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

by A. K. Michaels

  “Dmitri, I've never felt like this before. The feelings are overwhelming and I'm trying hard to ignore them. This is my first mission and I don't want Vlad to think I didn't do my job.” Finn was enjoying his time in the Guards and Vlad was the head so if he didn't do a good job Vlad could basically end his career. A career that had only just started.

  Dmitri could see the turmoil in the young wolf and felt for him. He knew that when any supers found their mates they didn't have much choice in the matter. He also knew Vlad and didn't think that the vampire would hold this against Finn. He would speak with his friend and find out. After all Vlad was mated to a wolf so should have a better understanding than most.

  “Finn, don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you and if I think your mind's wandering at inappropriate times I'll bring your attention back to the matter at hand. I'll speak to Vlad, Finn his mate is a wolf so he'll be aware of this. He knows it's probably out of your control. Try not to get too worked up. I also think you need to speak to the girl. See if she is feeling the same way?” Dmitri had spoke very softly, elf and fairy ears would not have heard. Dmitri was sure the elf reciprocated the feelings, he had seen her gaze at Finn in wonder. He was also sure he had seen more than a little lust in those looks.

  Finn frowned, “Yea well that's not likely. Her father keeps drawing daggers at me and I'm well aware he doesn't like the interest I'm showing in his daughter!”

  Dmitri had seen it too, however, there were always ways when it came to love.

  “Just watch for the opportunity Finn, when it comes grab it, ok.” Dmitri smiled now, not something he did very often. Finn smiled back and nodded his head, knowing that he would do anything to have some alone time with Glorel.

  Dmitri's head moved slightly. “Vlad and Zach are on their way. I can hear them a few streets over.”

  *****

  Zach spoke as soon as he entered. “Why is there a fire?” His tone sharp and accusing.

  Dmitri stood up. “Relax Zach, Tatiana assured me that the wood or whatever it is that she is burning doesn't smoke or leave a smell. Nobody should be able to detect it.”

  Vlad moved over to the fireplace, having a good look and smell. “Zach,I didn't smell it on the way here, did you? I don't even smell it now and I'm right beside it.”

  Zach thought, no he hadn't. That was very strange, how could something burn and not smoke or smell?

  Alex walked over to her mate, taking his arm and leading him to a chair. “Come and sit down Zach, tell us what you saw.”

  Zach allowed Alex to pull him to a table and sat down, all eyes on him. He took a deep breath and started. “So we saw all the fairies and elves, locked up tight in those fucking corals. There's not enough room for them to even lie down to sleep. The kids are all crying and those goblin things, may I ask, are they stupid? I mean are they less intelligent? They certainly seemed to be to me?”

  Tatiana had heard Vlad and Zach come back and had came through, the meal almost ready. “Goblins are quite simple creatures, we've not had any trouble with them in centuries. In the past they would band together to try and steal things but they have no magic so didn't present a real threat. So I guess your answer would be yes. They are not at the top of the intelligence ladder.”

  Vlad nodded his head.“Thought so, might make our job easier.”

  Tatiana looked at the large vampire. “Don't be fooled Vlad. When riled they are vicious. They have great strength and wield their hammers with precision and can cause death easily with them. I think we've all seen the evidence of that.”

  Zach knew the fairy was right but he still thought their lack of intelligence would work in their favour. “They all drink, eat, and then fall asleep around some fire pits when darkness falls. There are only a few guards left to watch the prisoners and only two that we saw at the gates. So I think whatever we're going to do has to be tomorrow night. We need to discuss what we'll do. Vlad has an opinion, I'll let him tell you.”

  Vlad had no qualms with what he wanted to do. An enemy was an enemy that needed taking out, simple. He wasn't sure the elves and fairies would agree though. He thought his plan was going to be a hard sell.

  “As the goblins all bed down in a relatively small area near the fires I was thinking of going in and placing some of my toys, bombs, and blowing them to hell before we go for the gates......” Vlad stopped talking as Tatiana was shaking her head.

  “No no no Vlad. I'm sure we can do it some other way. The goblins might be doing bad things just now but there's no need for mass murder!” Tatiana was shocked at even the thought of what Vlad had said.

  “Tatiana there are far more of them than us. You said yourself they are deadly with those hammers? We need to get in and see if we can find this man and woman and take them out. If they are as strong as folks say then we can't be worrying about a horde of goblins on our backs!” Vlad wished that folks who knew nothing about war would just take the advice of those that did.

  “Vlad goblins have always been in the fairy realm. If you do as you say then you would be almost wiping them out! A race Vlad. Do you want to erase a full race of beings?” Tatiana was sure they could do it another way and just had to show them this.

  Zach could see this was going to get into a full blown argument so he stepped in. “Look, we need to get in without a horde of goblins on our backs but we may be able to do that with stealth alone. Vlad, I assume your bombs would go off with a remote detonator?” Vlad nodded.

  So Zach carried on. “So what if Vlad places a few of his bombs and if we need to, and only if we need to, they're set off. We can take out the guards around the prisoners and the few at the gates. Someone can stay just inside the gates and if needs be set off the bombs. However, only if the rest wake up and realise what's happening? What about that?”

  Vlad realised that would work so once more only nodded his head.

  Tatiana saw the merit in Zach's plan so she nodded her head too before speaking. “I can help with the guards at the gate, or around the prisoners. I'm rather good with my bow and it's silent.”

  Every pair of eyes was on the small fairy. Thadius looking with a new found sense of pride. Alex too, she could see why Tatiana had been picked to be the Defender's guardian. Tatiana was intelligent and brave. Always a good combination.

  “That sounds like a plan. Tatiana the area where the prisoners are, that's farthest from the gate so we take them out first, then we move for the gates. Quickly and quietly, once the guards at the gate are taken care of we need to decide who stays there with the remote detonator. Any thoughts?” Zach looked around, he wanted all of his party going inside so he hoped one of the elves would speak up.

  Mornor looked about to speak but his face was full of fear so Zach wasn't sure what he was going to say. Probably that he couldn't do it. However, Calaron beat him to it, so they never got to hear what the older elf was going to say. “I'll stay with the device, but I must ask that Glorel doesn't come. I don't want her in any danger.”

  Zach agreed, the elf would probably not be any help and he also didn't think Lilli should go. She was far too nervous for what they had to do.

  “Ok Calaron, I propose that Mornor stays here to look after Glorel and Lilli, is that ok?” Zach looked to the older elf, saw him relax, he was obviously not a fighting man.

  “Yes that's a very good idea.” Tatiana spoke, knowing Mornor and also her sister. Neither of which were what could be called stout-hearted.

  The older elf looked to Tatiana and knew that she didn't think that he was able for this battle. However, he also knew she was right. He only hoped his son was ok and didn't get hurt, or worse.

  “Ok, that's settled, the food is ready.” With that Tatiana walked back into the kitchen and her and Glorel brought out what they had made. Thadius' mouth was watering, fresh rabbit stew, lovely.

  Chapter 7

  Tatiana orchestrated the seating, having Mornor and Calaron at one end of a large table. Thadius was next, then her, leaving Glorel and Finn sitt
ing together at the other end.

  Far enough away that they would be able to talk without her father hearing everything.

  Mornor saw what Tatiana had done but didn't move or say anything. This Tatiana that had came back, well, she was very different from the one he had known so many years ago. This one was someone that you didn't argue with. Certainly not about something like place settings at a table.

  He wasn't happy but felt he had been backed into a corner. The wolf was next to him also and the sheer size and power of the male scared the elf no end. He knew that if he stood up to Tatiana that he would need to take on the wolf too. That was something he knew he could not win, ever.

  Finn saw what Tatiana had done also and gave the fairy a shy smile then sat down. A moment later Glorel sat next to him and he felt his insides clench and his heart sped up.

  “So you are a wolf?” Glorel opened up the conversation.

  Finn nodded. “Yes, I'm training to be part of Vlad's Security Guards and I'm hoping to go into the computer side of things.”

  Glorel frowned. “What's a computer?” The little elf asked. They had no such things in the fairy realm.

  Finn smiled and Glorel saw how handsome the young wolf was. Not that she didn't think him handsome without a smile on his face. Just that the smile made him even more so. “It's a small part of the technology we have in our realm. It's quite hard to explain but I would love to show you?”

  Glorel's own smile was enchanting and she had cocked her head to the side as if appraising the young wolf. “I think I would like that Finn. I do not know if you are feeling the same things I am, but I am drawn to you. It is very strange as I've never even met anyone from another realm far less a wolf! Finn, when you found us in the forest I wasn't scared. I knew you wouldn't hurt me. My brother grabbed my hand and made me run but I didn't want to Finn. I wanted you to catch me!”

  Finn smiled, a large wide smile. “I've never met an elf before either and I wish I had caught you Glorel!.... uhm Did you cook this?” Finn was pointing to the food he had heaped on his plate and trying to change the direction of the conversation before he grabbed her right here in front of everyone.

  “Oh I only helped. I made the bread and helped with the other things. I like cooking.” Glorel was feeling more and more drawn to this male and felt herself flush as his eyes bored into hers.

  “That's good cause I like eating! Wolves are almost always hungry!” Finn had actually relaxed a little, even if he still had a full on hardness in his combats. That was something he was not getting control over around this elf.

  “What else do you like Finn?” Glorel smiled again, she hadn't smiled as much in many years.

  “I like playing video games, another one of our technologies, but I also love to run wild through the forest around our home. I do it both in my human form and wolf. I love nature and I like horse riding too. We have a few where we live and I usually do it at least once a week.” Finn was sure he could hear the elf's heartbeats, they were getting faster.

  “What do you like Glorel?” Finn realised she had been the one asking all the questions.

  Glorel gave him that smile again and he moved slightly so his body was nearer, their thighs touching.

  As soon as his body touched hers Glorel felt as if she was coming alive. Her skin tingled and her heart was now beating so fast she knew she was going to get light headed.

  “Uhm, there's not a lot to do here. I love the forest too, and can spend hours just walking and picking flowers. I love to cook and read, I have many books but I still crave more. Finn, my heart is racing?” Glorel said the last part on a whisper, her reaction to the wolf scaring her just a little.

  Finn moved his hand and grabbed one of hers. The little shock of electricity that hit both of them made their eyes widen in surprise.

  “Mine too Glorel, mine too. Have you had any boyfriends?” Finn had no idea what the fairy realm rules were on this sort of thing.

  “Yes, but nothing that I thought of as serious. I don't like what I would call 'soft' men and unfortunately a lot of elf men are like that now. Centuries gone past the elves were a powerful, war like race. Now they seem content to do business and have forgotten their roots.” Glorel's eyes were like saucers, why had she said that? It sounded disrespectful and she was never disrespectful.

  “Wolves are anything but soft Glorel! In fact we are very dominant. All wolves want a mate and one that will submit to them in the... the.... shit this is embarrassing! In the.....”

  Glorel interrupted, with a small smile. “The bedroom Finn?”

  Finn blushed. “Yes Glorel, I hope that doesn't scare you?”

  The elf looked into his eyes and shook her head. “No Finn it doesn't scare me. In fact I look forward to it!”

  Glorel gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Had she just said that?

  Finn hissed through his teeth. Dear shitting fuck, he wanted to grab this vision in front of him and throw her over his shoulder and take her upstairs. Now.

  Finn felt a hand on his shoulder, and Tatiana whispered. “Stay calm young wolf. Her father is not amenable. Wait until after tomorrow night, can you do that?”

  Finn wasn't sure, he really wasn't sure he could. He took several deep breaths and tried to calm himself but it wasn't working very well.

  Tatiana whispered again. “Maybe you should check outside for anyone that shouldn't be there?”

  Finn nodded. Glorel had seen his reaction and knew the wolf had a battle going on inside. The sight of it inflamed her and she wished her father were not here. She wanted to go with this wolf, to his bed. She knew he was young, probably not had too much experience.

  However, she had. Glorel had always been passionate and had several lovers. Not ones that she would want to marry or bond with but good enough to fulfil her passionate side. If Finn wasn't too experienced then she would help him. But, she thought that wolves would probably know exactly what they wanted in the bedroom department.

  Finn took another deep breath. “I need to go for a walk Glorel is that ok?”

  She nodded, knowing why he was leaving but she knew she didn't want him to go.

  Finn grabbed some bread from his now nearly empty plate and stood up quickly. Leaving the table and walking to the door ramrod straight. His teeth were clenched and he had to force himself to walk. All his senses afire at leaving Glorel.

  It was the last thing he wanted to do and his body was rebelling. He wanted to turn round and grab her into his arms.

  Thadius stood up and moved to the young wolf. “Why don't we check outside Finn.” The old wolf's tone was firm but sympathetic and Finn nodded and followed.

  As soon as they were outside Finn started to pace, back and forth, his hands clenched tightly into fists.

  Thadius left him for a few minutes knowing exactly what the wolf was going through. Finally the young man seemed to get control and Thadius smiled. “Why don't we go for a walk Finn?”

  The boy followed and soon they were walking side by side. “I know how you're feeling Finn, it's the worst possible time for something like this to happen. I know you just want to take her and mark her Finn but we need to get tomorrow out of the way first. We don't need her father making any problems.”

  Finn knew this. His teeth clenched he hissed. “I know Thadius! I'm trying! I've never felt like this before. I feel rage at her father! Knowing it's because of him I can't do what I know is right.”

  Thadius felt for the boy, he also thought her father was a problem. “Finn, listen to me son, after tomorrow you can have her. I doubt her father will stand up to you. I think I may just get him on his own. Advise him that when a wolf's mate is denied because of the father then that wolf can challenge him in a fight. I'm pretty sure that soft elf will quake in his boots!”

  Thadius was chuckling, he could just see that elf if Finn went all wolf on him. He would probably wet himself.

  Finn heard the chuckles and joined in, the release immense. “Yea, he's a bit of a cowar
d isn't he? Did you see how he didn't even offer to take his son's place tomorrow? How could a father do that? Let his son go into danger while he sits in a warm tavern in safety. Elves are not like us wolves.”

  Even if Finn's biological father was an abusive bully, one whom Dmitri had killed, Finn could never see himself letting any of his children go into danger in his stead. No! He would keep his kids safe at all times.

  Thadius had to agree. “Yes he is a bit of a wimp isn't he! Finn I know you will make a fine father, when the time comes, I'm sure Glorel will give you many pups.”

  Thadius' arm was now around the boy's shoulders and they walked on for a while in companionable silence.

  The old wolf could feel the change in the boy. He had his feelings under control now. “Ok, let's go back. With any luck that old coward has disappeared to bed!”

  Finn hoped so, he felt angry every time he saw the man.

  As they entered the tavern Dmitri gave Finn a smile and so did everyone else in their party? Alex was almost laughing?

  What?

  Finn looked around and all of the elves, including his Glorel, were missing. Had they all gone to bed or had they left?

  Panic flared in the boy and Tatiana sensed it and spoke quickly. “She's upstairs Finn, don't worry. Oh, and I don't think you'll be having any more trouble from Mornor. I had a nice conversation with Lilli. I told her how possessive Thadius is. How he would rip anyone apart that got between him and I, what with him being a wolf and all!”

  Finn stared at the fairy and Alex's laugh broke through. “Oh Finn you should've seen his face! He was white as a sheet and Glorel, well she was sitting with a huge smile on her face! It was priceless. Tatiana knew just what to say. The way she said it, dear lord I thought I was going to pass out from trying not to laugh.”

  “Really?” Finn was dumbfounded but he wished it was true. He just wanted Glorel, now realising she was his mate.

  “Yes really, you don't have anything to worry about. However, can I ask that you wait til after tomorrow night? If you start before then we'll never get you out of the bloody bedroom!” Vlad's tone was teasing and Finn blushed as he nodded his head.