The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Mica led him back down the stairs and through the main floor into the living room, a family room with a wide screen TV for the mortals, a library, and a large dining room.

  "These are the rooms downstairs the mortals will have access to, if you follow me, this is the office area, and behind this bookcase is a hidden bunker full of weapons I'm sure your master had installed. Through here is the kitchen. This is Reynaldo's turf, so I stay out of his way."

  Mica led him out the French doors to the large pool. "And this is the pool. It’s lit at night for the guests. We’ll be closing it soon for the winter, but it’s been very popular."

  Mica paused before turning to face Raven. "I apologize if my tone has seemed playful or mocking. I assure you I mean no disrespect. I’m very drawn to you, Raven. I don't want you to leave here thinking differently."

  Raven’s heart skipped a beat. They had a connection and they both felt it. And for once, he was going to work on making this happen.

  "No need to apologize. I’m used to being teased by my brothers about my sexual preferences, my clothes, my jewelry, hell everything. I know I’m young, compared to you. I want to be with you Mica. I usually do hit and runs. I’m not into relationships, but I don’t feel that with you. Something is pulling me on a deeper level. But I have a lot to prove to master, the queen, and my brothers. I’m young, but I’ve come a long damn way and worked hard to get where I am, and I won’t lose that. I don’t know how to be anything but a warrior. Master taught me. He pulled me from the streets to give me something more, so I owe him. I’m paying him back now with my service and loyalty. It’s all I have. I know I come off flippant. That’s just my way."

  Mica sat down in a pool chair and motioned for Raven to do the same. "We all have our burdens to bear, young warrior. I was born in servitude. I’m part of Master Alec's coven, but he’s more interested in mortal pursuits, so we’ve all been left to our own devices out here, trying to make it as best we can. So, you see, we both have something to prove. I understand your loyalty. The loyalty of the Medici coven to their master is known by all in the vampire community and envied by many, I might add. So, make no apologies for trying to live up to your master's expectations. I work hard as well, and I hope to be here a long time if your master will have me. I’m not usually drawn to warriors, and certainly never to one as young as you, but you have me intrigued. I can be patient, and I’ll wait, because I think you’re worth waiting for. So, do what you need to do. I’ll be here when you're ready to settle down."

  Covering his face with his hands, Raven tried not to lose his composure. His toughness and his humor created the mask he wore to hide his pain and vulnerability, but Mica had seen through it.

  "No one has ever said that to me before. I can’t leave Bel Rosso right now. I have to work my way to getting here. I want to be here. But my life is not my choice, it belongs to my master. He’s the only person who ever gave me guidance and a chance to make something of myself. I think you’ll be here for a long time, he’s a fair master. Master Alec, well, he’s just strange as fuck! I never met anyone like him. Who the hell leaves immortality to live like a mortal? He’s getting married, in a mortal sense, to his mate. I have the biggest job of my life ahead of me making sure the entire city is secured during this shindig. Every warrior we have will be put to use and I’m in charge. I can do it. I just don’t want to let anyone down. So, I need to work on this California gig fast and get it done."

  Flopping back in the lounger he took a deep breath. "Growing up and having responsibilities sucks sometimes."

  Mica chuckled. "If your master has entrusted you with such responsibility, then I have no doubt you’re up for the challenge. No one doubts Shade Medici's authority. I’ve lived in service to master's, and they talk around us as if we’re not there, like we’re part of the furniture. I’ve heard them all discuss the Medici and his dynasty. Your master and his queen are quite different, they treat their coven like family, and I want you to take every opportunity he provides for you. Please him, young warrior, and he’ll reward you. He has a lot of property here. Expensive property, and when the inn is in full swing and the vineyards are at full production, its value will triple. He’ll need warriors here, and someone to manage them. Perhaps, that can be you. If not, I can manage a long distance relationship, if a relationship is what you’re looking for. I’m not your one-night stand, Raven. That’s not who I am. That’s not what I'm offering."

  Sitting up, Raven suddenly wanted more than anything in the world, for Mica to understand what he wanted and to know how serious he was. Reaching for his hand, he grasped it tight and kissed it softly, letting his lips linger, his scent intoxicating. Looking into his eyes, he’d never been more serious in his entire life. “I’m not looking, I found it.”

  Mica looked at him for a long time before standing and lifting Raven to his feet. They stood face to face, as Raven clung to his hand. Mica led him across the expansive grounds to the huge garage and up the stairs to his private quarters. He would make sure this was a night the young warrior would remember.

  91

  For once in a very long time, nothing needed his immediate attention. Shade was sitting in his study, thinking about the fact that, soon, his world would change dramatically. He was restless, and his mind was unsettled. He stood and paced, making his way to the back of the house and out onto the patio. Lighting up a smoke, he could hear the sound of the sword fights from the camp. At any other time, he’d relish that sound, but this night, it barely caught his attention.

  The night breeze was cool and blew his hair across his face. It was Halloween night in the mortal world, and so many memories flashed through his mind. A year ago, he’d made love with her for the first time, his beautiful lily-white, his delicate bel rosso with the crimson hair. She was upstairs now, in their bed alone, sleeping, their son taking his toll on her small body, his arrival coming soon.

  Shade began to walk aimlessly across the vast estate that was now his home. He found himself at the stables. Walking inside, he sought out Impavido, and the stallion pawed at the gate of his stall. Without thought, Shade saddled the huge black stallion and mounted him with ease. He took control of the reins and led Impavido outside, where they rode hard and fast across the open field.

  One year, one short year, and his life had changed completely, in ways he could never have imagined 365 days ago. One year was like a day to an immortal, but he felt like he’d packed an entire lifetime into this past year. He’d met his mate and turned her into his immortal queen. They’d lost a son, who lay buried in the ground of Bel Rosso. He felt the stab of guilt race through him for that lost child, even though he knew another son was on his way.

  His warrior camp in Florence still thrived under Marco’s direction, full to the brim with new warriors aching to be Medici. He expanded his warrior camp in the States, letting everyone know the Medici was expanding his realm. Young recruits responded, as they sought to become part of his legacy. His new camp was thriving, and it was only in its first year. He’d built a feeder compound to accommodate the rising number of warriors he now ruled. The vineyards were successful, as was the property in California, and now Kate had turned the California property into an inn. They’d added the stables and brought over horses to breed.

  And then there was their home. As his eyes roamed over what they’d built in a year, it looked like a small village carved into the rolling landscape. He could envision the fields that would soon bloom with lavender and whatever else his beautiful mate could come up with. They had the house in Paris, in addition to their vineyards in Italy, France, Greece, and now the States.

  He’d subjected her to so much, the loss of the baby, the attack by Cuerpo, her turning, her initial rejection by those who felt she couldn’t live up to what would be demanded of her. But she’d won them over, she’d won the hearts of his coven, and now she carried their son.

  He brought the horse to a standstill and focused on his son. He felt Lorenzo turn within h
er belly, and her moan disrupted her sleep. His queen would give him another son, a warrior, a prince. Could he be everything she needed? How could he repay her for bringing his dreams to life, for giving him so much more than he’d ever expected? All of this was due to her. There would be no Bel Rosso without her.

  Could he raise his son to be a warrior? His father had been so tough on him, and so distant. He’d made him a fierce warrior, but he wanted more than that for Lorenzo. His father showed no emotion, no tenderness. His madre filled that gap, as best his padre would allow her. Shade wanted his relationship with Lorenzo to be different. He wanted to show him a world different from the one he knew growing up. He wanted to raise their children together as a team, he and Kate, guiding their children in love. He wanted them to know the true meaning of Medici, the code of honor and integrity, and to be adaptable to an ever changing world.

  Even the immortals felt the changes in a world the mortals had made, filled with ever growing terrorism and violence, making the immortal world more challenging as well. He knew Kate feared for him every moment, and she already feared for their unborn son. He only wished he could see the future more clearly, to know what lay ahead of him. He couldn’t fail his son. He’d need to do more, be more, learn as he went. He felt like so much was out of his control. Having children felt like he had no control at times, he’d learned that already from Cory.

  That was another great change in his life this past year, a son already roaming the earth, unbeknownst to him. His guilt in regard to that was huge and his emotions still raw from the discovery of a son he’d left to grow up in poverty, without guidance in a violent world where he’d had to fight to survive. A half-breed was like filth to the immortals. His sigh was as heavy as his heart. He’d tried to right the wrongs of his past, turn them into something positive. Cory was here with him now, his mother well taken care of. He could never go back and undo what was done. He could only strive to make amends.

  Hearing the loud snort from Impavido, his attention was drawn back to the present and he became aware of the rising sun as it called him home. He looked at the estate in the early light, knowing he could never experience it during the bright light of day. It was his curse to live only in the dark of night. Standing in the stirrups, he took one last long view of rolling vineyards and open fields that spread as far as his eyes could see. He knew he’d fight every day to keep it, keep his bel and their bambinos safe.

  Riding back to the stables, he knew one thing. He was loved, he was surrounded by those who loved him and would die protecting all he’d fought to attain. His life had changed, and his thinking had to change as well. He had to open his mind and heart to things around him. It would be up to him to guide them all to a future that kept them safe, happy, and well cared for. He was the Medici, and many relied on him, he’d not let them down, he’d not let Kate down, he couldn’t let his children down. Their legacy lay on his shoulders.

  92

  Kate tossed and turned in the large bed alone. The night hours were usually time spent together, but Shade had insisted she stay quiet. She rolled on her side and tried to lie quietly, trying to quiet her mind and clear the long list of things to be done from her head. She felt Lorenzo shift his position and kick, and she smiled and placed her hand on her belly. "It won't be long now, my sweet boy."

  She rubbed her hand over her belly, soothing him, when she heard a whisper in her head, It's time.

  She sat up suddenly and swung her legs over the side of the bed, listening intently. She heard him whisper again, It's time.

  Kate slid from the bed and stepped into a pair of ballet flats, as she scuffed to the closet. She pulled the nightgown over her head and put on a loose dress that draped around her frame. Grabbing a light jacket, she wandered downstairs, checking the study, but knowing already Shade wasn’t there. She stood still and honed her senses, reaching out to him, and felt him in the stables. Stepping out into the chill of the early fall night, the wind caught her hair, blowing it around her face.

  Brushing it away, she walked through the gardens, stepping around puddles from the earlier storm as she headed for the stables. She could hear Impavido, snorting and prancing about and knew he’d been out riding. Walking into the lighted stables, she saw Shade, leading Impavido back into the stall. "Lover, I think it's time to go to Florence."

  He looked up when she entered and heard her speak. He shook his head for a moment, did she say Florence? "Are you in pain, because I do not feel it?"

  "No. I don't feel anything. But Dr. Bonutti said we should go a few weeks before to be safe, and he said I’d know when the time came. Lorenzo just told me it was time."

  He felt the grin spread across his face. Walking to her, he took her in his arms, kissing her with passion. "We shall go then. How soon can you be ready? I have the jet and Dante on standby. Everything has been prepared for our arrival at Castello. I have done all I can to be prepared for his arrival."

  Kate placed her hands on both sides of his face. "I’m packed already. You had Theresa pack my things weeks ago, so I could be ready quickly. Theresa is ready as well."

  "Si, Gi and Luca as well. I want my closest familia there to celebrate with me. Lorenzo has me in knots of doubt, mi amore, about my ability to be a good padre, but I want to scream from the highest mountains that he is coming. You must think I am completely out of my head lately."

  Kate laughed. “Don't fall apart on me now. I'm going to need all the support I can get. Come. Let's get back to the house and figure out what we need to finish doing, before we leave for Florence."

  Walking up the road with her, she held her hands over her belly.

  As they walked into the house, Shade called out, "Gi! Now!"

  Gi scurried to the door to see master with my lady. "Master! Is everything okay?"

  "Our figlio is on his way. I need you to contact Castello, tell them we are coming. Contact Dante. We will fly at sunrise so I can take my death slumber on the plane. Have Kate's things loaded in the car and ready to go. Let Bonutti know we are heading to Florence. I want him to see Kate as soon as we arrive, just to make sure she is well. You and Theresa will fly with us, so get your things loaded as well. Go!"

  He watched as Gi scurried off and Shade took her hand and led her up the stairs. "I need to shower, and then I will lay down for just a bit with you. I will sleep a few hours now, then complete my death slumber on the flight over. Do you think you will be all right? Theresa and Gi will be with you. I have made arrangements for everything here while we are gone. Raven will manage D.C., and Marcello will run the camp. Anything else I need to do?"

  Kate laughed as he led her to the bed and encouraged her to lie down, handling her like a porcelain doll. "We have plenty of time, so the first thing you can do is slow down. And seriously, I hope you aren't planning to make me stay in bed until the baby comes. I should call Shannon and let her know we’re leaving."

  Pacing the floor, he ran his hands through his hair. Kicking his boots off, he slid out of his jeans and tossed them across the room.

  "Shannon? Does she want to come with us to Italy? I need Luca with us so I can feed. I fucking knew I would forget something!"

  Kate propped the pillows against the headboard and enjoyed the floor show, as he tossed his clothes around the room and worked himself into an agitated state.

  "Go take your shower, I'll call Shannon. I’ll see if she can join us, but I doubt she could stay the entire time since she still has a job, but she’s welcome of course."

  Stopping his pacing, he stood with his hands on his hips and looked at her lying casually on their bed as if nothing was happening. "Do you need anything? Any pain?"

  "Uh..." Kate glanced at the clock by the bed. "No, no pain since the last time you inquired about fifteen minutes ago. Lover, the birth is still a week or two away. Dr. Bonutti said to go early, remember?"

  He sat down on the side of the bed, looking at her, like it was the first time he’d ever laid eyes on her. He knew he needed t
o take control, she was depending on him and he took a deep breath, trying to get his mind settled. He kissed her gently before walking to the shower. Life was about to change dramatically for both of them.

  Kate smiled at him in his effort to get his emotions under control. As he headed for the shower, she glanced at the clock again. Only 6:00 a.m. It might still be too early to call Shannon. She'd wait to let her friend know they were leaving. She heard a light tap on the door and Kate called out, "Enter."

  Theresa came in, all smiles, to get the luggage from her closet. "I'll just grab your bags, my lady, and we'll have them loaded in the car. Dante will be here shortly. My bags are ready as well. Is there anything I can get for you?"

  Kate shook her head. "I'm fine, Theresa. I’m just excited, happy, and very glad it won't be long now before we can hold this baby."

  Theresa beamed at her. "It’s been such a long time since we’ve had a birth in the Medici line. Shade's was the last. There were many that thought he’d never settle down, never find his mate, and the Medici dynasty would die out, just as so many of the great ancient covens have done. You must prepare yourself, my lady. If you think the coven was jubilant at seeing their new queen, it will be nothing compared to seeing the heir to the Medici crown being born."

  Kate smiled and rubbed her belly. "Seems much will be expected of you, Lorenzo, and you aren't even here yet."

  Theresa nodded. "Indeed that is so. He will carry the weight of inheriting the coven from the moment of his birth. He is born to greatness." Theresa gathered the luggage from the closet and carried it downstairs.

  Shade emerged from the shower, towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp. "I feel better. Sleep with me now. When we wake, they will have everything loaded in the car, the plane ready and Dante will be downstairs to take us all to the hanger."