The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Shade slapped Luca on the back, as they walked to the bar and poured out Midnight. "So, what is her poison?”

  Luca pointed to the mortal wine selection. "She prefers a white wine, if you have it.”

  "It was a good year for the Chardonnay in Florence. Greece produced a fruity variety as well."

  Looking at the wine options, Luca selected the Italian wine.

  Shade inquired, “Have you checked on the camp since your return? I am assuming the new warriors arrived and are housed up at the camp?"

  Luca poured a glass of the white wine for Shannon, as he gave Shade an update. "Marcello has everything under control. He does a really good job, master. And the new warriors that were sent over from Florence arrived. He’s been working with them, getting them ready to be sent to California. He and Raven have both spent time with them. Raven’s been giving them a sense of the layout there, showing them the floor plans and the layout of the property. That new guy, what's his name? Mica something? He teleported in one evening to meet the new warriors, although, between you and me, I think he was really here to see Raven."

  Luca chuckled. "Raven has things under control in D.C. He said nothing went down while we were gone. And no one got a call from Alec. Marcello has the new recruits on a tight schedule. They're looking good. Kate's wolf has been pacing ever since I got back home. She must have sensed she was arriving soon. All in all, pretty quiet."

  Shade nodded as he downed one Midnight and poured another. Swallowing that one, he filled his glass a third time. Damn, fucking Marco had him drinking like the old days! "Sounds like Raven is taking his new responsibilities seriously. I wasn’t sure when I gave him the spot, but Marcello assured me he would do well. Fiamma and Aislynn, how are they?"

  Luca drank his glass of Midnight. "Fee is fine, she has a handle on the females, keeps a tight rein on them. Aislynn is definitely the strongest of the new recruits. She can hold her own against any of the new males. Very disciplined, no nonsense. All the warriors have adjusted to the feeder compound. They were a little over eager when we first opened it. Like kids in a candy store because the access was so easy, but they have all settled into their schedule. No issues. Matron runs a tight ship. But I think she was missing Gi. I noticed when he came in he made a beeline for the tunnels, so I'm pretty sure I can tell you where your man-servant is right now."

  Shade almost choked on his Midnight. "Damn, all the males in this place are yanking for a meal!"

  Slapping Luca on the back, he chuckled. "I’m assuming things are well with you and Shannon? I’m sorry you had to be away from her for so long, but she seems happy. I know this wasn’t easy going through Kate's pregnancy. But you know you kept me alive...and sane. Well, it looks like the females are done inspecting my son from head to toe. We need to settle in. I have a few things I want to talk about with you and Shannon. But first, tell me, things are good between you two?"

  Luca smiled back at him. "Couldn't be better. She understood why I had to go, and I came back to feed when I needed to."

  "Good, I’m glad she understands, and it didn’t create problems."

  Walking back to the females, Shade set their drinks down, as they gathered around the fireplace. “Come sit down, Lorenzo isn’t going anywhere and I have some things to discuss. I want us all to be comfortable."

  Kate took Lorenzo back from Shannon. They all took a seat in the living room. She unwrapped the blanket and placed the baby over her shoulder, pulling her hair away from her neck so he could feed. The baby nuzzled into the warmth of her neck, his tiny hand flailing as he sought out her vein. He bit into her flesh, and the sound of his sucking could be heard around the room. Shannon was looking at her with her mouth hanging open, and Kate chuckled. "Get used to it, Aunty Shannon."

  Shade watched his son feed. He couldn’t get over the beauty of it, no matter how many times he saw them together. It was the most beautiful sight he’d ever witnessed. His love for them was overwhelming.

  Knocking back his Midnight, he waited until he had everyone’s attention. "Luca, as Kate's protector, it’s custom for some covens to pronounce the protector of the mate to be protector to the bambinos. I wish for you to be Lorenzo's protector as well as Kate's. It will be daunting, but Lorenzo will be with one of us at all times. Do you accept this duty?"

  Luca nodded. "I am humbled, master. But you know it’s a duty I accept with great honor."

  "You honor us, Luca. I want you and Shannon to look after Lorenzo, if anything happens to Kate and me. I do not foresee that coming, but I need to know someone will have his back, take the lead, and give him what he needs. Theresa and Marco will also have a hand in raising him. I know Kate wants this as well.

  “It was a comfort for your padre when I promised him I would take care of you, Luca. I saw that in his eyes, he went to his death peacefully knowing I would take care of you."

  Luca nodded. "When I took the pledge to our queen, I told you then I’d protect her, and all of your children. Nothing has changed for me. My life remains committed to you. Shannon knows where I stand. I think she struggles still to understand our culture, much as Kate did when she was still mortal, but in time, she too will understand. My loyalty to Medici remains steadfast, master."

  Leaning forward, Shade laid his elbows on his knees, looking at Luca seriously. "You have always been special to me, Luca. Always. And you remain so. All my warriors mean a great deal to me, but you go above and beyond that. You have done well for yourself. You earned everything you have. And you will have more. Let’s face it. I already know there will be more bambinos coming, two females."

  Sitting back, he laid his head back on the couch, his dark curls falling away from his face. "I never thought this would happen, this happiness and peace inside me. I knew it existed, I just couldn’t find it. Then this redheaded, walking sin strolled into my life and my world changed instantly. In one year, so much has changed for me. I could lose it all just as fast, I am no fool. But I will fight to my death protecting what sits in this very room. I know you will do the same. With that said, you will need to let him take your blood. You need to bond to him. It’s vital."

  Luca bowed his head. "It would be my honor, master." Luca chuckled. "Especially since he has already sampled mine."

  "He is a Medici. What the hell did you expect?"

  They all laughed and Shade nodded to Kate who placed Lorenzo in his arms. Taking his son, he held him across his chest, his small head nuzzled into his neck, rooting around in Shade’s curls. "Little warrior, we need you to complete one more task for us before you begin to take your nap, so don’t be getting yourself nestled in my hair."

  Luca reached out and lifted the infant, placing him on his own shoulder. Lorenzo cooed, his tiny hand resting against Luca's face.

  Kate stood beside Luca, prompting him. "Cradle him in your arms."

  Luca shifted the baby in his arms and looked down at the bright blue eyes that stared back at him. He lifted his wrist to Lorenzo's mouth. Lorenzo turned his head, kicking his feet free of the gown. Kate shushed him, and placed her finger under his chin, turning his head back to Luca's wrist. She rubbed her thumb over the baby's lips until he opened his mouth, seeking a source, and Luca lowered his wrist to the wet, waiting lips of the infant. Lorenzo seemed startled, not used to the hard, firm skin of Luca's muscled arm, and started to turn his head again.

  Kate spoke to him in a soft sing-song voice, "Drink, baby. Drink for mama." With her finger beneath his chin, she gently turned the baby's head back to Luca's wrist. "Drink for mama."

  Lorenzo nuzzled against Luca's wrist before biting, and the loud, wet sucking sound filled the room.

  Luca was startled by the baby's strength as he sucked at the wound, his small hands gripping his arm, the blue eyes locked on his. He felt the baby bond to him, and knew he’d be linked to him now, as he was linked to Kate and Shade for all time. Luca smiled at him as he showed no signs of stopping soon. Shannon stood and watched closely as the baby continued to suck at
the wound. She’d seen much since making the decision to be with Luca, but nothing like this.

  "Oh my god," she whispered. "He’s just so...perfect."

  Shade watched with such pride, Luca and his Lorenzo. He watched the baby make a little piglet of himself. Laying his hand on Lorenzo's dark head, his spoke quietly, "Lorenzo, enough. Luca needs to feed another this night."

  Lorenzo's eyes quickly went to Shade, following the sound of his father’s voice.

  "That’s my little warrior, come to padre, si?"

  Lorenzo unlatched from Luca's wrist and cooed loudly and flailed his little arms. Shade grinned, picking him up, laying him on his chest, rubbing his back. Lorenzo nuzzled into his neck and sighed. Shade felt his small body relax as he walked around the room with him, rubbing his back. He laid his cheek against Lorenzo's.

  Kate smiled at him. "I don't want to miss anything. I know he’ll grow up so quickly. I want to enjoy every minute. He’ll only be this small for such a short time. I can already see a big difference from the day he was born."

  Shade returned to her, his smile soft and loving. Kissing her, they stood together. "It’s our first night home, mi amore, with our figlio. It feels right. You had best take him and Shannon upstairs. I have a need to feed."

  Kate looked at him, their eyes locked, their love exchanged in a glance. "Of course, lover." She took the baby and picked the blanket up from the sofa. "Come with me, Shannon. We'll go upstairs. You can help me introduce Lorenzo to the concept of a cradle." Kate laughed. "I don't think he's going to like it. He’s been held by half of Florence, he doesn't know what it feels like to lay in a bed and not he held in someone's arms."

  Shannon stood and looked about nervously. She knew Shade had been feeding from Luca throughout Kate’s pregnancy, but she’d never been present when they were together. She had no illusions about what transpired, but she’d been able to put it out of her head. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you need."

  Kate could feel her friend's nervousness and remembered it well. It wasn’t that long ago she’d struggled with the same emotions. She reached out and took her friends hand. "Come on. I'll see if Emma can bring us some more wine."

  Kate led her up the stairs and behind closed doors.

  101

  As the house settled back into their routine after the excitement of arriving back home, Kate stood at the nursery window, Lorenzo on her shoulder as she looked out over the garden at night. She was glad to be back at Bel Rosso. Shade had returned to their bedroom, and Shannon had gone back to Luca’s suite. She’d just bathed and dressed Lorenzo after the long flight and had him in a clean gown. He had that sweet baby smell. The house was silent now, as she rocked gently from side to side as the baby cooed, one chubby hand wrapped in her hair. She stood quietly, lost in thought, when she felt Shade step up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist. Lorenzo responded to his father's presence, kicking his legs in excitement and Kate smiled.

  As he wrapped his arms around her, he sensed a feeling of longing, a sadness that ached in her heart. He spoke softly to his son. “You look very content Lorenzo, and I think I may be a bit jealous of you, cuddling up to your madre." He kissed her neck. "If I make that sound Lorenzo makes, will you cuddle me as well?"

  She didn’t respond to his question. Something was definitely on her mind. "Talk to me, mi amore, what is in your heart?"

  Kate leaned her head back against his chest, letting him support her. "Shade, we’re so blessed with this baby. But I can't help but remember the lost one. He’d be a year old had he lived. Lorenzo's big brother. I try not to think of him. I know it would have been hard for him, a half-breed like Cory. But then I look at Cory, and how happy he is now. Our lost baby would have been loved. He wouldn’t have had the hardships Cory had to suffer." Kate shook her head. "Sorry, I should focus on the here and now, not on what could have been. I know what happened was probably for the best. That baby wasn’t strong enough to survive this world."

  Shade closed his eyes at her pain, his guilt consuming him. He knew he’d caused this by switching out those damn pills. He’d made Gi take out the herbal supplements she needed, replacing them with a sugar mixture. But he’d do it all again. The pills were killing her, and he had to choose between her and the baby, and his choice was her.

  "You were not strong enough either, mi amore. We can’t go backward, only forward. It is the way of life. But we will always remember him, cherish and keep those we have lost in our hearts. What can I say, what can I do to make this better for you? Take this melancholy away from your heart. Can you not feel him with us always?"

  She nodded her head, as a single tear escaped and ran down her cheek. "I still feel him. I’ll always feel him. He’s as much a part of us as Lorenzo is. My arms ache to hold him too. One baby doesn’t replace the other in a mother's heart. I don't want us to ever forget him. I want our children to know him, to know there was one who didn’t make it, but he’s their brother nonetheless."

  Shade watched as Lorenzo started to pick up on his mother’s emotions, and he began to pout as if he, too, would cry. Cazzo! He needed to do something! "Come, I think our son needs to meet his brother. If he knows of him, you can always talk to him of our sleeping warrior, si? Perhaps, it will make you feel better. Let me grab a blanket."

  He pulled a large blanket from the daybed and wrapped it around her shoulders with Lorenzo still kicking and issuing small hiccups of cries. Shade felt like he was failing at this padre business already.

  As he wrapped the blanket around them, she turned herself over to his care. Kate allowed him to lead her down the stairs and out into the garden. The night was clear, and the air was crisp, their breath forming a mist in the cold. Kate pulled the blanket around Lorenzo's face as they walked down the footpath to the section she called 'The Baby's Garden'. The roses and lavender were dormant now as Shade led her to the garden bench, sitting her down as he slid in beside her, his arm protectively around her as she laid her head on his shoulder.

  Kate gently lifted the blanket away from Lorenzo's face, as his bright eyes stared up at her. "Our sweet, precious baby. Before you came along, there was another. He wouldn’t be warrior and he wouldn’t be king, but he’s your brother, and he would have loved you, Lorenzo."

  Shade sat with her, knowing she needed to come to terms with this. Gliding his hand over Lorenzo’s curls, he smiled down at him. "Mi amore, may I have him?"

  As she gently handed Lorenzo over to his arms, he stood and crouched in front of the angelic grave marker.

  "This garden was created for your brother. He sleeps and dreams here. I watch over him always, as does your madre. You have to watch over him too, inside your heart. He will fight beside you, guide you, and keep you safe."

  Holding Lorenzo under the arms, he let the baby straddle his knee as he crouched in the garden. Lorenzo patted the small statue as he cooed.

  "Si, your fratello. Your brother."

  Kate watched as Lorenzo reached out, patting at the head of the small statue, and felt peace in her heart. She knew all their children would know of the baby that preceded them, this one small life that didn’t survive, and yet, would live on through them. She sighed as she felt the energy of the lost one connect with Lorenzo.

  Shade heard her sigh as something inside her was released. He turned his head to look at her, her red hair blowing in the chilly breeze.

  "Mi amore?"

  Kate lifted her head and looked at him, his blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Yes, lover?"

  "Look at Lorenzo. Explain to me what just happened, something left you. It gives me a strange feeling, yet peaceful."

  "I'm not sure, but I felt it too. And so did Lorenzo."

  Squatting down beside him, she wrapped the blanket around the squirming baby and held him close to her breast. “'Let's go inside. We’re all one family again."

  He threw his arm around her, kissing her cold cheek. "We will always be one family. Our lost one will never be forgotten or unloved. We are M
edici."

  102

  Kate was already awake and sitting in the rocker, feeding Lorenzo. The day had been a long one for all three of them. Lorenzo didn’t like being in the cradle and woke often on his first day home. Shade would immediately awaken from his death slumber, alert, adrenaline rushing, until he realized the reason for being jolted awake. It would take him some time to get accustomed to having a baby sleeping in their room.

  He left their bed and began dressing. He planned on addressing the warriors and presenting his son to them when he felt Cory inside the house. Shade could feel his reluctance to come to them, and he needed to nip this in the bud. He and Kate had expected to see Cory when they’d arrived last night from Florence, but he was nowhere to be found.

  Shade heard him on the stairs, going to his rooms on the third floor and called out to him loudly, "Cory, come join us, we are in the bedroom!” Turning to bel, he lowered his voice. “I want Cory to meet his new brother."

  Kate shushed Lorenzo who startled at the sound of his father's loud voice. The baby settled and returned to feeding as Kate rocked him gently. "I did wonder where he was last night. But there was so much going on when we first got home, and Lorenzo demands so much of my time, I didn't have time to think about it. But he should come meet his brother."

  Cory sighed heavily when he heard his dad shout for him. He knew they’d arrived last night, but he was so busy with the leathers and besides, he thought since it was their first night home, they might need time alone. Cory felt like a third wheel at times, so he just kept busy and tried to keep out of their way. Opening the door a crack, Cory stuck his head in. "Hey, welcome home."

  Shade looked up as he finished lacing his boot. "Come on in.”

  Cory stepped inside, closing the door behind him and stood awkwardly, shifting his feet.