The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Kate kissed his bare shoulder and ran her hand across his chest. "Well, Reynaldo has found someone. Normally I’d go out there and interview them myself, but I think it’s too late for that now. I could fly out on the jet, but I know that would make you nervous as well, so if he thinks this guy is the one, I’ll have him come here. Reynaldo has handled everything else I’ve asked of him. I trust his judgment. Don't you?"

  "Si, I trust his judgment, but you seem very casual about throwing someone on my payroll, woman."

  Laughing, he flopped back onto the bed, massaging her back as she remained sitting on the edge. "I know I have asked a lot of you, bel. I am proud you have taken it all in hand. This manager, he is immortal and a day-walker I hope. You have planned well, and it will be a good business.”

  Kate closed her eyes as he massaged her back, his strong fingers probing and relaxing the tight muscles. "Yes, he’s immortal and a day-walker, and also French. And speaking of business…" Kate turned and lay back on the bed next to him, her arm across his chest. "I need an answer from you on the lavender fields. I won't be able to plant until spring, but if I'm going to convert that land, some of it will need to be cleared, and then it will need to be plowed and fertilized. I know you have other things on your mind, but what do you think?"

  Shade closed his eyes. "Bel, if this is what you want, then do it. I know the vineyards in the States will take some time to mature before we show huge profits here. Vineyards are not an overnight endeavor. You have done your research on the lavender. There is no reason why this won’t be successful. “

  "I've thought about it. Even if the lavender doesn’t work out, and I have no reason to believe it won't, the land would already be cleared for expansion of the vineyards. It’s not an irreversible decision. So, I'll move ahead with that then. Oh, and one other thing."

  Kate rose up, supported on her elbow so she could see his face. "When I had Luca go with me into town a few days ago, I noticed the property that adjoins ours is up for sale. I went online to check out the details. There’s no house on the property, but there is a barn, and the stream that runs across our land cuts through there as well. There’s a paved access road and a few unpaved roads around the barn. I think we should buy it. It’s 1500 acres, so half the size of our property here. It's priced at $7000 an acre... so that's about $10 million. You said you wanted to expand the vineyards. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it, don't you think?"

  Shade listened to her logic about purchasing the property. He opened his eyes and stared at her. "Mi amore, we are both dead tired from managing properties. Expanding the vineyards is in the plan, si? What do you have in mind?" Shade sat back up, pulling off his leathers.

  "Lover, we’ve been here a year, and look at what’s changed! The staff quarters were renovated and it’s already full. I completed the house renovation and then we had to add an expansion to the house to make room for Cory. We added the warrior camp and the feeder compound. We added the stables and established fields for grazing. You want to expand the vineyards. I want to add lavender, and maybe sunflowers. I hear you speak of the camp and how you want to grow your presence here in the States. If you expand the camp it will cut into the land we use to produce revenue. I think it’s also a smart move to keep our perimeter as large as possible. If we don’t buy the land, it’ll be bought up by a mortal. We don't know what they’d plan to do with the property, but it would limit us in some ways. We’ve been lucky the land wasn’t occupied before now. It gave us even more isolation. I know you usually fight or negotiate for land, but this is a circumstance where I think buying it makes sense."

  He lay back down on his stomach and propped himself up on his elbows facing her, kissing her soft lips. "The warrior camp will need expansion in the coming years. We already know you see at least three bambinos coming. Damn, it is like we have built an empire in only a year. So, here is my proposal. I want you to call Luciano, have him call my lawyer. Both of them handle my properties. You let him do the work. Get them over there, let him negotiate the price. I don’t know how long it has been sitting there, but a cash offer will usually be accepted at much lower than the asking price. Once they purchase the land it is going to sit there until after Lorenzo is born. Bel, bambinos take a great deal of time and energy. I don’t want you running yourself into the ground with all these projects. Our figlio will need his madre. I like that you want to do things, have interests. That pleases me immensely. You have a good business head about you. Luciano has already told me he’s seen this in you. Deal, si?"

  Kate wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he leaned over her, his dark curls tumbling forward around his face. "There’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than holding and taking care of this baby. Lorenzo will be my top priority. But we’re building our future here. For Lorenzo, and the other children that follow him. I must say, when you moved me from my condo to this isolated house in the foothills of the mountains, I could never have envisioned all it would become. And if it’s changed this much in one year, what lies ahead for us? I’ll do as you ask. I’ll let your lawyers handle the transaction and I’ll rest and wait for this baby."

  Moaning his consent, he snuggled into her neck. "Grazie. I know you will love him, take care of him, just as you do me. I have no doubt of that, but it is a task, and as he gets older and the others come, this will be a mad house. They will need discipline, but I don’t wish for them to be brought up as I was, it was too strict. I want them to be able to play and learn, be loved and happy. I want this to always feel like home to them. If I had never met you, this house would still be as it was, empty with no life or spirit inside it. You have given me so much, mi amore. You have filled my life with love every day. I can never repay you for all you have given me. Do you know how much I love you?"

  Kate brushed his hair back from those intensely blue eyes and locked into his gaze. "I feel your love every second of every day, Shade. When you’re with me, and when you’re away. You make sure of it. I only hope you feel my love the same."

  Looking into her beautiful face, it glowed with love and happiness. "Si, I feel it so deep. My soul has never been so happy. I keep waiting to wake up from dream-walking to find all of it is gone that you were just a vision. Every night when I wake from my death slumber and you lie beside me, I breathe a sigh of relief. Speaking of which, I feel like a damn sledgehammer is hitting my head, sun is rising."

  Kate gave him a wicked grin, before pulling him down on top of her. "Then you better get busy."

  The electronic whir of the blinds blocked out the early rays of the sun. Kate reached over and turned off the lamp by the bed before turning her full attention to him, and the taste of his lips on hers.

  84

  Shade and Raven sat in the study, laying out a grid for the venues to be used in Alec and Rissa’s wedding. They’d need more intense coverage around the National Cathedral and all along Embassy Row, as well as the route Alec and Rissa would follow over to the reception site at The Old Post Office Building. They’d keep minimal coverage in the rest of the District during the event. They’d been in the study for what seemed like hours when Shade stretched, and turned to Raven. "Anything else we need to get squared away, besides who still needs some training on the streets?"

  Raven looked over the grids one more time. "Boss-man, I’m going to need a guest list I can circulate among all the warriors."

  Shade nodded. “The guest list is coming. But keep an eye on all the immortals. Quietly remove anyone that makes a scene. Every vampire there will be aware of the security. I don’t think we have anything to worry about."

  Raven folded up the grids to take with him. “I’m going to make sure Aislynn gets a challenging assignment. Skelk and Fee are both impressed with how quickly she’s advancing. We’re going to speed up her training, and I’ll give her an inside assignment for the wedding."

  Shade nodded. "That’s fine. I have been watching her, her skills with a shuriken are deadly.”

  **
*

  Kate was waiting for the arrival of the new manager for the inn. Reynaldo had conducted his final interview, and Mica should be arriving any minute. Kate wanted to be ready to respond to him immediately, since Aegis and Night Stalker stayed so close to the house. Aegis had already had her pups, and she kept them close by in the woods near the house. Her pups made Aegis even more protective and volatile, and Kate didn’t want Mica startled on his very first visit.

  Kate felt the energy of the air around her change as he teleported down into their front yard. She exited immediately to greet him, calming Aegis and Night Stalker as they both approached him, sniffing. "Never mind them. They’ll not harm you. They’re my own little welcoming committee."

  Kate extended her hand to him. "I'm Kate. Please come in. Reynaldo has spoken quite highly of you."

  Kate looked him over. He was tall and handsome, but then she had yet to see any of the vampires that didn’t possess their own unique beauty. His hair was a light brown, not quite to his shoulders and styled. His eyes were dark. He wasn’t as muscular as the warriors, but clearly fit and strong. He wasn’t as young as some of Shade's warriors in the camp. Kate was guessing he was closer to Shade's age.

  Mica nodded at her, taking her hand. Reynaldo had warned him about the animals, but even with the knowledge beforehand, it was startling to see the wolves. Mica kissed her hand. "I’m most pleased to meet you. I am of course familiar with Shade Medici, although we’ve never met."

  Kate smiled at him. "Well, his bark is worse than his bite, but don't tell him I told you so. Come in, we're expecting you."

  She led him into the house and down the corridor to Shade's office. "He was meeting with his warriors earlier, but he knows you’re coming."

  As they reached the door to the study, Kate saw Shade bent over the desk, still with Raven. "Shade, Mica is here. Should I have him wait in the living room until you wrap up?"

  Shade looked up to see Kate and Mica, as he stood to greet him. "No, we are done here.” He nodded in Mica’s direction, waving his hand to enter. “Shade Medici, please come in, welcome to Bel Rosso. Let me clear these things away here. May I introduce you to Raven, one of my top warriors?”

  Raven looked at the vampire standing next to the queen and was dumbstruck. He was older than Raven, and no warrior. His eyes were dark and mysterious. His clothes were very stylish, and looked designer, or at least hand-tailored. Raven could only manage a nod. Their eyes locked and he felt an immediate connection. Suddenly, he was interested in finding out who this was and why he was here. His heart raced inside his chest and his beast went haywire. Mica? What the hell kind of name is that and where is this handsome vampire from?

  Shade was speaking, and Raven looked away. "Raven, you are dismissed. I will contact you once I speak with Alec. Take Aislynn into D.C. as soon as possible."

  Raven nodded. "No problem boss-man." Raven turned to leave the room, but not before bowing to his queen. "Until we meet again my lady."

  Kate laughed at Raven as be performed his deep dramatic bow, and she slapped at his shoulder. "Raven, meet Mica. He’s here to interview for the manager position at the California property. He’ll be working with Reynaldo."

  Kate couldn’t help but notice while the deep bow was for her, Raven hadn’t taken his eyes off Mica, and Mica seemed as interested in Raven.

  Mica extended his hand. "Raven, is it? That’s an Interesting name, very dark and mysterious. And are you as dark and mysterious as your name suggest?"

  Raven took Mica’s hand and the sparks flew up his arm. The two men held their grip, their eyes locked. "As dark as you like, and if you need mystery, I can provide it. Mica? That’s an unusual name also." Raven smiled and liked the smile he received in return.

  Mica laughed softly. "It’s French. Mica Moreau. “

  Shade stared at the two of them then cleared his throat. "Raven, you have duties and I have some business to attend to. Out!"

  Raven never took his eyes off Mica and released his hand. Swinging his hair over his shoulder he headed for the door. "Boss-man, some day you are going to figure out, you have shitty timing." Closing the door behind him, Raven headed back to camp and found his steps were much lighter.

  Shade shook his head. "I apologize, Raven has a mouth with no filter. Please take a seat and fill me in on what you think of the inn. May we offer you a drink?"

  Mica watched the young warrior leave and took note of his flippant remark to his master. Clearly, he had the trust and respect of his master to respond in such a casual manner. Mica shook his head, knowing this one would be a handful, but one he hoped to experience.

  Mica nodded to Shade. "A drink would be most welcome after the long teleport. I sampled the Midnight from the Napa vineyards. Do you produce Midnight from the vineyards here as well?"

  Shade nodded. "Of course, and we will produce much more as the vineyards mature. We are still shipping Midnight into the States from my Italian, French and Greek vineyards. So, tell me a bit about yourself. You have already said you are French. We have just purchased a home in Paris. My queen has been working hard to get it furnished. She decorated the California home as well.”

  Standing, he poured three Midnights and handed one to bel first, kissing her softly before handing a glass to Mica. Returning to his desk chair, he sipped his own, waiting to see how Mica would handle himself.

  Mica remarked, "Reynaldo had informed me that the queen had decorated the California house as well as renovating this one. May I say you have excellent taste? I’ve most recently worked at a boutique hotel in San Francisco. I’d been there for several years, but I’m tired of the city and prefer the calm of Napa Valley. Prior to that, I worked at several inns in France. I believe Reynaldo forwarded my resume and my references. Your Napa house is in a beautiful location. The vineyards and the winery alone would be a draw to tourists. But the house, it’s magnificent. And Reynaldo is quite the chef. Most of the inns in Napa Valley are family owned and operated, and they prepare the meals themselves, and many only offer breakfast. Very few have professional chefs. It will be a huge draw. I see a lot of potential for this property, and I’d love to be a part of it, getting in on the ground floor. I have no doubt the rooms will stay full."

  Shade nodded in his direction. "You have an impressive resume. I am glad you are interested but I must admit this is Kate's project. She had the vision for the inn." Looking to Kate, he flashed her a huge smile. "Drill away, mi amore. This is your project."

  Kate spent the next hour talking with Mica, both of them planning and throwing out ideas for the inn and how to market it. Kate felt immediately connected to him and loved his passion and enthusiasm.

  "Tell me, Mica. I’ve had two house maids sent over from Italy. Reynaldo and I thought two would be plenty to start. You’ll have to let me know if you need more. There are more people in Florence we can draw from."

  Shade listened to their conversation and liked Mica, he was intelligent and his experience and knowledge of the industry were obvious. He could tell Kate had already made a connection with him. He realized this was no little project Kate had taken on just to fill her time. She’d used her business sense and marketing skills and this place was going to generate some huge money.

  Shade started thinking long term about this property, and its real value. "I just realized that even though the California property is in Alec's territory, we may need to have some warriors out there for protection. This sounds like a serious business endeavor that could take off quickly under Mica's guidance. I don’t feel comfortable leaving my assets with no protection."

  Mica nodded. "I must say I was surprised when I went there to see how large an operation it was, and to find no warriors. I’ve met Luciano briefly. He’s in and out, and of course Reynaldo. I doubt you’ll draw any immortals as visitors, but even with mortals, there can be problems. The California territory has been stable for years. I haven’t been aware of any challenges for territory in the time I’ve lived there. But this is
a serious enterprise. I’d expect there to be warriors."

  Shade poured himself another glass of Midnight. "Master Canton owns the California territory, so there is no immediate threat to my property. We are business partners and I provide his protection needs here in D.C. One of the main reasons I am based here. I think I should send one of my warriors out for a few days to observe and determine what we will need to provide adequate protection. I will see to that as soon as possible. If you’re hired for this position, I will have Kate contact you with the details of when they will arrive and you can take it from there."

  Shade turned to Kate. "So, my beautiful queen, do you wish to hire Mica for your castle in the Napa Valley?"

  Kate beamed at him. “If we haven’t scared him away with our wolves and our flamboyant warriors, then yes, I’m ready to hire him."

  Mica smiled. "And I’ll gladly accept."

  Shade grinned at her happiness, he could feel her excitement and pride in this project. "Well, I think you have definitely found your man. Welcome aboard, Mica. It is a pleasure to have you on staff. I appreciate it more than you know."

  Standing, shaking Mica’s hand, Shade wondered if he sent Raven out there to conduct the inspection if anything would be accomplished. Something about these two had been an instant hit.

  85

  Raven had finally scored a night off, and his ass was heading straight to club ZS in the metro area. He’d found it while making rounds in D.C., but this was his first free night to spend some time there.