by Emily Bex
Well, well, well, the meek little Kate thinks she is having a vampire, I would think again, sister. I’ll need to keep a close eye on this. I thought for sure she’d have taken my advice, but Shade and those damn blue eyes, she couldn’t resist.
She saw Shade step away, and decided to approach her. “Kate! So glad you could make it, so lovely to see you.” Rissa softly kissed both cheeks with a fake smile on her face. “What a lovely dress, and that color...it’s so...unique.”
“Thank you for the invitation. You look lovely tonight as well, but then, you always do. I can't imagine your closet and the number of cocktail dresses you must own. If I get many more invites from you, I'll need to go shopping. I heard you were doing some remodeling since I was last here.”
Rissa cooed her response “Oh I could never keep count of my dresses. Alec spoils me endlessly. I’d love to show you how I remodeled the kitchen. Good heavens, you have no drink. Oh, I see Shade is bringing you something now and my Alec is making his way over. Have you been formally introduced to Alec? He meets so many people, I am never sure.”
Leaning in, whispering through gritted teeth, Rissa hissed at Kate. “What are you doing with Shade Medici? You are in for some severe heartbreak, Kate, I warned you.”
Kate felt annoyed but responded to Rissa’s whispered remarks. “I know what you told me, Rissa. It’s nothing serious. He's just a flirt. This is nothing!”
***
Shade got Kate a white wine and made small talk with a short fat man at the bar in a well-cut suit. Making his way back to Kate, he saw Rissa putting on her usual hostess performance when she began to look a bit agitated and whispered in Kate's ear. Bitch better watch her step.
Walking up behind his bel rosso, he casually handed her the wine and clinked glasses with her, as he held his glass of Midnight. “To a beautiful night.”
Taking a small sip, he smiled at Rissa. “Buonasera, you look lovely, as usual, this evening. I see Alec making his way over, no doubt craving your beauty.”
Alec joined the threesome. "Rissa darling, would you care to introduce me to your friend?” Alec looked at Kate. "I do apologize, but I’ve forgotten your name."
Rissa smiled at Alec. “I’m sure you remember Kate Reese, from my college days. She works for Brunswick Ad. Lives in Arlington? Surely, you remember her? She’s being escorted by Shade, this evening.”
Alec nodded to her. “Of course, I remember now, your old college friend.” He gave Kate the once over, sliding his eyes to the floor and back up to her face before he turned to address Shade. "And how good of you, Shade, to make sure she has an escort for the evening."
Shade watched his greedy eyes take in every inch of her, and he stepped in closer, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her against him. “Mi amore, may I officially introduce you to Senator Alec Canton. I am quite sure you will never forget his name, as he has so conveniently forgotten yours, but of course, you are of no use to him in the Senate. Alec, this is my lovely woman, Kate Reese.”
Alec looked annoyed with Shade. “Please, Kate, take no offense. I meet so many people in my job, it’s impossible to remember everyone's name.” “Rissa, find out what the fuck is going on with Shade and this mortal.”
Rissa telepathically answered Alec’s message. “Of course, Alec, I was thinking the same thing. She wants a tour of the kitchen. Keep Shade busy while I lead her outside for a tour and some interrogation.”
Alec threw his arm across Shade’s shoulder. “Shade, if you don't mind, there are some business issues we need to discuss. Maybe we could let the ladies have some time together, while we talk privately?”
Shade nodded to Alec and said, “Si, we can meet now if you want.” Leaning down, he kissed Kate's cheek lightly. “I will return shortly, enjoy your time with Rissa, I will not be long, mi amore.” He followed Alec into his study.
Rissa grabbed Kate’s arm and intertwined it around her own, then drug her in the direction of the kitchen. “Come along Kate, we have a tour to take. And you have some explaining to do. Keep smiling and move.”
Kate’s head was reeling. Did he just call me 'his’? His tone with Alec was defensive, and the way he pulled her in close, like he was sending a message. Now Rissa was dragging her off to the kitchen and she was clearly pissed. Kate looked over her shoulder at Shade, as he walked with Alec. He turned his head and winked at her before disappearing down the hallway. His. She repeated the word in her head. His. Am I ready to be his?
Despite all of Shannon's encouragement, Kate didn’t do casual relationships. Her heart only had an on/off switch with no speeds in between. Could she flip that switch to on again and open herself up to heartbreak? She thought it was harmless flirting, and he’d tire of her and move on. But he called her his, and for some reason, the idea of being his made her giddy. She felt the smile spread across her face. Be careful Kate Reese.
Rissa snapped at her. “This is the kitchen. And that...is the door out to the pool. Let’s go out there and take a nice little tour.” Placing her hand on Kate’s back, Rissa swung open the French doors and pushed her outside, turning and slamming the doors behind her.
“Start talking! What’s going on with you and Shade? He’s all over you, it’s so obvious, so don't lie or pull that sweet innocent act on me, doesn't work. Talk!”
“Rissa, you’re taking this over the top! Seriously, I met him a few weeks ago at the big gala you threw, and since then, I've run into him a few times. We've talked on the phone, and we accidentally met up for coffee. I guess tonight would be our first official date in that he asked to escort me here. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm very attracted to him, but until he introduced me to Alec as 'his woman'...I guess I'm as caught off guard as you are. But why should you care who I see? It's not like you've been monitoring my dating life in the past. What's the big deal?”
“Do you think he just showed up wherever you happened to be? Come on, grow up!” Walking up to her, Rissa went nose to nose with her. “I care very much who you see when it comes to him. Did he tell you what and who he is?”
Kate felt indignant and resented this inquisition. “Of course he told me. He owns a bunch of vineyards in Italy and apparently has done quite well for himself. Clearly, he comes from money, but you know that’s not why I like him. Unlike you, the size of a man's checkbook was never high on my list of required criteria when it comes to selecting the men I date.”
Rissa laughed in her face. “This has nothing to do with money. Granted, this one has more than enough, not that you’ll ever see it. Let me fill you in on a few things. Shade Medici has left out a few key details on his life. Life-altering details, I might add. He and Alec are much more than just business partners. Sit down…we need to have an in-depth conversation, Kate. This is serious.”
Kate was steaming at the implications. Rissa had always made sure everyone knew where she came from, and how much money her rich family from Boston had. Even in college, she only went out with the ‘right guys’. So what had her so riled up? Was it that she was treading on her turf somehow? “I'll sit down and listen to what you have to say, but really, I think who I date is my business.”
Rissa sat down next to her. “When you date Shade Medici it becomes my business. What I’m about to disclose to you, if ever repeated, could mean the end of your life, Kate. I take a great risk telling you. I could endanger my own life. Shade isn’t human. He’s immortal, vampire. Yes, he drinks blood to survive. Did he tell you that? Did he ever take you to dinner? Have you ever seen him eat food? I think you haven’t. That deep red wine he drinks, it’s a special blend, one he makes himself and is kept in reserve for our kind. It’s human blood and alcohol, and no one knows that damn recipe. Alec is vampire as well, and...so am I. He turned me from mortal to immortal to be with him forever. Take it all in, Kate, think about it. Shade came to me, demanding I invite you to all my events. I didn’t want to. Seriously, you just don't fit in with our set. I didn’t want him to pursue you, but apparently, he has hi
s own ideas. He and Alec are old, very old. Shade is a warrior, a beast who kills mortals and immortals alike. He defends our immortal world. He’s vicious and brutal, lopping off heads and ripping out hearts with his bare hands. And he has his eye on you and once you have his attention, he won’t be satisfied until he has you...blood and body. And sex with an immortal? I don’t have to ask if you’ve slept with him yet. If you had, you wouldn’t be here tonight. Trust me, you’re not ready.”
Kate was staring at Rissa as if she had escaped from an asylum. What is she talking about? Vampires? Is she kidding me? Kate tried to remember if she ever saw Shade eat anything. At the restaurant, he was at the bar, and then coffee, he drank the coffee, didn't he? But that's ridiculous! She’s sure she’s known a lot of people she’d never seen eat. This is absurd! What she's saying is absolutely absurd. Shade, vicious and brutal? He’d been nothing but a gentleman with her.
"Rissa...I'm sorry, but I find all of this just a little hard to believe. I mean...vampires...really? That’s the best you can do?”
Rissa looked away from her. “I know it’s hard to grasp. But you’ll find out for yourself if you don’t tell him to get the hell away from you. He wants to have sex with you, drink your blood. It goes hand in hand with them. Many vampires get off on inflicting pain. I know damn well by the way he looks at you, he wants you. Has he ever been at your neck, innocently snuggling? Have you heard him taking you in, inhaling your scent? You need to believe me, Kate. And if you tell one soul...they will come after you, in droves, and rip you apart, sucking you dry...like the savage beasts they are.”
Kate backed away from her as she talked, absorbing the images she portrayed. Rissa was scaring her now. He couldn’t be this man she described. But why would she make this up? "But Alec...you love him. Do you love him? Does he hold you against your will? What are you saying to me?”
Rissa stood up and stared at her. “I’m telling you to not get involved with him. Let him go. I love Alec, he’s my master. He will never love another but me. I’m his mate, his chosen one. He rules my life. He takes my blood to survive. Are you willing to make these changes for Shade? I told you before to be careful. I told him to leave you alone. I was looking out for you, trying to protect you from our world. Perhaps, it would be best if you just leave now. You can go out that back gate. It will take you to the side street. Shade will be tied up with business with Alec for a while yet. I’ll make your excuses. Think about what I’ve told you, and remember, you breathe one word, we’ll all know where it came from.”
Kate allowed Rissa to drag her over to the gate. Why would she lie? This can't be true. Vampires weren’t real, but Rissa’s words scared her. And she had to admit, she’d always seen something dark in him. Didn’t she call him ‘dangerous’ from the first time they met? "Okay...maybe you're right. I feel horrible just leaving, Rissa...he...maybe I should say goodbye first? Let him know I’m leaving?”
Rissa violently shook her head. “No! He’d never let you leave. Not once he realizes you know what he is. You have to go now!” Rissa opened the courtyard gate, and gently pushed Kate out, closing it behind her. “Go! While you still can. This is for your own protection, trust me.”
Kate stared back at her, her mouth open, but she had no words. She took the pathway that ran along the side of the house, back to the street and her car. She looked back at the house, her heart breaking. Was she doing the right thing? She got in her car and started the drive back home, feeling fear and confusion, and more than a bit of doubt as the tears fell down her cheeks.
Rissa leaned against the closed gate and laughed. That will teach you to fucking mess with my world, bitch! You’ll never intrude where I rule. She turned and started walking back toward the house and her guests. “Alec, she had no idea he was a vampire. He’s playing with her. She’s a toy to him. I sent her packing. I do believe we won’t be seeing her again. I’m back to our guests, don’t leave me alone too long, I miss you.”
***
Alec took Shade to his office where he had copies of their contract, along with the deeds for both the California and Virginia properties. "So, I assume you’ve had time to go over these. It's everything we discussed. Are you ready to sign? I'd like to get started as soon as possible. I know you’ve already spent some time at the, what did you call it, the Dead House? I'm aware you’ve met with my warriors already, but the sooner we get started the better.”
Browsing over the documents, Shade found them in perfect order and he was also anxious to get the hell out of this office and back to Kate. He felt as though he’d deserted her. “I have gone over them in great detail and everything looks in order. I am more than ready to start getting that ragtag bunch of yours into Medici shape.”
Alec shook his hand. “Great. I’ll have my lawyer send the originals to you for signature at, uh, the penthouse in Arlington? Are you living there until you can get the Virginia property renovated?”
Alec heard the message from Rissa in his head and knew Kate had left the party. That news was both good and bad. There was no way to predict how Shade would respond.
Shade slowly lifted his eyes to Alec. “Yes, I am staying there for a short period of time until I can arrange to have some work completed on the Virginia property. Problem?”
Alec slapped him on the back. “No problem, brother. I couldn't help but notice how attentive you were to the mortal, is all. Doesn't she live in Arlington as well? Or is that just a coincidence? I just would hate to see you stir up trouble here in D.C. with any mortals. I'm sure I can line up a few immortals for you. I for damn sure understand your needs, and I know your type.”
Shade bristled at his remarks. “I can handle my own affairs. You need not be concerned. I have no intentions of causing you or this city any trouble. Speaking of which, I apologize for the late call the other evening.”
Alec ran his hand through his dark curls. “Yeah, about that, you sounded on the edge. You make it okay? What set you off anyway?”
Shade shrugged. “I went without feeding for too long. I was so busy checking out the new properties, getting grids and maps organized. You know how it is, brother, busy as hell and you lose track of the time. But I suppose with Rissa and other tempting delights, you have forgotten not having something handy in a strange territory. I made out okay, and grazie, I was on the extreme edge and just wasn’t paying attention to the hungry black bastard inside me.”
Alec looked at him with question, willing to bet anything the redhead had more to do with his beast losing control than he wanted to admit. "Well, all the more reason you need a good, strong immortal female to feed your appetites...all of them. Let me know, brother, as I said, I know who's in the area, who's unattached. You won't be disappointed. Shall we go back to the party?"
He extended his arm out in the direction of the door, not looking forward to Shade's response when he discovered the redhead was gone.
Shade followed his direction and headed to the door. “Grazie, brother, I have this under control.”
Walking out the office door, they made their way back to the guests. Shade scanned the room for her, didn’t see her, and realized he’d lost her scent. She was gone. Gone? He got a very bad feeling. Rissa was the last person with Kate and that bitch knew how to stir the pot. Shade spoke through gritted teeth, “Where is she, brother?”
Alec stepped in closer. “Where is who? And I need you to calm down Shade...your temper. Reel it in. You’re around mortals here.”
Shade growled softly and turned to look at him. “Get your mate over here now, I need to speak with her or you are going to see one pissed off master, mortals or not. I want to know where Kate is.”
Alec put his hand on Shade's shoulder, ready to push him from the room if it came to that, and made eye contact with Rissa, signaling she needed to join them. "Let's step back in the office, shall we, brother? I need to be careful around the mortals."
Shade watched Rissa, locked eyes with her for a second and followed Alec back to the offi
ce. He was waiting for that bitch to walk in the door. “Someone better explain to me where in the hell Kate is.”
Alec tried to soothe him. “Brother...calm down...I'm sure there’s an explanation. Rissa, you talked to her. What's going on?”
Rissa entered the study and closed the door behind her. She walked over to Alec and stood close to him. In a defiant voice, she answered, “I wanted to know why, of course, Shade was calling her ‘his woman’. That means one thing in our world. She played games with me, claiming nothing was happening. I told her he was immortal. She said she didn't feel well and I offered to let her lie down in one of the spare rooms to wait, but she insisted she go home.”
Shade heard nothing beyond hearing Rissa say she told Kate he was a vampire. He growled, and his fangs punched through, he stepped closer to her, towering over her. “How dare you stick your nose in my business. She belongs to me. How could you do this to her? How could you expose all of us like this?” He stared at Alec. “You need to teach her how to control that mouth of hers. Cazzo, Alec!”
Alec came to Rissa’s defense, trying to end this foolishness with the mortal. “Shade, how can you say she’s yours when the woman doesn't even know what you are? Fuck! Unless it’s a quick feed, even mortals have a right to know what they're dealing with. No wonder you were out of control the other night. This all makes sense to me now. Do yourself a favor, brother, forget the mortal, and let me hook you up.”
Shade felt his breathing hasten and his temper rising. All he could think about was Kate. She was probably scared out of her mind and now he’d lost the chance to explain to her in his own way, who and what he was.
“She is mortal, but if I have my way, she won’t be for long. You take care of your own woman. Excuse me, but I have things to attend to.” He turned to Rissa, “You should be damn glad your master is standing there to protect you because your ass would be dead if I had you alone.” In anger, he teleported out of the house.
