39

Shade returned to Castello just in time to beat the sunrise. Antonio had a room ready for him, informing him that Master Lorenzo and the family were already in their slumber. Lorenzo and Chantal were both day-walkers, but Lorenzo spent most nights in the camp, so they’d both adjusted their schedules to sleep during the day. Shade didn’t want to disturb them, and even though he was tired, his frustration with Dona wouldn’t allow him to lie down quite yet. He made his way to the office and called Kate to let her know he was all right, and he’d be taking his death slumber at Castello. He planned to return once the sun set, and he had a meeting with Lorenzo and Alfie. Antonio appeared again, with a large glass of Midnight which he drank down quickly. “Master, allow me to show you to your room. You need rest now.” Shade offered no argument as he followed the butler to his room, already sealed in darkness, and he climbed into the bed. He was acutely aware of Kate’s absence from his side, as he slipped into his slumber.

When he woke, he could hear the rustling about of others in the castle, as everything came to life at sunset. He quickly showered and dressed before making his way into the long hallway and heading out to find his son. The whole idea of Borgia moving in on the Alizzi disgusted him and had him on edge. He needed for Lorenzo to be forewarned of any impending danger and raise the level of alertness within the warrior camp. They were dealing with evil incarnate, and nothing could be taken for granted. He heard the most adorable giggle coming from the library and knew it was his newest grandchild, Grace. He followed the sound and as he walked to the door, he saw Lorenzo holding her on his lap, reading her a book. Lorenzo was making gestures with his hands and making funny faces, as he changed his voice for each character. Shade felt his heart skip a beat. He’d cherished the smallest moments with his own children when they were younger, and he was grateful to see Lorenzo taking the time to bond with this child. "I remember that story, your madre used to read it to you."

Lorenzo looked up at him. "It was one of my favorites." Grace smacked at the page, gurgling her intent for him to read more. "How did the visit with the Alizzi go?" The nanny appeared, and took the baby away, leaving the two of them alone.

Shade sighed and shook his head. "I’m not sure. Maybe you should have Alfie join us, so we can go over this together. Let’s go to the office and have a smoke and drink while we wait."

Lorenzo called out to Alfie telepathically to meet them in the office, as the two of them made their way through the castle. "Sounds serious. Should I put extra protection on the family? Rene is always here in Castello with Chantal, and Nicola never leaves Sophia and Bianca, do you think that’s enough? We can order more warriors to guard the homes."

"That's part of what I want to discuss. But before Alfie gets here, Dona said to give you, Chantal, and Grace her best regards, she wishes you all well."

Lorenzo huffed. "She wishes me well?" He was pouring three glasses of Midnight when Alfie appeared in the room. Lorenzo handed his best friend a glass as he passed a glass to his father. “Those are well-wishes I could do without. Everything from Dona has strings attached."

Alfie took his glass and settled into a chair. "So, what's up?"

Shade sipped at the Midnight and flopped down in a chair. He chose not to sit behind the desk at Castello, that chair belongs to his son now. "As you know, I visited with the Alizzi last night, and you both need to listen. I need you to make some changes, keep the warriors informed.”

Alfie draped a leg over the arm of the chair as he sipped at the wine. “So, what's she up to now? We've all seen the gardens. How far has Rodrigo managed to insert himself into her life?"

"She tells me he has made no offer for territory, but I can tell she is enamored by his attentions. She is vulnerable and he is moving in on her, I can feel it. She claims the gardens were a gift, and he has asked for nothing in return." Shade grumbled. "That bastard does not give favors. He wants something. He is courting her, trying to convince her he is interested in her. All I have are theories based on his past. I think he wants Dona’s territory. I offered to buy it from her again, but she refused. Rodrigo would have to kill her, or mate her, to get it. He is either trying to intimidate us or worst-case scenario, push into Medici territory." Shade stood and paced, just the thought made him boil. "There are times I wish Marco was still here, he knew the fucking hell Borgia could stir up."

Lorenzo winced. He couldn’t hear Marco's name, even after all these years, without feeling some sense of responsibility. The bullet that took out Marco was a clean shot, and it was clear Marco had been the target, but still, Lorenzo felt like if he’d acted faster, maybe Marco would still be with them. Neither he nor Alfie had any experience with the Borgia. They were enemies, but enemies that had maintained a distance from the Medici, avoiding conflict at all cost. A battle with the Borgia coven wasn’t good for either the Medici or the Borgia. They’d both suffer heavy losses, and both covens knew it. "So, are we in danger here or just being cautious? What are you advising we do?"

Shade leaned against the desk. “My first concern is for the family. I think the women need to be sequestered indoors. I hate to do it, and I know they will balk at the lack of freedom, but at least until we have a better idea of what Rodrigo is up to, I’d rather be safe than sorry.” Shade locked eyes with Lorenzo. "Soren loves half-breeds. He eats their hearts while they are still alive. Do not let Chantal take Grace out for any reason. I want warriors guarding Castello and Alfie’s villa. I know they have protectors, but I think we need to escalate. I don’t want the females going out at all, none of them, even escorted. Have everything brought to them by an appointed warrior. Borgia may already have spies watching our routines. The only advantage we have is neither Rodrigo nor his brother are day-walkers, so we know they will only come at us during the night. They rule through fear and intimidation. I want the border between our territory and the Alizzi’s patrolled, and I want to know every damn detail of what happens there, night and day, si?"

They both nodded, as Lorenzo spoke up. "We can lay out a detail for more coverage of Castello and the villa. Chantal won’t object to being grounded and will certainly have no problems with keeping Grace close at hand." He looked at Alfie. "Sophia, on the other hand."

Alfie shook his head. "She won't like it, nor will Bianca, but they'll stay put. Fuck, they both have the gift of animalism. Any fucking Borgia would be a fool to get too close to either of them."

Lorenzo had to chuckle at the thought, he knew Sophia would call out the hounds and ask questions later. "I'll put the patrol back on the Alizzi border. At least we'll know if anyone from the Borgia coven is visiting her. Do you want her followed if she goes out?"

Shade nodded. “I want Dona followed, but only to her borders. Do not go into Borgia territory. Do not give him a reason to escalate. That needs to be clear to everyone. Keep all the warriors aware of any changes immediately. I want the smallest thing reported, I mean even if it seems ridiculously insignificant, check it out."

He refilled his glass and lit up a smoke, continuing his pacing. "The first thing we need to find out is who is leading his warriors. We need to know names. If we know who is running the show, we may have some history on how they will respond. Starting today, we close down any new recruits coming into the camp. Borgia will stop at nothing to infiltrate." Shade sighed. "I want no regrets. I know this must seem over the top. The Borgia has already done much damage to this family, and I’ll be damned if I will let him take anything more. Anything else you are concerned with?"

Alfie spoke up. "I know one of his warriors. Vanni. His family disowned him when he was thrown out of our camp. He worked as a mercenary for years, and eventually ended up with the Borgia. He’s pretty high up in the ranks. I’ll see if I can find someone who knows his rank.”

Shade took another drag from the cigarette. “Get our warriors together. Ask them if they know anything about the Borgia warriors. Try to get information. I will make phone calls as well. Should be easy enough to find out who the hell is in charge over there. As for Vanni, his padre has remained with us, but you can bet he knows something. See what he can share. Do you doubt his allegiance to Medici?"

Lorenzo shook his head no. "His father was shamed, sent him away when he was still young, soon after he was thrown out of camp. His family doesn’t speak his name. I have no doubt that in a battle, the father would strike down the son, but I’d never ask that of him. He’s given enough."

Shade nodded. “We have no proof of anything yet, this is just precautionary. Let’s raise the alert level in the camp and have them prepared. I do not want to be the one that starts this thing. If we can avoid it, we will, but treat it as a deadly threat. It doesn’t help that he has Vanni. Vanni knows our camp and our methods. Nothing we can do about that now.” Shade hung his head, as his memories invaded his thoughts. "There is no doubt in my mind Rodrigo was behind your grandparents’ deaths. Remember that."

Lorenzo sighed. He always felt the spirit of his grandparents in Castello. History was pretty clear on the fact that the Borgia had a hand in the bonfires, and he had no doubt Rodrigo would have used the opportunity to flush out the Medici. His own father could have been killed had he not been out on his own at the time. They were stronger now, with more offspring, but no coven should ever consider itself invincible. "We'll remain vigilant. You have my word."

Shade stood then, ready to head back home. He knew his son and Alfie had received the best training, and both were fierce warriors in their own right. He had no doubts about their abilities to manage things here. "I need to get back to your madre and make some adjustments in the camps in the States, just as a precaution. Keep me informed. I will come in any circumstance if you need me, and if the sun is high, I will send Christoph or Skelk. We are Medici, and we will not be defeated."

He hugged Alfie with a slap on the back and then hugged his son. "Take care, son. Per sempre, Medici."

He walked from the room feeling better, and ready to do whatever it took. It hit him that if they went to battle, this time, his son would be by his side, and he liked those odds.