by Emily Bex
Marco pulled his sweater over his head and flung it in a corner. Standing, he grabbed a glass of Midnight, downing it in one gulp.
“She made a choice, Shade. She chose you and your queen. She didn’t ask me, she didn’t tell me of her plans. I had the pleasure of finding out from a member of the staff. Let me see if I can get this straight now. If my memory serves me correctly, I’m a warrior, never bothered to talk to her about mating, children, and the like. In other words, I’m the bastard that was never going to give her fucking shit in her life. You come along, drag her ass to the States where she discovers she’s a modern woman with choices, and likes being able to say whatever the fuck she wants, when she wants. I am assuming I have our gracious queen to thank for that. And you, well, brother, once again, you have bested me. Some things never change, Shade.”
Shade sat and listened to his grief, silent and emotionless, until Marco finished his rant. “You done? Now you can listen to my side, old man. Look, I can’t take you from here. I didn’t know when I asked Theresa to come with us that you two were together. And by the sounds of this, she has been expecting something from you for a long time. I appreciate that you waited for her, but nobody is going to convince me your ass sat here celibate while she was with us. I know you, I know how you operate. You didn’t just feed, brother, you fucked right along with it. So, I bring her back here to be with you, so the two of you can have some time together. I see it in your eyes when you look at her, she means something to you. I decided to give Theresa the choice, to go or stay. I did that for you, for both of you. I can’t take you from here. I need you here to be my eyes and ears in the camp. Cazzo, brother, why the hell didn’t you fight for her to stay?”
Marco slammed his fist on the table. “Fight? How the hell do you fight for someone who doesn’t want to be here? Tell me! She needs to go, to grow and become who she wants to be. I hold her down here. She’s never left this place before. She never will if she remains with me. Now she is the Queen's Lady in Waiting. She’s going places I can’t take her, si? I let her go. I didn’t want to, but I did that for her. I love her. I will always love her. She is tender and soft and loving, and took care of me when I needed it. She needs and deserves more. And she will have it with you. She has something special inside her, and your woman knows it. So, I concede my love to your mate, my queen. It’s done. I want no ties to bind her to me. She deserves to find what she seeks, and it’s not me. I am warrior. I am Medici Warrior.”
Shade took a long sigh, stood and grabbed him in a brotherly hug. “I’m sorry. I never meant to take her from you. I hate to see either of you suffer, and I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Marco let go of his anger. “Well, brother, we have a pact. No woman was ever going to come between us and that pact remains true. Just take care of her, protect her, and watch out for her. It doesn’t matter that she doesn’t belong to me, it matters that she is cared for and loved and is happy. I know it won’t take her long to find what she seeks.”
As he ended the hug, Shade stepped back and grimaced as he looked at him. “And you, brother? What is it that you seek? Because what just walked out that door is not it.”
Marco gave him a sad smile. “Maybe not, but it works for now. I have no plans of becoming mated. I’m a warrior and a mate doesn’t suit my lifestyle. You, you are the king, the Medici. It is different for you, but I know two things that will always be the same. I love you and, in your heart, you are a warrior like me. Now get the fuck out of here, I have a pack of pups to beat into shape!”
Shade slapped him on the back as he grinned. “You know where to find me. And yeah, I love you too, you old fucking coot!” As they fist bumped and laughed, Shade knew he’d be all right with time, and so would Theresa.
10
The whirring sound of the blinds opening in Castello woke Shade. The sun was setting, and he knew it was time to return to Bel Rosso and the Virginia mountains. Their time in Florence had passed much too quickly. The last two weeks had been a whirlwind of activity with the turning, the coronation and visiting old friends. Shade had taken his newly crowned queen to meet his coven and other masters in the surrounding territories. She had impressed and pleased him and all who met her, from the lowest in his coven to the highest. Her beauty had only been enhanced since the turning, and her feeding was now under control. He turned over in bed, reaching out for her, wanting to run his hand through that silken crimson halo that surrounded her head, and found the bed empty. He sat up slowly to see her wandering around the massive bedroom, already gathering things for their journey. She was ready to go home. "Did you not slumber, mi amore?"
"I slept, in your arms, as always. I feel your heartbeat beneath my hand, your breath across my cheek, and the protection of your arms. I sleep well, and dream well, thanks to you."
Shade let the smile in his heart break out on his face, as his gaze took in all of her. His queen was dressed in a red silk robe that clung to her curves.
"It is my duty, as your king, to make every aspect of your life happy. But we need to have a talk, come, mi amore."
Holding out his hand, he watched her strut to him with a coy grin, she was, and always would be, his walking sin.
Kate climbed up on the bed and straight into his arms, those blue eyes calling to her. "And what do we need to talk about, lover?"
Snuggling her to his chest, rubbing her back, he nuzzled his stubbled chin into her hair. "We must return to Bel Rosso tonight, mi amore. Whatever you have bought, or want to return to the house, will go back on the private jet.” He nipped her ear and continued. "I am not ready to have you teleport, the journey is long, and it takes much practice to be precise and I do not feel like traveling the world trying to find you. So, we will teleport together as we have always done. I want you to feel the difference this time, and keep your eyes open, look about you. It will feel and look much different now that you are immortal. Just enjoy the journey in my arms, si?"
Kate melted into him, laying her head on his chest. "Theresa has already packed most of my things, so I don't have a lot to do. And she said she’d stay behind to make sure everything was taken care of before she followed us home. Did you talk to Marco? About Theresa? I’m glad she’s coming back with us, but I feel bad she had to make such a choice."
"Mi amore, I too feel guilt. But Marco is warrior, he will always be warrior. He had given no indication to Theresa of a future.” Shade sighed, not sure he should divulge the information Marco had shared with him about his decision to break his union with Theresa. “He has…”
Kate waited for him to finish the sentence, sensing a reluctance to express what was on his mind. "What is it you hesitate to share?"
Shade smiled to himself. He had to remember she felt his emotions now as strongly as if they were her own. "Damn woman, perceptive as always, but now even more so. Marco loves her, mi amore, but he feels she deserves more than what he can give her. He has freed her to seek her own happiness. She would have stayed with him if he had given her the promise of mating. Marco knows she will move ahead, become so much more than if she stayed. I have one wish for you, now, king to his queen." Pulling her close, he tipped her chin up, staring deep into her eyes.
"You have one wish for me?"
"Si, I wish for you to promise me now, you will not disclose this to her. It will only make her feel the pain. Let her work this out on her own. Marco will do the same. They will both find their own paths. Sometimes, we must learn to let love have its own way in others’ lives. Agreed?"
"I’d never say anything to hurt her feelings. I know this was a hard decision for her to make. I don't completely understand her choices, but I will, of course, honor them, and yours."
"Grazie."
Leaning over her, he covered her mouth with his, letting the kiss absorb her, take her from her thoughts straight into his heart and he felt her melt into him as his lips worked their magic on her. Slapping her ass lightly, he broke the kiss, smiling down into those eyes, now m
ore amber than brown. Her beast sat just below the surface, waiting her chance to tangle with his beast, and he loved that she was finally his for all eternity.
"Come, let us dress and be gone. I am anxious to return. I will miss Castello, I always do, but Bel Rosso now calls to me so much stronger. The warrior camp should be done, and I am anxious to see it finished and begin what I was born to do."
Kate slid from the bed and pulled on jeans and a pair of sandals. The long gowns and elaborate crowns had been stored away as she returned to her more normal attire.
"Lover, I’ve missed it too. I can't wait to see what they’ve done with the camp. It will look quite different from your camp here since the architect designed it to blend in with the buildings on the property. And the high wall around the perimeter, I was a little concerned about how that might look. So, yes, I’m more than ready to return."
As Shade slipped from the bed, sliding on his low slung jeans, he pulled a sweater over his broad shoulders, listening to the happiness in her voice, and he knew Bel Rosso was her home as well. He knew, the moment he laid eyes on her, she would fit into that Virginia estate and restore its glory, make it a home for them both and now, all of his dreams had come to fruition. They were on their way to a new life together, where nothing and no one could come between them, and they’d conquer all, hand in hand.
Walking to her, he admired the beauty before him and the growl that erupted from him couldn’t be held down. Sweeping her up in his arms, spinning her around, he lost his heart once more as she threw back her head, the crimson flying as her laughter filled the room. It was the most befitting exit he could ever wish for. All inhabitants of Castello would hear the laughter of happiness and love from their queen.
"Ready?”
"Take me home, lover. I’m ready!"
Shade pulled her close, letting his arm encircle her waist and felt her arms go around his neck. This time, as they teleported, he wanted her to experience the speed. No longer would he cradle her as before. This was her first lesson on how it felt to be immortal and ride the stars.
As they teleported out, Kate realized he’d always held back when he teleported with her as a mortal. She could feel the wind whip through her hair as they moved with greater speed, and he didn’t hold her as tightly. As they moved across the night sky, he extended his arms and took her hand. For a moment, she panicked, thinking he’d let go, but then she heard his chuckle. "Not yet, mi amore, but soon."
***
As Portia and Christofano stood in the corner, they watched their figlio with his newly turned mate return to their home in the States. A blood tear slowly streamed down Portia’s face, her hand reaching out to her only son.
"Journey safely, figlio. Cherish her, love her, and never forget we love you and await your return. Rule our lands with the heart of a king."
She felt Christofano reach out for her and pull her to his chest. Their son had finally found his place in the world. As Christofano tipped up her chin, his eyes shone with so much pride and his words were a comfort to her, for he’d finally realized their son had achieved all they could have ever dreamed for him.
"He is king, Portia, and he has found his queen as I found mine. Together, they will rule this world as no other, our legacy goes forward." As he picked her up, he carried her to their bed. The night began for them as it had many centuries ago.
***
Shade and Kate landed in their bedroom as she staggered slightly when they came to a full stop and he reached out to steady her. She giggled as she caught her balance and grabbed for him. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her as she regained her equilibrium. Looking around their room, taking in all that was familiar, it seemed ages since they were here. The last time she’d stood in this room, she’d been mortal.
She smiled at him. "Well, at least I didn't fall."
"Si, as if I would let you fall. It gets easier. Cazzo, it is much warmer here than I expected."
Grabbing the waistband of his sweater, pulling it over his head, he stood bare chested, jeans hanging low off his slim hips, his abs tight as a washboard. Walking to the armoire, he flung it open and stood with his hands on his hips.
"Damn it, woman, I can never find a thing in here! It is like a maze to me. I just need my jeans, leathers, tees and boots.”
He rummaged through a few drawers, flinging clothes from one side to the other, growling in frustration as bel's laughter rang loudly in the room.
Kate shook her head. He’d been waited on hand and foot at Castello, his clothes laid out for him. No wonder he could never find anything.
"Shade, it’s too hot for leathers. Just grab a t-shirt, if you can find it."
"Stop laughing at me. I am spoiled, but damn if you will not have some system laid out for me." Turning to her, his hands still on his hips, he gave her a pleading look. "Please? Be of some assistance to me, woman. Where shall we go first? Stables or the camp?”
Kate was amused that mortal or immortal, there were areas where all men were helpless. She walked to the armoire and pulled out a shirt for him and watched as he slipped it over his head, his dark hair falling around his shoulders.
"Come on, hold my hand. I'll take you to the stables."
"I heard that tone, mi amore. You will be punished duly when we get back to this room!"
He smacked her ass but she didn’t flinch. Instead, she turned to him and purred and his beast growled back at her. "Lead on, my queen. Apparently, this king is completely inept."
They walked together down the stairs, the house quieter than usual as they waited for the return of the house staff.
"Lover, I was thinking about something since I’m immortal now. We have Reynaldo here and I’ll no longer be eating. And the California house, we rarely have time to visit there. It seems a shame for it to sit there unused. I was thinking, what if we sent Reynaldo there, as a chef, and let him run that house as a bed and breakfast, or possibly an inn? We can lock our own bedroom suite there, and let him rent out the other rooms, prepare meals for the guest. It would draw people to your vineyard and promote your brand. What do you think?"
"Explain bed and breakfast, mi amore, because from what I have seen of you eating, breakfast is not such a big meal."
Kate led him through the house and out the back door, into the garden, taking the path that led to the stables.
"A bed and breakfast is like an inn or small hotel. People just come for one or two nights. They have a bedroom and then the B&B provides a lavish breakfast or brunch. The guests could tour the vineyards, go to the tasting room, and buy the wine while they’re there. Many of the vineyards in Napa operate that way. People will take their vacations just to visit the wine country. It’ll turn the house into a profit source, and also give Reynaldo a job."
Listening as they walked, Shade weighed the pros and cons of letting mortals further into their world, mulling over the advantages and disadvantages. He needed time to think this through.
"I will give it some thought, mi amore, I promise you. Let me do some research, have you spoken to Reynaldo on this yet?"
"No, of course not. I wouldn’t speak to him without discussing it with you first. But talk to him as well if you are inclined to agree."
They walked hand in hand through the garden, now in full bloom, their path lit by the soft landscape lighting as they came into the clearing that led up to the stables.
"Si, let me think about this, and we will approach Reynaldo together." As they approached the stables, Angelo walked towards them, and Shade raised his hand in greeting. "Angelo, buonasera! How is my boy doing?"
"Buonasera, master. Welcome home." Nodding his head in a soft bow to his queen, "My lady, it is good to have you home, my congratulations."
Turning to master, he had no time for small talk but got right to the point. "Master, there is an issue I wish to discuss."
As Shade nodded his head for him to continue, Angelo stood before him, scuffing his boots in the dirt. "The horses have been bothe
red of late. There is a wolf, a large one. He comes to the stables almost every evening. He wanders here, stays close to the stables. It has the horses riled. They kick the stalls, doing some damage. It’s a daily task to make repairs, so they don’t bolt. I would ask your permission to shoot him the next time he appears. The shotgun is handy, and I keep it inside the stables with me at all times."
Shade found the information concerning. Wolves weren’t loners, they traveled in packs, and if there was one, there were more, and that bothered him. He’d seen them high in the mountains when he teleported home. He knew they were about but being this close to the house and horses was not something he was comfortable with. He felt Kate tugging at his arm.
“Shade, no! Please don’t shoot him. Let me try to send him away."
"Mi amore, we are not sure of the extent of your gift, neither of us. I do not like this. Wolves are dangerous animals."
Kate pleaded with him, "Please. I can already feel her. She’s close by, and she’s alone. Please, don’t shoot her. I know she’ll respond to me."
"She?" Running his hand through his hair, he looked to Angelo. "Don’t shoot, Angelo, but keep the gun handy. If the wolf attacks my horses, she goes, si?"
Turning to bel, he took her in his arms. "I will concede that much, mi amore, do not push this issue. I will not lose expensive horseflesh to a wolf. Nor have her running this close to the house, it is not safe."
"We’re fine, lover. I feel her intention."
Kate let go of his hand and walked across the field toward the line of trees that led into the dense forest. As she got closer, she saw the large female wolf standing in the woods, hiding in the shadow. As Kate approached, the wolf raced to greet her and Kate went down on both knees, extending her arms to her. The wolf ran playfully around her before bounding into her open arms, almost knocking her over, licking her face, and then lying down calmly before her. Kate rubbed her head briskly. The wolf looked at her as they locked eyes, and Kate nodded. "Aegis. Her name is Aegis, and she is here to protect us."
