Savage Redemption: A Dark Urban Guardians Fantasy

by Anni Antoni

  “Kat, I’m so sorry,” warm eyes lingering on my face, as though he had something important to say, but, as always, his thoughts were closed. Two could play at that game, I had shut down my thoughts too – I wouldn’t be an open book while he excluded me.

  As if deliberating what to say next, he hesitated. “You have every right to be angry. I’m not handling this Guardian business well, and I let you down badly today. Of course, I should have informed you of developments, and consulted you before making decisions.”

  Joe’s eyes, hot, intense, bored into mine. No excuses given. What wasn’t he saying?

  “Forgive me?” he whispered. Flickers of untold suffering flowed through the depths of his eyes, still locked onto mine.

  I nodded, unable to find words, bewildered by the speed my life was changing, overwhelmed by new sensations coming from Joe.

  Fear was my dominant emotion in that instant, although I was a black belt in several martial arts and could out fight the best of them. However, the cold reality of the Guardian’s words, forced me to realize the Vigilante was a killer, and I was his next target. It hadn’t seemed real until that moment.

  Nothing but death would stop him, and I couldn’t imagine killing, not even to save my life. I was no killer, even though I hated him for his actions. A fight to the death had been arranged at his request, an official challenge. The horror of it had me fighting down panic.

  Bile rose in my throat and icy fingers clutched my spine. As much as I wanted him to pay for killing my family, I realized I didn’t have what it took to stop him.

  An understanding spread through Joe’s eyes. The rest of his face softened even more as I gazed upon it. My breathing slowed, and a calmness spread through me.

  “Please, allow me to do my job and protect you,” he whispered. “I’ve seen you fight. You’re good, but a fight to the death is not something you’re ready for. You don’t have the killer instinct necessary.”

  Strange, he mirrored my thoughts exactly. He understood me, even without knowing my thoughts. My heart swelled in my chest as I looked at him. What had I done to deserve a Guardian like Joe?

  “You’re right,” I said. “I’d come to that conclusion already. I don’t even want to be there when you fight and kill the Vigilante, except… I’d hate not knowing if you were safe or not.”

  A sad smile flickered on his face. “Unfortunately, we need to obey Council rules to the letter, and you are required to attend. I wish it wasn’t so, but I’ll ask Esau to come along and he’ll protect you if anything happens to me – not that I’m expecting it…”

  He added the last few words hastily as a gasp escaped my lips at the mention of something happening to him.

  Unexpectedly Joe laughed. “Don’t worry Kat. I’ve been in numerous battles, trained soldiers and fought hand to hand with all kinds of weapons against many different adversaries. I’ll defeat this Vigilante and then we can enjoy getting to know each other at last. How does that sound?”

  Yes. That was exactly what I wanted. “Sounds good,” I whispered, smiling up at him, feeling his heart-beat quicken under my fingers held against his chest. Joe would take care of things, I was certain. Relief rolled through me, so much that my knees felt weak.

  Still holding my hands, Joe took them off his chest and placed them by my side, giving them one last squeeze, before he stepped back.

  “If you go to your room, you’ll find various martial arts uniforms in the closet. I had Alwyn put them there. Change into whatever suits you and I’ll meet you back here in an hour. You still want me to train you, I take it.”

  My heart flipped with excitement. At last Joe planned to train me! I wanted to throw my arms around him and hug him, but the stern expression he wore stopped me in my tracks.

  “Yes, oh yes, please,” I said breathlessly, my excitement mounting.

  A strange, unreadable expression crossed Joe’s face for an instant. What was going on with him? “Go! I’ll see you in an hour,” he said, stepping back further.

  I hurried back to my room, my feet flying, puzzled by Joe. One minute he was stern, forbidding and businesslike, the next warm and caring.

  I liked warm, caring Joe best. That was the real Joe, I decided, and, despite everything, Joe would fix things. Then we’d be free, I had to believe it. No more Vigilantes, and we could get to know each other.

  The thought made my heart beat faster. After the next few days, everything would settle down. At least Joe seemed confident of winning, and I trusted him, more than I had ever trusted anyone.

  Who would meet me when I returned in my martial arts gear – stern Joe or warm Joe? I hoped it would be warm Joe. The more I glimpsed him, the more I liked him.

  Chapter 18.

  Training Begins

  After Kat left the room I sat down, hard, in the nearest armchair, burying my head in my hands. I needed to ignore the mating urge with this crisis upon us. I’d almost managed it too, until left alone with Kat, when my growing feelings for her all but took over. However, that problem would have to wait. I’d deal with it after the Challenge.

  What a relief she no longer wanted to fight the Vigilante. That would have been sheer madness. Kat didn’t have the speed or the strength to match a Guardian, even an untrained Guardian like Vigilante Theo. And without a killer instinct she’d be hopelessly outmatched.

  Now I had to keep her busy and distracted until the Challenge was settled and hope she didn’t feel the mating bond. I groaned, and leaned back in the chair. I had to keep myself busy and distracted too and maintain a restrained presence around her.

  To make matters worse, I noticed, for the first time, her eyes flash red when she was angry – a demon characteristic. This was a change, and meant we must consult Dr. Frank as soon as possible, to find out what was happening with her. The blood test was urgent, although results would only be available after the Challenge.

  Everything depended upon the Challenge. Once it was over I would deal with other matters. Right now, I needed a clear head.

  Think Joe think. Ah yes. Strategy number one, have other people present as often as possible when Kat was around.

  Using mindspeak, I contacted Esau.

  Are you free for a practice session in the gym, in an hour? I need to prepare for the Challenge.

  Sure. See you soon. Esau sent back.

  Kat will be observing.

  Cool.

  Good. Pleasantly surprised at how smoothly that had gone, I returned to strategizing.

  Strategy number two, keep physical contact to a minimum.

  Whenever I got near Kat, I wanted to take her in my arms and never let her go. Once again, I thought of the many things I loved about her. The way her eyes lit up when she smiled, her sweet kissable lips, and her quick, intelligent mind -- totally gorgeous. And her body was the most delectable thing, lean, strong, yet with feminine curves in all the right places. The way her toned body moved was intoxicating.

  The bond was never wrong, according to Marron. Was he right after all? I could dream... Physically, Kat was my ideal woman, strong and capable. No shrinking violets or sweet home-spun types for me, I liked a woman with backbone.

  Beyond that, Kat had fire in her belly, a passion for life. She was courageous and kind-hearted, unspoiled, innocent yet with flashes of wisdom – a young woman who would cope with every challenge life flung at her, and emerge undefeated, even stronger for it. I admired her in so many ways.

  With training she might, one day become a Guardian, like Esau, with her unique heritage. That remained to be seen. Her untapped potential was interesting, to say the least.

  Above all, she was fun. Being with Kat lightened my heart, almost like a drug. But what could I, a jaded, cynical, soiled Guardian, give her?

  I shook my head. How long had I been sitting there thinking of Kat? Too long. I flashed to the gym to get changed.

  ◆◆◆

  Back in the community living room, sitting on a couch, I waited for Kat to appear, going
over what I intended to do in the gym. First a fast and furious sword fight with Esau, demonstrating the level of speed and power needed to fight a Guardian. That should finally dissuade her of any lingering notions she may have of fighting the Vigilante.

  There would be blood because Esau and I practiced with sharp swords and often cut each other unintentionally. For this reason, we went topless and wore light, loose cotton pants for ease of movement. We took no notice of cuts because we both healed quickly, but Kat needed to see the blood to prepare her for the real thing.

  I didn’t want her screaming or fainting at the Challenge – I wanted to prepare her, so she could face the experience with minimum stress. Even more important, any sudden emotional reaction from her could cause a distraction, and I couldn’t afford to worry about Kat’s state of mind while I was fighting. A single-minded focus would be imperative.

  After the demonstration fight, I would ask Kat to show us a few of her moves, teach her a few elementary sword-fighting skills and finally practice advanced moves with Esau to prepare for the Challenge. The session should go well. Pleased with myself, I sat back, relaxed, and waited for Kat. Everything was under control.

  The elevator door opened and so did my mouth when Kat emerged, not wearing any of the traditional white, martial arts uniforms I had arranged for her. Instead, she looked like someone had spray-painted her with shiny red and black paint, and stuck her favorite black combat boots on her feet.

  “Wha… what are you wearing?” I asked, once I’d regained some control over my mouth and eyeballs. I tried frowning to bring my eyebrows down, but they wouldn’t budge.

  Kat beamed a broad smile at me. “Sorry Joe, but the uniforms you left were so boring, I asked Claire for help. She had this classy, red, spandex leotard with long sleeves, and these red and black leggings which were just begging to go with my black boots. So, I borrowed them.”

  She twirled around to show me, and I tightened my jaw to keep my mouth from falling open again.

  “Look, they’re made for dancing, and move with your body.” She gave a shimmy to demonstrate and sweat poured from all my pores.

  “I don’t know why this gear isn’t used in martial arts – it’s ideal. Best of all, your opponent can’t grab you. Their hands slip off. Here… feel.” Kat grabbed my hand and rubbed it up and down her arm.

  A growl began its rumble deep in my chest. With effort, I suppressed it. “Yes, I see what you mean,” I said, snatching my hand back. “Kat, it’s all right to wear that here, but you can’t wear it at Council headquarters for the Challenge.”

  “Why not? What’s wrong with it?” she asked, looking puzzled.

  Incredible. She must have no idea how sexy she looked. I wiped the sweat from my brow. “Nothing.” The word came out as a croak. In fact, everything was right with it. I could look at her all day. The shiny red and black outfit caressed and emphasized every feminine curve. I cleared my throat.

  “Personally, I like it. It’s just that they’re a conservative bunch up there and we need to stick to their rules or face possible penalties.” I made sure to ward my thoughts, not wanting Kat to know their carnal nature. My growing possessiveness disturbed me too. I couldn’t stand the thought of every male in the place ogling her.

  Esau! He’d be waiting for us downstairs in the gym. I had to warn him about Kat before we turned up.

  Esau, are you in the gym? I reached out to him with mindspeak.

  Yeah, just arrived. See you soon?

  We’re on our way. But Esau… stare at Kat and I’ll give you two black eyes. That’s a promise. Got it?

  Sure... but I can’t wait to find out what’s got you all riled up. His amusement filled my mind.

  One other thing. Ward your thoughts around her, she picks them up.

  Okay, duly warned. Once again, his amusement filled my mind.

  I extended my arm to Kat. “Ready for the gym?”

  She took my arm and smiled at me. “Can’t wait.”

  Arm in arm we walked to the elevator. “I’ve asked Esau to join us. We’ll be demonstrating a few things to you and I also need to practice with him.”

  Kat squeezed my arm and smiled up at me as we stepped into the elevator to take us down to the gym. My heart rate soared.

  Chapter 19.

  Preparing for the Challenge

  I burst out of the elevator ahead of Kat into the half-lit gym. “Esau, are you here?”

  His amusement, transmitted through mindspeak filled my head. Then I saw him down the far end of the gym, in a dark corner, rummaging through a sports bag.

  “Hi Joe, hi Kat,” he called. “Down here.”

  Esau’s amusement doubled in intensity in my head. I frowned.

  Warding my mind from Kat, I used mindspeak.

  What’s up with you Esau?

  Saints preserve us Joe, I promise I haven’t been staring, but Kat looks like Deadpool, without the mask -- a shiny Deadpool, with… bumps.

  What? What’s a deadpool?

  Never mind. Ask Nathan for the movie.

  Kat won’t be wearing this outfit at the Challenge.

  I hope not!

  Esau’s amusement had not diminished one bit. He was enjoying this!

  Then again Joe, maybe it’s a good strategy. Use Kat to distract the Vigilante while you run him through. She could be your secret weapon.

  Not funny Esau.

  I switched the lights on, to see Esau, standing with a water bottle raised to his lips, eyes purposefully averted from Kat, mocking me, completely deadpan, while his amusement echoed through my skull.

  Deciding to ignore his previous mindspeak comments, I turned to Kat.

  “Kat, come sit over here. Esau and I will practice for the next 10 minutes, to give you a feel of what to expect at the Challenge. Call time, if you like. Use that wall clock.” I pointed to it.

  Kat’s eyes, round with wonder, or perhaps apprehension, focused on my face. She nodded and took a seat facing the clock.

  “There will be a lot of blood because we use sharp swords and don’t hold back. So, it will look real. Please don’t be alarmed, because we know what we’re doing, and, unlike humans, we heal quickly. You must get used to the blood. Try not to scream -- it will be good practice for you.” I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

  “I won’t scream,” she said firmly, even though her face looked several shades paler.

  Esau and I walked to the stored weapons, on the far side of the gym. “Two swords each, fast and furious.” I whispered to Esau. “And cut me up good. I don’t want Kat thinking she can take on the Vigilante. I want her to see what damage can be done.”

  “With pleasure Joe,” Esau grinned.

  “Don’t worry I intend to cut you up just as good. You need to bleed too.” I grinned back at him and clapped him on the shoulder.

  “Gee, thanks. You’re all heart.” Esau chuckled.

  Esau understood what was happening without me spelling it out. “Thanks Esau, I can always count on you,” I said, in a more serious vein. “Let’s put on a good show. For Kat.”

  We selected our swords, walked to the center of the gym, and stood facing each other.

  “Ready Esau?”

  He nodded, raised both swords, and I raised mine.

  “Call on the next full minute, Kat.”

  She stood facing the clock. “Now! Go!” She yelled.

  For the next 10 minutes solid, we battled up and down the gym, as fast as we could, yelling, shrieking, cutting, slashing, jumping high and thumping down loud on the wooden floor, back and forth. We were evenly matched. Sometimes I’d drive Esau back, sometimes he’d drive me back. Soon Esau was covered in blood from his numerous nicks and cuts. I hoped I was too.

  “Time! Stop!” Kat yelled.

  Esau and I lowered our weapons and stood, facing each other, out of breath and laughing.

  “You’re a mess Esau. If I’m like you, you did well. I owe you one.”

  Putting his arm over my sho
ulder, he said. “Don’t worry, you’re a terrible mess. I’m going to take a shower. Back in a few minutes.”

  I hurried over to Kat, wanting her to see some of the blood and damage up close, before I healed. I hated doing it to her, but I hated thinking she would deliberately choose to fight a Guardian more.

  “What did you think?” I asked, noticing her increased pallor.

  “It was rough and much faster than I expected.” She frowned. “I’m glad you warned me about the blood. Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

  “Guardians heal, and we can take much more damage than humans. Can you understand a human is no match for a Guardian?” I had to be sure.

  “Oh. Don’t worry, you’ve made your point, but I hate that I can’t fight my own battles.” Her eyes blazed, and that flash of red sparked.

  “But Kat, you have a Guardian. Now your battles are my battles. Can you accept that?”

  She smiled, and it was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. My heart swelled to bursting point.

  “Yes. Yes, I can. Thank you, Joe.” Then a frown creased her brow. “How can I help? What can I do?” Her eyes, burning with intensity, bored into mine.

  I would have reached out and taken her hand, but mindful of the blood coating me, I resisted the temptation.

  “Do just what you did today. You did extremely well and I’m proud of you. First time seeing Guardians fight wouldn’t have been easy.” Kat smiled, ducked her head as if she was unfamiliar with praise, and a blush darkened her cheeks.

  “During the Challenge, I want you to keep your head and stay calm, no matter what happens. Can you do that for me Kat? I must focus on the challengers, at all costs. It could save our lives.”

  “I can and I will, I promise Joe.” She spoke with a quiet intensity, and I knew she meant every word.

  “That’s my girl,” In that moment, I was proud enough to burst. “I know I can rely on you.”

  Esau, fresh from the shower, entered the gym and walked towards us.