The Turning: Book Two in The Medici Warrior Series

by Emily Bex

  He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed, dropping her down hard on the mattress.

  She let him manhandle her. She could fight him, but that’s exactly what he wanted. As soon as her back hit the mattress, she rolled off the bed, landing on the opposite side from him.

  “You want it, earn it. But I have one question.” Letting her fangs punch out, she slid her tongue over them. “Do you remember what it’s like to fuck a warrior?”

  His beast emerged, and he was crouched on the bed. He ripped his shirt and pants from his body as he growled at her. “You want to play cat and mouse, little vixen? We can play that game. But rest assured, I’m the cat and you’re the mouse. And yes, I most assuredly do remember what it’s like to fuck a warrior. Do you remember what it’s like to fuck a master?”

  She wanted his beast out and raring to go long before she began to play. She pulled the crop top over her head, and stepped out of her jeans, and purred like a cat. “I remember all too well. This body was made for a master to pleasure and feed.”

  Standing naked before him, she crawled back onto the bed. She ran her hands down his shoulders, and sank her fangs deep into his neck and drew deep. They both felt that first flash of memory of their shared past pleasures, and her body felt the power of a master’s blood in her veins.

  His beast roared as he threw his head back and the windows rattled with the sound. He grabbed her shoulders and flipped her onto her back. He crawled over her, crouched on all fours, licking her face, her neck. He felt her lift her legs and lock them around his hips, her strength was crushing. He lowered his mouth to hers and pushed his tongue deep into her throat. Reaching beneath her, he lifted her hips to him, sliding his cock along her wet, hot clit and feeling her arch her back to receive him. He growled into her mouth as he slid his cock deep inside her and listened to her moan in return.

  Jacks reveled in her conquest. That weak little mate of his couldn’t come close to what she’d give a true master like Alec. She could no longer hold back the intensity of the long-awaited need to feel him inside her again, but this time, she took back, and she clenched her muscles hard and heard him gasp as she squeezed his huge cock like a vice grip, pulsing the muscles of her sex, gripping and releasing. She grabbed handfuls of his hair on both sides of his face and yanked his head back, licking his fangs, sucking one into her mouth.

  Alec moaned deep in his chest. His beast roared as his eyes glowed red and he gripped her hips with both hands, slamming his cock into her. The headboard slammed against the wall as the plaster cracked, and he pounded her harder, thrusting with all his strength, holding back nothing. The wood of the headboard began to splinter as it slammed against the wall with each thrust. She gripped him even harder with those thighs, pulling him deeper inside her as he felt her hips respond, thrusting up to meet him. He watched as she dropped her head back, mouth open and fangs bared, as he felt his cock throbbing for release. “Cum with me, vixen.”

  Jacks knew he was close and she’d pushed him to the edge, and she loved it. Feeling her body rejoice in the thickness of his cock and how deep he pushed into her, he brought her to the edge and he wanted release. One more little thing, Alec...just one more. Her fangs were aching, but she controlled her need and snapped her head up, glaring deep into his eyes. Turning her head to the side, exposing her neck, she invited him to feed. “Feed and cum together! Take it, Alec...”

  Slamming her hips upward hard, she clenched his cock as hard as she could, locking it in a grip she knew he’d never felt before. “Take me!”

  His beast growled at her as she challenged him, but he sank his teeth deep into her neck, and drew deep from her, swallowing mouthfuls of her, as he felt her do the same. His body rocked with the electricity of her blood through his veins, and he could hold back no longer. His hips thrust hard and his cock released, filling her, spilling out of her, as he rode her hard, growling into her neck, still drinking, lapping away the last drops of her. He felt her respond, her body arching, thrusting, taking all he had to give and begging for more. The crack in the plaster extended with each thrust and reached the ceiling, as the chandelier swung above them. He felt his cock empty into her. He had given her everything. As he dropped forward, unlatching, at last, letting his body lay against hers, he supported his weight on his elbows, heart pounding. He raised his head and looked at her, licking his blood from her lips.

  “Now that, my vixen, is how you seal a deal.” He rolled off her, lying beside her, still breathing heavily, his body covered in a light sheen of sweat.

  Jacks smiled to herself. Feeding only from masters was how she maintained her incredible strength, how she remained strong, sleek and at the top of her game. Not all masters were willing to let her feed, but she’d learned the art of seduction and found that most would succumb, even the ones who were mated. She was her own woman, and yet, the bounty of the masters’ skills and blood filled her full and made her strong.

  Laughing, she sat up and strutted to the bathroom. “When you can walk and breathe again, you might want to explain this little episode to your mate. Goodnight, Alec.”

  Closing the door to the bathroom, she turned on the shower and stepped inside, washing away his scent.

  Alec turned on his side and watched that ass as she walked to the bathroom and closed the door. He smiled at her comments about walking and breathing. She was always hell on wheels, but she had upped her game for sure. He might have to reconsider the length of this assignment. Suddenly, six months seemed much too short.

  Looking around the room, he made a note to have Santos replace the bed and make whatever repairs were needed, and to keep a crew on standby. He picked up his shirt and slid his pants back on, not bothering to zip them, but letting them hang loose on his hips. He looked about for his shoes, but they were nowhere to be found. He left her room and walked to their bedroom to check on Rissa.

  81

  The day had been a long one. Rissa tried to work from home, but every time she tried to get on the laptop or make calls, she found it difficult to concentrate. She was tired of sleeping, restless yet lethargic. Maybe it was all this change so quickly.

  She could hear the Amazon bitch Alec hired moving about the guest bedroom. She didn’t want to be alone, but not having Alec in the house made her whole body ache with unease. She’d heard the bitch come to check on her every hour, standing outside her closed and locked door. She wasn’t getting in here, not if Rissa could stop her.

  Finally, Rissa felt him. Alec is home! Her heart raced and she sat on the bed listening, waiting, knowing he’d come to her immediately, making sure she was okay, and giving her comfort. She heard him running up the steps and she smiled, but he didn’t come, and he didn’t come.

  She heard his voice. He had stopped at her room. Of course, he’d talk to her, make sure Rissa had been okay, and then he’d rush in and check on her.

  As she waited for him, his emotions rolled over her, and they were filled with sexual intensity. No! He wouldn’t do this to her, knowing how she was right now, needing him. Rissa felt his pleasure rise in intensity. His roar went straight through her heart, and she couldn’t take it! His sexual pleasure washed over her, and she knew for certain he’d hired Jacks for himself. He didn’t care about her at all. She was nothing to him. He’d never been faithful and had never promised to be, but he’d never flaunted his infidelity before.

  She didn’t know whether to cry or scream. Picking the laptop off the bed, she threw it across the room, watching it hit the wall, electronic pieces exploding across the floor. She felt the moment when he orgasmed, and his body was awash in sexual pleasure, and her heart broke in two. The noise of the two of them together was killing her, and she couldn’t escape it. Suddenly, it was quiet, and still, he didn’t come to her. She buried her face in her hands, feeling lost.

  As Alec entered the bedroom, he saw her laptop on the floor, shattered, and Rissa seated on their bed. He tossed his torn shirt across a chair, dropped his dress pants a
nd pulled a pair of jeans from the closet. He slipped on a t-shirt and decided to stay barefoot. He picked up what remained of the laptop.

  “Are you having technical problems, darling? I know it's frustrating, but you know you can call Santos and he’d have a technician here for you in minutes. I'll let him know you'll need a new one.”

  Desperately trying to keep herself together, Rissa kept her head bowed because she couldn’t stand the sight of him at the moment. “I’m not helpless. I can get my own.”

  “Rissa, I know you're not helpless. But you’re still reeling from the attack. Did you try to go out today?”

  As he moved around the room, he reeked from the smell of her, and she wanted to gag. Why was she suddenly so jealous of some warrior whore? And damn Shade, he would pay for this little deed.

  “No, why don’t you shower then get back to the study. There are some papers you may want to see. Santos brought them to me earlier, but I asked him to take them to your study.” Still not looking at him, she moved to sit at her make-up table and couldn’t look at herself in the mirror, pulling open drawers, rambling through them, pretending to be busy.

  He looked at her. She was still jealous after all these years. “Rissa, do we need to talk? Because I don't plan on watching you sulk around the house for the next six months. You know I take what I want. No apologies. But you're my mate. You’re the one I choose to stay with, to have at my side for eternity. The others are just toys. I play with them and toss them away. Now, why don't you join me in the shower, my darling? And stop all this foolishness.”

  She spun on the chair and stood facing him. “Just take your shower and get that bitches’ smell off you and get out of this room. Leave me alone! Foolishness? Oh, I’m a fool, alright.”

  Walking to the door, she stalked out and ran down the stairs, no idea where she was going but feeling the need to put some distance between them. She just wanted to be alone. She felt like her world was spinning off its axis.

  Alec sighed heavily as he stood with his hands on his hips, counting to ten. If she thought they were going to go through this every time he fucked someone, she better think again. He stepped into the hallway and called out to her. “Rissa! Get your ass back up here! Now!”

  Rissa ran into the study and grabbed the stack of worldwide newspapers, most of them with their picture and wedding announcement splashed across the front page. She headed back up the stairs and watched his fuming face as she dropped the stack of papers at his feet and locked eyes with him. “As you wish, master.”

  He’d had enough of her insolence and attitude. He gripped her strongly by the neck and pushed her back against the wall, and spoke his words through gritted teeth, his beast just under the surface. “Don’t pull this shit with me, baby girl. I’m not amused. Do you need to be fucked too? Is that your problem? Because I can take care of that real quick.”

  Rissa couldn’t breathe and her heart beat so fast it felt like it would explode in her chest. In her mind, she saw the rogue attack and felt herself gasping for air. She shook with fear as her knees went weak.

  He saw the level of her fear return and realized she was remembering the rogue. Fuck! He released her neck so she could breathe freely, and slid his hand behind her head, pulling her to his chest. “You're safe here. I’ve got you. Nothing’s going to happen to you, Rissa. I’ll protect you.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She laid her head on his chest and tried to control the emotions that kept seizing her. “I’m sorry, Alec, I feel so out of control.”

  He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to their bed, laying her down gently, and lying down beside her. He brushed her hair back from her face.

  “Shhhhh, baby girl. You're okay. But I want you to start fighting this fear. You’re in a safe place. Nothing can get to you here. Nothing can harm you here. Now calm down.”

  She curled up into a ball and lay there staring, She knew if Max really wanted to kill her, she couldn’t stop him but if she kept letting her fear stop her from even leaving the house, he’d won. She would never let him win without a fight.

  “I’ll be fine. I know you hate this, so just go, Alec. Tell her I’m going out in the morning. Just tell her. ”

  He rose up on one elbow and looked at her, her defiance returning. “Rissa, what I hate is watching you hide in fear. That’s not the Rissa I know. I want to see you get your confidence back, to a point. This attack was a wakeup call. All my lecturing was going in one ear and out the other. I hate the bloodlust and violence of my world, and I’ve tried to separate myself from it as much as possible by seeking a power base among mortals. That has isolated us from many in the vampire community, but they’re never gone. This is your first experience with it, but I doubt it will be your last. I’ll protect you to every extent possible, and that’s also why you have a protector. I know you. I know you’ll try to test this situation to see how far you can push it. How much you can get away with. But let me make myself clear. This is not a game. And you need to get used to this idea right now. Her name is Jacks. You will speak with her, and you will coordinate your schedule with her. I’m not your fucking secretary, and furthermore, you’ll follow her commands. She knows what to do, how to protect you when I’m not here. Do you understand what I'm saying? Because this is my fucking house, and we’re not going to have this drama every day over your protector. Understood?”

  She closed her eyes and heard his demanding voice. Biting her lip, trying not to fall apart, she curled up tighter. “Yes, Alec. Your house, your rules, my protector, be strong, be tough. Yes, I understand.”

  “Don't be contrite, Rissa. It’s not an attractive trait on you. Now tell me what you need from me. How can I help you?”

  She pulled out of her ball and stared at him. “I don’t need anything from you. You’ve given me all I need. So please don’t worry, I’ll go out tomorrow and pretend everything is fine. I won’t give anyone a sign that anything is wrong. After all, I’m the Darling of G-town.”

  She sat up and threw her legs over the side of the bed and walked to the closet. Taking out a robe, she slipped it on and went to her writing desk. She grabbed some of her personal stationery and her schedule book, holding it up in the air.

  “See, fine, giving Jacks my itinerary for the day and evening. Go to work, don’t worry. Rissa is fine, your house, your mate, making your world perfection.”

  Setting the book down, she began to write with speed and precision the details of her day tomorrow. Bitch wants my schedule, she’ll get it. And I’ll smile and pretend all is well for master.

  He smirked as she strutted from the bed, grabbed up her schedule book and started to scratch away. A little of that old Rissa attitude was returning. She was still angry, he could feel it, but she'd get over it. She always did. She knew the rules. “Now you want to explain all those newspapers you threw at my feet?”

  Keeping her head down, she continued to write. “The big news. The whole world is about to experience Mr. and Mrs. Canton. Go on, go look. I’m fine, Alec. I’ll be doing this for a while.”

  He walked to her chair, standing behind her. He pulled her hair aside and leaned down to her ear and whispered, “You're not fooling me, baby girl.” He licked at her ear and neck. “I can feel your anger from across the room. Did I spoil our big day? I wasn't aware the announcement would come out today. I'll make it up to you, my darling.”

  He turned to leave the room, heading to the study. There would be no pleasing her tonight. He needed to give her space to get over her anger.

  Turning in her chair, she called out to him. “Alec... wait.”

  She went to him as he stopped in the doorway. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed him on the lips, softly yet longingly. “Thank you for everything you do for me. For making me feel safe. I love you. Now go,” winking, “I think you may like a few of those announcements. Sounds like the affair of the year to me.”

  He smiled down at her and smacked her ass before giving it a hard squeeze. This was
his Rissa.

  82

  Shade had asked her to get ready for Florence, and Kate didn’t know where to begin. He said they’d be there several weeks for the turning. Her heart skipped a beat whenever she thought of it. It was what she’d wanted but also feared. She put it out of her head because there was no going back now. She headed for Theresa's room to ask for her help and share the news. Theresa’s door was closed so she tapped lightly, and like Luca, Theresa opened it right away.

  “Theresa, I have great news for you, and I need your help.”

  “Of course, my lady, how can I help?”

  “Could you come with me back to my bedroom? I have some packing I need help with.” They walked together back to the master bedroom.

  “You’re going on a trip, my lady?”

  “More accurately, Theresa, we’re going on a trip, me, Shade, Luca, Gi, and you. We’re all going to Florence for several weeks. I don't know exactly when we’ll depart. Shade has some things he needs to wrap up here. But he said he’d assign someone from the Castello staff to attend to me while we’re there, so you’ll have some free time for Marco.”

  Theresa blushed when Kate said his name. She knew Kate had spoken to Shade about Marco, and Kate had encouraged her to hang the paintings Luca painted up in her room.

  “My lady understands a woman's heart. Thank you. That’s wonderful news. I’ll let Marco know right away.”

  “And the second part of my news is Shade has decided, after that ambush, he should have warriors here full-time, so he wants to add warrior’s quarters on the property. That means you’ll soon have your own room back.”

  “My lady, thank you. That’s good news as well. I feel like I’m imposing on your private time with master.”

  Kate had to laugh to herself. As if anything that happened between Shade and her inside this house remained private for very long. The staff was extremely discreet. She’d never heard them gossip, and they kept her private activities to themselves, just as she was sure they did with Shade. But she had no illusions. They knew everything, heard everything, and saw everything.