Rare Vintage by Bianca D'Arc Page A

take farther, but
Atticus and Lissa were waiting. Atticus had left word he wanted to see Marc
before Atticus and Lissa left for a business outing just after sunset.
    When Marc and Kelly came downstairs together, there had been
no hiding their new status from Atticus and Lissa. Lissa had run forward to
claim Kelly in a laughing hug of congratulations. Atticus had clapped Marc on
the back with similar enthusiasm, giving hearty congratulations to them both.
    Marc had waited his whole life to find Kelly and was proud
to have their friends bear witness to their love. If he’d been wearing a suit,
he would have bust a button his chest swelled with so much pride.
    After drinking a toast to the newly mated pair, Atticus and
Lissa took their leave and headed for the local business owner’s dinner
meeting. They didn’t participate often, but as the owners of one of the largest
and most successful wineries in Northern California, it was prudent to put in
an appearance at mortal events from time to time.
    “If Leonard comes for you before we return, send word.”
Atticus was deadly serious, admonishing his long-time friend before he left. He
looked significantly in Kelly’s direction, but Marc knew his mate could do
little to alter the flow of events that would unfold. He wanted her kept as far
as possible out of any possible confrontation. Marc grudgingly agreed to call
Atticus if needed, though he much preferred to handle Leonard quietly without a
great deal of fanfare.
    “Ian is near.” Marc knew that’s all he had to say to
reassure Atticus that Kelly would be looked after if Marc had to deal with
Gibson this night. Ian was the most gifted at stealth among them. Even Marc
couldn’t always pinpoint where his most talented enforcer was when he was
trying to blend into the background.
    Almost before the tail lights of his host’s car were out of
sight, another luxury vehicle appeared at the gate. Marc sighed as he pushed
the button to let Leonard Gibson in and within moments, his gaudy foreign-make
limousine was winding its way up the long and twisting drive.
    He’d hear what Leonard had to say, then send him on his way,
if possible. If not, he’d finish him once and for all.
    The car was an affectation, and a silly one at that.
Vampires could easily transport themselves by shapeshifting into something that
could run or even fly. Even the less gifted usually mastered the ability to
shift by the end of their first century. Leonard had at least three centuries
under his belt, but he still felt the need for showy, human trappings. It was
just one of the man’s many weaknesses.
    Marc knew Leonard would never make a good Master. He was too
wrapped up in himself and had too little regard for the welfare of those around
him. It was the Master’s job to keep the peace and the balance between the
vampires in his region and the humans they lived alongside.
    Marc was part enforcer, part judge and jury, and part
lawmaker. His judgment alone stood between humanity and those like him, who
held such vast power. It was important the Master have the good of both groups
firmly in mind at all times. As Marc well knew, Leonard was too self-absorbed
to think of anyone but himself.
    Marc kissed his new mate soundly, sending her off to finish
the paperwork she took care of for Atticus. He told her he had some things to
take care of by himself and that he’d meet her shortly, but in reality he left
the big house and went to meet the challenge out of her sight. He was glad that
he’d kept his mind separate from hers in order to spare her confusion. He and
Leonard would fight—if they must ¾ beyond
the first outbuilding where some of the wine vats were located.
    After the connection he’d made with Kelly the previous
night, it went against the grain to shield his thoughts from his mate, but it
had to be done. Above all, he had to protect her from the harsh reality of his
existence. At least, whenever he possibly could.

Chapter Eleven
    “I