by Emily Bex
“Marcello has been promoted to my Second-In-Command here at the camp. He will be my right hand in overseeing all aspects of this camp, how it is run, and how all of you behave. You will take orders from him just as you did from Marco in Florence, there is no difference. I expect all of you to show him the respect of his station. Nothing less will be tolerated. And if I have my way, your asses will be too tired to give a damn to begin with. Understood?”
The group responded in unison, “Si!” Shade liked what he saw so far as the warriors appeared accepting of this announcement, but he wasn’t too sure how the next one would go.
“The next promotion in rank is to Raven, he is now Second-In-Command at the Dead House.” Shade watched them closely and saw a few doubtful faces, but not as many as he’d expected. “Same rules apply. He will be coordinating all grid assignments, monitoring warrior activity on the streets, and directing your efforts as required. You will obey his orders without question and follow his lead. I expect excellence out there. Medici rules those streets, and just because it is quiet now, does not mean it will remain so. If and when our enemies strike, they know they face Medici, so you must be prepared to defend and fight at all times. Understood?”
Another loud, “Si,” echoed off the walls.
"Marcello and Raven have the privilege of feeding and hunting off grounds. So, I want no shit about that. It was my decision and if either of them does Medici any dishonor, that privilege is taken from them.
“Our brother Hyde has taken a position with Master Canton, as his mate’s protector.”
Shade chuckled as he heard a loud groan from most of the warriors. They all knew Rissa and didn’t wish that fate on any of their brothers.
“Calm down, Hyde has this under control and we wish him the best of luck.” The warriors ribbed him some and gave up a cheer.
“Hyde will maintain his assignment on the grid of the Canton residence. He will work that grid alongside whomever Raven choses as backup. If Hyde is needed as protector, he will give advance notice and Raven will coordinate his replacement into that grid.”
Shade stood to get their full attention. “My next order of business is the camp. Open call will start in one week. I will need everyone on board and all schedules in working order. This will be a test and it will mean some long hours for all of us. I will no longer be going to the Dead House unless needed. Raven will be in full charge of that area. My duties will lie here at the camp. You will have noticed we have separate quarters here for male and female. I have issued an open call to all warriors in the U.S. who may want to attend our camp. I will run this camp with a strict hand. The open call will bring in many, and we will keep only a few. We must keep strict control of their whereabouts and escorting them out of here if dismissed. I will make quick decisions of who stays and who goes within the first several days.
“Because I expect a huge influx of warriors, both male and female, at open call, I will allow them to stay within the walls of this facility. It will be cramped, get used to it. I do not want to hear any bitching from my own warriors. You set the example for proper behavior befitting a Medici warrior, or by all that is fucking holy, you will find yourselves on the streets.”
Shade paced back and forth in front of them. “There will be no playing around with any females who enter the premises. The females will bunk separately inside the facility, away from the males. Any of you so much as makes a remark or touches any of them with disrespect and your fucking head belongs to me. We will keep whatever rotation has been set up for you for feeding. Right now, just deal with it. I have plans to change that up shortly, once we get settled in, but right now is not the time. Fiamma, come forward.”
She lifted her shoulders, holding her head high as she walked to stand in front of him. Grasping her by the shoulders, he spun her around to face the warriors.
“I have one more promotion in rank. I would like to announce Fiamma is now Lieutenant of the warrior camp. She is the first female warrior in the ranks of Medici to hold a leadership position. If we are going to lead Medici into the future, our females need to be among us full force. Fee will be in charge of leading our females within the camp. She will over-see their training personally and help Marcello with any of their personal needs. So, beware, warriors, Fee will kick your asses you touch her females. Now move out!”
Shade could feel her stand taller as she turned to look at him. “You earned this, Fee. Don’t disappoint me. The first female to hold a position of rank among my warriors is nothing to sneeze at. I need you here. I need your help. You are the only one I trust to help guide the females.”
She nodded before turning and walking back to her seat, the sway back in her walk, her head held high and a smile that could charm the fucking snakes right off of the ground. Turning to bel, Shade reached his hand out to her. Medici was now well on their way to conquering the States.
“As you leave, you will receive a packet of information, grids, assignments, and rotations, also where you are to report starting tonight. This packet has been put together specifically for you, with your name on it. I suggest you get your asses busy reading it the minute you leave here and memorize it. Any questions or concerns can be directed to your respective SICs. I expect this place to rock and roll Medici style within a week, so get your shit organized, and be sure to feed. Be ready to lead, teach, and bring forth the new breed of Medici. You are in on the ground floor of a new beginning, history in the making. We stand united as one. We defend with honor, pride, and respect. All of you were hand chosen to be here. I wish for us to move into the future with hands clasped and swords raised in the name of Medici. Now get moving, pick up your packets and get to your duties.”
23
Hyde had been assigned to protect the grid that included the Canton residence most of the evening. The arrangements had been made through master for him to meet Miss Benneteau and Master Canton at 10:30 p.m. Keeping his eye on the time, he teleported back to the Dead House to inform Raven he was now off duty, so he could get to his appointment, and another warrior could take his watch until the meeting was concluded.
He slipped out of his leathers and into something more casual for meeting Canton's mate. He knew he’d need to blend in with the mortals, so he wanted Rissa to see him as a mortal would see him. Teleporting out, he stood at the front door of the Canton’s G-town residence and rang the bell.
Santos opened the door, nodding to the warrior. "You are expected, sir. Please follow me to the study. May I get you a Midnight?"
Hyde declined the offer and followed the butler into the study, where Alec was waiting. Alec greeted him and had him take a seat as Santos poured a glass of Midnight and handed it to Alec before leaving the room.
"Make yourself comfortable, Hyde. I'll bring Rissa down in a minute. I thought we should go over a few things first. Clearly, living in Georgetown, we’re right in the middle of the mortals, unlike the way Shade lives. We try to keep our schedules very similar to that of a busy mortal couple. As I mentioned, Rissa has her own event-planning business, which she’d established when she was still mortal. She caters to only mortal clients, and I’m obviously surrounded by mortals in my role. We both drive instead of teleporting, except on rare circumstances. I keep minimal staff here. Santos has been with me for centuries, and I have a driver and bodyguard on call, Alto. I'll make sure you meet him. With my role, I do draw the attention of the press, and with our recent engagement announcement, Rissa also has more press scrutiny than usual. It’s important we maintain a high profile in the press, but only in a positive way. Anything negative, anything that could possibly reveal what we are must remain off the radar. So, your role as a protector would be very different than if you were protecting someone like Kate.
“Your choice of weapons, how you move about in a crowd, must all blend in with mortal actions and not draw undue attention. Rissa will sometimes work from home, in which case, you’ll not be needed. I only want you to shadow her when she’s out. I think presen
ting yourself as her driver is a good cover. Our last protector was female, and although she was well qualified, I'm afraid my mate didn’t take well to having another female in the house. You’re probably somewhat familiar with our schedules already if you’ve been monitoring this grid, so you may be aware of my mate's temperament. We’ll have a discussion, the three of us, but I honestly can't predict her behavior. She may or may not be compliant with your needs, so all I can say is try to be as flexible as possible, and if she becomes unmanageable, just let me know.
“I have a folder here with the floor plans of the house, just in case. Both our cell numbers, my admins number in case you need to reach me and I'm away from the office. Any questions before I bring Rissa down?”
Hyde carefully observed his surroundings as Alec spoke. He listened and smiled as Alec made comments about his mate. She was well known as the Darling of G-town and all of the warriors were aware of her temperament.
"Everything is clear, Master Canton. I’ll work with Miss Benneteau and make sure she’s well protected. As I’ve said before, I’ve seen her about the district and understand her schedule. There’s one question I do have. I know you entertain a great deal here at your home. I’ve been on duty when we’d put extra protection on your home for such events. I’d like to know if you’d require me to be inside on these occasions."
"Good question, Hyde. That may depend on the event and the guest list. But certainly, for the upcoming wedding, we’ll need warriors who are able to mingle among the crowd. Now, let me get Rissa."
Alec walked to the foyer and stood at the bottom of the stairs, calling up to her. "Rissa. Your new protector is here. Please join us in the study."
Hearing him call, Rissa stopped working, stood up from her desk, straightened her skirt and headed down the staircase. As she entered the study, her eyes went immediately to the handsome, well-groomed gentleman who stood as she entered. He wore a grey sports jacket over the black tee and jeans. He looked smart, clean, and stylish. She appreciated his short cropped hair and when they locked eyes, her knees went weak. His eyes were blue, a rare beautiful blue and they were stunning. So, this was a Medici warrior? He didn’t look like any of the warriors she’d encountered before, and she liked what she was seeing. She turned to Alec and smiled. "Alec, would you be so kind as to make the introductions?"
Alec didn’t fail to notice Rissa's eyes light up as soon as she took in Hyde. He made a mental note to remind her that his own code of conduct, as it related to infidelities, did not apply to her. "Hyde, please meet your latest challenge, Miss Larissa Benneteau, soon to be known in the mortal world as Mrs. Canton."
He turned to Rissa. "And for you, my darling, your new protector, Hyde. Let's see if we can keep him around a little longer than the last one, shall we?"
Rissa laid her hand on Alec's arm and smiled at him. "Of course, I’ll do as you ask."
Smiling up at Hyde, she casually shook his hand and felt the sparks fly up her arm. He was strong, and he smelled like heaven. "It’s a pleasure to officially meet you, Hyde. Please, call me Rissa. I appreciate you taking time from your duties to accommodate us, this evening. Please, take a seat."
Alec took a seat on the sofa, but Hyde remained standing until she was seated, and she found that quite gentlemanly. Oh yes, he’ll do quite nicely.
"It’s my pleasure, Miss Benneteau.”
Alec keenly watched the interplay between them as he turned to Rissa. "So, my darling, Hyde won’t be a live-in." He gave her hand a tight squeeze, letting her know he had already picked up on her piqued interest. "What would you like to share with him about your schedule and your needs when you leave the house?"
Rissa never took her eyes from Hyde and felt Alec’s displeasure. Jealous are we, Alec? How wonderful you know what it feels like. "Well, Hyde, the day hours are busy with clients. In the evenings, I may attend fundraisers, and other events. If I have free time, I’ll go to the gym. It’ll be a great comfort knowing I have a Medici warrior near to ward off any attacks. Most of the evening events are black tie. I’d very much appreciate if you could blend in appropriately, but I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that. Alec has just recently agreed to give me a horse, which I’ll be boarding at Bel Rosso. I’d ask that you escort me there and back. Do you ride?"
Hyde watched as she crossed her long slim legs and if she could spew pure sugar cane, she would. He could sense the tension between her and Canton and it amused him. They were definitely not like Master Shade and his lady.
"Yes, I do ride. But you’ll find, at Bel Rosso, you’re at the most protected place you could be. Antonio is the stable master. He’s more efficient at handling the horses and dealing with your needs. Unless, of course, Master Canton wishes me to ride with you, then I’d oblige. I’ll be at your disposal. It’s vital we work together for your safety. I take my job seriously. You have nothing to worry about."
Alec nodded at him. "Oh, I think Antonio can handle the horses, he is the stable master after all. And Rissa is a skilled rider. I doubt she’ll need anyone to accompany her on her rides, right darling? You always say your exercise is me time, time to be alone and clear your head. And as you said, there’s no place safer than riding at Bel Rosso."
Alec lit up a cigarette and leaned back against the sofa as Rissa sat forward in her seat, her body language clearly displaying her interest. He laid his head back against the sofa as he inhaled deeply. He'd deal with this little infraction later.
Rissa could feel Alec's ruffled feathers and she was rather enjoying the moment. She knew she’d pay, but any attention from Alec was good, as far as she was concerned. "Well, of course, yes, Antonio would handle those things. Are you in this area every night, Hyde?" Rissa leaned over, placing her elbow on her knee and her hand under her chin, giving him an excellent view of her cleavage as she smiled softly.
Hyde felt the tension growing, although he didn’t feel uncomfortable as it was obvious Canton was letting her lead the conversation. "Master Shade has modified my assignment, so I’ll be on this grid every night. There will always be another warrior assigned as my backup in the event I must leave my post to assist you. I can wear an earpiece that is virtually invisible, and have an identical device for you. The speaker is small and can be designed to be incorporated into a bracelet or brooch. It’ll pick up your voice, but also has a button you can push if you need to alert me in a crowd. I’d suggest we use them.”
Alec looked at Rissa. "Oh, she’ll definitely take advantage of that, both the earpiece and the bracelet. Right? And I don't expect any pushback this time around. We'll be toning down the drama, won't we, darling?"
Rissa never took her eyes from Hyde. "I’d love to try it. It sounds quite interesting. No pushback, none at all. There will be no drama. I’ve learned that communication is vital in my protection.” Rissa turned to Alec and smiled. “I do believe Hyde will suit my needs quite well. Quite well, indeed.”
Alec locked eyes with her. "Oh I have no doubt, my darling, none whatsoever. I’m more than aware of your needs. Do you have any further questions of your protector before you return to your work?"
"No, I don’t believe I do. Hyde should have my schedule and numbers, which I’m sure you’ve taken care of." Rissa turned to Hyde and flashed him a smile. “Unless, of course, Hyde has anything to ask me?”
Hyde nodded as she flashed her innocent smile. "I don’t believe there’s anything else I require. I’ll be reporting to Master Canton with any problems we may encounter, and we can work those out as they occur."
Standing, she approached Hyde and extended her hand to shake his. He stood immediately, taking her hand as she laid her other hand atop his. "Thank you, Hyde. I’m sure we’ll get along quite well. I’m looking forward to having you around." She turned on her heels and swayed elegantly from the room.
Alec turned his attention back to Hyde. "Have a seat, Hyde. Just one more thing before you go."
Hyde didn’t miss the extra touch and how close she stood to him.
Her signals were very clear to him...and to Master Canton. But he wouldn’t be obliging the future Mrs. Canton on any of her wicked ideas. Hyde took his seat, wondering what Canton was about to disclose to him and it piqued his curiosity.
Alec sipped from the glass of Midnight before setting in down in front of him. "I'm not familiar with your history, or how many jobs you may have taken as protector. I know different masters have different relationships with their mates. Different rules. But just so we’re on the same page, despite my mate's obvious interest, you’re being hired to provide protection services only. Is that clear? Or do I need to elaborate?"
Hyde almost laughed out loud. Master Canton was claiming his mate. Hyde held up his hand. "No disrespect, Master Canton, but I’m a Medici warrior. I’ve been with Medici since I was ten years old. I’ve had several protector assignments in my past, all of which, I carried through with honor. Medici warriors have a code of ethics, and if I were to do anything but provide protection, my master would deal with me accordingly and I think you can imagine how that would end up. I have no interest in Rissa outside of ensuring her safety. She’s a job, and I’ll not compromise my position and values as a Medici warrior, or violate your trust in me."
Alec nodded. "Glad we have an understanding. But make no mistake, she will test you, of that, I have no doubt. I'm sure you can handle it, but let me know if it becomes a problem. I do have my ways of keeping her in line. Now, if there’s nothing further, I'd say we’re done here. You have Rissa's contact information, and I’ll make sure you’re programmed in her phone. She’ll be expecting you tomorrow."
Santos appeared in the doorway, Alec stood, shook hands with Hyde, and Santos escorted him out.
As Alec heard the front door close, he made his way up the stairs to find Rissa in her office, still working. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, leaning his back against the door. "So, you seem quite pleased with your protector, my darling. You really need to work on your body language, it tells all. I can't recall the last time I saw you this engaged. Can you?"
