The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Kate felt her heart drop. Shade wasn’t here. "No. No message. But the rose, it means something. The rose is a message, right?"

  Luca nodded. "Of course. The rose is a message." Luca hoped the message wasn’t good-bye.

  Kate looked at Marco. "You’ve heard nothing?” She looked at Luca. "Nothing?"

  Luca shook his head. "We’ve all been waiting. Just like you. Marco has taken over control of the camp, keeping the warriors on high alert in the event Max should decide to attack. There was a delivery from Max yesterday, addressed to Shade."

  Kate looked at him with her brow furrowed. "What did it say?"

  Luca shrugged. "We didn’t open it, Kate. It was addressed to him, marked Personal and Confidential."

  Kate looked from Marco to Luca, not believing her ears. "You didn’t open it? It may tell us something! Where is it! Bring it now!”

  Marco felt his anxiety rising. "My lady, this is between the two masters. I would have opened it if I thought it necessary. I keep hoping that hard-headed bastard comes to his senses and comes home.” Throwing up his hands, he paced. "No, I don’t think you should open it. No!"

  Kate looked at him in disbelief. "Excuse me? I don’t think I was asking your permission, warrior. This whole thing is Max's doing. He holds the key. And if the contents of this envelope might reveal Shade's whereabouts, or help us bring him home, then I’ll read it. And if the contents of the envelope reveal Max's intent to fight, then we will fight. We’ll defend what’s ours and do whatever we must to ensure that Medici still rules. Is that clear? Now bring me the envelope!”

  Marco stopped his pacing and blinked his eyes a few times as she put him in his place. Damn females! He lowered his head a bit and stared at her, holding back his growl, knowing she was the one in charge. He couldn’t go against her wishes. In Shade’s absence, she ruled the coven. Fucking hell, old man, you did mate with one fiery vixen!

  Marco nodded his head. "As you wish, my queen. Please open it and instruct me as to what you wish your warriors to do."

  Luca rushed to the console table in the living room where Gi sorted and stacked the mail, grabbing the large 8 x 11 brown envelope with its broad, handwritten scrawl addressed to Shade and Max's mark in the upper left hand corner. The envelope was heavy, and he carried it back to Kate. He had a knot in the pit of his stomach, fearing the hell enclosed inside a simple brown envelope. He handed it over to her.

  Kate grabbed for the envelope, tearing at the seal. She slid the contents out into her hands when a folded note fell free and floated to the floor. Kate knelt down and picked up the note, flipping it open. It read, “Give me what I want, and your precious mate will never see these photos.”

  Kate sat down hard on the floor, aware now of what she held in her hands. Her anger flared as she flipped the photos over and looked at picture after picture of sexual depravity, the beast gorging himself on not one but two feeders. Kate felt the bile rise in the back of her throat, and she swallowed hard. She stood quickly, the photos spilling out across the floor. As she paced, the tears flowed, more in anger this time. Max had done this. He’d used their love as a wedge against them, and she vowed to bring him down. She screamed at the top of her lungs, “I will see him dead!”

  She paced, walking over the photos, scattering them further, as her brain felt like it was on fire, her anger reaching a boiling point. “Who are they? Fiamma! I need to talk to Fiamma!"

  Theresa saw the images on the floor and turned away, Shannon gasped at the savagery and debauchery. The vampire in the picture was beast, but clearly recognizable as Shade. Luca pushed Shannon back, not wanting her to see them in their basic rawness. He sent a message telepathically to Fiamma, “Your queen needs you.”

  Fiamma got the call and instantly teleported inside the hall and saw the pictures scattered on the floor. She looked at Kate’s face and knew she had to step up. She’d die for either of them and right now, a calm head was needed. "My queen, tell me what you need, I’m at your service."

  Kate paced as a plan formulated in her head. She walked over the photos, not looking down at them again. The images were seared in her brain. She needed no reminders.

  “Fiamma, do you know them? Do you recognize them?"

  Fiamma bent down, picking up the photos. The feeder's faces were fully exposed and displaying the pleasure they felt. Fiamma showed no emotion as she scanned the images.

  "I don’t know them, Kate. They’re clearly Eastern, and our warriors wouldn’t know them either. But you have a valuable resource sitting right here in camp. She knows them all, no matter where they hail from. These are virginal feeders, meaning they wouldn’t have been with any warriors yet. They’re always taken first by a master. Only few would know their breeding facility and one of them is right under your nose."

  Kate stopped her pacing and looked at her. "Matron?"

  "Yes, Matron would know of all the feeder covens. She must have resources to meet the demands for the variety of tastes that warriors need. If anyone would know them, she would. Do you wish to speak with her?"

  Luca stepped forward. "Kate, I'm not sure Shade would want you to do this."

  Kate snapped back at him, "Well, he isn't here, is he?" Turning back to Fiamma, Kate scooped up the photos and said, “Lead the way."

  Fiamma and Kate walked to the warrior camp and entered the tunnels. As they approached the feeder compound, Fiamma unlocked the door with her fingerprint, and led Kate inside.

  “I’ll do whatever I can to help you, you need to know that. But as one female to another, this was an underhanded play and I hope you know he couldn’t fight this, no matter how much he wanted to, and you know he tried."

  "I understand that, Fee. I felt his fight, I felt the struggle. I know he was trapped, that Max tried to use our love against him. But I can't reach him now. He's been gone for days and he continues to block me. He wouldn't talk to me when I went to him. I don't know how to reach him."

  As they entered the sitting area of the feeder compound, Fiamma laid her hand gently on her back. "You’ll find a way. He loves you so deeply, he won’t be able to let go."

  Fiamma only prayed Shade wouldn’t give up and hoped she’d not have to eat her words. As Matron entered, she nodded to them both, and Fiamma remained quiet, letting Kate take the reins.

  "Matron, I need your help. I know that discretion is a big part of your code of conduct, but another master has used feeders to betray us. They’re from an Eastern coven. Can you help me identify them? Tell me where I can find them?"

  Matron had heard the gossip shared by the warriors. Their master had been tricked into feeding and was now nowhere to be found. She knew the feeders were pure, and not deceptive by nature, but they must also perform at the direction of the master. She didn’t know what her queen would do with the information she provided, and Matron didn’t ask. Matron accepted the photos and scanned them. The images saddened her.

  "My lady, these two reside in a compound in Bangkok, Thailand. Every feeder bears a small mark of her coven. See here, on her shoulder? From the response of the beast, I can tell you they are both virginal, their blood is pure and untainted. Its pull on the beast would be undeniable, regardless of how hard he fought. The two in the photo are sisters, Malai and Suda.”

  Kate took the photos from her hand, burning the names into her memory. “Bangkok. Would they be there now?"

  Matron nodded. "It is customary. The feeders only live within the confines of a compound. Once their assignment is complete, the master must return them to the compound. My lady, I beg you to be careful."

  Kate nodded. "Thank you."

  She took the photos back and turned to leave with Fiamma. In the privacy of the tunnels, Kate turned to Fee.

  "I’m going to ask something of you I have no right to ask. I won’t command you, I ask you, sister to sister."

  Fiamma nodded. "Ask."

  "As soon as we’re out of the tunnel and walk out of the camp, I want you to teleport with me to Bangkok
. If I go back inside the house, if I make my intent known, Luca or Marco will find a way to stop me. Please, I’m begging you. Ask me no questions, Fee. Just help me."

  Fiamma couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but she knew Kate wouldn’t stand by and do nothing. She’d fight for Shade and do whatever she needed to do to bring him home.

  "Well, you’re right about that, Luca and Marco fight to keep you here. Everyone here is on edge. But be warned, I’m coming with you. You need protection, and Bangkok isn’t a safe place for vampires from the West, and their feeder covens are nothing like what we have here.” Fee looked hard at her, her skin more pale than usual, and realized it had been days since Kate had fed and yet she had continued to feed Lorenzo. “If we’re going to go, then I have two demands. First, we go now, because if we’re out here too long, Luca or Marco will come looking for you."

  Kate nodded in agreement. “And the second demand?”

  Fee pulled at the chain that hung around Kate’s neck, holding the vial of blood Shade had given her the first time Kate had fed from him, pulling it free from under her sweater. “You haven’t fed. You’ve already teleported to Paris, and you’re feeding Lorenzo. You need to take this now.”

  Kate broke the sealed glass vial and quickly drank the thimble full of blood it contained, feeling Shade’s power in her veins. As she dropped the broken vial to the floor she looked at Fee. “Ready?”

  Fee locked eyes with her and shook her head no. “It’ll help Kate, but it won’t be enough. You’ll need to feed. You can go to the feeders— “

  “No! No feeders!”

  Fee unzipped the bright red leather jacket, tossing back her hair. “Then me. Feed from me. I’m not leaving here until you feed. You’ll never make it, and I’ll not have your death on my hands. If you want my help, then feed.”

  Kate hesitated, feeling her heart break, but knowing she didn’t have the strength or the knowledge to make this trip alone, and realized how much the feeding dictated their lives, how the feeding controlled them, allowed her to feel Shade’s pain even more deeply.

  Fee looked at the play of emotions across Kate’s face. “You’re not a mortal anymore. This is survival, not betrayal. Do what is necessary, my queen. I give my blood freely.”

  Kate closed her eyes, as a single blood tear fell down her cheek. She leaned into Fiamma’s open arms and took what her body demanded. As the blood flowed across her tongue, the sexual pull was not as powerful as what she felt with Shade, and she remembered Theresa telling her that the females feeding from feeders didn’t have the same level of sexual desire. Kate resisted the desire that rose up, unwanted. When she unlatched, she gently licked the wounds and watched them heal, then softly kissed Fiamma’s cheek.

  The two women locked eyes, and Fee hugged her tight. “Come quickly. We don’t have time to waste.” They headed for the doors that lead outside the camp.

  Kate sent a telepathic message to Theresa to look after Lorenzo, and said she’d be home as soon as she could. She grabbed Fee's hand and let her lead the way, teleporting them into the dark underworld of Bangkok and the feeder compound located in the seedy Patpong district of the ancient city.

  ***

  Luca saw the confusion cross Theresa's face at the exact moment he felt Kate exit. He knew she’d left the property. He felt the break in her energy, but he didn’t know where she’d gone. Panic hit him square in the chest. Master would kill him if anything happens to her!

  “Kate!” he called to her, but she didn’t respond. She was blocking him. ”Fiamma, Kate is gone!”

  Fiamma heard Luca's panic. ”I’m with her. Just take care of Lorenzo. I got this. And before you bust my ass, I’ll take full responsibility. Chill out, brother.”

  Luca punched the wall. Chill out? Is she fucking kidding? Shannon stepped back at the uncharacteristic display of anger from Luca. Marco looked at him, and Luca responded.

  "She's gone. Fee’s with her, but I have no idea where they're going."

  Marco stormed back into the office, slamming the door shut behind him. As if he didn’t have enough fucking problems!

  129

  Fiamma returned with Kate, stunned by the turn of events in Bangkok as they teleported into Kate 's bedroom. She looked at Kate’s disheveled appearance, her clothes covered in blood

  "You need to shower before anyone sees you, and let Luca know you are home. Are you all right?"

  Kate nodded, pushing the duffel bag under the bed. "I'm fine. And thank you, Fee."

  Fee looked at her for a long, few seconds, reappraising her queen. "Of course."

  Kate flashed her a look. "You speak of this to no one."

  Fee nodded. "That’s understood. Do you need anything else?"

  Kate shook her head, and Fee told her she’d better get back to camp. She was already in enough trouble with Marco and Luca as it was.

  Kate showered, watching the blood swirl in a vortex of water spinning around the drain. She stepped out and dried off, slipping a clean gown over her head. Tiptoeing down the hall, she opened the door of the nursery to see Theresa on the sofa-bed, and Nita feeding Lorenzo. Kate walked over and planted a soft kiss on the baby's head.

  Theresa sighed. "So thankful you’re home. Do you want to explain ̶ "

  "No, I don't want to explain anything.” Kate said, cutting her off before she could finish the sentence. “Thank you for taking care of Lorenzo."

  She turned and left the nursery, climbing into bed, exhausted. She let Luca know she was home and in bed and she’d see him tomorrow. She heard his grumbled response. Kate ignored him and turned on her side, stretching her hand across the expanse of the bed.

  “Lover, how long will you make me wait?” She closed her eyes, the activities of the night having exhausted her. She slipped into a deep sleep.

  Kate woke to the whir of the electronic blinds. She rolled over and stretched as the memory of Bangkok flashed through her head. She quickly blotted it out, rolled out of bed and rummaged through her closet. She pulled out a black dress and a pair of designer heels. She did her make-up, expertly applying the bright red lipstick. She picked up Shade’s cell phone left sitting on his nightstand and scrolled through the contacts until she found what she was looking for and hit dial.

  Max felt the soft vibration of the phone in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw the caller ID. It was Shade. Took him long enough. Now let's see if he’s come to his senses. Max answered, the smirk could be heard in his voice. “Hello, old friend. I've been waiting for your call."

  Kate's palms were sweating, and she slid her hand against the sheets and transferred the phone to her other hand. She let her tears flow. "Max? This is Kate. I can't find Shade. Please help me."

  Max was taken aback to hear Kate. "What do you mean you can't find him?"

  Kate made certain he heard her sobs, but the tears came easily, as her pain was real. “We haven’t seen him since the night he met with you. He’s blocking me. Can I come over? You were the last person to see him. He might have said something. Maybe you can help me figure out where he is, please!"

  Max was silent on the other end of the phone. The envelope, what happened to the envelope? "Kate, I mailed Shade a package."

  Kate responded, "Yes, it’s here. Do you want me to open it?"

  "No! No, don't open it. That was an offer I made to Shade for the land. He can consider it when he returns. Kate, I don't think I can offer any clues as to where he may be, but if it helps you, then by all means, feel free to come by. Do you want me to send a car?"

  "Oh, that won't be necessary. I’m sure I can find it."

  "Please, my angel. Come by anytime. I'll be waiting."

  Kate ended the call and returned to the closet, finding a designer shopping bag. Standing on her toes, she reached onto the top shelf and pulled down a large hat box. She removed the hat and haphazardly tossed it back up onto the shelf. Exiting the closet, she carried the shopping bag and the empty box over to the bed. She dragged the duffel bag from
under the bed and transferred the contents. Kate put the hat box into the shopping bag, then put on her coat and slipped the shopping bag over her arm and teleported out of the bedroom.

  Luca felt her exit again and flew up the stairs, ripping open the bedroom door. "Kate!" Her bed was unmade, the wet towel cast across the chair, and the closet door open. ”Fee! Please tell me you are with Kate!”

  Fee responded to him that she’d brought Kate home before sunrise, and she’d not seen her since. Luca slammed the door shut behind him. “Fuck!"

  ***

  Max informed Lein Shade's mate was on her way here, and he’d like for her to make herself scarce. Lein looked at him warily.

  "Do not be deceived, Master."

  Max laughed. “It seems Shade hasn’t been seen or heard from since his visit here and I need to console his lonely mate."

  Lein shook her head. "Beware of a trap."

  Max stroked her face. “She was mortal, only recently turned. He keeps her locked away. I think I can handle it."

  Lein looked at him with skepticism. "Never underestimate the power of an angry woman."

  Max smirked. "She’s not angry, Lein, she’s sad and heartbroken. I've got this under control. If Shade’s gone, the estate is vulnerable. I need to see what she knows."

  Lein would do as she was told, bowed to him, and left, but she had her doubts.

  Kate arrived at the Virginia mansion that belonged to Max, landing outside his door. She rang the bell and waited for someone to respond, second guessing her decision to come here alone. She should have brought Luca, or at least Fee. When the door opened, she was face to face with Max.

  "Hello, my angel. Please come in."

  Kate steeled herself for what she was about to do. "Thank you so much for seeing me. I hope I’m not imposing. Is Lein here?"

  Max smiled at her. "My lovely mate had business elsewhere. We’re quite alone. Can I take your coat?"

  Kate felt a chill run up her spine at the realization he’d sent Lein away. She set her shopping bag down as he helped her from her coat, letting his hand brush against her neck. He caught her scent of roses, and she could hear him inhale her as his lips were close to her ear. Kate stepped forward, releasing her arms from the coat and putting some distance between them.