Defender's Blood Tatiana's War (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Certainly inside the tavern there were no lights as such, only lamps on the tables. Ones that looked as if they were fed by some kind of oil? She wasn't sure but at least they had some kind of light.

  The fruit Thadius had been talking about was a strange colour – almost a dark purple – but had the shape of an apple. There were what looked like strawberries in their shape but again they were coloured differently – a very bright blue colour. Strange.

  They must've tasted good. The noises coming from both Thadius and Finn attested to that.

  “So what else is here?” Zach asked, while sipping what tasted like alcohol but he couldn't be sure. It was quite pleasant and gave a warm buzz so he continued.

  Vlad raised his head from staring at the bottles, as if trying to figure out what was in them. “There's rooms upstairs – plenty for all of us and look comfortable.”

  Zach nodded. “Ok – so we'll have two guards down here at all times. Alex and I will do first watch, Finn and Dmitri the second and Thadius and Vlad – you take the last. Means we can all get some sleep.”

  Tatiana raised her eyes to Zach's. “What about us – we can help too.”

  Zach smiled as he looked to the small, tired fairy. “Tatiana – I think you and Lilli should get as much rest as you can tonight. I'm going to push us hard tomorrow. Ok?”

  Tatiana nodded, although not entirely happy she acquiesced to Zach's authority on this.

  Lilli was squirming in her seat and Tatiana finally looked at her. “What is it?” Tatiana asked and her sister blushed.

  “I'm a bit scared Tatiana.” Lilli spoke quietly, hoping the others hadn't heard. Tatiana knew that they would have. As they all had enhanced abilities, hearing included.

  “We'll find a big room – one you can share with Thadius and I.” Tatiana knew that she and her mate would not be indulging themselves that night. She was far too worried – and tired – and she didn't want to admit that part to anyone.

  Lilli relaxed and went back to eating what was on the table. She wasn't as strong as Tatiana, she knew that, she wished she was but had to accept the truth of the matter.

  “So Tatiana can you tell us what that goblin said?” Zach wanted to see if there was anything that could help them.

  Tatiana looked thoughtful. “It's strange. He speaks of a man and a woman – both very strong with magic – who came from another realm. They have either killed or enslaved the Queen, he wasn't sure which. He says they are now in control and the goblins have to round up all the fairies and elves. He says any that fight are to be killed and that once they are rounded up this man and woman are going to spell them. Make them their slaves so to speak. To be honest I'm not sure if he was just making it up. I can't see how a man and a woman from another realm could get here. It would take some very powerful magic to do so. Anyway – he says the people that have been rounded up are being kept near the Queen's Castle and that the couple are now living there. The goblins have been told they will get many rewards for helping them! Bah – if it's true they will just enslave them too. Goblins are too stupid to see past their own noses!”

  Vlad and Zach looked at one another, magic. Shit they hated fighting magic.

  Vlad had a smile on his face, one that Zach noticed. “Did you?” Zach asked and Vlad nodded, still smiling. “I surely did my friend – got the necessary in my back pack – told you they would come in handy!”

  Vlad was referring to one of his little 'toys' one of which was a kind of dart gun that could take away a supers powers. There were different ones for vamps, wolves – AND witches. If they could get close enough he could use it and take the magic out of the equation.

  “Good – I'm glad, we might just need your little toys Vlad.” Zach felt a bit better, if Vlad had brought some of his things along it would definitely help.

  Finn stood up and stretched, “I'm going to find a bed to crash in – see you all later. Dmitri come get me when it's our shift.”

  The young wolf moved quickly and silently, heading to a door at the back of the room. He went upstairs and the first room that had a bed in it he went into. Taking off his backpack he lay down, fully clothed, and was asleep in under a minute.

  The excitement of his first mission was one of the things that had tired him out. More so than the days trek.

  Dmitri gulped down his drink, it had tasted a little like the home made vodka he used to drink as a young man in his native Russia. “I will go and rest too – Zach let me know when you want us to take over.”

  “Will do big guy.” Zach smiled, he had put Finn with Dmitri for the young wolf's shift, knowing that he would want to keep an eye on him. More than that Zach knew that Dmitri wanted to keep an eye on Finn. After all Finn was Dmitri's mate's son and knew the Russian couldn't help himself.

  Thadius had had his fill. He had enjoyed the fruits and nuts but thought he might go wolf the next day and try and catch something for the evening. He liked his meat and knew it would probably be the only way he was going to get any fresh to eat. He couldn't survive without meat.

  “I think we should go and rest Tatiana.” The large wolf smiled down at his fairy and the smile he got in return made his heart leap. She was his and he adored her. He would ensure no harm came to her, ever. He would die first.

  Tatiana looked to Lilli, who was looking between the large wolf and her. The fear was still there. Lilli had never met a wolf before and the sheer size of the man scared her. Lilli could feel the immense power that he held in check and was only glad that he was on their side.

  “Come on – we need to rest. What time will we be leaving?” Tatiana directed the first to her sister, the second to Zach.

  “First light Tatiana, so try and rest.” Zach smiled knowingly, sure that the fairy would be tossing and turning. Every one of them could feel Tatiana's distress and fear for her people and realm. Zach only hoped they could help, everyone.

  “I'll make sure she does.” Thadius spoke as he took her hand and herded her out the door to the bedrooms upstairs. Lilli following slowly behind.

  As they got upstairs the first two rooms door's were ajar – they could see Finn and Dmitri lying down and both looked out for the count. Thadius moved on, the next room was similar to the first two. All had large double beds and a seating area with a large sofa like piece of furniture and two smaller chairs. “This'll do.” Thadius said and they all went in.

  As soon as they were inside Lilli moved to the sofa and lay down, pulling the cover that was lying across the back over her body. It was more a decorative piece than a warm cover but with the jacket that Alex had got her she felt quite cosy.

  Tatiana looked around, found a wardrobe that had extra pillows and covers and pulled one of each out. Lilli watched as she came over and gladly took the offerings. At least she wouldn't have a crick in her neck in the morning now.

  Lilli placed the cover over herself and the pillow under her head. She lay down and realised how tired she was. Exhausted. Probably all the emotional turmoil was the root of her exhaustion. She yawned and settled down. Soon she was sound asleep.

  Thadius was already lying in the bed, holding the cover up to allow Tatiana to get in. She did so gratefully, her body ached with riding for so long. She wished she could lie in a nice warm bath for an hour, knew that she didn't have that luxury here.

  Thadius pulled her into his huge frame and held her gently, his hand running up and down her arm. “Now sleep little one – you need to rest.”

  Tatiana knew she did but was unsure if she could? At that both her and Thadius heard the small snores coming from Lilli and Tatiana giggled before settling down to try and sleep.

  Thadius kept caressing her arm and soon he felt her relax. Her slow even breathing telling him she was asleep. Good, meant he could sleep now too.

  With that the wolf closed his eyes and was sound asleep quickly. His gentle snoring overshadowing Lilli's.

  Downstairs Zach had moved a bench to underneath the window and sat down, glass in hand.
Alex joined him and sat stiffly – her senses sent out to see if there was any danger. She felt nothing but kept herself alert. They didn't want to be attacked by surprise. She took this turn at guarding the others while they slept very seriously. At no other time were her friends so vulnerable as when they lay sleeping.

  She would make sure they were safe.

  Vlad finished the glass he had in his hand before standing and stretching. “Think I'll head on up – see you in the morning.”

  Zach only nodded and Alex said 'night' and Vlad picked up his backpack and disappeared. Zach put his arm out and Alex moved into it – though sitting upright – not wanting to relax too much.

  “It's ok, you can rest. I'll keep watch.” Zach smiled down at her and she frowned.

  “Excuse me – but I don't think so Zach!” I'm part of the team like everyone else. If they have a shift on watch then so do I! I can't believe you said that!” Alex's tone was low but angry.

  Zach tried not to smile at her angry face. “Ok meine Kleine – don't get all upset. In that case why don't you go to that other window – we'll have a better area covered then.”

  Although Zach didn't want her to move he raised his arm and Alex got up. Her face still angry at what she had perceived as an insult.

  “Just because I'm your mate doesn't mean you should give me a break Zach. I'm just as capable as keeping watch as any of you are!” Alex stomped over to the other window and repositioned a chair then sat down.

  Zach chuckled and Alex threw him a dirty look. “Sorry Alex but you look so adorable when you're all riled up!”

  Alex just glowered at him then looked out the window, still trying to sense any danger. She sat like that for the entire time, refusing to engage in idle chat and Zach just smiled. Which irked her even more.

  Their time on watch went far too slowly for Alex's liking. She was sure every minute that passed was more like an hour. She refused to relax and stayed alert for the duration.

  After what seemed like days Zach stood up. “I'll go get Dmitri.” Alex watched as her man walked out the room and she upped her scrutiny of what was around them. That would be all she would need – for them to be attacked while she was on her own.

  Her senses weren't nearly as vast as Zach's but still pretty good. She sent them out, farther, farther again and sensed nothing larger than rats and a few cats. She dreaded to think what either of them were doing. Probably feasting on the dead bodies.

  Her fears of being attacked whilst Zach was away didn't happen, and soon Zach was back, Dmitri and Finn in tow. Dmitri looked like his usual self but Finn looked a little washed out. At least he would get some more rest when Vlad and Thadius took over.

  Zach moved over to Alex – held his hand out. “Come to bed meine Kleine.”

  Alex stared at his eyes, dear lord they were beginning to shine and that meant only one thing. He was aroused.

  Alex's stomach filled up with butterflies – his look and touch eliciting the response without her agreement whatsoever. She was still annoyed at him but her body was ignoring that entirely.

  She took his hand and he pulled her gently from the room.

  Zach took Alex to the very end of the hallway, as far from where the other's were sleeping as he could get. As they moved inside the room he pulled her into his arms and closed the door with his foot.

  Alexina looked up at him with that look she got as she became aroused, just before the shine hit her eyes. It always made him hard and he couldn't wait to be inside her.

  Zach bent down and kissed her – hard and powerful – his tongue moving to enter her mouth. His mate moaned into his mouth and he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

  Zach sat down and then lay down, all the while Alexina in his arms and his mouth on hers. He mumbled against her lips. “Can't undress little one – so this is going to have to be quick.”

  The husky, sensual tone of Zach's voice made Alex squirm in his arms. She needed him – badly. Their love making was only starting to heat up again. After she had been abducted and raped by an ancient vampire she had been scared. They had only just started to get back to normal in the bedroom department.

  She had missed it but at times her fear and flashbacks still took a deep hold on her. Zach could sense when that happened and would go slowly and gently. Coaxing his mate back to him.

  Tonight Alex just wanted her mate to take her and Zach knew it. His hands undid her jeans and slipped a hand inside, rubbing on her sensitive spot in slow, gentle, circles. Alex moaned and moved her hips against him – wanting more than he was giving.

  “Eager little one?” Zach whispered and Alex nodded. Zach took the hint and pulled her jeans down – as far as her boots and realised she would not be able to open her thighs the way he needed. He took off one boot and released one leg from her jeans and placed her back on the bed.

  Her eyes were hooded as she looked up at him and his hardness twitched inside his own black jeans. “My Alexina – you are beautiful, when you look at me like that – christ it drives me insane!”

  Zach had unzipped his own jeans and moved between her thighs a smile on his face. “Try not to scream meine Kleine – we don't want folk to know we're here.”

  Alex smirked. “Jeez Zach – you don't get me naked, you don't get naked and now you don't want me to make any noise! Are you just abusing my body for your own carnal desires?”

  Zach laughed, softly. “You bet I am!”

  With that he pushed inside his mate, the feeling so exquisite he moaned loudly. “Sshh!” Alex whimpered and Zach tried to control the sounds escaping from his throat.

  He moved with expertise, bringing his mate to a full orgasm quickly then slowing down and taking a bit more time. Zach was impressed that Alex had managed to control her usual vocalisation and he saw her biting her bottom lip.

  There was a drop of blood visible and he lowered his head, snaked his tongue out, and licked it. The taste invading his whole being. Her blood so unique and sweet tasting that he would drink it for centuries and never tire of it.

  Zach started to thrust in earnest and spoke one word - “Feed.”

  Alex's eyes almost closed as her mate spoke – yes – she so wanted to feed right now. As Zach came closer her fangs descended and she couldn't wait to pierce his skin and drink his tangy, wild, blood.

  Zach's fangs erupted with such speed that it almost, but not quite, hurt, and he lowered – seeking the pulse in his mate's neck. As his fangs scraped her skin she mewled softly and Zach bit down – hard – and started to pull her blood into his mouth. The sensation like nothing he had experienced before he had met her.

  Alex's fangs were in Zach's neck and she drank greedily – the feelings of the vampire bite now starting to take over her body. She shivered, shook, tensed and then the release – oh dear lord – the release. How was she supposed not to scream.

  Alex buried her head deep into Zach's shoulder and did her best to stay quiet. Zach's own grunts seemed loud in her ear but she knew he was straining not to roar through his own release.

  As they both came down from their orgasms Alex sighed contentedly and for about the millionth time wondered at her luck at having Zach as her mate.

  “Ditto!” Zach said to her thought and then pulled back. “We need to get sorted and rest – I would so not like to get caught with my pants around my ankles if anything happens!”

  Alex chuckled and smiled up into his face. “Yea yea – use my body and discard me like a dirty hanky!”

  Zach grabbed her tight a fierce look on his face. “Don't say that – not even joking Alexina!”

  His words hit her right in her heart and she smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Ok – don't get all grumpy on me!”

  She wriggled to get free and to sort herself out. A few minutes later she was back in his arms, lying with her back against his front. He held her tight, taking in the scent from her wild hair into his nostrils. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he relaxed into the bed. Soon both do
zed and then fell into a deeper sleep.

  Alex's last thought was her wondering what the next day would bring.

  Chapter 4

  Zach shook his mate awake and she looked dreamily up at him. “Time to get up hon, we need to get moving.”

  Alex stretched and rubbed her eyes. She had slept surprisingly well in the circumstances. She had a pang for her coffee – she always had coffee when she woke. She didn't think there would be anything like that here though. She frowned at the thought of not having a caffeine hit to start the day. A day she knew was probably going to be long and dangerous.

  Zach helped her up and they made their way downstairs. They were the last to arrive in the large room and Alex hoped they hadn't kept everyone waiting.

  Her nose twitched – what was that smell? Tatiana walked out of the tavern's kitchen, a large tray in her hands. Mugs with something hot and steaming were on the tray and Tatiana passed around giving everyone a mug.

  “It's our equivalent of coffee, doesn't quite taste the same but it's got a kick to it. I've packed what edible food there was, we can eat as we go.” With that she took a mug herself and sat down next to Thadius.

  Thadius was actually on his second mug and he felt the kick that his fairy had spoken of. It was rather more than a few espresso's would give and he was wide awake and wired.

  Alex sipped the contents of her mug – it wasn't half bad – didn't taste like coffee but it was hot and wet and Tatiana said it had a kick to it. Alex drank it all, as did everyone else.

  “Lilli – come – we'll get the animals.” As soon as Tatiana said it both Dmitri and Finn stood up, going with the fairies, watching out for them.

  Thadius had been in the process of getting up to go but when he saw Dmitri and Finn going he sat back down and drank some more of the fairies coffee. He had a feeling he was going to be needing it.