by Emily Bex
Shade's heart raced and he dropped to his knees, cupping Kate's face into his hands. "Bel, have you been aware? Did Lorenzo talk to you? Did you see him in a dream?"
Kate was beaming. "I always see him. I see all of them. But he hasn’t spoken to me yet." Kate placed her hand on her belly. “It would be too soon for me to know anything. He’d have been conceived since the turning. But she knows... Somehow, Aegis knows. Just like she knew I could walk out the door in the daylight."
Shade crushed her to his chest. They sat in the yard outside the door, the wolf between them, as Shade rocked her gently. "Mi amore, my sweet bel rosso, a son. You carry our son, our legacy. I love you so!"
Kate spoke through her laughter as she was being held by Shade, and Aegis licked her face and danced around the both of them. "Lorenzo. Our Lorenzo. I can't believe this is happening. I didn’t expect him so soon, but I’m so happy he’s here!"
Aegis ran in circles around them, as Night Stalker joined her, sitting quietly with his chest out. Kate laughed at him. Two proud papas surrounded her.
"Si! Congratulations, Night Stalker! Come." He watched as the black wolf cocked his head slightly and stared at him. "Tell him, bel."
Kate held out her hand to the large black wolf that came to her side immediately. She stroked his head and told him, "Congratulations, proud papa. Maybe you can help Shade with his parenting skills."
The large wolf turned to Shade and placing both paws on his shoulders, licked his face.
Shade laughed as the huge wolf almost knocked him over. "Cazzo, he could take out one of my warriors if he had a damn mind to. Remind me to never piss him off!"
Aegis pushed Night Stalker away, growling slightly, placing herself in front of Kate, as Night Stalker calmed himself. Kate laughed. "Well, now we know who the boss in this family is. I'm fine, girl. You don’t need to hover over me." She looked at Shade, "And that goes for you too. You don’t need to hover over me, either. It will be very different this time. We’ve seen him. We know this baby survives. He more than survives. He rises to all the challenges his father puts before him."
"That may be so, Kate, but you still need to be careful, feed well, and not stress your body. Fuck! I have to get a hold of Council. I will need to talk to Malachi. I have a lot to do, come inside now."
She laughed as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet, already ignoring her advice, and he was off and running. As if she’d expected anything different.
30
Shade made his way to the warrior camp. It was close to sunrise and he knew the warriors would be coming back in from their night duties at the Dead House. His heart was filled with love. Bel was pregnant with their bambino. His gait was faster, his stance taller, his heart filled with love and pride. His son, their son! He’d be arriving soon, and he must make sure Kate took care of herself. Even though she was immortal, he still worried about the health and well-being of both Kate and the bambino.
Walking into the barracks, he could hear the warriors talking and trading stories in the lounge area. As he entered the space, everyone turned and became quiet. It was obvious they had no idea he’d show himself so soon after the sunlight incident. As he looked around, it appeared they were all gathered.
“Close your mouths, I am fine. No harm done. Your queen is fine as well. This is nothing more than a small glitch in the schedule before we have open call for the new recruits. I will be returning with Kate to Castello for a few days, no emergency, just some business that needs to be tended to immediately. I will coordinate with Luca, Marcello and Raven if there are any changes regarding any of you.”
A few of the warriors stepped forward, fist bumped him, welcoming him back to the camp. Raven and Marcello came over together and tied up some loose ends with him, but all in all, it had been quiet.
Shade noticed Hyde lounging on the couch, and he could only imagine what the hell was on his mind. He was pretty sure Rissa ran his ass ragged last night. He strolled over and plopped down in a large leather armchair, lighting up a smoke and nodding to Hyde. “So, how did you get along with the bitch from hell?” Both of them looked at each other and laughed.
Hyde shook his head. “She can be mouthy and wants her way. But she’s finding out I don’t tolerate her holy highness routine. She seems to like me.” He rolled his eyes and Shade howled laughing.
Shade put out his cigarette in the ashtray. “So, the future Mrs. Canton has her eye on playing before being tied down. Alec really plays some games with her.”
He watched Hyde carefully as he recounted his conversation with Alec, listening as he mentioned Alec had told him hands off and Shade shook his head.
“He believes in a whole different type of mastery. He takes what he wants from whomever he wants, male or female. But Rissa, no. She only gets Alec or whomever he chooses for her. She likes it rough. And he can deliver it. So where did she drag your ass to last night?”
Hyde sat back on the couch, his arm draped casually across the back. “She wanted me to drive her to Incendiary.”
Shade’s head snapped up and he stared at him.
Hyde nodded. “You heard right. I had the same reaction when she told me where she wanted to go. She said Alec knew she was going. She tried to get frisky with me in the car. I set her straight, and insisted we teleport. I had a strange feeling about it all along.”
Shade looked confused. “What in the fucking hell would she want to go there for? That bitch is up to no good. Keep on your toes, she will have you fucked and drained before you know what the hell is going on if she has a mind to.”
Hyde chuckled. “No worries, she wasn’t long in finding out I don’t play that game. Then I got the pouty face. She’s an evil female, Shade.”
They both laughed and stood to walk outside. Hyde said, “We got to the club and I still didn’t understand her purpose there. But once inside, it became all too clear. She met up with Master Colin and his mate Elana in a private room.”
Shade creased his brow. “Colin and Elana? They scrounge on the West Coast. She must really be up to no damn good to call them into Annapolis. This isn’t sounding so good Hyde. Continue.”
Hyde smirked. “She had Colin line up male immortals, young ones. Then he parades them around in front of her. She had a purpose all right. She’s one piece of work, that one. She was looking for a third party for her and Canton…a ménage à trois. She found what she was looking for. She had him strip naked in front of us. She almost ate him alive.”
Shade slapped Hyde on the back laughing. “Oh, she can do it too, believe me. Look, I am sorry she put you through that. I am sure it won’t be the worst you see from her and if she has a thing for you, be on your guard. She will drag you into the most compromising positions. Did she act proper? Give you any shit about protection?”
Hyde laughed. “Oh hell no, she tried, but I shut that down quick. I know her kind. I got this, master.”
“Be careful. Proud of you but keep that crazy bitch in line. Show her a Medici is always in control. Just keep your cock in your pants. If she gets to be more than you can handle, let Alec know, he will reel her ass back in. Get some rest, man, I am about to do the same myself.”
Shade fist bumped him before he went back to the house. As he walked, he contemplated the idea of Rissa hiring an immortal male for a threesome. Poor bastard would be lucky if he survived.
31
Shade was ready to get moving. It was time to get to Florence and meet with the Council. He’d made his appointment, and was grateful Council was able to accommodate them on such short notice. He had a lot of concerns, mostly for bel and her gifts. He needed information and advice. The Council held all the historical records. They’d know much more than he would and perhaps, could help him in training and teaching bel the skills she’d need to master her gift of animalism, not to mention, they’d need to record she had the second gift of day-walking. He also wanted to note that his son was on the way. This was vital. There would now be an heir to the Medi
ci line and this had been a long awaited event for his entire coven. It would insure stability into the future.
He watched as bel brushed out her hair and he was taken aback at how beautiful she truly was. He would walk with great pride into the Council meeting with his queen on his arm. "Have I told you today, how beautiful you are?”
Kate finished her make-up and spritzed on her rose fragrance, running a brush through her hair when he stepped up behind her. "Hmm, I think it’s been a few minutes since you mentioned it. Have I told you how hot you are?"
He chuckled as he snuggled into her neck. "Si, I am hot for you, always. Are you ready for Florence? We have a big meeting. We need to get teleporting, not polite to keep Council waiting. And besides, we will need to get dressed once we arrive at Castello. Luca has gone to be with Shannon. I gave him strict instructions to feed, I do not think either one of them will complain. Any worries?"
She leaned back against him as he stood behind her, locking eyes with him in the mirror. "No worries, lover. Why are we meeting with Council? They didn’t seem all that pleased to have me around the last time I was in Florence."
Shade smiled back at her. "Well, I expect that attitude will change with time. We have much to discuss with them, bel. Your gifts for one. They need to be recorded into the genealogy records. Ivor will handle that task. Then I need to inform them the heir to Medici is on his way. That alone will change their tune. I think you will do just fine. It is very business-like. Council rushes nothing, they can bore you to tears, but I think this visit will have a different outcome. Are you scared?"
Kate put down the hairbrush and turned to him. "Not as long as you’re with me. Will you hold me while we teleport? I'm not sure my skills will get me to Florence."
He grabbed her up in his arms, kissing her soundly. "Si, I have no intentions of you getting lost. Are you ready?"
"Ready." She slipped her arms around his shoulders and laid her head against his chest. "Hold me tight."
"Always, mi amore."
Teleporting directly from the bedroom, Shade traveled quickly, feeling her cling to him. He didn’t wish to take her on her first overseas teleport this way, but there was no time to teach her on this trip. He timed it, so they would make it before the sun rose at Castello. Their mission was important, and they were on a tight schedule. As they began to get closer to Florence, he spoke softly to her. "Bel, look around, take my hand. Let us enter our home teleporting in together for the first time."
He slowed down and felt her uncurl slowly from him and take his hand, the smile on her face beaming almost as bright as the stars as they took a few turns above the city.
Kate looked down on the city of Florence, lit like a jewel on the river Arno, and she could see Castello and its vast gardens just north of the city, the huge warrior camp visible from the air. She thought she’d never get used to the opulence of this castle. She held tight to his hand, teleporting on her own, yet tethered to him for safety. She looked at him and smiled. She knew she’d always be tethered to him, in love and safety.
Teleporting inside Castello to the grand foyer, he held her hand tightly, so she would land correctly and not in a tumble. Once on their feet, he steadied her. "Welcome home, my queen."
Suddenly, there was much activity and the house staff was bustling about, welcoming them home. Shade heard Emma’s voice jabbering on above all the others and he shook his head as she rushed towards them.
"Master, my lady, you’re earlier than we expected. I have everything ready for you. Theresa told me to prepare you for Council, my lady. Your dress is laid out, as well as your shoes, and your jewels have been removed from the vault. Your suite is ready. I have fresh linens on the bed, fresh towels out. And roses. I know you like roses, so I’ve picked them from the garden before you arrived. Do you have luggage coming? Is there anything you need for me to unpack?"
Kate had to purse her lips together to keep from laughing. She’d forgotten how nervous Emma was around her and Shade, and how much she chattered on. Kate looked to Shade. "I don't think we have luggage coming, do we?"
”No luggage. We will be meeting with Council and then returning here to take our slumber and leave in the early morning hours to avoid the sun. Come along, we must prepare. Go on ahead, Emma, your queen will meet you there."
Shade took Kate’s hand as they walked to the bedroom. He nodded and talked to a few of his household staff as they went. Once they were clear of the house staff, he turned to Kate. "Damn that one never stops talking. I wasn’t sure I would ever meet anyone who fires questions at me as much as you or Shannon, but I think Emma has you both beat. Let her help you get dressed, mi amore. I have chosen something for you. If you do not like it, just say so, but I do know what is expected. I have asked it to be brought here for you. I need to get into my ceremonial leathers, and then I will come for you, si?"
Kate nodded. "I’m relieved the dress has already been chosen. You do recall how long it took me to pick out that red dress on the day we came here to interview all the warriors? I much prefer this process."
Kate followed Emma to the large bedroom that had once belonged to Shade's parents, recalling the events that had taken place here a little more than a month ago. She saw the long black formal dress laid across the bed. The last time she was here, she wore white for all the ceremonies.
Emma helped her remove her clothes then helped her into the sleek black gown. It had a scooped neckline and capped sleeves, and an empire waist that fell in a straight column to the floor. The hemline was cut slightly higher in the front with a very short train in the back. Emma pulled out a pair of classic black heels with no embellishment, and Kate stepped into them.
Returning from the dresser with a velvet box, Emma flipped open the top to expose a huge pear shaped diamond pendant, which she placed around Kate's neck before handing her two large pear shaped diamonds for her ears.
Emma whispered reverently, "They were Madre's. They’re kept in the vault and brought out only for special occasions."
Kate could see her reflection in Portia's mirror as her transformation from jeans to royal court took place in a matter of minutes.
Shade finished dressing in his ceremonial leathers and tapped lightly on bel's door. He heard Emma respond and walked in to find his bel had been converted into the queen she was. Their eyes connected, and he walked slowly to her. He took in every inch and curve of her. She’d impress even the most doubtful.
Sliding his hand slowly around her waist, he pulled her hard into his chest and kissed her passionately. "Madre's jewels, a nice touch."
"They’re stunning. Emma brought them out. I can't imagine wearing them at Bel Rosso, though."
She returned his kisses with soft nibbles on his lower lip. "Is there anything I need to know about this meeting? Any protocol I need to follow?"
Shade shook his head. "Just follow my lead. If they ask you a direct question, answer it honestly. Tell them how you feel. They are Council, but I want my queen to be my bel as well. Never change who you are for anyone involved in our world, mi amore. Do not be nervous. Come, we must go now. We will teleport outside the Council Headquarters and be lead in."
Taking her hand, they teleported outside the Council building and he could already feel her nerves were a little on edge. The Council resided in an old monastery that had been Council headquarters ever since Shade could remember. Some things never changed, including their archaic attitudes.
They were lead inside the great granite building and asked to wait. They were expected, and their presence would be announced appropriately.
"Relax, bel, this is your first time here, but it will not be your last."
The hall was massive, and even as he whispered, his voice carried in the large cavernous space of this old gothic building, their footsteps echoing down the long corridor. She knew Shade had had a very heated argument with one of the Council members before the coronation, and though he never shared the details, she knew it had been about her. But sh
e wouldn’t let him down. She swore then that she’d earn her place beside him and prove to them all she deserved to stand at his side.
"I’m ready."
A robed Council attendant approached and there were no words exchanged, it was simply custom to follow. Shade took bel's hand as they followed the attendant through the cavernous halls until they approached the main door of the Court. The entire place was guarded heavily, courtesy of Medici Warriors who were permanently assigned to this position, another long-standing tradition. Two guards stood at attention outside the massive doors that lead to the Council Court, and nodded to their former master. Shade hadn’t seen them since they entered the Council walls. Once a warrior took on the assignment with Council, they never returned to the outside world again. The doors swung open wide, creaking on their massive hinges. The booming voice of the attendant echoed as he announced them to the Court. “King Medici and Queen Katherine!”
Shade squeezed her hand lightly and walked them to the front of the court chamber, where all vampires requesting an audience with Council were held. Neither Shade nor any other master had seen any of the rooms beyond the court chamber, as they were still held to secrecy and mystery.
As they approached the Council members, Shade saw them all sitting on their throne-like chairs behind a massive table. The room was paneled in old wood, elaborately carved, and gleaming from the oiling it regularly received. The carpets were red, and the chairs upholstered in the rich red brocade fabric with the European Vampire Council crest carved into the wood at the top of each high-backed chair. The room looked exactly as he remembered.
Shade held his head high. He saw all seven members of Council in attendance; Malachi, Jasperion, Agathian, Florian, Ivor, Citrichi and Onyx. In all matters before Council, all seven members must be present. As the attendant announced their presence, Council stood in acknowledgement of their royal status, but didn’t bow to them. As Shade led Kate to the dais and stood before them, Council returned to their seats and Shade waited to be spoken to. He and bel were not allowed to sit until requested to do so.