Page 25 of Harvest

“Not with Marco offering to revamp part of a jet to do it. Luca was also impressed and interested in talking to you about the way you age your barrels and vats and he wanted to talk to you about the new bottles you’re using.”

“The bottle might be difficult. We have yet to find a way to mass produce them. We’re a much smaller vineyard that DeMedici so right now they are being partially handblown. Shasta came up with the original design and we can automate part of the process, but we lose the distinctness that we believe has added to our wine.”

Stephanie leaned forward. “He thought of that and we have some people that have worked with the olive oil bottles that think they might be able to figure something out.”

“It sounds like Evan ought to take a trip to Italy to meet with Luca. Stephanie, do you think you could arrange that? I’d rather send Evan and Kayla. For one thing, Evan’s been promising to take her to Tuscany since they became bonded and I need Xander here. I rather think he’d take my head off if I tried to take you from his bed.”

“And there are those that think you aren’t overly intelligent,” said Xander.

“I don’t think it would be hard at all to set something up,” said Stephanie, turning to Evan and Kayla. “And you guys are going to love Tuscany. It’s gorgeous… but it doesn’t have anocean and you’ll feel like you’ve known everyone there your whole life. When do you want to go?”

“I would think the sooner the better,” said Evan.

“Ev…Kinzie is going to be travelling to Europe for her job the next month. She’d kill to get an interview with the DeMedici. Stephanie, do you think Luca would talk to her? Do you think we could spend some time with her? I haven’t seen her since I transitioned…”

“Kayla, we’ve talked about this. I don’t think telling your sister about our kind is a good idea,” said Evan.

“I don’t disagree. Even if I did, I’m not sure she’d believe me. I just want to see her. She’s in Europe most of the time and when she isn’t, she rarely leaves New York. Please?”

Evan looked to Damian who nodded. “In that case, sure, why not?”

Kayla wrapped her arms around her mate’s neck. “Stephanie? My sister is a freelance food and wine reporter. It would really help her. She helped found an upper end food and wine magazine with her ex. He manipulated it so he got everything in the divorce and now she’s having to start over again.”

“I can’t promise but Luca has never shied away from interviews.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m going to go call her. When can we leave?”

“Week after next?” offered Stephanie.

“We can make that work, Evan, but you’ll need to be back the following week so we can prepare for the summit,” said Xander.

“Is Rhodes going to come?” Xander nodded. “Excellent. If he comes on board, it’ll send a strong signal to the other packs as well as the Ruling Council and the Hunters. Perhaps we could leave next week and meet Kayla’s sister in France or somewhere else in Italy and then head to the DeMedici,” offered Evan.

Stephanie nodded. “After breakfast, I’ll call Luca and set it up.”

“And then my mate, you and I shall take a few days to revel in our joining in seclusion,” said Xander, his tone dropping and thickening to indicate his rising lust.

Stephanie leaned over to him and kissed him deeply. “My phone call won’t take but a minute. I’ll call Sera, Luca’s mate. She’ll handle everything.”

Kayla hugged her as she rose from the table. “Thanks, Stephanie. We really are glad you’re here.”

Kayla ran outside, since cell phones were not allowed in the dining hall. With excitement pinging through her, she placed the call to her sister, and it went straight to voicemail.

“Kinz? It’s Kay. Evan and I are coming to Europe. Call me.”

It didn’t take long for her cell to vibrate. Kayla squealed with delight.

“Kayla? What’s going on?” asked her sister Kenzie.

“Evan and I are coming to Europe for our postponed honeymoon. We’re kind of doing it on the spur of the moment. We’ll be there next week and can meet you anywhere.”

“That’s great. I’ve missed you.”

“Me too. Even better, Evan’s new assistant used to work with DeMedici. She’s pretty sure she can get you an interview with Luca Marino?”

“Are you serious? Evan has been trying to get in there ever since we started. If I can land a good interview, it will really help put me back on my feet. You are the best sister ever.”

“It’s like we always said, Kinzie… twin power!”

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