The Blood Covenant: Book One of The Medici Warrior Series

by Emily Bex

  Rissa hears the concern in her voice. So, the little bitch is feeding from him now? They are mated? Oh, Alec is not going to like that! On the other hand, if Kate is feeding from Shade, she would have immunity to almost all human diseases. The fact she is even sick is serious in itself.

  “Well, first of all Kate, I can tell by the tone of your voice, you’re concerned. I have several doctors I can recommend, all specialists, so it depends on your symptoms. And before you ask, yes Shade, he makes house calls. Tell me what kind of symptoms you have. Give me some idea of what’s happening.”

  Rissa could give a fig about Kate, but keeping tabs on her is what Alec wishes, and the more she can prod, the more she can report back to Alec.

  Kate downplays her symptoms, “Really, it's nothing, it is just that, some days, I have no appetite, and can't keep food down, and the next day, I am starving. I have felt really tired. Some days, I sleep for hours on end, like twelve hours at a time and then still feel I need sleep. Or I sleep for two hours and then I have to get up. That's about it, really.”

  Rissa listens to what Kate describes, “Hmm, does sound a bit off, Kate. Are you feeding from Shade?” Rissa grins wickedly, knowing the naïve bitch will spill out the details.

  “There was one night over the weekend I fed a lot, and actually felt better. But really, I have not fed from him since then. And, of course, since I have been sick, he has not fed from me, and that upsets me too.”

  As she tells Rissa about the feeding, Shade reaches over and holds her hand and smiles.

  “Don’t let that upset you, Kate. Shade can go a while before he will be forced to feed. He knows how far he can push himself. And if necessary, he can always use a feeder.”

  Rissa asks the next question, well-aware it will spark controversy. If Kate wants to be a part of their immortal world, she better learn fast all the rules of what masters can and will do. If Shade hasn’t informed her, she is about to find out now. “Shade, I know you well, so forgive my bluntness, but have you fed or been with anyone else lately?”

  Shade bristles at her question and sees Kate’s back stiffen at the very mention of a feeder.

  “Rissa! For hell’s sake, I cannot believe you asked me that. Of course not. I am mated to Kate! She is my eternal mate and I would never do such a thing, but I will forgive you this once, because I know your line of thinking and there is no tainted blood in these veins. So, no! Now what other personal business do you need to know?”

  ***

  Kate flinches as Shade loses his temper with Rissa, raising his voice. She was actually holding her breath as Rissa asked that question. The thought had occurred to her that, at some point, he would have to feed. And yet, the idea of a feeder, although sanctioned and common in his culture, felt like such a betrayal, an act of infidelity. And seeking out someone other than a feeder, she couldn’t even let her mind go there. She felt herself breathe again with his response, but the relief is only temporary, because if she does not get well soon… She pushes the thought from her head.

  ***

  Rissa can tell she is walking through a mine field here, but she has, at least, planted the thought into Kate’s head, and made the warrior confront his reality. He is either lying to protect her, or he truly loves her, and the very thought makes Rissa want to throw something.

  “Okay, I am sorry, and I can tell this is a touchy subject and you are both worried. But one thing confuses me, as I am sure it does you as well. If we have ruled out tainted blood, and you have been feeding on a regular basis from Shade, you shouldn’t be getting the flu. You should be well past the stage of getting many mortal diseases.” An evil grin spreads across her face and she casually blurts out the conclusion in her head. “Oh my God, Kate, are you pregnant?”

  Rissa waits for a response but all she hears is dead silence on the other end of the phone.

  ***

  Kate is confused, “Pregnant?”

  ***

  Shade hears the word pregnant and his gut wrenches, but he rejects the idea and lashes out. “Rissa, you have lost your damn mind. No, she isn’t pregnant! Now can you email me the doctor’s number? I will have Kate let you know how things go with the doctor.”

  ***

  Rissa can hear them both denying it, and it’s not her place to inform Kate that while it is improbable, it is possible unless she is on birth control.

  Rissa wraps up the call. “Done, Shade, I’ll get his contact info and send it as soon as I hang up. Take care Kate and call me once you have seen the doctor. Remember to mention my or Alec's name when you call the doctor, and you will move to the top of his call list. And please, keep us informed.”

  As she ends the call, Rissa’s mind goes into overdrive. Wait until Alec hears about this!

  ***

  Kate looks up at Shade at the end of the call, “Pregnant? I mean, until I met Cory, I assumed it was not possible, that you were immortal, and you even said when we had children we would have to wait until I was immortal.”

  Shaking his head, he can’t even fathom that bel can be pregnant, no way! “Well, I think she was teasing, I mean you shouldn’t be able to get pregnant being on birth control.”

  Kate feels the color drain from her face, and her heart literally skips a beat as she hears herself gasp. Oh God, how could I have been so stupid? Is he going to be angry? I have to tell him.

  “Lover... I am not, I mean, I didn't think I needed to be, we never talked about it, I made an assumption, and I never asked you. I am not on the pill. I am not on anything.”

  She starts calculating in her head. When was her last period? Six weeks? Eight weeks? Oh my God, this can't be happening.

  “I think I missed my last period. I wasn't paying attention. We have had so much going on. Do you think? No, it has to be something else, don’t you think?”

  ***

  He feels it long before the words spill from her mouth and then he hears her try to explain and his heart leaps with happiness, and then drops to his feet in one fell swoop. His guts churn, his body goes cold. If she is pregnant, this child may not survive, she may not survive. And if the baby survives, he will be a half-breed. Cazzo, what the hell will this do to her? No fucking way!

  His eyebrows shoot up, “You are not on any birth control? Oh fuck, bel, oh fuck!” Throwing his hands over his face, he takes a deep breath. “When was your last flux? Think hard Kate, think hard.”

  Her heart is pounding at his response. He is not happy about the possibility of her being pregnant, and she feels like she wants to cry.

  “It has been at least eight weeks, maybe a little longer.”

  His face turns red, “Two months ago? Two?”

  Standing up, he starts to pace, and his temper is rising, his heart is about to explode, his misery slams him so hard he grabs his chest.

  “I need a smoke, I can’t think, I need air. Damn it, Kate, how can a woman your age, single and sexually active, not be on birth control?”

  Stomping out the patio door into the fresh air, he can’t think, and he needs to get a grip on this situation. He can see she is hurting too, and he knows he needs to go to her, but it feels as though everything is smacking him at once, and all of a sudden, he is overcome with the realization he could lose two instead of one.

  ***

  Kate feels hurt and confused by his response. He raised his voice and turned his back on her, walked away from her. She didn't even get time to respond to his question, but how would she respond anyway? Why didn't she ask him in the beginning when they first started having sex? Why did she just assume it was safe just because he was vampire? The tears start to flow, and she can't bear his anger. She dares not chase after him, he needs time to think and cool down. She has learned that there is no use talking to him when he is angry like this. But she doesn't understand. He wanted children. He said he wanted lots of children, and she knows he wasn't planning on that now, but why is he so angry?

  She leaves the office and heads for the stairs, encou
ntering Luca in the hallway, and he sees the tears. "My lady, is there anything I can do?"

  She can’t even answer him. She just shakes her head no and runs up the stairs into their bedroom, closing the door behind her. She lay across the bed and cries as the word "stupid, stupid, stupid" echoes in her head.

  ***

  With his back against the house, Shade slides down into a seated position, pulling his knees up and putting his head down, when Luca appears.

  Luca looks at him. He has no idea what just went down, but he is watching both of them be torn apart.

  “Shade, my lady is very upset. Just listen to me. I know you are upset as well, but she needs you to be strong, be her warrior. If nothing else, you have taught me that your mate is above everything, even yourself. Show her that, show her the warrior and master I know.” Luca does not wait for an answer but turns and leaves quietly.

  Shade knows he is right, and they need to be together. Sitting there for who knows how long, calming himself, he finally stands and teleports straight into the bedroom and his heart breaks. Her face is streaked with tears and she doesn’t even look at him. He sits on the bed next to her, pulling her into his chest as he cradles her in his arms, rocks her, as their tears flow together.

  “We both made assumptions. This is no one’s fault, neither yours nor mine. We will have this bambino together, if that is truly what is happening. Let us get the doctor here first, get his final opinion and then deal with whatever it is. I want a child with you, many children. If the fates have determined now is the time, then it will be the time. I love you, bel rosso, and nothing will come between us. We go together through it all.”

  He tries to convince himself it can be done, it will be all right, whatever happens, he will handle it, but somewhere deep inside his darkness, his beast growls, knowing this is not a good thing, and the warning of the black roses confirms that.

  ***

  Kate responds to his voice, soft and soothing as he calms her. He has a plan, he is taking control. She needs for him to take control.

  “Yes, let's get the doctor. We may be worried about nothing. Did Rissa send the number? We can call for an appointment. Let's do that now. Let's get an answer, one way or another, so at least we know what we are dealing with.”

  "Then let's go back down to the office, and see if Rissa sent the email, and if yes, we can call right away."

  He takes her hand and they walk back down the stairs to the office. Shade goes to the computer and pulls up the email from Rissa with a name and number. He is explaining to her that there are doctors who are themselves vampires, who specialize in dealing with issues related to vampires and in some cases, their mortal mates, as he dials the number and hands her the phone. She hears a voice answer, "Dr. Cavelli's office.”

  Kate stumbles over her words. “Oh, uh, I need an appointment, please. I understand Dr. Cavelli makes house calls?”

  "Are you currently a patient of Dr. Cavelli's?"

  “No, I'm new. I was referred to Dr. Cavelli by Alec Canton.”

  "Oh, Mr. Canton, of course. Well, by all means, we will work you into the doctor's schedule. He can see you next week."

  Kate looks up, anxious she would have to wait that long for answers. “Next week? Do you have anything sooner?”

  "Hold on please while I check with the doctor." After a few minutes, she returns to the phone.

  “Ma’am? Given your referral from Mr. Canton, Dr. Cavelli says he will work you in tomorrow evening. He said he will see you around 6:00 p.m. Now if I could just get some information..."

  They exchange all the personal name and address information before hanging up. Kate looks at Shade and sighs. “I feel better already, just knowing we have put things in motion.”

  He gives her a weak smile and hugs her to his chest.

  54

  Walking back upstairs from the weapons bunker, he joins Kate in the living room and gets a nice fire going. He has tried to keep himself busy as they wait for the doctor’s visit. Before he even sits his ass on the couch with her, Gi buzzes through his head. “Master, will you please come upstairs? The doctor is here to see to my lady. He said he would need to examine her, so I have taken him to wait in your bedroom.” Shade lets Gi know he has heard and they will be on their way.

  “Mi amore, the doctor is in the bedroom waiting for us, let us go up and see what is wrong with you and get some answers, si?”

  Kate seems surprised, “Our...our bedroom?”

  “Si, our bedroom, I am sorry, bel, I am worried, just want to have some answers.”

  He takes her hand as they head up the stairs and see the bedroom door is closed as Gi stands patiently outside the closed door. Shade takes a deep breath, as Gi nods his head and leaves them, and Shade gives bel a hug.

  “Whatever happens, whatever he tells us, we will get through this.” Shade opens the door and they walk in together.

  ***

  Kate has a grip on his hand like he is her lifeline. Why is he so worried? She knows this pregnancy, if she is pregnant, is a lot earlier than what they planned, but why is he so worried? He opens the door and allows her to enter first. The doctor has taken a seat in their bedroom and is waiting for them.

  The doctor stands as they enter. Shade walks to him and shakes his hand, introducing Kate to him. The doctor explains his credentials as a physician to vampires and he asks a lot of questions, getting a feel for Kate’s symptoms and how long she has been experiencing them. Then he explains he will need to examine her and asks if she would please undress and lay on the bed, pointing to the sheet that he has placed there for her that she can use to cover herself. The doctor then looks at Shade and says he may wait outside.

  “I will not be leaving this room, Doc, no way in hell. So, let’s get this clear from the get-go. When you are here, so am I.” Looking over at bel, he can feel her uneasiness. “Mi amore, go to the bathroom to change, put on a robe, and when you return, I will be here with you, holding your hand and all will be fine. I am not leaving you!”

  ***

  Kate feels unsettled. He's going to examine me? Why didn't I even anticipate that? She reluctantly lets go of Shade's hand and steps into the bathroom, removes her clothes and puts on her robe before returning to the bedroom. She sits on the bed and reaches for Shade’s hand once again.

  “What do you need for me to do, Dr. Cavelli?”

  ***

  Shade can sense she is scared as she asks the doctor what he is going to do. The doctor explains he will examine her abdomen, her heart, and given the symptoms she has provided, he will also conduct a pelvic exam. Shade takes a deep breath and lets out a small growl. Dr. Cavelli looks at him and knows he doesn’t like it, but it has to be done.

  The doctor turns his back, so Kate can remove her robe. Shade sits with his back against the headboard, and allows Kate to sit between his legs, laying her back against his chest. Her flexed legs can rest against his. Grabbing the sheet, Shade pulls it completely overtop her.

  He whispers to her, “Relax, it will be easier. Listen to the song.” He wills forth Sixx A.M. singing “Smile”, as he runs his hands through her hair to relax her.

  ***

  Kate feels completely supported by him, surrounded by him. As he holds her, his voice soothes her, and he plays music as a distraction as the doctor completes the exam. Where has this man been all my life? She whispers to Shade, “I love you."

  ***

  As the doctor finishes the exam, he drops the sheet back in place and tells her she can sit up and get dressed. She pulls the robe back on as Shade kisses her forehead and she returns to the bathroom to get dressed.

  The doctor puts his things away in his bag and begins to talk. “Master Medici, I am just a physician to vampires, I do not work with transition mortals. Still, this is an easy diagnosis. Although it is rare, it is becoming more common in these modern times.”

  ***

  Shade holds up his hand, “Say nothing more until my mate returns, whatever
you tell us, we will be together.” As Kate walks back in, he takes her in his arms and he can feel her shaking.

  “Relax, please. We are ready for the outcome, Doctor.”

  ***

  As she takes Shade’s hand, she feels him squeeze it tight.

  Dr. Cavelli begins again, “You are quite healthy Madam, in excellent physical condition. The symptoms you have been suffering are no disease, you are with child. My guess would be approximately two months along. I do not handle such situations, as I was saying to Master Medici, pregnancies between mortals and immortals are rare, and have their own special demands. I would suggest you speak with Mr. Canton and I am sure he will be able to track down a doctor who has experience in handling these types of pregnancies. And, of course, congratulations.”

  Kate seems relieved, “Thank you, Doctor, for the house call. I guess you confirmed what we already suspected. This is good news, yes? And we need a specialist? Well, I guess we will call Rissa again.”

  Shade steps to the door and calls for Gi. He requests that Gi escort the doctor out.

  "Doctor, Gi will show you to the door, and we thank you, again, for the house call."

  ***

  The doctor and Shade exchange glances as he parts through the door, the doctor confirming with his expression that Shade understands the consequences of this outcome. His precious bel is at grave risk.

  55

  Working in his study, Shade hears bel and Luca come home, and she rushes in to tell him she has been out shopping and found a few things for the nursery. At first, it shocks him. She is shopping already? He hasn’t the heart to tell her this could be a very dangerous pregnancy. She is so happy and her face lights up so much when she even mentions the baby. As she rushes back out to head upstairs, she and Luca have some planning to do, and he finds this the perfect opportunity to call Alec and find out if he can recommend a specialist for her condition. “Luca, I need you to keep bel occupied for a good hour, I must make a business call and I want no interruptions, so keep her out of hearing distance.”