by Emily Bex
Walking back inside, Shade listened and knew bel had gone to their bedroom and was waiting for him. He was careful how he committed his time these days, things were very different in his life now. Walking back into the study, he paced the floor, running his fingers through his tangled locks.
"Ten years is fair, Alec. It will take me a while to get where I need to go, my son will have to be trained, prepared. Neither of us knows the future. But you get that Presidency, you have my backing. I’m here in Virginia for the long haul, brother. This is home for me now. I have invested my future here. You want ten years, let’s do it, once ten is up, we will talk. But I want the rights to that potion exclusively, free and clear. Deal?"
Alec sighed, wondering at his path and where it would lead. "Deal, brother. Don't you ever grow weary of it old friend? Don’t you grow tired of all the scheming, the hiding, all the game-playing?"
Shade heard the tiredness in his old friend’s voice and wondered at the strangeness of his inquiry. "I lost it all once, Alec. I had to start over and it brought me here. I’m never done. It keeps me moving, keeps me alive. Once I let it all go, something will trip my ass up and it will be the death of me. Now, I have even more to lose, my mate, my son. It's a new life for me now. I see things differently. All that fucked up hell in my life was bringing me here to her. What the hell has you talking like this, not like you to be getting all philosophical on me? Perhaps you have become too involved with the mortals, their petty bullshit, you need to step back into the immortal world and get your bearings."
Alec chuckled. "Nothing. It’s nothing. I didn't mean to turn this into a therapy session. You have a different life, a different motivation. Makes me wonder about my choices. But that's my path to follow, and your job is to protect my ass, so let's just keep it at that, shall we? So, ten years and then we renegotiate. I can live with that. Anything else on your mind?"
Shade knew Alec. He was never philosophical, never doubted. Something had him in knots. "Nothing brother, nothing on my mind. Look, I got everything covered. I’m here if you need me. You know the number."
Hanging up Shade heard the electronic blinds going down for the breaking dawn. He could honestly say that was the oddest phone call he’d ever had with Alec. Tossing his phone on the desk, he headed to the bedroom, his death slumber knocking hard and he wanted his woman in his arms before it took him.
79
The nursery was almost complete, as Kate supervised the placement of the furniture, including a sleeper sofa that Theresa could use when she needed to sleep in the baby's room, even though she’d have her own room in the house soon. The designer and the workers took their leave and Kate looked around the room. It looked completely different than the first nursery. She wanted nothing that seemed the same. Instead of the gender-neutral red checks, she’d gone with a bluish-gray color on the walls and a crib that was black enamel. The bookcases were white, as was Theresa's sofa. Kate added color to the room with bright storybook animal print throw pillows on the sofa and the curtains. There was one last piece to add, and it was a large, colorful abstract oil painting Luca painted in primary colors that Kate wanted to hang over the crib. Walking to the top of the stairs she called down to Theresa, "Theresa, could you help me in the nursery please?"
Theresa was making a sweep of the downstairs living quarters with the duster, keeping busy. The house was growing with the new addition for Cory, and the baby on the way. Hearing Kate call to her, she quickly slid the duster into her apron pocket and rushed up the stairs to the nursery.
"You called, my lady? Oh, the nursery looks beautiful, a good choice of colors!"
Kate dragged the large canvas out from behind the crib. "Thanks. I want to hang this over the crib, and then I'll be done. But I think I'll need some help with it."
"My lady, you shouldn’t drag such things. Please let me help you. I see they’ve hung two nails and leveled those, so it will be easy to hang, just awkward."
As they lifted each end, they attached the painting to the wall and stood back to admire the work.
"Oh, my heaven, my side is a bit tilted!" Theresa shifted the painting slightly, aligning it to hang properly, she stepped back with her hands on her hips. "I think that should do it."
Kate admired the art. There was nothing about the piece that indicated it was created for a nursery. But Kate knew the baby's eyes would be drawn to the bright splashes of color.
"Thank you, Theresa. Would you like to help me make up the sofa bed? Your bedroom will be close by, and I know Shade wants Lorenzo to stay in the cradle in our bedroom for the first few weeks, at least, while he feeds exclusively from me. I thought having a place for you to lie down might give you more rest on days...or nights, the baby is restless. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if he’s a day-walker like us or will be pulled to his death slumber like his father. Either way, both of our lives are about to dramatically change."
Theresa smiled at her, she loved Kate. She knew deep in her heart she’d be a good mother to her babies.
"I love this room, my lady, and so will Lorenzo. It will transition well from baby to small boy. His gifts will be known to you soon enough. Although they’re small, they’re different from mortal bambinos. They’ll walk and talk earlier and be very intelligent and curious about the world around them. It will be a task to keep them in hand, but one I’ll enjoy. I’m so happy to be here and honored to be serving you and master."
As she helped fluff pillows for the sofa bed, she knew Kate had yet to think about the wet feeders and she needed to attend to this.
"My lady, have you given any thought to the wet feeders? I don’t wish to speak out of turn, but you should be taking care of that as soon as possible. I know you’re busy, but it will be important to have that ready to go ahead of time."
Kate sat down on the sofa bed, smoothing the blanket with her hand. "I think about it. I have the list Dr. Bonutti gave us. I keep putting it off because I'm not sure I know what to look for."
Theresa sat down beside her. "Did you know what you were looking for when you chose Luca as your protector?"
Kate looked up at her. "No, I didn't. Shade told me to follow my heart. He had already selected warriors who were qualified, and said I should find the one I felt a connection to."
Theresa nodded. "Si. And you found him, because something inside told you he was the one, am I correct?"
Kate smiled as she remembered her nerves on that day. "Yes, there was a definite connection to him, and he’s been perfect for me, and for Shade. But a feeder, I'm not sure I’ll feel any connection with a feeder."
Theresa laid her hand on top of Kate's and could feel the tension even this conversation gave her. "You may not feel a connection, but the bambino will. He’ll give you a sign when you find the right one. It’s a feeling you get. They’re quite harmless, the wet feeders, but the bambino must connect with them to feed. I’ve known very few who did not match well.
“Dr. Bonutti gave you a list, it’s easy to have the feeders come here at appointed times. I can arrange that for you. I can be with you while you speak with them."
Kate nodded her head. "Thank you. I’d appreciate your help, and whatever guidance you can provide. I know I’ve put this off, so if you don't mind setting something up. Everyone’s told me they’re different, not like the feeders for the adults, but it’s a hard concept for me to grasp. The list is in Shade's office. Would you...take care of it?"
Theresa patted her hand. "You let me worry about that. I’ll gladly do it and help you in any way I can. My lady, they feel nothing sexual, just as the baby feels nothing sexual when he feeds from us. They are a food source only, allowing the female to return to feeding her mate. The feeder won’t live here in the house, but in the staff quarters. Please don’t upset yourself. I know this is new and must seem quite strange to you. But after you meet them, you’ll understand, they will bond with Lorenzo, become someone who is a source of comfort to him. They take nothing from you, or Master Shade.”
Theresa smiled at her, “You look so beautiful, my lady. You glow from this pregnancy. There are so many that are waiting for the little Prince. I know I’m so excited to welcome him into the world!"
Kate beamed at the thought of him. "I can't wait to hold him. I feel his energy every day and he grows stronger. He’ll be so much like Shade."
Theresa stood and shook her head. "Heaven help us!"
80
Theresa set up the patio in the back of the house to meet with the wet feeders. It was a beautiful late summers’ evening and the garden was in its last glory. She set out a few bottles of Midnight along with some wine glasses and put some flowers from the garden in a vase, at the center of the patio table. She lit many candles, and created a soft and relaxing atmosphere.
She’d arranged for the feeders to meet with Kate one at a time. Dr. Bonutti had given them a list of ten names, and Theresa had narrowed it down to three based on what she knew Kate would be drawn to. She’d arranged for the wet feeders to teleport in and held them now in her room in the staff quarters. Theresa felt holding the interviews on the patio might be less threatening to Kate than having the wet-feeders in her home until she was comfortable with this idea.
Theresa let Kate know everything was ready, and Kate joined her outside. Aegis appeared immediately, and Kate calmed the wolf, rubbing her head as the wolf curled up at her feet.
As the evening progressed, Kate had interviewed two of the prospective wet-feeders and Theresa thought she’d managed it well, even though she sensed Kate’s nervousness. Kate returned to the patio after taking a small break, Theresa smiled at her.
"There’s only one more, my lady, her name is Nita. Don’t feel pressure if she’s not someone you wish to have, there are more feeders on the list from Dr. Bonutti. Would you like a glass of Midnight?"
Kate sat down at the table, accepting the glass of wine Theresa poured for her. “Thank you, yes. Maybe that will help." Kate took a small sip. "They were very nice Theresa, and not at all what I expected. They’re so young, just girls really. They look almost nymph-like. I’m relieved, but still, putting my child in their hands. I have to feel something! Let's see this last one please, so we know if we must continue this search."
"Relax, my lady, as I’ve said, Lorenzo will let you know."
Theresa walked over to the staff quarters to find Nita waiting patiently. Leading her out along the garden path back to the house, the young wet-feeder seemed entranced by her surroundings. Theresa made the introductions and took her seat quietly next to Kate. Nita bowed slightly, as she was introduced to their queen and took a seat at the table across from her.
"I’m honored to have this opportunity. It’s my first time in the States, it’s beautiful here. It looks a bit like Tuscany, my homeland."
Kate smiled at the sound of her voice. It was soft, angelic, and almost musical in its lilt and soft Italian accent. It soothed her instantly, and Lorenzo who’d been busy kicking all night suddenly settled down as well.
"Welcome, Nita. We’ve tried hard to make the property look as much like the Tuscan home Shade is used to. The house, of course, is designed very much like a Tuscan villa, but yes, these rolling hills and the mountains, the vineyards, they all look very much like Tuscany. So, the other wet-feeders spoke of their experience with other families where they’ve served. Would you like to tell us about where you worked before?"
Looking down quickly, Nita fumbled with her fingers as a nervous habit. Raising her large eyes, she smiled, hoping the next statement wouldn’t keep her from being selected as the small prince's wet feeder. "My Queen, I’ve not worked for any family. This will be my first baby to wet feed. If you wish for me to leave, I’ll understand."
Kate felt Lorenzo roll over inside her at the same time she reached out to Nita, taking her hand. "No. Don't leave. It pleases me that you haven’t fed others. You’ll be pure for my son. He’s a prince, and he’ll be a warrior like his father. He’ll need pure blood to make him strong, powerful. Your voice soothes me, as it soothes him. You understand you must live here, leave Italy permanently...or at least until Lorenzo is old enough to move to the camp in Italy. Then you’d be required to follow him back to Florence."
As the queen grabbed her hand, Nita felt something warm and giving flow through her, something caring and understanding. She’d heard the queen was kind and loving to her people and Nita was finding that to be true.
"Oh, si, my queen, I’m most willing to be here for however long you wish me to be here for the prince. I have very pure blood. I have experience with babies. We are all trained in their care. We are trained how to feed, cuddle, and hold them properly. We know how to soothe them when they are agitated. I also sing. It comforts them, helps them relax and feed. I know many Italian lullabies. I’ll learn American ones as well, if you wish. If you choose me, I’ll serve you and the prince well. It’s what I was born to do, and I’d spend my entire lifetime with him, if necessary, to see him grow and be strong like our king."
Kate knew in her heart Nita was the right choice, but Shade should meet her as well. He’d want to have a say in who nurtured his son. “Shade, please join me on the patio. I want you to make the final choice on Lorenzo's feeder.”
"I’m sure you can be happy here, Nita. Theresa will be his nanny and live inside the house. But the staff quarters are well appointed. Our chef has recently relocated to California, and his suite can be modified to your taste. But before we decide, I’ve asked Shade to join us."
Shade was helping Skelk set up some moving targets when he heard bel ask him to come meet a wet feeder. He quickly excused himself from Skelk. Teleporting into the main house, he peeped out the window where he could see Theresa and Kate at the patio table chatting with a young feeder. He quickly went upstairs, washed up a bit, getting the dirt and grime from his face and hands. He threw on a clean tee shirt, tucking it into his jeans, as he headed outside.
Nita suddenly became very nervous hearing her master and king would be arriving. She didn’t know she’d be presented to him. She saw him walking out and she stood and lowered her head in respect. Shade acknowledged her and asked her to sit, as he stepped up behind bel and kissed her neck softly.
"Lover, this is Nita. Theresa and I have met with other wet feeders this evening, but I’m most drawn to Nita." Kate took his hand and placed it on her belly. "As is your son. Talk with her and let her know her fate. Is she the one?"
Shade looked at the small girl that sat meekly with her head still bowed. "Nita, please look at me."
Nita heard his low voice and was almost frightened. He was powerful, and she’d only seen him from a great distance. Wet feeders were quite sheltered, raised to be pure and clean, feeders for the children of masters. Raising her eyes, she responded, "Master.”
Shade smiled at her and cocked his head. "Well, it seems my queen likes you and if my figlio approves, you have crossed two very huge hurdles. I only have a few questions. Where in Italy are you from?"
Nita swallowed hard, hoping her voice didn’t squeak from her nerves. "I’m from Tuscany, master. I grew up in Poggio a Caiano, not far from the Medici’s summer villa."
Shade chuckled. "Ah yes, the villa. I remember it well. It slipped from the hands of the Medici’s over the years. It is now open to the tourist, si? It was a grand home, purchased originally by another Medici, a mortal named Lorenzo. This is a good sign, is it not? Might I offer you a drink of Midnight?"
Nita held up her hand. "No. I don’t drink, master. I’ve never had alcohol. I thank you for the offer though."
Shade turned to bel. "Is there anything special I should know about Nita?"
"Only that she is pure. She’s never fed another. Her voice soothes Lorenzo even now."
Shade sat down in the chair next to Kate, sliding his arm around her. "Pure is important for his growth as a warrior, Nita. You must stay with him until he is grown or has no more use for a wet feeder. You will be well paid for your dedication and service to my son
. Is there anything else you wish to tell me? Convince me you wish to be here."
Nita cleared her throat to speak. "Master, I know your son will be a warrior, a strong and courageous Medici. While he’s small, he will need to feed and sleep to help his growth. I can sing. I love to sing, and it helps comfort the baby."
Shade nodded to her. "Then, by all means, Nita, let us hear your voice and let us see how my figlio reacts to such."
Nita stood and began to sing, her voice soft and sweet and echoed in the summer night as she sang an Italian lullaby. “Dormi dormi bel bambino…”
Nita sang with the voice of an angel, and Lorenzo did a slow stretch and turned over in Kate's womb, before curling up again in a tight ball, quiet and still. Kate ran her hand across her belly and smiled. "Your son has chosen, lover."
Shade leaned over and kissed bel softly. He laid his hand on the swell of her belly and could feel his son comforted by the song.
"Si, he has chosen, and so has his padre. We welcome you, Nita. You hold a great responsibility to the Prince. It is an honor to serve me and the Medici coven in your duties. I hope I will hear that voice on many a night, as it will give great relief to your queen and me to know he is held with love and comforted by your blood. Kate will see to getting you settled in when the time comes."
He turned to bel. "You have made a good choice and I am most pleased."
81
Shade had tucked bel into bed and made sure she was resting, her insistence she was fine was lessening, and she was more open to his request for her to rest. The baby was taking his toll on her energy and endurance.
As he walked to the camp, he realized the sun was up much less now as they moved into the beginning of fall. Before long, the mountains would be flush with color, as if they were on fire. He heard very little noise coming from the camp and knew the night was just beginning for his warriors. He made a quick detour to the stables, talking with Angelo, making sure things were going well and the horses were healthy. Checking on Biondo, he was glad to hear Rissa rode often in the evenings. Hell, he was glad someone was making use of the horses and stables. He never seemed to have enough time to do anything pleasurable lately.