by Emily Bex
In Florence, vampires, as early as age ten, were brought to camp, grew up there, as they learned to be warriors. Here in the States, there were no such camps. These recruits were much older, and were self-taught, learning on the streets. Most were gypsy vampires, belonging to no single master, seeking to be hired as mercenary warriors, but their skills were not honed, and they lacked discipline. Shade was determined to find the best of them and make them Medici, trained and cared for properly.
Shade watched for hours, as Marcello and Fiamma worked them hard, making the warriors hold their swords high. He could see pain in their faces, and knew their muscles burned. He knew they felt as though their arms would drop out of their sockets from the weight of the sword. They must be trained for long battles, not just quick street scuffles. If his coven went up against another coven, it could be hours before the deed was done and won. Shade’s warriors had to be prepared for anything. That was how the Medici warriors were trained.
Shade slowly made his way to the female recruits and watched them battle. He kept an eye on Britt but tried to stay out of sight. She moved well but managing the sword for an extended period of time was wearing her down. Fiamma was issuing her commands constantly and Shade could see Britt was getting tired and slow.
Two other female recruits were battling each other, and they were still going at it, full force. He stood and observed them for a long time, impressed with their skills. He walked to the cache of weaponry that was loaded onto a four-wheeler with a trailer. He picked up a sword of the same weight and caliber as the swords the females were using, as well as tucking about a half dozen shurikens into the pockets of his leathers.
He walked back out onto the training field, swinging his sword in a crisscross pattern above his head. All the recruits stopped their battling and stepped back, as the Medici swung his sword with ease. He walked straight to the two female recruits he’d been watching earlier and pointed his sword at the one with the dark hair worn in a single long braid down her back.
Shade barked out, “Name?"
The raven-haired recruit stepped forward, still breathing heavy. Fiamma moved to join them and Shade held his hand up to stop her.
"My name is Aislynn, master."
Shade heard her American accent and wondered where she came from with those skills, but there was plenty of time to find that out later. Right now, he wanted to test her skills further. "Aislynn, very beautiful name. Come to the center of the field. I wish to test you myself. Oblige me, si?" He saw her eyes go wide and he wondered if she’d decline.
Nervously, she replied, "Yes, master."
They walked to the center of the huge training field, the dust finally settling and all the other recruits made a large circle around them. Shade didn’t miss the pissed off look in Britt's eyes. He had seen her make a move toward him when he approached Aislynn and saw Fee's firm grip on Britt’s arm holding her back.
Shade stood casually before Aislynn; his sword held at his side. "Listen and heed my words, warrior. Do as I instruct you, try to kill me. Do not be afraid to hurt me or take me down. I am Medici. I have no fear because I know my skills. If you are to become Medici, you must be and think the same.”
Turning his back to Aislynn, he told her to stand about two hundred feet back. “Now, attack me when you are ready. Understood, warrior?"
Aislynn took a deep breath, and Shade could feel her nervousness, as she answered, "Understood, master."
He could also hear the male recruits chuckling low, they’d not been paying much attention to the females or their skills, but they were about to get a valuable lesson on female warriors.
Shade stood still, closed his eyes, and honed his senses on her. She moved quickly and quietly, with stealth, and he heard her coming fast at his back. He could hear her lift her sword in the air and just when she was about to strike him, he back-flipped well over her head and landed behind her, sword held high in both hands. Aislynn spun quickly, moving her feet like a dancer and before Shade knew what was happening, she was flipping end over end above his head. They battled hard for some time, her strike swift and deadly, she meant business and didn’t hold back. He was pleased. This was what he was looking for!
Her spins and turns were precise and her timing excellent. She had a great sense of timing and the ability to anticipate her opponent’s move. That was a rare gift and not something that could easily be taught. It was something a good warrior had naturally, like Raven, speed like a bullet and timing to match.
He stalked her as they circled each other, each of them moving slowly, eyeing the other and waiting for the next move. Shade could see her muscles flexing, the sweat plastering tendrils of hair to her face. She had worked hard all night and he was pushing her farther than she’d ever been pushed before. Then she came at him fast, swiping for his mid-section and he quickly dropped and rolled before jumping back to his feet, pulling the shuriken’s from his pocket and flinging them at her. She responded, not with shock but fight. She flipped through the air, missing one after the other as he threw them at her. She landed on her feet, sword raised, and her arms shaking with exhaustion. Shade was proud and impressed she’d never quit.
Lowering his sword tip to the ground, he felt exhilarated to be working his craft. "Stand down, warrior!"
He watched as Aislynn lowered her weapon tip to the ground and he approached her. "You have done well, Aislynn, your master is pleased. I hope to be seeing more of you in my camp. Keep up the hard work."
She looked up at him and smiled softly out of gratitude. "I am honored, master, thank you for the opportunity."
Shade held out his hand to fist bump and she looked startled but fist bumped him back. "That is what I am looking for, dedication, fight, respect, and honor. Skills that show me you have what it takes, and you will do whatever is necessary for Medici.”
He turned to the crowd. “Aislynn has taken the challenge I laid at her feet, she takes this opportunity seriously and I hope all of you will as well. I reward those that give all they have for Medici. My coven works hard, whether warrior or not, we all strive to become a unit. Give me that and you will be staying. If not, you will be leaving here shortly. Nice work to all of you."
Shade walked back to the four-wheeler and laid his sword in the cart. He heard the chatter among the recruits as he headed out the gate and back up to the main house. He wanted to show the recruits what he expected of them, and he wanted to use one of the females to show the males he made no distinction. A good warrior was a good warrior. His point had been made.
Hearing the horses startle as he walked past the stables, he thought maybe the sword play had them a bit roused. He strolled inside to find Impavido. He stroked his mane and patted his sides, settling him down. "Good warrior. I know you miss that fight, don’t you, boy? So do I."
45
Luca landed them softly in the foyer at Bel Rosso. Kate stretched her arms over her head and stifled a yawn. "It's still a few hours until sunrise. I think I'm going to take a quick shower, then surprise Shade in the camp." Kate rushed upstairs to shower and change, as Luca headed for his suite to call Shannon to let her know he was home and needed to feed.
***
Britt had looked on with envy as Shade challenged Aislynn. That should have been her! She couldn’t take her eyes off of him as he battled, his arms held high, his dark locks falling in his eyes, the leather that sheathed his legs hiding nothing. As the battle ended, he made a speech to the gathering warriors then left the field. Britt saw Fee congratulating Aislynn and took this moment to slip away, following behind Shade.
She had heard from the other warriors his mate hadn’t returned, so she knew he was still alone. Britt was convinced, with a little more effort, she could push past any reservations he might have. She was surprised to see him veer from the path and head for the stables but thought this may be to her advantage. She followed him, to see him soothing a massive black stallion, who responded to the stroke of his hand. Britt stepped inside the st
ables.
"I’d calm down too if I were stroked like that."
Shade's head snapped up as he heard Britt. "What part of leave me alone do you not understand? Apparently, you did not get your ass worked hard enough this night. Why are you here?"
Britt flashed him a smile and walked toward him seductively. She stepped up on the gate of the empty stall next to the stallion, who immediately responded to her presence.
"I just thought you needed company, master. I had no idea you liked to ride. But since we both seem to have a lot of pent up energy--I can think of a lot of things to tire us out. No one needs to know. I can be nothing if not discreet."
Shade couldn’t believe the nerve of this one, brazen and no respect. Listening was key to being a good warrior, and this one just made a huge mistake, leaving the camp again, following him onto his own private grounds. Impavido began to snort and paw, shaking his mane violently back and forth.
"Relax, boy, just relax. I know it is not your bel, but calm down, I have this in hand." Stroking the horse, the huge stallion refused to settle. Shade climbed over the stall and grabbed his mane. "Come on, enough."
Turning to look at Britt, his anger was building. "A huge warning to you, this stallion does not like females. If he bolts out of here, you don’t stand a chance to live. So, I suggest you back your ass off that stall, you do not belong here!"
Shade jumped over the stall and physically grabbed her arm, spinning her toward the entrance. "I am mated! So, I suggest if you have a brain in that bottled red head of yours, you march right back to camp because you truly do not want me to physically haul your ass over there."
***
Kate climbed fresh from the shower and spritzed on her rose scented perfume. She pulled on jeans and boots and headed for the camp, stopping at the door and going back to grab her crossbow. Maybe Skelk would be in the camp tonight and she could get him to come out of his shell a bit more. Luca said he was the most skilled vampire he’d ever seen with a crossbow.
Kate started down the path to the camp when she felt Shade's anger roll over her. Someone had pissed him off, and she was just glad not to be the target of that temper. She stopped in her tracks and tuned into him and could tell he was in the stables. She changed direction, walking toward the stables, wondering why in heavens name he’d be so angry. As she got closer, she picked up the scent of a female, and it didn’t take a lot of thought to figure out which one. As Kate got closer, she could hear Britt laughing as she heard her response to him.
"Oh, the very idea of you hauling my ass anywhere has a lot of appeal. I'll go, but you know where to find me. Like I said, anything you want, anytime you want it."
Kate's temper flared as she saw the redhead strut from the stables, flipping her hair as she looked over her shoulder, casting one last lustful look in Shade's direction. Without thinking, Kate lifted the crossbow into position, and turned on the laser light. As Britt turned her head back around, the light was centered in her forehead and she stopped dead in her tracks, facing Kate with a crossbow aimed at her head.
Britt swallowed hard and held up her hand, speaking in a pleading voice, "I was only kidding around. I meant no harm. I'm sure he knows I was only kidding."
Kate took two steps forward, never lowering the crossbow, her eyes locked on Britt's. "Well, Britt, then you should know when it comes to Shade, I never kid around, and I do mean harm."
***
Shade's anger flared at Britt’s smart-ass remark as she headed out of the stables. Before he could respond he was hit with the strong, intoxicating scent of roses and he felt bel. Her anger rolled deep and hard, her beast was waiting for a kill. He sensed Kate was close and then heard the conversation between the two women. Shade waited only a second before he quickly moved out the other end of the stables, so he could come up behind Kate.
He saw her dead aim on Britt's forehead, threatening her with her life. Shade slowly walked up behind bel, placing his arms around her waist, his eyes locking with Britt's.
"May I introduce my queen? She is deadly with this crossbow, killed the most heinous vampire in all of Europe, Cuerpo. I have no control over what she does, or whom she kills, but you have crossed the line with her mate. I, personally, would take you out for it, if the tables were turned.”
Shade could feel bel's anger close to exploding. He squeezed her waist tighter and leaned into her neck, kissing it gently. "Mi amore, I think if you let her live, she may spread the word that Queen Medici does not let anyone mess with her mate. I also think if you decide to let that arrow fly, no one would miss her. So, this is your choice. I will let you make it and support whatever you decide."
Kate watched as the blood drained from Britt's face. Britt knew her fate rested in the hands of a jealous mate, and Shade seemed content to let her decide the outcome. Britt breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Kate lower the crossbow and told the wolf at her side to stand down. Kate realized her beast was close to the surface, and it was Shade who calmed her. She wondered if she’d have pulled the trigger had he not stepped up behind her. She shuddered because she knew the answer. With clenched teeth, Kate spit out her demand. "Get your things and leave this camp. You’re not welcome here."
Britt mumbled her thanks and broke into a run back toward the camp. She quickly gathered her gear and teleported out without bothering to say anything to the other females in the barracks.
Kate dropped the bow on the ground as she turned to Shade and wrapped her arms around him. "I might have killed her."
He soothed her. "No, your heart would never have let you kill her. That was your beast, mi amore, wanting to take her blood. You thought before you took a life. Relax, my crimson haired minx, she is long gone, and nothing has happened except my queen claimed what is hers."
Kate sobbed quietly as he held her close. "Aegis was ready to attack her. She understands the threat of other females around her mate. I’m glad you were here. I'm not sure I share your confidence in my decision making. I think my emotions were ruling my choices and my anger was winning."
Aegis remained sitting as Night Stalker joined her. Aegis issued a low growl and cuffed Night Stalker on the head. Kate laughed. "Aegis just told him, 'See what happens when other females show up.' Come, let's go home. I have missed you."
"Si, it has been a long night for us both."
Picking her up, she curled into his chest and Aegis began to walk with them. Night Stalker picked the bow up in his mouth and trotted to the house ahead of them.
"I love you, mi amore. I will always love you and I think I finally understand how you see the females in my life now. Any time you want to shoot them or feed them to your warriors, go right ahead!"
Kate laughed out loud. "I'll try to be discreet, lover. I know they’re not all deserving of my anger and jealousy." She laid her head against his chest, happy to be home, and in his arms.
46
Shade was dressed and pacing the floor in his office. Dr. Bonutti was scheduled to arrive shortly. He walked to the bottom of the stairs and called out to bel, "Mi amore! Are you ready? The doctor will be here shortly." For some reason, he felt nervous and yet, he knew bel and the bambino were fine. He still worried, nonetheless.
Kate heard him call. She’d lost track of the time. She knew their family physician from Florence was scheduled to come this evening, but she’d been going through photos of furniture selections the designer had sent to her by email and was letting him know which ones she preferred.
She set the laptop aside and scrambled off the bed. Stepping into a pair of sandals, she hurried down the stairs. "Coming!"
She found him in his office, pacing the floor. "Lover, you act like I'm in labor already." Kate summoned Gi and had him bring Shade a glass of Midnight. "You’d think you're the one having this baby. Is the doctor even here yet?"
Shade ran his hands through his hair, pacing the floor steadily. "I’m just worried, and I want to make sure things are well for both of you, and to know if there is anything
I need to do. I want you to ask him any questions you have."
Kate took his hand and led him to the living room, pulling him down on the sofa beside her. He took a long drink of the wine before setting the empty glass on the table. Kate placed his hand on the small swell of her belly.
"Feel him, Shade. Feel his energy. This baby is strong." As she laid Shade's hand on the thin material of her sundress, he cupped his hand around the swell of his unborn child and felt him push back against the pressure of his hand.
"He kicked my hand, bel! He responded to me. Did you feel it?”
Kate placed her hands over his. "I feel him all the time. He recognizes your voice. He moves more when I’m around you, and you’re talking to me. He knows his father already. I told you, this warrior’s in a hurry."
Shade was still rubbing her belly when he heard Gi go to the front foyer to greet Dr. Bonutti. The doctor had been forewarned to teleport inside to avoid Kate’s greeting committee of two wolves.
Shade smiled as he heard the doctor and Gi reminiscing about old times and how long it had been since they’d seen each other. Gi led the doctor into the room.
Shade stood as Dr. Bonutti gave him a hug, slapping him on the back. "Medici, you look well, very well indeed! And this home is beautiful. You are coming along well since leaving Florence. I am glad to be here and be of assistance to you once more."
Shade smiled as he remembered the years of his childhood when the doctor would visit. "Dr. Bonutti, welcome to Bel Rosso. Please, may I introduce you to your queen, Katherine."
Shade turned and reached for bel's hand, helping her up as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Kate, this is Dr. Bonutti, finest there is. He has been with my family for many centuries."