54

Shade felt the heavy veil of the death slumber slip away, as he became aware of her head on his shoulder, and her silky hair spread across his bare chest. He slid his hand down the curve of her back and across the firm roundness of her ass. He squeezed softly and felt her respond with kisses on his shoulder and neck. As the baby inside her grew, he knew she wouldn’t lie in this position with him much longer, and he’d spoon with her, instead. He opened his eyes and reveled in her beauty.

The electronic blinds went up as the lamps on the nightstands turned on, and he knew, tonight, he must face Cory and Madison, but for this moment, he was alone with his woman. "Sometimes, mi amore, the best part of my day is waking up because it is so quiet, we are alone, and I feel you next to me."

Kate stretched slowly as she lay next to him. "I love sleeping next to you. I feel like it’s the only time we have alone anymore."

Chuckling, he rolled on his side and kissed her neck. "Mmm, it’s only going to get worse. There will be two sets of feet following behind us soon. But don’t worry, we will make time."

He breathed in the scent of her, relishing these last quiet minutes together. "I have to meet with Cory and Madison. I instructed Luca to make sure she didn’t leave until I came out of my death slumber, and I have no idea her state of mind. I seriously think you need to be with me. Madison will be calmed by your presence, and we need to see what the outcome is going to be. Thoughts?"

Kate caressed his face. "Shade, be gentle with her. This girl loves your son, and she wasn’t eased into this situation. Please don’t harm her if she decides she can’t follow this path. There must be a way. Can’t you try to erase her memory?"

He shook his head. “Her exposure was too long. She’s known Cory for month’s now and erasing a memory only works for short encounters. I will do my best, mi amore. I don’t want this to go badly for either of them. Cory loves her, and he would never forgive me if I hurt her. I can feel that. There is a lot at stake. I may have to take a chance and trust her, and I don’t like taking chances when it comes to my familia. If she wants to leave, I can assign someone to her. She would know they are there and that would be a deterrent. Let’s see what they have to say, how their night went.

“She is not just a pretty face, she is smart, and she thinks before she speaks. She is honest, I felt that too. She is strong-willed, and she is not going to do anything she doesn’t want to. So, let us go see."

He kissed her as she slipped from the bed and grabbed her robe, knowing Lorenzo was well aware of their schedule and would come knocking at their door any minute.

Kate asked, "Is there anything specific you need from me?"

Sitting up in the bed, he watched as she wrapped the silk robe around her body, the fabric clinging to her curves, and he wished they had more time. He wanted to pull her back in the bed with him. "You know, mi amore, that is a loaded question. I always need you. But, it is already too late. I think I can hear someone running like their ass is on fire, heading straight for this door."

They heard the tapping on their bedroom door and both answered. "Who is it?" It was a game they played with him every morning, only Lorenzo answered in all seriousness, "It's me, Lorenzo!"

Shade winked at bel as he quickly grabbed his jeans and pulled them on. "Lorenzo who?"

"Daddy. Your son, Lorenzo Medici!"

Kate smiled as she pulled a sundress from the closet and stepped into a pair of sandals, listening to the game as it played out the same every morning. "I wonder how old he'll be before he figures this out?”

Shade threw back his head and laughed, as he grabbed her quickly, kissing her with enough passion to move mountains before their privacy was invaded. "Oh yes, that Lorenzo. Please, do come in."

Before he finished the sentence, his son bound through the door and leapt straight for the bed, catapulting himself in one huge bounce straight into his father’s arms. Shade looked at Kate and shook his head. "So, tell me, little warrior, did you behave today, or did you drive Theresa crazy?"

Lorenzo spoke animatedly, "I played in the dirt, and Tressa made me take a bath, and I saw Cory and his girlfriend walking around. They went to the stables to ride. I was going to go too, but Tressa said no, not this time. I went to see Skelk, and he helped me some more with fire, and then I played in the tree house. Can you make me a bigger pirate sword? I broke the other sword when I dropped it out of the tree. Then I went swimming in the outside pool, and Uncle Luca and Aunt Shannon watched me swim under water. I can hold my breath a long time, Daddy. Then Tressa said that was enough and made me take a nap, and now, here I am."

"Well, you have already had a very busy day, little warrior. And we most certainly need to get you a new sword. A warrior always needs his sword. So, I have something to tell you, Mommy and I must speak with Cory and Madison tonight, alone. No interruptions. So, you need to listen to Theresa, if you do not, no new sword. Deal?"

Lorenzo looked crest-fallen. He hated not being able to be a part of whatever his father was working on. "Okay Daddy, but if you need me just call me, okay?"

Shade held him tight and kissed his cheek, running his hand through the ruffled mop of curls. "Well, let’s go downstairs and see Cory and Madison together, they are probably eating dinner in the kitchen. And since your brother eats like a horse, let’s hope there was enough food for Madison. Then you can come back up with Theresa, settle down and do some reading. Theresa tells me you are very advanced in your reading skills."

As Lorenzo clung to his father, he held out his tiny hand to Kate. "Mommy, are you ready to go downstairs?"

Kate took his hand in hers, as Shade lowered him to the floor, holding his other hand as they headed for the stairs. She reminded him, "Don't forget, Lorenzo, your tutor starts this week. His name in Enzo, and he used to teach your daddy when he was a little boy at Castello. I have your schoolroom all ready for you. You'll have some time set aside every day for classes, and Enzo will live in the staff quarters with Gi."

Shade smiled as the memories flooded through his head. "Enzo, haven’t seen him in centuries. He is a great teacher, Lorenzo, you will learn much from him, but you must be as great a student as you are warrior. Education is very important, especially the Medici history and no one knows it better than Enzo."

As they reached the ground floor, Lorenzo took off for the kitchen screaming Cory's name. Shade took Kate in his arms, kissing her. "That boy asks more questions than you. You ready for this, my queen?”

Kate laughed. "I hope Enzo knows what he's getting into. Come, let's see what's going on with Cory."

As they walked into the kitchen, Lorenzo was sitting on top of the bar in between Cory and Madison, blabbering away about his day. Shade watched as Cory's eyes locked with his, and he knew his son was a ball of nerves. Madison quickly stood up from her bar stool when they entered. She looked nervous as well.

Shade tried to lighten the tone with some easy banter. "Well, sounds like you two had a good day. I hope everyone got some sleep."

Madison stared at him and said nothing. Cory nodded. "We got some sleep, talked a lot, then we went riding. I’m not so good at riding, Dad, but Maddie seems to be good at it."

Shade nodded to this young girl, who was in love with his son. "I hope you got to see more of Bel Rosso in the daylight. It is breathtaking, is it not? I’m glad you got to enjoy the horses. I ride when I have the time, it helps me relax. You have experience with riding?”

Madison stumbled over her words, remembering the sight of him with glowing red eyes. "I, uh, I used to ride a lot when I was in high school. My family lived near a farm, but I haven't had the opportunity since I've been here at the university. I don't have a lot of free time, and I didn't know anyone with horses until now.”

Shade smiled at her, trying to relax her. "Madison, please relax. I know this is not easy, but I promise you I am a fair man. I am glad you can enjoy the horses. You are welcome here anytime."

Shade stepped up to Lorenzo and laid his forehead against his son’s. "Little warrior, you need to go do some reading with Theresa now, please. Mommy and Daddy need to be alone, like we talked about earlier. No interruptions and we will be up to tuck you in later, si?"

Lorenzo was hoping his father had forgotten. He sighed loudly as he climbed down from the counter and shuffled out of the kitchen, stopping for a kiss from Kate as he left. He looked over his shoulder as he exited the door. "But you can call me if you need me."

His mother smiled at him and said, "I'll be up soon, Lorenzo."

Shade smiled and winked at Lorenzo. "You got my back, little warrior. I will call if I need you."

Turning his attention back to Cory and Madison, his smile was gone, his game face was on. "It is a beautiful evening, I think we shall have our talk on the patio, and Gi can bring us some drinks. Come."

Cory and Madison followed him outside to the patio, where they were seated around the pool and the lush landscape and rock overhang that masked the far edges of the pool. The water glinted in the moonlight, and Madison picked up the fragrance of all the flowers in the clay pots scattered around the seating area. Candles flickered in the soft summer breeze. Kate led them to the patio chairs and Madison and Cory sat close to each other, holding hands. Kate joined Shade on a chaise lounge.

Shade slid over as Kate scooted in beside him on the chaise, getting comfortable. "You know, I don’t get much time to enjoy this. I am always working at this time of night. I do appreciate all the wonderful things you do, mi amore. It is beautiful out here. You did amazing landscaping with the pool. Grazie."

He planted a gentle kiss on her head, but he could feel two sets of nervous eyes on them. He turned his attention to the issue at hand. "I know last night was rough, it was a lot of information to take in. I regret things unfolded as they did. But we can’t change the past. So, before we begin, are there any questions you need answered, any concerns before we continue on?”

Madison had no idea what this man expected from her. She looked nervously at Cory and then back at Shade. “I don't think I have any questions. Cory and I talked for a very long time last night, and again today. Do you have questions of me?"

Shade nodded in her direction. "I’m glad you talked. I know my son loves you. And I would guess, since you are still here, and not looking like you think the world is coming to an end, you love him. I do have one question for you, Madison. Tell me what you have decided about us, about Cory."

Madison's mouth felt so dry her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth. Gi exited to bring them wine, and she took the only glass of white wine on the tray, understanding now the red was a special blend just for them. She took a sip and caught Kate's eye. Kate gave her a sweet smile and nodded at her, encouraging her to speak her mind. She wondered how old Kate was. She knew she was mortal once, but she never asked Cory how long ago that was.

"I know you have concerns about your family, concerns about how much I know. But I love Cory, and I was just getting to know his family when all this happened. I’d never do anything that would put him or his family at risk."

Shade’s eyes bored into her, as he took her measure, reading her intent and looking for any signs there was a disparity between what she spoke, and what she thought. "Kate is thirty-one years old, by the way. And I am around five-hundred; we don’t keep an exact count. She likes older men." He grinned widely as the look of shock crossed her face, and he heard Kate chuckle.

"My family is always my primary concern. You may have a hard time understanding, to me, every single person you see here is my familia, every single one. And I take that very seriously. I will go to my death protecting them. Just as they protect me and mine. Since our encounter last night, I have had my warriors research your background. I know you are from Oregon, Madison Barnes, and you are young and smart. I know where you live. I know every class you have taken at UVA. I also know you do a decent business with your pottery. You have a talent in the arts just like my son. Work well with your hands. I know you feel like you don’t fit in on campus. But you fit my son. You are scared, not sure this is a life you can embrace and make your own. But when you look at my son, I see that you love him, you don’t want to lose him and your belief in that love is much stronger than your fear of what you have seen in the last twenty-four hours. Am I correct?"

Madison's eyes got wider as he divulged everything he knew about her life, as well as his ability to read her thoughts. "Yes, I mean, you're correct. I don't want to lose him."

"Good. I’m glad to hear it. Don’t lose him, Madison. I won’t hold you here, but it will take time to understand our culture completely. In the meantime, no harm will come to you. But let me make something clear. I am the Master of Virginia. I know every damn thing that goes on in this state. And in a matter of moments, I can find out anything I need to know. I am not trying to frighten you, just making sure you understand you are now on my radar. I love and trust my son. Therefore, I trust his judgment of you. And I do believe you understand the capacity and depth of my love for this coven. From this moment on, there will be protection for you always, my warriors will always be near, you won’t see them, but they’ll see you. You have nothing to fear from them.

“Cory can take care of himself and you, but he is limited in his abilities, my warriors are not. You are welcome here, this is my coven and you, now, are part of that coven, in a manner of speaking. You come here whenever you like, everyone will be informed, including Aegis and Night-Stalker, Kate's warriors. Any questions?"

Madison's brain was spinning again, as she absorbed what he was saying to her. He trusted her, but she’d be watched. He was saying she’d be protected, but she wasn’t stupid. It was protection for them as well. To make sure she didn’t say anything. She nodded her head, acknowledging his words. "Uh, who is Aegis and Night-Stalker?"

Kate sat up slightly. "The wolves. They approached you last night when you ran from the house. I'm sorry, did Cory tell you about my gift?"

Madison looked at Cory who shook his head. She looked back at Kate. "He told me about day-walking, and Shade has a death slumber, that he is not a day-walker."

Kate nodded. "Lorenzo and I have two gifts, and as far as we know, we’re the only vampires that possess two. I have the gift of animalism. I’m able to communicate with all animals telepathically. Aegis is my go-between. She connects me with all the others. Aegis is the grey she-wolf, and Night-Stalker, the black wolf, is her mate. You’ll always see them on the property.

“Lorenzo is a fire thrower, although he’s still learning to control his gift. He can start fire with the power of his thought, and he’s immune to the damage of flames. Shade is a dream-walker. He has the power to infiltrate a person’s dreams and manipulate the outcome."

Madison was trying to keep an emotionless expression on her face, to look like this was just a normal conversation. But once again, she could feel her heart rate pick up.

Kate smiled at her. "I know this is a lot. Trust me. I’ve been where you are. It just takes time."

Shade chuckled. "I was not joking when I said it takes time, Madison. Now that you know about us, things you see and hear will make more sense. But you can always ask Cory or me or Kate if there is something you don’t understand. That is vital. The more you understand, the less you fear. I hope we see more of you, because I, for one, enjoy your company."

Shade smiled at his son, and saw he was breathing a bit easier now. "I love you, Cory. I know you need time, both of you. But you have a responsibility in this as well, you are Medici. You need to take care of her, protect her, treat her well, and help her learn and understand our culture. If this female is your mate, she is your greatest gift. She will bring you light and love and give meaning to your life. Show her you are deserving of her love."

Cory stood up to face his father. "Dad, I know Madison and I will be fine. We talked a lot, we love each other and if we can get through this, we can get through anything."

Shade got up from the chaise and hugged his son to his chest. "See your female home safely. Warriors will be around. We have her protected."

Cory felt a lump in his throat as he realized everything would be fine. "I love you, Dad, thanks."

Shade released Cory and turned to Madison, holding out his arms. "May I ask for a hug, Madison?"

Madison looked up at the man towering over her, she was drawn in by his power and intimidated at the same time, but she knew he was sincere. She stood, he embraced her, and her arms went around his shoulders. He felt rock solid under her hands, and she hoped she never had to see his full power unleashed. "You have my word. I’ll never betray Cory, or his family."

Shade tipped her chin up with one finger. "I am sorry for my behavior, I hope you will forgive me, and get to know me."

As he released her, he turned to Kate, knowing, deep inside, this small female would bring no harm. "Come, mi amore, I do believe we have a little warrior to tuck into bed, we both know he will not go down until we do so. And besides, I think we have taken up enough of Madison and Cory's time. Drive safe and enjoy the rest of your evening."

They walked arm in arm back into the house and without looking back, he knew his son and Madison were enjoying a long kiss under the moon in the summer skies of Virginia. Love seemed to blossom here at Bel Rosso.