The Blood Covenant: Book One of The Medici Warrior Series

by Emily Bex

  He tugs softly on her hair and raises her head to face him, kissing her hard. Snuggling into her neck, he can feel her vein pumping, calling him to come take what is his. He feels her hand stroking him, and his fangs punch through as he sinks them deep into her neck. He feels her initial struggle, a combination of fear and confusion, before she is hit with that lightning bolt of heat between her legs. He draws a deep gulp of her blood and swallows, feeling the inevitable burst of his own sexual desire.

  ***

  She quickly stops struggling as he takes more blood and desire overcomes her, letting him feed and get his fill, while her own body is wracked in an orgasm, the likes of which she has never experienced before.

  ***

  He will not drain or kill her, as most believe about the vampire myth. Most are careful to cover their tracks and leave no evidence of their feeding. And turning a mortal is something vampires do with great reservation, as they must assume responsibility for that mortal. She can only be turned if she is first allowed to drink from him, and in five hundred years, Shade has allowed no one to drink from him.

  He holds her head gently in his hands, letting her body and his, respond to the waves of sexual pleasure that wash over them. She begins to moan, and her body relaxes as he feels her heart beat slow, signaling to him he has taken enough blood. He removes his fangs, licks the puncture wounds clean so they will heal quickly and then kisses her gently. Her hand lays limp in his lap, the results of her ministrations, and his peaked desire, his cum dripping through her fingers. She looks at him confused, but not frightened.

  He lays his hand across her forehead and wipes her memory clean of this night. She will remember some of it, but nothing that would endanger him or his kind in her mortal world. He pulls some tissues from a box on the floor and wipes her hand clean of his cum as she stares blankly. Stuffing the soiled tissues in his pocket, he lets himself out of the car and teleports high into a tree and waits to make sure she is okay. He watches as she drives off into the night, wondering what in the hell happened. She is unharmed, she will feel tired, but her body would replenish her own blood loss and he left her with the sweet memory of euphoria she felt after that wonderful explosive orgasm. It is how he likes leaving them all when he is done feeding. It is his thank you for the meal they provide to him.

  13

  Standing outside Alec and Rissa's home in Georgetown, Shade is impatiently waiting for the delectable Kate Reese. It has been a few nights since her return from New York, and although he continues to watch her through the penthouse windows each evening, tonight will be the first time he has seen her in person since she had left on her short business venture. He stands outside in the cool October night and admires the beautiful moon and the upscale neighborhood.

  He had already smoked several cigarettes while waiting and wondered where in the hell she was when he sees the red Miata pull up out front. He watches for a moment as she checks herself in the mirror, her hair and those lips. He walks quickly to her door, opens it and holds out his hand to help her from the little sports car. He almost laughs every time he thinks about her driving an automatic.

  “Mi amore, buonasera. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

  ***

  Kate is running late as she goes through her closet trying to find another cocktail dress. Rissa said there would be some of Alec's Senator friends and their wives in attendance, and she is wondering again, exactly why Rissa invited her? She finds the soft mauve colored dress that fits her like a glove. The color looks good against her pale skin and accentuates the color of her hair. It is fairly low cut in front and leaves her back and shoulders bare, with small spaghetti straps crisscrossing her back. The dress has a ruched center seam that runs straight down the back, conforming to the curve of her ass. Even though she knows Shade loves her hair down, she feels like she may need to look a little more sophisticated for this crowd, so she pins her hair up. It is also a hair style that draws emphasis to the back of the dress.

  She spritzes on her rose scented perfume, grabs a wrap for her shoulders and heads to the car. Georgetown is right across the river, so it is a short drive to Alec and Rissa's home. As she pulls up in her car, she sees him, pacing and smoking a cigarette, looking disturbingly handsome in his dark suit and white shirt.

  Unlike Kate, he has not tied his hair back tonight, and it falls in soft waves around his face. She parks the car and he immediately comes to the driver's side, opens her door and extends his hand. She steps out of the car to greet him, but before she can utter a word, she finds herself in his embrace and in the middle of a passionate kiss.

  ***

  The moment her feet hit the pavement, he has her in his arms, giving her a welcome home kiss. Until this very moment, seeing her, touching her, he had no idea how much he had missed her. He smiles down at her, takes out his handkerchief and tips up her chin with one finger, softly but efficiently wiping off the smudge of lipstick his kiss has caused.

  “I am sorry, mi amore, I do believe I smudged your lipstick with that kiss. Tell me, did you miss me?”

  She is thinking he should just kiss away all her lipstick and be done with it. But she answers his question, "I did miss you, sir."

  Chuckling. “So formal!”

  She laughs softly, and he thinks it is such a beautiful sound, but he is sure the sounds she would make lying beneath him would be even more beautiful. He can’t breathe for the sight of her in that gorgeous, form-fitting dress. It is cut a perfect length above her knee to show those delicious legs, her heels are metallic silver, looking elegant on her tiny feet. He licks his lips as his eyes take her in, from bottom to top, thinking of all the things he wants to show her.

  Her hair is swept up atop her head in an elegant swirl of curls. He loves her hair down, but for tonight, it is a beautiful choice for this dress, exposing her bare neck, shoulders, and the lovely curve of her back. He places his hand at the small of her back and leads her to the front entrance of the Canton home, as his eyes lower to that gorgeous ass in the form fitting cocktail dress. Cazzo! She is something to behold.

  “You look beautiful tonight, Kate. This is a small gathering this evening, more intimate, just a cocktail party. The guests are more of Alec's inner circle of Senators. He is obviously schmoozing and buying favor more than anything, this evening. Thank you for allowing me to escort you and for being my entertaining beauty for the evening, I am most honored.”

  “I am so happy you asked. I was wondering why I even got this invitation from Rissa, I don't really know any of these people. Do you think you're up for the challenge of keeping me entertained for the evening, Mr. Medici?”

  “Oh, I assure you, Miss Reese, I am more than up for it, quite able as well.”

  As they reach the door, Alec's butler Santos opens it and greets them, showing them into the formal living room where most of the guests have already arrived and are mingling with drinks in hand. Shade keeps his hand on the small of her back, moving her into the room and nods to Alec, who tips his glass to him, acknowledging Shade’s presence.

  “What can I get you as refreshment, Miss Reese?”

  “White wine, please. I haven't eaten much today. I should probably take it slow.” She looks around the room, recognizing faces from the news, but no one she knows personally. “Wow...this is intimidating.”

  He lets his eyes shift around the room. “Do not be intimidated, Kate, no one in this room can compare to your beauty or my money, and they are merely power-hungry men who have some evil ways of getting what they want. Let me get you a white wine. I shall return shortly. I do believe I see Rissa heading your way. Prepare yourself.”

  He softly kisses her neck and lets his hand slide down her back and over that ass as he walks to the bar to get her the wine.

  ***

  Rissa surveys the room as most of the guests have already arrived for this intimate cocktail party. People are always more than eager to come to their lovely home and hear the latest gossip, and make sure they
are included in whatever plans Alec has for bills coming up on the floor of the Senate.

  She doesn’t have to turn to look, she can smell vampire the moment they come close to the house, and since she and Alec are the only immortals in this small party tonight, she knows it has to be Shade Medici. She works her way around the room, smiling, pouring on the charm, before she spots him and sees he is with Kate. She watches how he moves around her, his hand laying protectively on the small of her back, that signal from the alpha male, mortal or immortal, letting other men in the room know she is spoken for.

  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 would have taken my advice, but Shade and those damn blue eyes, she can’t resist.

  Approaching Kate, she watches Shade softly kiss her neck. Rissa can’t help but notice Kate’s dress, and how it has not only captured Shade’s attention, but the attention of every breathing male in the room, all of whom have their eyes glued to her ass, including her own vampire.

  “Kate! So glad you could make it, so lovely to see you.” She softly kisses both cheeks with a fake smile on her face. “What a lovely dress, and that color... It’s so... unique.”

  “Rissa! Thank you so much for the invitation. You look lovely tonight as well, but then, you always do. I can't imagine your closet and the number of evening and 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 ‘coos’ her response, “Oh I could never keep count of my dresses. Alec spoils me endlessly. I would love to show you how I remodeled the kitchen once I have made my rounds to all my guests, must keep everyone happy and drinking. 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, she hisses at Kate. “What are you doing with Shade Medici? You are in for some severe heartbreak, Kate, I warned you.”

  Kate is shocked by Rissa’s whispered remarks. “I know what you told me Rissa, and believe me, I heard you. It’s nothing serious. He's just a flirt, and he's new here. We just talk on the phone, and I've run into him a few times. But he doesn't know anyone, and I think I was just available, you know?”

  ***

  Shade gets Kate a white wine and makes small talk with a short fat man at the bar in a well-cut suit. Making his way back to Kate, he sees Rissa putting on her usual hostess performance when she begins to look a bit agitated and whispers in Kate's ear. Bitch better watch her step.

  Walking up behind his bel rosso, he casually hands her the wine and clinks glasses with her as he holds his own glass of Midnight.

  “To a beautiful night.” Taking a small sip, he smiles at Rissa. “Buonasera Rissa, you look lovely as usual this evening. I see Alec is making his way over, no doubt craving your beauty.”

  ***

  Alec sees Rissa with Shade and that redhead who's a friend of Rissa's and makes his way over to them. Besides, he needs to pull Shade aside and make sure their contract is sound and ready to sign, as well as inquire about the late night phone call for the safe house.

  "Rissa darling, would you care to introduce me to your friend?” Alec looks at Kate, "I do apologize, but I have forgotten your name."

  Rissa smiles at Alec, “I am sure you remember Kate Reese, from my college days, Alec. She works for Brunswick Ad. Lives in Arlington? Surely you remember her? She is being escorted by Shade, this evening.”

  Alec nods to her, “Of course, I remember now, your old college friend.” He gives Kate the once over, sliding his eyes all the way to the floor and back up to her face before turning to address Shade. "And how good of you, Shade, to make sure she has an 'escort' for the evening."

  ***

  Shade watches his greedy eyes take in every inch of her, and he steps in closer, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her against him. Back the fuck off brother!

  “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 doesn’t fail to notice the agitation in Shade’s voice, but lets it go unacknowledged. “Please, Kate, take no offense, I meet so many people in my job, it is impossible to remember everyone's name.” “Rissa, find out what the fuck is going on with Shade and this mortal.” “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?”

  ***

  Kate’s head is spinning as she listens to Shade's introduction, the way he possessively pulls her against him and calls her 'his woman', is she his woman? She can feel her face blush.

  ***

  Rissa telepathically answers Alec’s message, “Of course, Alec, I was thinking the same thing. She wants a tour of the kitchen. Take care of Shade and keep him busy while I lead her outside for a tour and some interrogation.”

  Shade nods to Alec and says, “Si, Alec, we can meet now if you want.” Leaning down, he kisses Kate's cheek lightly. “I will return shortly, enjoy your time with Rissa, I will not be long, mi amore. Lead on, brother.” He follows Alec across the room, into his study.

  Rissa watches Shade kiss her, his body language says he is taking ownership of her and this bitch has some major explaining to do. As Shade and Alec walk to his study, she grabs Kate’s arm and intertwines it around her own, then drags her in the direction of the kitchen. Rissa keeps the smile on her face, ever so pleasant, so none of their mortal guests have a clue.

  “Come along Kate, we have a tour to take. And you have some explaining to do. Keep smiling and move.”

  ***

  Kate feels Rissa intertwine their arms as she forcefully drags her off to the kitchen. Her head is 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 is dragging her off to the kitchen and she is clearly pissed. Kate looks over her shoulder at Shade as he walks with Alec to his study. He turns his head and winks at her before disappearing down the hallway. His. She repeats the word in her head. His. Am I ready to be his?

  Despite all of Shannon's encouragement, Kate does not do casual relationships. Her heart only has an on/off switch with no speeds in between. Can she flip that switch to on again, and open herself up to heartbreak? She thought it was harmless flirting, that he would tire of her and move on. But he called her 'his', and for some reason, the very idea of being his makes her giddy. She feels the smile spread across her face. Be careful Kate Reese.

  ***

  Rissa is literally dragging Kate to the kitchen and can feel Kate’s confusion. She is going to be spilling her guts one way or another. Rissa will get what she wants out of 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.” Grabbing Kate’s hand, Rissa swings opens the French doors and pushes her outside, turning and slamming the doors behind her.

  “Start talking! What is going on with you and Shade? He is all over you, it is so obvious, so don't lie to me or pull that sweet innocent act on me, doesn't work. Talk!”

  “Rissa, you are 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. I mean, one night he just happened to be at a restaurant where I went with a friend and he sent over a bottle of wine, we've talked on the phone a number of times, and we accidently 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 a
s 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?”

  “Kate! Do you think he just showed up wherever you happened to be? Come on, grow up!”

  Pacing the stone patio, Rissa wonders how dense she could truly be, or does she really have no clue about what he is? His woman? His woman? Walking up to her, Rissa goes 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 feels indignant and resents 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 is 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 laughs right 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 is steaming at the implications. Rissa has 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 has her so riled up? Is it that she is treading on her turf somehow? Rissa can't be interested in him herself, she and Alec are practically married.

  “I'll sit down and listen to what you have to say, Rissa, but really, I think who I date is my business.”

  Rissa sits down next to her. “When you date Shade Medici it becomes my business, it becomes a lot of people’s business. What I am 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 is not human. He is immortal, vampire. Yes, he drinks blood to survive. Did he tell you that? Did he ever take you to dinner? Have you ever see him eat food? I think you did not. That deep red wine he drinks, it’s a special blend, one he makes himself and is kept in reserve for our kind. It is 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, asking me to, hell, 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 his own ideas. He and Alec are old Kate, very old and both from Europe. We all live as mortals, to survive in this world. Shade is a warrior, a beast who kills mortals and immortals alike. He defends our immortal world. He is 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.”