Bella Vita (57 page)

“He's hurt, but I'm not sure how. I need him to have some
blood now and then I'll try to heal whatever is wrong inside.” I
was trying to tell him what I'd have to do, but my mind was trying
to figure out what was going on in my world that things like this
were happening.

“Alright, darl.” He handed me the letter opener, blade
toward him.

“Thank you, Leland... for everything.” I sliced open my
wrist- it hurt like hell and looked very gory, but I knew it would
heal very quickly.

I held my wrist to Dom's mouth and gently
pulled back his lips to let the blood into his mouth. His body
jerked at first and then laid still. I worked his throat to get him
to swallow.

“Come on, honey. You've got to get this down, it'll help
make you stronger.” My voice was pleading.

Swallow for me, baby.
I didn't know where he was lost to.

“Em, what's wrong with him? Your blood makes me wanna
drink.” His cocky smile was half-hearted.

“
I appreciate you saying that... but I've no clue.” I was
trying hard not to panic.

I closed my eyes and went as deep into Dom's
self as I could without causing him pain. I felt the oddness to his
mind. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but I found
two things wrong. Someone had spelled our bond so that I couldn't
feel him... and that he was spelled into this state. I was starting
to get really tired of all the magic that was floating around in my
friends and loved ones. These spells were done quickly so they were
easy enough to strip away. I broke the spell surrounding our bond-
pain flooded my body and I cried out but continued to work out the
spells from him. The second one coiled around him, like a snake
waiting to strike. That was when I decided that it was meant to
spread to people. I decided that Issy must've brought it with
her.

I stayed out of the reach of the vicious
snapping snake that the spell had manifested. The bolt of energy I
shot at it hit it full on and silenced it. Once I could really get
close enough to the spell, it came undone very easily.

As soon as it released him, Dom's fangs sunk
into my wrist. Pain and lust shot through our bodies. I pulled
myself out of his mind and felt him draining the blood from me. I
must've looked paler or something because suddenly Leland was
forcing Dom away from me. My vision was becoming tunneled and all I
could hear was a snapping sound.

Emma, what's wrong?
Mike's voice danced into my thoughts as my mind
finally shut down.

Mia bella
, please, please, please wake up... I am so sorry. I don't
know what came over me. Please, wake up. My Little Emma Bird,
please, wake up.
Dom's words were the first thing floating around in my
mind.

Emma! WAKE UP!
I could hear Mike shouting at me as
well.

My eyes popped open. The room was bright and
filled with people.

“
Mia bella
!” Dom came and knelt next to me.

“
Child, you woke up.” Grandmama was sitting knitting-
something very odd to see.

“
Emma. Welcome back.” Grandpa was standing behind
her.

“
Emma, thank goodness.” Mike's face was on my other
side.

“
What the devil happened?” My voice was croaky and
hoarse.

Dominic's face drained of all color. My
grandparents suddenly became very aware of the ceiling pattern.
Mike's face went red with anger.

“
Dom almost killed you after you saved him.” Leland stepped
forward, his eyes were drawn with tiredness and worry.

“
Hmm... perhaps I shouldn't have busted open a vein until I
knew he was better.” My mind was suddenly detached from my
body.

“
It wouldn't have mattered. Your wrist wasn't the only place
he got you. But by the time I got him off you, you were out. I
thought you might truly die.” His eyes were brimming with
tears.

“
Vampires can't die from bleeding out... can they?” I looked
to Grandpa.

He nodded his head in confirmation.

“
Well, shit... I didn't know that.” I think I must have
fainted.

When I regained consciousness, I felt fine.
The room was empty except for Leland.

“
Hey, Mr. Outback.” I smiled at him.

“
Good day, Your Majesty.” Although he was smiling, his voice
was strained.

“
Where did the troops go?” I felt relief at them not being
there.

“
Michael left once you were out of death's grasp, he left
this letter for you. Dom went back to watch over things and to
ensure that Isabella doesn't start eating the staff. Your
grandparents just left- I think your grandfather knew you'd wake up
soon. Your parents ducked in as well. But they left as soon as they
heard you'd be fine.” He held a small piece of paper in his
hands.

“
Why'd you stay?” My voice was small.

“
Because I care. I've got nothing to call me away- even if I
did, I wouldn't go. I know you hated me in the beginning, Em. But
I'd like to think we're friends. When Dom almost killed you, well,
it scared the shit outta me. Darl, I thought I wouldn't be able to
save you. Bugger you being his lady or the damn Queen of the
Vampires, I was afraid I was going to watch my friend die in front
of me.” He looked down at the letter and then held it out to
me.

“
Thank you, Leland. You're one fine gentleman.” I patted his
hand.

“
No, I'm not.” His words were a growly whisper.

“
I think you are. Are you staying? When do I get to go
home?” I tried to change the subject, and I was tired of being in
hospitals.

“
I'm going to take you home once the paperwork has been
cleared. The doctors said you'd be fine and you'll recover quickly
now.” He gestured for me to read the letter in my hand as he went
and sat by the window.

Em, that was one scary ride. I'm so glad, no
that isn't even the right damn word. I was so scared I was going to
lose you. I felt the life drain from your body and I hopped on a
plane for here. I'm sorry I had to leave before you woke, but I
left in the middle of dealing with further investigations about
Jack. Nothing new. I made them do a transplant with my blood, I
knew it would help heal you faster. Truth be told, I almost killed
him when I came in and found out what happened. That guy Leland had
to take me outside for a bit... he's a good guy that one. Anyways,
let me know when you get back home. I love you, my love. I feared
for my own death there for a second when the pain ripped through
me. One day we'll have to talk about all this. Rest well. M.

“
Thank you, Leland, for stopping Mike from doing something
that he would have regretted.” I smiled over at him.

“
It was nothing. I knew exactly how he felt because I felt
like killing him when he was doing it. I damn well tried...” He
looked out the window.

Leland, you saved me. Have no shame or guilt.
With my words I
sent calming, healing vibes.

My Queen, I've come to learn I would in fact die for you or
kill someone I've known my entire life... and I can't even answer
why.
His
head was a snarly mess of confusion.

“
Would you like to know why, Leland?” I knew I could unlock
it for him, if he truly wanted to know.

“
I don't know.” He was still looking out the
window.

“
Life is too short, even for us vampires, to worry about
questions that we don't truly want answered. Be calm, Leland. I'd
like to offer you a position on my personal staff, if you'll
accept.” The words came naturally to me.

“
You what?” He turned his brows pulled together.

“
You have risked more than anyone I know... and although you
look for a reason, you don't say you wouldn't do it again...” I
gave him the opportunity to deny it.

“
I'd do it again.” It came out in a tiny whisper.

“
I want you on my private staff... you would answer only to
me. You could move into the palace if you want to... in fact, it
would probably be best if you did. You have tons of abilities, I
could help guide you further with the ones I understand. Not only
that, but your gifts could help save me in a situation that could
otherwise prove fatal.” I stopped to think about how I could get
this done without Dom knowing.

“
Like your private bodyguard?” His face twisted with
thought.

“
I suppose it would be something like that. I wonder if I
should keep it from Dom...” My thoughts drifted easily from me in
Leland's presence.

“
I'd be honored to be your personal bodyguard. I do believe
you could in fact keep it from him if you wanted to. Talk to
Yasmin. She'll help set it up... we could tell Dom I am there to
learn more of my abilities.” His face was lit with
excitement.

“
Would you be okay with lying to your best friend?” This
would be the ultimate test for having him as part of my personal
staff.

“
I would. I don't know what that says about me as a person
or about my friendship with Dominic, but I would for you, my
Queen.” He put his hand to his chest and bowed, it was similar to
the Arabic gesture for “thanks.”

“
Then it shall be done.” I bowed my head and raised my right
hand to my chest as well.

By the time we made it back to the palace, I
was tired again. The doctors felt the need to put me through
several tests before I was allowed to leave. My annoyance level was
high, but I tried my best to stifle it as I walked back into my
home.

I knew that Dom was with Issy. I decided
this was the perfect time to deal with getting things straight with
Leland via Yasmin. I went into the library and called her in.

“
Yes, Your Majesty.” She bowed to me formally.

“
I've decided on my personal bodyguard. However, he's going
to be my private and secret one. Do you understand?” My eyes stared
into her warm honey eyes.

“
Yes, Your Majesty. The King isn't to know that this person
is your protector. Can I know who the person is? And under what
pretense will he be staying here?” Although her voice was calm and
level, you could tell that she was excited about the cloak and
dagger aspect.

“
Please step forward.” I said it to Leland, but Yasmin did
as well, she wasn't aware of his presence in the room.

“
Yes, Your Majesty?” Her voice was smooth and
gentle.

“
Meet my bodyguard, he's directly behind you.” I told her
and I watched her jump.

“
Yasmin, we've met before, darl.” His smile was purely
predatory.

“
Yes, Leland. You're Master Dominic's best friend and also
the savior of Mistress Emma from his episode.” She cast her eyes
down.

“
Yes. I am.” He was ready for the challenge.

“
I believe you'll do this job well. I assume he'll need
quarters near your private suite, Mistress?” I could feel her worry
that I was having an affair.

“
Rest assured, I'm not sleeping with Leland. He's here for
my protection and his education in his gifts. That's the reason
we'll be using- that I'm helping him fine-tune his natural gifts.”
I stated with a blank face, although I was utterly shocked that
she'd think such a thing.

“
Does Your Majesty know that when you take on your own
private bodyguard that you have to perform a special ceremony? It
is like a bonding, but different. The link is purely between you
and Leland, for him it'd be like a one way mirror- he'd get your
emotions and any direct communication to him, but he'd be locked
out of everything else unless you wished to share... but for you,
it'd be similar to the bond you share with Master Dominic and
Master Michael.” I understood why she worried about the possibility
of an affair now.

“
Leland, are you okay with what she has proposed so far?” I
needed to be certain he was on board before I asked the next
question.

“
Yes, Your Majesty.” He was showing all his respect right
now, but it was so formal.

“
Yasmin, I can feel your fear. I assume there is a good
reason for this, explain please.” I knew I was treading water
here.

“
Typically, when one royal takes a private guard, they
become involved romantically. Although I understand you have
already said that this won't be an issue, the ceremony... well, it
demands a certain level of intimacy.” Her cheeks actually
colored.

“
Excuse me?” I asked- Leland's mouth had dropped
open.

“
It's said that when one is willing to put their faith
entirely in the hands of one person, then they put their entire
self. The ceremony is meant to establish this loyalty on both sides
and on all levels. The blood exchanged is drugged with a special
potion and must be exchanged through a sacred kiss. This is
something that usually triggers, eh, a certain level of, eh,
intimate behavior following the ceremony.” The poor woman looked
like she might faint.

“
Leland, please bring Yasmin that chair over there to sit
on.” I gestured to one of the wingbacks.