the staff quarters once they arrive, please.”
Kate steps forward, “Of course. Luca, I apologize. We have not lived here long, and I was not expecting you, so I have not had time to really finish all the work here. But you will have your own space in the house, your own bedroom and bath and sitting area.” As she speaks, Gi, Theresa, and Reynaldo all enter.
“I am sure Luca will be very comfortable here, bel. I must go into D.C., check in with Alec and the warriors and make sure there were no problems while I was gone. I will try to return as soon as I can. Take Gi and the staff to the staff quarters and take Luca with you so he can see the property before you get him settled.”
Looking at Luca, he nods, indicating he wants Luca to stay with her, not leaving her for any reason. Pulling bel into his arms, he whispers softly into her ear, “You feel okay with Luca here alone?”
She responds to his embrace, laying her head on his chest. “I miss you already, but yes, I will be fine. Just be safe and come back to me as soon as you can.”
Hugging her tightly to his chest, he sighs, hating to leave her for any amount of time. But now he feels better knowing Luca is with her. “I always come back, Kate. You know that.”
Tipping her chin up, he runs his thumb over her lips and leans in, kissing her like it is the last moment he will ever have with her, and then whispers softly. “I love you so much. It pains me now to have to leave you. Never stop loving me.”
***
She relishes the strength in his embrace. He covers her mouth with his kiss, a deep, passionate kiss that leaves her lightheaded.
“That is impossible. I could never stop loving you. I will miss you in my bed tonight.”
“I will return to your bed before sunrise, so be prepared for me. I won’t be gone all night. But please get the staff settled, start getting to know Luca, help him acclimate, si?” He slaps her ass very lightly. “Now I must go, you minx, before you do something to keep me here.”
***
Walking to the door, he turns and locks eyes with her just before he exits and mouths the word ‘Forever.’ She is always in his heart. Teleporting to D.C., he goes straight to the Dead House, craving a smoke. He meets with the warriors, working to get caught up. He needs to get the hell back to his minx, and that fucking amazing mouth of hers.
***
Kate watches him leave, and her heart breaks a little. She hates when he has to leave her. But it is comforting to know he will be back before the sunrise. She sighs and turns to Luca and the rest of the staff.
“Well, I guess I should show you around. Compared to the castle in Florence, this house is very small. Well, actually compared to the castle in Florence, all houses are small.... and again, we have not completed all the work on these rooms. Tomorrow, if Shade is busy, there are some things that will need my immediate attention, and I may require your help.”
Luca nods, "Yes, my lady, it would be our honor."
She stifles the urge to cringe at his use of 'my lady', she knows it is important to Shade, and it is customary, but it feels so unearned.
“Okay, well the staff quarters are behind the house. If you’ll follow me, please.”
Kate leads Gi, Theresa, and Reynaldo out the back entrance of the house and through a garden path to the large stone staff quarters, as Luca walks along beside her. The Tuscan style house has a very large central great room with high beamed ceilings. The large open room includes living, dining, and kitchen space with a huge stone fireplace, and four bedrooms with dedicated bathrooms and individual sitting rooms off from the main great room. The house has been decorated in the same style as the main house and is lavishly appointed with beautiful pieces that reflect their Tuscan homeland.
As they walk into the great room, Kate explains, “I thought everyone could use this space, and Gi, Shade said you might need a space for the staff to gather, so I thought this room could be used for that purpose as well.”
They all look around the space but remain silent. Kate feels uncomfortable, thinking this is a big step down from Castello and they are probably all disappointed. She leads them to the largest bedroom, which she has assigned to Gi as he is the senior staff member and will be in charge of the rest of the staff.
Gi enters the space as the others look on from the doorway. “My lady, this is quite…”
Kate frowns, fearing she has not lived up to the living conditions to which they have all become accustomed.
“If this is not to your liking, please, we can change anything.”
Gi turns to her and bows his head slightly, “Quite the contrary, my lady. Our accommodations at Castello were quite modest. I was the only staff that lived inside Castello, and my room met all my need
s but was quite modest. The others, including Theresa, and Reynaldo, resided in separate staff quarters designed to be functional. This is…opulent. This looks like a home for a master.”
Kate had not seen any of the staff living quarters at Castello. She had decorated this building as she would a guesthouse.
“It is a home, Gi. It is your home, and Theresa’s, and Reynaldo’s. I hope you will be happy here. And feel free to change things to your personal taste. I didn’t know when I was working on it who would be living here. So, shall we keep going? Reynaldo, your room is here.”
Kate leads him to another room that has a very masculine feel. Reynaldo nods approvingly as he enters the room, taking stock, walking through the bedroom, sitting room, and his private bath, a large smile on his face.
“I hope you like this. Get some rest, and tomorrow, I’ll show all of you the main house. And Reynaldo, I’ll turn the kitchen over to you. It is quite large and has just been remodeled. But I’m the only one that eats, so I’m not sure how busy you will be.”
“This is perfect, my lady. And do not worry. At Castello, with master away, there were no events scheduled, so there was no one to cook for. I will look forward to shopping for you and preparing only the best.” He nods his head as Kate starts to think about her waistline.
Kate turns to Theresa. Like all vampires, Theresa is very tall. She is quite slender but lacks the hard-toned body like Sabine. She wears her brown hair pulled back in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Her face is pleasant, but she wears no make-up, no jewelry. Kate has only seen her wearing her uniform. The black dress and white apron, with the small white cap sitting atop her head. Kate leads her to the one room decorated with a feminine touch. These rooms have large windows, letting in lots of light. Kate has used light colors in the sitting room, and a beautiful old iron bed in the bedroom. Theresa seems delighted with her space.
“Shade said you were all day-walkers. Theresa, I thought you would like this room with all the natural light, and a view of the gardens, although there is not much growing this time of year.”