Liquid crimson by Carol Lynne Page A

six-inch man. Ramiro had picked up the nickname Ram over the years. Michael supposed it had something to do with the fact Ramiro was always butting heads with the other vampires in the court.
    Michael looked up into Neo’s eyes. “I really don’t think we’ll see Rafi again. Please don’t go to all this trouble.”
    Neo pulled Michael against his chest. “ Rafi is only one problem we have to keep an eye out for. There are four vampires left in Francois LaMonts ’ coven. If what Liam told you is true, we should expect attempts on your life from the other four.”
    Michael shook his head. “I’ll go crazy if you surround me with guards every time I step outside. How am I supposed to paint with someone staring at me? And what about my daily runs?”
    “During the daylight hours, we only have Rafi to worry about. I think if we position Gunnar’s guards along the path, you should be fine. However, after dark, you will not be allowed outside without an escort,” Neo explained.
    Michael’s first reaction was to stomp his foot but since he rarely ventured out at night without Neo anyway, it didn’t seem like such a hardship. He nodded his head in acceptance of the new restrictions. If Neo could welcome vampires onto the vineyard for the sake of Michael’s safety, he would try to follow the new rules. “How many of your men will you be stationing here?” Michael asked Ian.
    “Ten, including Ramiro,” Ian answered.
    Michael’s gaze swung, once again, to the handsome Spaniard. “Ramiro’s staying?”
    Ramiro finally stepped towards Michael. “I welcome the opportunity to put an end to LaMont’s coven. They are abominations as far as I’m concerned.”
    “But they’re vampires. Like you,” Michael commented.
    “They’re nothing like me!” Ramiro growled. “They are weak minded. They have to be to follow a man like Francois. He was a sadistic sonofabitch who believed in pain instead of praise. The four who are left are like rabid dogs left without a Master to cage them.”
    Michael’s eyes rounded at the vehemence in Ramiro’s words. Ian’s head of security always struck Michael as the strong-silent-type.
    “Just so we’re clear,” Gunnar jumped in, staring straight at Ramiro. “You are in charge of your men, but I am in charge of security for Le Uve del Regno . Decisions concerning Michael or Neo go through me. Understand?”
    Ramiro’s black eyes narrowed to mere slits as he took a step towards Gunnar. The two men stared at each other for several moments, neither of them backing down.
    “Enough,” Ian said.
    Neo stepped forward to diffuse the tense situation. He placed a hand on Ramiro’s and Gunnar’s shoulders. “The two of you will have to work together. Remember, Michael’s life is at stake as well as putting an end to LaMont’s coven.”
    When neither man broke eye contact, Neo moved between them, facing Gunnar. “Please. I need you to work with Ramiro. We need him.”
    Gunnar stared at Neo for several moments before giving his boss a sharp nod. “Very well.”
    Michael released the breath he’d been holding. “Would anyone care for a glass of wine?”

    * * * *

    The following evening, Neo stood on the patio with the fireplace at his back. He needed to feed the newly arrived guards from the Clan of Kildare before they started taking bites of his employees. “Joseph,” he called.
    Joseph appeared in the doorway. “Yes, Your Highness.”
    “See that a case of Liquid Crimson is delivered to Ramiro Delgado for his men.”
    “Very well.”
    “Joseph,” Neo said once more before Joseph could leave. “Make arrangements for more donors. We’ll be feeding ten vampires instead of one. And send Michael out as soon as he’s finished dinner.”
    When Joseph didn’t answer, Neo turned to look at his butler. “Something wrong?”
    “Master Michael isn’t eating well, Your Highness. I just thought you should know,” Joseph explained.
    “What do you mean he’s not eating well?”