Shannon finished off her wine before standing and going to Madison, giving her a hug. "Don't be afraid, Maddie. Just enjoy the ride. Call me if you need me." Grabbing her purse, she headed for the door. "I'll let myself out."
Shannon looked over her shoulder at Madison who was staring at her wide-eyed, Shannon laughed. "Trust me, Maddie. Just take the leap."
62
Cory drove into Charlottesville to pick up Maddie. He was taking her back to Bel Rosso and hoping she’d spend the night. He had a surprise for her. He’d received permission from Shade to allow her to see his shop and he was feeling conflicted. He was excited and proud to show her his work, but also concerned about her response to the camp. She’d be seeing the warriors in their element for the first time and he knew how intimidating it could be. Hell, he couldn’t believe his own eyes when he saw them the first time.
Knocking on her door, he heard her yell, “It’s open,” and walked inside. He found her in the bedroom, sitting at her small vanity and he leaned in, kissing her cheek. "You ready to go back to Bel Rosso? I think you should plan to spend the night. What do you think?"
She caught his eyes in the mirror as she brushed out her hair. He’d spent the night here on many occasions, but she’d only spent the night at his place once before, and that wasn’t planned. "Sure, let me throw some things in a tote bag."
She grabbed up a few things from her dresser and pulled some clean underwear and a big t-shirt out of the drawer, stuffing them in the bag. Walking to the closet, she pulled a tie-dyed sundress off a hanger and rolled it into a ball before tossing it in the tote. "Ready?"
Cory seemed amazed at how little she packed and was laughing at the comparison to Kate who packed up half the house whenever they traveled anywhere. "You know, if Kate ever packed that fast, I think my Dad would stroke out."
Taking her tote bag from her arm, he led her out the door, locking it behind him. Opening the truck door, he helped her inside and handed her the bag and then climbed in the driver’s seat and fired up the truck. "Do you want to stop and eat or just wait until we get back to Bel Rosso?"
"I'm good. We can eat later."
She stored her stuff on the floor by her feet, as she fastened her seat belt. He usually took her to Bel Rosso during day hours, which meant she rarely encountered his father. She was always acutely aware when she was in their house that Shade was in a death slumber, although no one seemed to feel the need to be quiet, especially Lorenzo.
She’d grown attached to the precocious child who talked non-stop. He was sometimes in class with his tutor when they arrived and had a burst of unspent energy when he was finally set free. Madison had been told about Kate's pregnancy, and its duration, and her ability to see her children before they were born. Kate spoke about Sophia, and what she’d look like, and that she’d be willful and stubborn. She continued to be amazed at what she learned about them with every visit. She hadn’t told Cory about Shannon's visit, and was thinking she might keep that piece of information to herself.
Their ride to Bel Rosso was accompanied by music blasting from the radio, as they rode with the windows down. The sun was almost setting when they arrived, and Cory saw Aegis and Night-Stalker along the edge of the woods, surrounded by a new litter of pups. Cory pulled up in the drive and shut down the engine. "Well, here we are, my dad is probably going to be up and about. I hope that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable. He really does like you, Maddie."
He helped her from the truck as she grabbed up her things. "Oh, he doesn't make me nervous." What am I talking about? He makes me very nervous!
Madison saw the wolves at the tree line. She knew about Kate's gifts, but she didn’t understand how it worked or exactly what she did with the animals. She saw the small pups following on their mother's heels. "Oh, look at the babies. Can we pet them?"
Cory wasn’t exactly sure how Aegis would react to them petting her pups. But then he watched as Aegis casually moved toward them, her pups jumping and playing as they followed her. The wolf nudged Cory’s hand. "Don’t make any quick moves, Maddie, let Aegis lead. She knows us, but I don’t have what Kate has, and they’re wild animals."
Aegis slithered around Cory's legs and went to Madison and nudged her hand, begging for attention. Madison obliged and Cory crouched down and the pups were all over him. "I think she trusts you, Maddie."
Madison allowed the she-wolf to sniff her hand before she scratched her head. She kept a watchful eye on the male who was pacing nearby. Madison squatted down next to Cory and the pups were licking and nipping at her, issuing little barks as Aegis circled. Madison couldn’t help but laugh, as she was buried under the pile of pups. Night-Stalker moved closer, as one of the pups took a mouthful of her long blonde hair and tugged hard, earning him a cuff on the head by his father.
Madison was suddenly aware the two adult wolves were standing over her and she felt vulnerable being in a submissive position, so she quickly stood, as the pups tumbled to the ground.
Kate emerged, clapped her hands, and told Aegis to stop harassing their guests. Aegis responded with a soft whine, as she led the pups and her mate back into the tree line.
Cory was still laughing at the pups’ antics when Kate came outside. Smiling at her, he took Maddie's hand. "Hi, Kate. The pups are worse than Lorenzo. At least we only have one Lorenzo. Is Dad up yet?"
Kate gave Madison a hug before answering Cory. "He's up. He's with Raven right now, but he said it wouldn't take long. Lorenzo’s in the pool in the backyard. I can't get him out. He lives there now. Luca and Shannon are watching him while Theresa takes a break."
Cory's face broke out into a huge grin. "Wow, Raven’s here!"
Just then, there was loud laughter and Shade and Raven came spilling out the door. Raven took one look at Cory and grinned. "Hey little brother, what’s shaking?"
Raven grasped Cory in a huge hug, slapping him on the back as Cory answered, "A lot! Oh, this is my girlfriend, Madison."
Raven bowed slightly to the blonde girl as Shade shook his head. “Don’t overdue the show, Raven, she’s new to our coven."
Raven looked over his shoulder at Shade. "I have no idea what you mean, boss man." Turning back to Madison, he smiled into her eyes. "It is nice to meet you, welcome to the gang."
Cory grinned at the look on Madison's face but she didn’t say a word. Raven had that effect on people the first time they met him. Cory was happy to have the visit from the person who befriended him when he lived in Florence. "So, how is mated life?"
Raven slid his arm around Cory's shoulder and gave him a cheesy grin. "Nothing to complain about, believe me, and I love California. Life’s a breeze, brother." Raven turned to Kate and bowed low to the ground, a dramatic bow worthy of a Oscar. "My Queen, I’m humbled by your beauty, which surpasses my own."
Kate laughed. "I'm afraid my beauty pales in comparison to yours. Now, stand up and behave yourself before I call Lorenzo."
Madison was fascinated by the vampire before her, his long hair hanging to his waist. Like Cory, he was more androgynous than the other men she’d seen here, and Kate was right, he was beautiful, even exotic looking. She was drawn into the comfortable banter between them but didn’t feel like she should add to the conversation. She was aware she was on the inside, but not an insider, and there was a difference.