The Blood Covenant: Book One of The Medici Warrior Series

by Emily Bex

  “Tell me the plan master. Give me the details of that incredible mind of yours.”

  “What I want, Rissa,” as he takes the cigarette back from her and takes a drag, leaning his head back and slowly exhaling the smoke into the air, “what I want...is for you to find one of your friends, one of your actor friends, who can successfully pull off the role of ‘doctor’. That's who will make the next house call. And our ‘doctor’ will proceed to prescribe a nutritional supplement. You may need to make these, my darling. Just empty out some over-the-counter gel capsules and fill them with crushed white snake root. Have our ‘doctor’ prescribe them for her three times a day. They will make her sick, he needs to tell her that, but she will need to take them anyway, and this ridiculous mortal will do as she is told. In about a week or so, our problems will be over, at least, as far as that baby is concerned. Oh, and he must inform Shade under no circumstances is he to feed from her. I doubt he would, but the last thing I need is to poison my own warrior.” He hands the cigarette back to her. “Can you do that for me, my darling?”

  As she listens to his plan, her heart is pounding, the sound of his voice makes her moist between the legs, she loves when he is scheming like this, and needs her help to implement his plan.

  “Of course, I can do this for you. I have all the resources readily at hand, and I already have someone in mind. He is currently playing a doctor in a stage production, and he is vampire as well.”

  She lays her hand on his knee, letting it slide slowly up his thigh, looking deep into his eyes and smiling, lowering her eyelids seductively. “And you know, my wicked vampire, we could always get a feeder in to help him along with his hunger.”

  He smiles that wicked, crooked grin, “My darling Rissa, great minds think alike. That was the second part of my plan. I offered, tonight, to help Shade get rid of both of his problems, the baby, and the mortal, but he has some silly notion of being in love with her. She is so beneath him. I want you to make a house call yourself, Rissa, the day after the doctor's call. I want you to find the hottest, horniest most sought-after feeder. Bring her here from Europe if you have to and take her with you. Shade was a player, and he has always been a player. All he needs is some strong temptation. And he probably hasn't fed from the mortal since learning of her pregnancy, so he has to be getting weak. That will make the temptation even harder to resist. There is more than one way to get that mortal out of his life. Let Shade get a taste of what sex is like with his own kind again. And you make sure that little mortal is aware that being with a feeder involves sex. Be very graphic... Use that naughty imagination to paint her a picture she will never get out of her head. Be sure she knows that every time she gets pregnant in the future, he will have a feeder to satisfy his every need. Let's see how eager she is to stick around then. Mortals, and their ridiculous ideas about fidelity and romantic love.” He shakes his head, “Now, be a good girl and bring Daddy a glass of Midnight.”

  Standing up, her body is screaming for him, wanting him, needing him to touch her. His looks and his compliments make her high. Leaning in slightly, she lets her long red nail slide along his jaw.

  “Daddy always gets what he wants,” she states.

  ***

  He reaches up and grips her wrist firmly, squeezing to the point of pain, as he watches her wince.

  “And don't ever forget it, my darling.”

  ***

  As he grabs her wrist, she winces, aware he does not need or want her this night. Just do his bidding and she will get what she seeks from him.

  “I never forget that, Alec.”

  Walking to get his drink, she opens her mind to let him hear her thoughts about Kate. Kate was always so naive about sex. What the hell Shade sees in her is so beyond my imagination. She was so afraid of her own shadow when I knew her before. How does she please him when she is such a timid mouse? Walking back and handing him the drink, she sits opposite him, crossing her legs and sitting back in the chair.

  “So, I think, perhaps I will find him a red-haired beauty, fully endowed with a touch of something in her blood that will scream to him, make him unable to resist his hunger. How wonderfully devious and intense does that sound? I almost feel sorry for Shade... Almost,” she laughs softly.

  He tips back the glass of Midnight and empties the contents into his throat, licks his lips and then locks eyes with her.

  “We are two of a kind, my darling. Pull this off, and you'll get what you're hungry for.”

  As his eyes lock with hers, their intensity still holds and commands her. Licking her lips, her hunger spikes with his words, and the anticipation of what is to come. She has to rein it in and concentrate on everything he has laid at her feet.

  “Have I ever failed you, Alec? Leave this to me. It is a simple enough plan to accomplish. And when I do, all will fall neatly into place with no sign of either of us being involved. As always, my wicked vampire, well thought out, well planned and well executed.” Smiling softly, she stands, running her hand down the sides of her thighs. “Is there anything else you wish for tonight?”

  “That will be all, my darling. I think it is enough, don’t you?” He watches her ass as she leaves the room, knowing he can count on his devious mate to help him implement this plan.

  62

  Sitting in her home office, Rissa twirls her cell phone around in her hand. The time has come to get this plan in motion. She has already hired her actor friend, and she has made the gel capsules filled with white snake root. Now she is ready to find the feeder, and she has one already in her sights. She is just waiting for a few more return calls. Running through her phone list, she finds Kate’s number and grins like a Cheshire cat. Your immortal dream is about to come crashing down, you naive stupid little bitch! Dialing Kate’s number, she clears her throat and prepares to be the most concerned best friend in the world.

  ***

  Kate finishes dressing and hears her cell phone ring. She makes a mad grab for it, so as not to disturb Shade. It is Rissa. Thank goodness! She rushes out of the bedroom, closing the door behind her, as she answers the call.

  “Rissa, I'm so glad you called.”

  “Kate, oh Kate, congratulations! Shade called Alec and he told me the news. We are so happy for you both. I know you must be so excited! And Shade, oh I can’t imagine how proud he must be to now have a child who will finally inherit the Medici legacy. How are you feeling, my friend?”

  Kate is a little surprised at her response, but welcomes Rissa’s enthusiasm, “Thank you. And thank you for sending your doctor. Shade and I are both appreciative of your support. I know Shade called Alec last night. I guess I need a specialist now?”

  “Yes, Kate. But don’t you worry one moment. Alec and I want the very best for you and Shade, Alec insisted. So, I have made some contacts, and I could not get the specialist immediately. Believe it or not, he is in Switzerland at the moment, treating a royal over there. I told you, only the best for you, my friend. So, he has promised me next Thursday evening, and I must insist Shade be with you. Now, you just relax, Kate. Alec and I have this all taken care of. Let us get you the help you need, and we will be at your side for anything that comes up.”

  ***

  Sneering as she waits for her to answer, Rissa almost wants to be sick over how damn giddy she is over a drooling, smelly, infant. It is the last thing she would ever want to deal with.

  “Of course, next Thursday will work. Shade is asleep now, but I know how important this is to him. He will make any changes to his calendar he needs to. And you don't need to worry, he won't miss this appointment. Rissa, I can't thank you enough. I had no idea this pregnancy would be so complicated. You know this wasn't planned, right? I really messed up. We planned on having children. Shade has talked about having children, just not now. I have to admit, as excited as I am, it has been very stressful. I don't know what I would have done without your help.”

  “Well Kate, I will make absolutely sure Alec will not need him next Thursday ev
ening. Oh sweetie, you did not mess up, love is love and you both seem so very happy together. Just like Alec and me. The stress will end once you see my specialist and he will help you through the pregnancy. And I am always willing to help. I will go now and let you get your rest, but you keep me informed, sweetie. I want to know everything that happens, so I can be there for you, no matter what. Take care, sweet friend.”

  As she hangs up, Rissa throws back her head and laughs wickedly. You stupid bitch, this child will disappear, and wait until you lose your Shade, and if you think you will win him back, I can make sure you disappear as well.

  63

  Alec takes a deep breath. He has so little quiet time. He will take advantage of it and maybe get caught up on some reading. He knows Rissa will be back soon and wonders if she has made any progress on their plan. He pours himself another glass of Midnight and browses through the Washington Post.

  ***

  It is late when Rissa finally makes it home, walking in the front door, she picks up his scent. She wants to just relax this evening, tired from planning and scheming, plus the busy winter season is upon her with all the holiday parties and events, not to mention everything she does for Alec to accomplish his goals as well. Rushing quickly upstairs and into their bedroom, she changes into something more ‘relaxing’ and pulls on a short robe overtop her lingerie and then heads for a drink. Her thirst is growing, all this wicked excitement makes her hungry and the Midnight takes the edge off. Walking past his study, she sees him reading. He lifts his eyes slowly to look at her, and she is lost in that sea of wicked blue.

  ***

  Alec hears her as she approaches the door and looks up to see her dressed all in red lingerie.

  “And exactly who are you trying to tempt with that outfit, my wicked little demon? Have you had a drink? Come in and fill me in.”

  Smiling slyly, “Well, there is only one wicked demon in this house and he is master of all he sees and that would be you! I am dying for a drink.”

  She pours herself a glass of Midnight, letting her hand slide along the back of his shoulders.

  “Would you like another?” Getting no response, she refills his empty glass and leans against the edge of his desk, sipping and enjoying her drink, and it feels so damn good going down.

  “I called Kate earlier, she is so ridiculously happy and in love, it is sickening. The fake doctor will arrive on Thursday. I made sure Shade would be there, I stressed that, and she assured me he would not miss being there.”

  ***

  She refills his glass without being asked, and he can feel her hand as she slides it teasingly across his shoulders. Oh, I'm well aware of what you want, my darling, make no mistake. I am always aware.

  “Yes, well, hopefully your conversation with Kate went more smoothly than mine did with Shade. The ending was rather abrupt, and knowing Shade, I can pretty much guarantee that is one fucked phone. I'm not concerned about him missing that appointment. He is such a simpering puppy at her feet. I told him he was pussy-whipped. He is an old school vampire, how he could allow himself to become ensnared in this mess is just beyond me. You know her... this Kate... please explain to me the attraction?”

  Lifting the lid of the cigarette box, she pulls one out, lights it, takes a long drag and spins it in her fingers. She smiles as she looks at him and slides the cigarette between his lips.

  “When we travelled together in college, she was always such a romantic. The arts, museums, live theater. She did not want to go to clubs, just those sappy romantic things. I always thought she was a bit naïve. Mortals are attracted to that deep, dark, mysterious soul, I suppose. It attracted me to you. Perhaps she thinks she can tame him. I don’t understand his attraction to her myself.”

  “Ah...and that is the problem, Rissa. She has tamed him. At least, she has tamed him from the Shade I have always known. He was a much nastier warrior when he had nothing to lose and was wallowing in his own loneliness. A warrior with a broken soul is a very dangerous warrior, indeed. Now, he is more cautious. And he worries about her. She is a distraction. My life was much easier before this mortal nymph came into the picture. You know I hold you partially responsible?”

  As those words spill out, she sits up and pays attention. Damn bitch will rob me of my own fucking happiness. She has got to go!

  “How so, my wicked love? I did not push either of them into each other’s arms. I cannot be held responsible for where Shade puts his cock. And as I recall, you were the one who insisted Shade attend all of those events when he first came here to the States.”

  ***

  He draws on the cigarette, and slowly exhales the cloud of smoke before he hands the cigarette back to her, making sure to touch her hand as he does. He can feel her respond immediately to his touch. Don't be too eager, my darling. You know I will only prolong your suffering.

  “True, and believe me, that is one cock that has made the rounds, which is another reason this sudden undying loyalty has me scratching my head. I can't wrap my head around a domesticated Shade. Which brings me to my next question, darling. The feeder, I hope you have found someone that can wreak havoc in this little love nest.”

  ***

  As his hand touches hers, the sparks fly and shoot throughout her body. He throws her a small bone, knowing it is torture and she has to bide her time. He feeds from her desire and unmet needs, her soul aching for anything from him, he feels it, he wants it, and needs it as much as he needs her blood.

  “Everything is in place, ready for attack, arranged by your wicked darling.”

  Throwing back her blonde hair as she sits on the edge of his desk, she laughs that evil laugh. “Oh, my wicked love, I have found the gem of all gems to tempt your Shade. She is a redhead. He seems to crave them, apparently. But her body,” leaning back, she is face to face with him, “voluptuous, built to handle a warrior and his beast. Not skin and bones like that snippet of a mortal. Her breasts are heaving, and she smells delicious beyond belief. She was bred to fire his soul and ride him like a wild bitch in heat. He will not be able to resist her, of that I am sure.” She runs the tip of her finger under his chin, a small touch that will, perhaps, earn her another from him.

  ***

  Oh, she is pushing the limits tonight. He grins back at her. Make it easy for you? Not on my life.

  “Hmmmmm... this feeder, maybe I should take her for a test drive myself? I can't remember the last time I rode a redhead. Who better to determine her skills to lure Shade away from that mortal?”

  Her eyes lock with his and she can feel his excitement. His blood is humming at the prospect of taking the feeder and now, so is hers.

  “Better yet, perhaps she could join both of us?” Her voice has become throaty and luring, and she loves when he makes her feel like this.

  He throws his head back and laughs. “Oh, you are my devious darling, aren't you? But then, that is what I love about you. Well played, Rissa, well played.”

  Smiling at him, “Now, I have some phone calls to catch up on and I am sure you are much too busy at the moment to deal with feeders, a domesticated warrior and me.” Pouring him another glass of Midnight and lighting another cigarette, she hands it to him. “I will be in my office, taking care of some dirty deeds.”

  ***

  Spinning on her heels, she lets those hips rock as she walks to the door and unties her robe as she feels his eyes burn into her back. Letting the robe slide down her shoulders and over her back, she stops at the open door, lets one arm slide out of the robe and lets the robe skate to the floor, then continues walking through the door, dragging it behind her.

  ***

  He watches her as she makes her grand exit from the room, swinging those hips, tempting him with the dropped robe. No one has more confidence than Rissa. No one. She makes the game a challenging one, he’ll give her that.

  64

  Kate lies in his arms and reflects on his words. Sleep will not come because her mind is filled with questions, still, about
his world. He wants them to be in his world. But that's the problem. She is not of his world. She fell in love with an immortal, and he shields her still from so much of his world. She knows his heart, but not his life. Or does she only think she knows his heart? They live in a world where he keeps her in a bubble, to keep her safe. But the bubble is fragile, and his world seeps in through the cracks. She tries to understand. She wants to understand. But she is wondering if that is even possible, especially when he shields her from so much. She only sees pieces of the puzzle. Protection, he calls it. But is it?

  They stay in this cycle of passionate loving, followed by tormented misunderstanding. Will it eventually rip them apart? Will he tire of this drama that constantly plays out between them and seek one of his own kind? She was drawn to his darkness, she wanted to dive into that darkness and heal his pain. But she watches his torment, and so much of it seems to be caused by her, by them, and their cycle of miscommunication, or cryptic non-communication.

  And this baby! There is still much left unsaid about this baby. She is sure every parent worries about a new baby, but not like this. Not this level of worry and anguish. What secrets do you keep from me still?

  She wants this life with him so desperately, and yet, she can't even define this life because he hides it from. After everything, does he still fear she will run? Does she appear that fragile to him that she will crumble under the truth of his world? I could not love you more if I tried, my savage lover, but you leave me filled with doubt.

  She curls into him, the feel of his arms as they cradle her, and she can only hope he remembers his promise. Don't break my heart, lover. Please don't break my heart. Eventually, she drifts into a troubled sleep.

  ***

  Something woke him, something in his heart. He is startled awake and he feels her in his arms, asleep. What the hell? He lies still, watching her sleep. As he stares at her face, there is a slight twitching in her lip, a subtle shake of her head, and he feels something is bothering her. It would be easy for him to enter her dreams, wipe away whatever troubles her, but then, something else happens that makes him think differently of what he was about to do. Her moan is so soft, and her head lifts a bit and nuzzles into his neck, as if she were trying to feed from him. She hasn’t fed. The baby is hungry, gnawing at her in her sleep. He watches her a few more moments and then he can’t take it any longer. He can feel her longing, and her need for his blood. Gently moving from under her, he holds still, making sure he did not wake her, and smiles as she continues to sleep. Sliding down her body and between her legs, he begins kissing her thighs, soft wet kisses on the inside of those beautiful soft thighs.