by Emily Bex
He tried to picture Velia with Gi, and he shook his head. Gi! First, it was Marco and Theresa and now Gi and Velia. How in hell had he never seen either of these relationships, as they happened right under his nose?
He heard Kate as she came in the house and he made himself busy with his paperwork. He remained grateful beyond belief he’d found his own love and mate, and she was more than he could have imagined. She gave him something no female ever had, her unconditional love and light, and a happiness and peacefulness inside him that had been missing for so damn long.
73
Kate left Fee in the camp and walked back along the garden path to the main house after the inspection of the feeder compound. As she entered the house, she stood still a second to feel him. He was in the office, so she set her course for him when she bumped into Gi.
"Gi, I met Matron, and I couldn’t be happier with your choice. I think she’ll work out perfectly."
Gi smiled and nodded his head in a respectful manner, extremely glad his queen was pleased with Velia as Matron, and she would be staying on. "I am most happy to hear this news, my lady. I do feel she is the best matron for the position here. She comes highly recommended." His smile widened as he stepped aside. "You will find master in his office attending to business."
Kate noticed the wide smile across his face and was amused. Gi was always so serious. "Thank you, Gi." Kate headed to the study to find Shade at his desk, head bent over a stack of papers.
"Our majordomo seems in an extremely good mood."
He looked up as she entered. "Si. So, do you want to tell me how you have learned to block images and conversations from me already?” Grinning, he stood and moved to the leather sofa, patting the empty space next to him, inviting her to sit.
Kate slid in next to him, laying her head on his shoulder, laughing at his comment. "Now how would you know what images I’ve blocked? And what good is a secure tunnel and compound if you can travel there in your head?"
Shade laughed. “You never cease to amaze me. You have mastered the art of keeping every single female at a distance from me, even in my head! So, tell me, I am interested to know if you approve of how things are going. Do you like Matron?"
"The compound construction is complete, and some of the furniture is in. Everything should be in place in a few days at the most. Fee says it is much more than what they’re used to, as did Matron. I liked her a lot. She’ll run a tight ship."
Kate lifted her head and looked at him. "She had no problem remembering you, lover. Seems you almost put them out of business when you left Florence and came to the States. And Gi seems more than a little pleased with Matron. Is there something I need to know about?"
Cazzo! She picks up on everything. "Well, I don’t think I put them out of business. I didn’t use the feeders as much as you may think, but I won’t lie, I did use them." Snuggling into her hair, he closed his eyes, taking in her rose scent. "As for Gi, the sly old fox is very happy at the moment, he chose Matron for a reason. He asked me not to speak to you on it."
"I knew Gi picked her and had a say in the other feeders that are coming over from Florence as well. Matron said she was retired as a feeder. She said she was free to live with other immortals now but chose to stay on in the capacity of matron. So, what are you saying? That she and Gi...have a thing?" She shuffled her position on the sofa, so she could turn to face him as he answered.
"It seems as though Gi has been feeding from Matron since the beginning of time. During Padre's day, servants fed with warriors at the barracks. And he has never stopped feeding from her. Did you know he was teleporting back to Castello since being here just to feed from her? I don’t want to hide anything from you, mi amore. Her name is Velia. She was an extraordinary feeder in her day. But I have been advised by Gi she is a strict matron."
Kate was shocked to learn Gi had been teleporting back to Florence just to feed from her. "Why didn't he say something? We could have brought her here earlier. I think my hatred of the feeders had everyone walking on eggshells. And maybe when I was still mortal I wouldn’t have been as open to the idea of bringing a feeder here. I feel bad he had to go to such extremes, but I'm glad she's here now. For him, and because I think she’ll do a good job of keeping order in the compound."
Raising his eyebrows at her, he was more than a little shocked. "Are you feeling well, mi amore? You have never had one good thing to say about feeders. But, in their defense, they are a vital part of our culture. And perhaps in the future, other things will become clearer now that you see through the eyes of an immortal. Grazie, for doing this.”
Kissing her, Shade slid his lips along her cheek, and nipped at her ear. He whispered, "I have a surprise for you."
Kate leaned her forehead against his and purred, "Do you now? And what might this surprise be?"
He slide his arms under her, lifting her as he stood and carried her from the room and up the stairs towards their bedroom. "Well, since you are curious, perhaps I had best just take you to the surprise."
As he approached the closed door of their bedroom, he told her, "Now close your eyes.”
She closed her eyes as he opened the door and carried her into the room, setting her down on her feet.
"Keep them closed. No peeking!”
He positioned her directly in front of him, blocking her view of the cradle. "Now, open your eyes and find your surprise."
Kate slowly opened her eyes and looked about. Sitting by their bed was an ancient wooden cradle, elaborately hand-carved. She gasped as she knelt beside it and reached out to run her hand over the surface. The wood was worn and smooth to the touch. She pushed against the cradle as it gently rocked, despite the weight of it. "Lover, this was yours?" She felt Lorenzo stir as she placed her hand over the swell of her belly, quieting the life inside her.
He watched her face, the smile and appreciation. He knew she’d love the old traditional cradle, passed down through the generations.
"Si, was mine, and several generations before me. Madre has worn it down a bit. Apparently, I was a cranky bambino. Padre rocked me as well, so the stories are told."
Watching her hand go to the swell of his figlio, his heart felt as though it would explode inside his chest. He wondered how he could possibly hold this much love. Walking around the cradle, he slid his hands over the wood, the smell of Castello filling his nostrils. Kneeling beside her, placing his hand over her tummy, he only hoped he had enough inside him to take care of them all, keep them safe, and give them the love they all deserved.
"Lorenzo knows, si? He knows we are here with him, that we love him. The sons of kings slept inside this cradle. He will one day be King of Medici. I only hope I can be a good padre."
Kate placed her hand over his, so he could feel the baby move beneath his touch. "Feel him, lover. He’ll tell you everything. He’s a proud Medici already, and he can't wait to follow in your footsteps. He knows he’s loved, and he wants so much to please you. He’ll be a fierce warrior, and a good man. His children, and his children's children, will rule Medici for centuries to come. That’s his message."
As she pressed her hand slightly into his, he felt their figlio kick, and he laughed softly. “I want him to know his past but forge his own future. I also want him to have your soft heart, so he can rule fair and true. I want each generation to improve Medici rule. I want our familia to be the leaders of the future and what is to come. Wait! Did you say his children? Mi amore, can you see his children?”
"I can't see them yet, but he can. I see him, growing up, chasing after you in the camp, eager to start his training. He looks just like you with his long dark hair and his blue eyes. He has tears in his eyes because he’s only two, and he can't lift your sword. He wants to fight beside you. You hold him to your chest and tell him, ‘In time my figlio.’”
As she spoke, he felt their son do a somersault in her tummy. Quickly pulling his hand back as if he was burned, his eyes grew huge and he stared at Kate. "Did that hurt? Are you
all right?"
Kate laughed. "I told you he was eager to get here. He already practices his warrior skills. And no, it doesn’t hurt. I love feeling him move."
“He is strong, si? I like feeling him as well, and he will be here soon. I am excited, but also somewhat nervous."
Kate smiled at him from the floor. "He already loves you and wants to be just like you, Shade. He will be quite the ladies’ man, so it seems he’ll follow in your footsteps in more ways than one. He’ll work hard, and play harder, and make no mistake. He’ll be a handful."
"Si, like his padre." Leaning down, Shade kissed his son through Kate’s swollen belly before taking her face in his hands. "Grazie for this gift you give me, mi amore. Ti amo!"
74
Raven scooted in the wheeled office chair across the control room in the Dead House, checking the security monitors that tracked the locations of every warrior on the streets. The new grid arrangement seemed to be working well, as the warriors were becoming familiar with their new territories. He’d taken Theo with him several nights, making rounds. Watching the monitors was one thing, but nothing took the place of checking up on the warriors in person. Shade had taught him that. It gave Raven the opportunity to make sure nothing was left unattended or unprotected and made sure they’d worked out all of the bugs in providing adequate coverage for all of D.C.
He sat in front of the large console, logging in the activity of each of the warriors when he heard the sound of familiar boots walking across the creaky wooden floor above his head. Warrior or not, nothing was sneaking up on him in this damn place without someone hearing it. He recognized the heavy footfalls of the boss-man. Clicking the key to save the document, he finished up just as Shade walked in.
Raven looked up. "Well, well, well, to what do we owe this special appearance?"
Shade chuckled and popped Raven on the back of the head. "It’s royal, not special, get your damn titles correct if you are going to bust my ass, SIC."
Raven spun around in the chair, his long hair flying, as he turned to face Shade. Raven pulled a smoke from behind his ear and lit up. "I finalized the grid layout, made a lot of changes. Interested in taking a look?"
Shade plopped down opposite him and lit up as well, as his booted feet flew up on the table, crossed at the ankles. "Not on that thing, no. I need to see it up close and personal. Showing me on a screen does nothing for my old head." Taking a long drag, Shade blew smoke rings above his head.
Raven responded, “No problem. I can print it out for you. Or better yet, we can take to the streets and I can show you."
Shade grinned. "Si, so stop yapping your mouth and let’s do this."
They both teleported out as Raven pointed out to him the new grids, and which warrior he’d assigned to each. Things were quiet. The warriors were all at their posts and making their rounds. Raven and Shade stayed out of sight, allowing Shade to observe the warriors at work.
He was impressed with the changes Raven had made. He’d made the warriors time more efficient and effective. They were close enough to each other at all times to respond quickly to handle any situation. As they stood on top of one of the older buildings in the metro, the nightlife was beginning to really kick into high gear. Shade felt good to be away from camp for a night and back on the streets.
"You do well, runt, impressive. Shows me you have a head on your shoulders and it’s about time you started using it. Let’s find us a good bar and have a celebration drink. I think you deserve it!"
Raven was bursting with pride. He’d been given the responsibility for the Dead House and he was making it better. He had a lot more ideas he wanted to implement, but right now, he was satisfied to have a night out with the boss. It was rare they got to spend much time together beyond working, and Raven might have a chance to share a few other ideas he had once they were in the club.
"Grazie, boss-man. Two blocks northeast, good club, they have Midnight and it’s usually pretty packed in there. We won’t stand out.”
Raven took off over the rooftops, swooping down to street level in front of the club before Shade even had time to process what he’d said.
"Goddamn, runt!" Shade took off in pursuit, swooping down behind him.
Raven mocked him. "Christ, you’re getting slow!" Raven bent over laughing as Shade shook his head.
"Get your ass inside, now!"
Walking inside the crowded club, they scoped out the guests. Shade didn’t feel any other vamps present, but the night was still young. "Many vamps come in here?"
Raven pulled his loose hair back as they made their way through the crowd. "Sometimes, but it’s a little early for the vamp crowd boss-man. This place attracts everything. What do they call them? Yuppies? Young white rich kids, trying to make it big in the city."
Shade nodded "Yeah, I can see that."
As they made their way to the bar, Shade took in everything around him. There was definitely money in this place. This was the white collar work crowd, the ones who partied early and got home to bed before the stroke of midnight. Most were well dressed, their noses in the air, looking for booze and ass. He ordered two Midnights and threw a twenty on the bar. It didn’t take the bartender long, as he nodded to Raven and served their drinks. It was obvious to Shade the bartender recognized Raven.
The two of them settled in, leaning against the bar with their Midnight and watched the crowd. Shade’s eyes roamed over the mortals closest to him when he suddenly felt eyes on him. He let his gaze drift in the direction of a tall, lean blonde mortal male. The mortal was surrounded by women, all of them fawning over him. He was dressed well and holding court with the females when their eyes met. The mortal looked away.
"So, tell me Raven, how is Theo working out?”
Raven took note of how boss-man operated, always aware of his surroundings, never letting his guard down. "He’s working his ass off, just like me. He knows what he’s doing. If I want to go street level and check out the warriors, I can leave Theo in charge in the Dead House. He can handle it."
Shade nodded, but still felt the eyes of the mortal on him. Shade took notice of the mortal’s body language, and how he was posturing with the women, his manicured hands making frequent contact. None of the women objected to his advances and it was clear the mortal didn’t expect to leave alone tonight. The mortal was tanned like he was airbrushed, he was in his element, the consummate player.
Shade turned his attention back to Raven as he answered, "I’m glad to hear it. We always need to have warriors being trained to step up to the next level, make advances in the organization.”
Ethan saw the tall dark haired man at the bar. He was pretty sure this was the guy his buddies had pointed out as the man Kate was with now. He continued to flirt with the bevy of females around him but kept looking at the man with the stylishly long black hair and blue eyes. He shifted his position at the bar. Ethan edged a little closer until he could hear snippets of their conversation. The man stood with another guy, with even longer black hair. Both of them spoke with an Italian accent, and Ethan was sure now this was the guy.
He and Kate had been engaged, but then she broke it off when she’d discovered him with one of his "groupies," as he liked to call them. Ethan remembered the heated argument with Kate, and how she threw the engagement ring back in his face. He chuckled to himself, still amazed Kate would think he should be monogamous. I mean, it wasn’t his fault he was a chick magnet. And what's a guy to do anyway? Deny himself all the pleasures of life? He sipped at his drink and kept glancing at the tall dark Italian. He looked older than the men Kate usually went out with. Not her type at all. The alcohol was making him brave, as he approached the two men at the bar and extended his hand to Shade.
"Hi. I'm Ethan. Ethan Young."
Shade felt him creeping closer. This one could be trouble. As the mortal stepped up and introduced himself, Raven immediately stepped away, so he stood at the mortal's back. Shade never had to worry, his warriors knew the routine. Shade too
k a long sip of his Midnight and leaned against the bar. The mortal’s hand was extended, but Shade had no intention of shaking it.
"Shade. Shade Medici. Am I supposed to know who you are, Ethan Young?" Shade could smell the cockiness rolling off him, and the alcohol rushing through his veins. He had no idea what this punk was up to but was sure he was about to find out.
Ethan gave him a big smile. "Well, I'm a little surprised if you don't. I was sure she’d have mentioned me."
Shade casually pushed himself upright off the bar and stood tall, towering over the mortal. "There have been a lot of she's in my lifetime, Ethan Young. Perhaps you would care to elaborate?"
Ethan laughed. "So, she jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire? How typical. Kate, of course, I'm speaking of Kate Reese. We were engaged. She dumped me, said I was a player. But it looks like she must be drawn to players. Maybe she should have stayed with me."
In an instant, Shade saw the visual in Ethan’s head, and it turned him dead cold inside. Her soft white skin, that plump sweet ass, and crimson hair. The mortal’s words hit him, and he growled. His Kate! So, this was the scum sucking bastard that had played her. Well, aren’t we going to have a little fun tonight!
Shade looked at Raven and knew he was ready at a moment’s notice to take this piece of shit down. Raven was just waiting on his word.
Raven knew immediately what was going to happen when he heard the mortal utter Kate’s name, and felt the boss-man’s blood boil. Raven telepathically called for Theo to come and wait outside the club, just in case Shade lost it inside this place. Raven knew Shade was not usually one to make a scene, but this mortal was talking about Kate, and that changed everything.
Shade kept his voice low as he locked eyes with the mortal. "She dumped the right one, you useless limp dick bastard. Now, she has me. You see, where I come from, men honor their commitments to women. We kill bastards like you."