Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  This hadn't been the first nightmare and Zach just pulled her close and rubbed her back, “It's ok honey – it's just a dream – whatever it is wasn't real – just relax – that's it – go back to sleep.” and he held her until she was once more breathing evenly and asleep.

  Looking down at his mate he worried – she rarely got a decent rest now – the nightmares were getting more and more frequent. He wished he knew what to do to help her. He might ask Tatiana for a sleeping remedy – the fairy had potions for just about everything and he was sure she would find something to help 'her girl'.

  Chapter 5

  Zach woke and Alexina was still in his arms – she was nearing wakefulness and he caressed her arm and she woke with a smile on her face.

  “Good morning my Vampire.”

  “Good morning meine Kleine.” Alex snuggled closer and breathed in her mate's scent – it always calmed her and excited her both at the same time.

  Her hand reached down and she met the usual hardness of morning – she laughed - “What're you laughing at?” Zach asked.

  Alex murmured, “Nothing honey – just glad to see that you're already standing to attention!” and she grasped his hardness in her tiny hand.

  Zach gasped, “God Alexina – I never get tired of you doing that – it'll need to be quick – we've got lots of work to do.” Alex continued for a few moments then moved on top of Zach.

  “A quickie is good,” she said and then started moving.

  Zach stared up at her and was amazed at how gorgeous she looked first thing in the morning. Her curly hair completely wild and framing her face and shoulders – he reached up and grabbed a handful of her locks and pulled her down for a kiss.

  The kiss was soft, gentle, and their tongues explored each other's mouths. Alex pulled away and her fangs came down and Zach nearly came – she was so damn sexy with her fangs out.

  His own descended and they moved so that each other's mouth was at the other's neck – both bit down at the same time and the bite put them both over the edge. Shuddering and tightening, both release was exquisite and Alex fell completely on top of Zach. He stroked her hair and whispered - “Ok – a quick shower then we need to get to work – we need Vlad on this.” Alex nodded and got off the bed – heading towards the ensuite.

  When Zach was showered and dressed he phoned Vlad – he picked up on the second ring - “Hi Zach, what's up?” Vlad asked.

  Zach started, “Firstly – sorry we didn't make it round last night but when I tell you why I'm sure you'll understand. We got the doctor that has been carrying out these black market organ removals – his family had been held captive and we got them too. Not before the guy responsible had raped the twelve year old in front of the entire family ...”

  Vlad interrupted, “What? What kind of sick fuck does something like that!” his voice was enraged and Zach knew his friend would be more so with his next words.

  “I know Vlad – the little girl was damaged inside – she was still bleeding from the attack and it happened a few weeks ago. However, we did find out who is behind it all – and you're not going to believe me – it's Daniel.” Zach finished and waited on the explosion he knew would come.

  “WHAT!? Are you sure? Fuck – I'm going to fucking rip him apart – slowly. Okay, what's the plan?” Vlad's tone had hardened at the end – Zach knew the anger would be coursing through his body as it had his.

  “Yes we're sure – and I agree about ripping him apart – I knew you would want to be part of this so get over to our offices – we'll be there shortly.” Zach finished and Vlad only said 'ok' before hanging up.

  “I take it Vlad is as angry as we are?” Alex asked softly.

  “Yea, he's meeting us at the office. Come on – I'll just Move us – the car's still there.” and he reached over and took Alex's hand and Moved them.

  They both appeared in their office and they heard a little yelp – Donna was collecting some more files and their sudden appearance in the office startled her.

  “Morning Donna – I've got a file I need you to do now – it's urgent – the audio will be in the main database and the file's here on my desk.” Alex said as she moved towards the files. She picked up the file for the mission the previous night and handed it over.

  Donna took it and started to leave the office, “Okay Alex I'll get it done now – I'll let you know once it's finished.”

  As they were waiting on Vlad they checked their emails and Zach started a new one to Thadius – asking him to speak to Tatiana and see if the fairy could give Alex something for the nightmares.

  Once he had sent it he phoned him, “Thadius.” was the answer – his usual response on picking up a phone and Zach started to tell him the bad news, “Thadius, it's Zach – we have a problem – we know who's behind this organ stealing operation – and you are definitely not going to like what we found out.” Zach stopped – giving Thadius a chance to speak.

  “Okay Zach – and just why am I not going to like it?”

  Zach took a deep breath - “It's Daniel.” was all he said.

  There was silence on the other end of the phone and then Zach could hear cursing. Thadius very rarely used bad language and Zach could hear the small fairy in the background admonishing the huge Wolf for using such foul words.

  Finally Thadius spoke over the phone, “Are you sure Zach? Shit what am I saying – of course you're sure or you wouldn't have called me. Okay so tell me – all of it.” Thadius ordered and Zach did.

  When Zach told about the rape of the twelve year old Thadius once more cursed, “You better get him Zach and soon – I want him standing here in front of me alive. Do you hear me – alive. I want to be the one to deal with him. Understand!” Thadius commanded and Zach just said 'yes' and hung up.

  Alex was looking over at Zach as he replaced the handset and raised an eyebrow, “I take it Thadius is not pleased?”

  Zach snorted, “Yea you could say that – he wants us to bring Daniel in alive – he wants him in his office and wants to deal with him personally!”

  She frowned, that never happened, Thadius was obviously extremely angry and she could just imagine what he meant by 'dealing' with Daniel. She only hoped that she was there to witness it.

  Dmitri walked into the office with a frown on his face, “You do realise I had to get a lift in? You dropped me at home Zach and my vehicle's here.” his voice was grumpy and Alex tried not to smile.

  Zach lifting his eyes and meeting Dmitri's cold ones staring back. “Ooops – sorry.” was all Zach said and Dmitri growled.

  Alex broke in, “Okay so Dmitri can you go and get the visuals from our cameras downloaded and send it direct to Thadius – I then want it to be played on the large screen in the conference room – Vlad will be here soon and we need to go over everything David told us.”

  “Can't I do it in here?” Dmitri asked and Alex and Zach glanced at each other. It was obvious he didn't want to work in his own office – tough Alex thought.

  “No Dmitri – we're busy – you have your own desk and computer – go get it done and let us know when the conference room is ready please.” Alex's tone told Dmitri not to bother arguing so he stiffly turned and walked out.

  “What the hell was that about?” Zach asked and Alex just shook her head - “I've no idea – but he better get over it whatever it is.” Alex replied and went back to work – she hadn't lied – they were very busy.

  *****

  Dmitri walked into the office and Donna was busy working at her desk. She raised her head and gave a small smile, “Good Morning Dmitri.” she said quietly and the large hulk of a Vamp nodded his head and mumbled “Morning.” before sitting down and starting to work.

  Donna looked at him for a few moments and her Wolf was prancing about in her head. She told it to behave – the man obviously didn't like her – so her Wolf had just better forget him.

  Dmitri could smell Donna's glorious scent and his jeans were sudden
ly tight! For fuck sake, he thought, get a hold of yourself. Why was his body reacting to this wolf like this?

  He sneaked a glance at her and took in her untamed hair – it always looked as if she had been running wild through the forest and made her look sexy as hell. Dmitri shook his head – trying desperately to get those thoughts out of his mind.

  His brain had other ideas and his thoughts went from her running wild in the forest to lying underneath him moaning in pleasure. His jeans were now so uncomfortable that he knew he wouldn't be able to stand up without it being obvious.

  He couldn't understand what was happening to him and he didn't like it one bit.

  Vlad appeared at the door at that moment and Dmitri was glad for the distraction. Vlad looked at Donna and smiled - “Hi Donna – so you're stuck in here with Dmitri – I pity you!” Vlad laughed and Donna blushed and didn't answer.

  Dmitri growled and Vlad smiled wider – he had an inkling of what was going on but had kept out of it. He had thought Dmitri would come round and actually ask the woman out. But NO – the cold Russian had made sure not to be in contact with the Wolf and now here he was working in the same room. Vlad thought it was hilarious.

  Vlad spoke again, “So Donna has Dmitri been polite? Treating you ok?”

  Donna realised it was a direct question and she would have to answer – she swallowed - “Uhm yes he's a perfect gentleman.” she said and Vlad made a face at her – one that said – 'are you kidding me?' and she blushed again and went back to her screen. She typed some more then got up - “I've got to tell Alex this is done.” she said as she rushed from the room.

  Vlad followed her with his eyes then turned to his friend - “So Dmitri – how're you?”

  Dmitri snarled, “Fine!”

  Vlad looked closely at him, “Why don't you just ask her out?” he asked the Russian and Dmitri looked at him with a look of pain shooting across his features.

  “What do you mean? You know I don't do that shit!” he growled.

  Vlad moved to sit on Dmitri's desk and bent down, “Dmitri, my friend, you have mourned enough – you now have to start living again and I think Donna would be good for you.” Vlad spoke quietly, trying to get his point across.

  Dmitri looked at him with a horrified expression, “She was my mate Vlad – I could never mourn enough for her – ever!” and he stood up and walked out leaving Vlad wondering if he would ever get over losing his mate.

  Vlad stood up and walked into the next office where Donna was still talking to Alex but she finished just as Vlad sat on the chair in front of Zach's desk. She smiled at Vlad timidly and then left, the large Head of Security obviously scared her – more than a little.

  Alex looked over at the two large men, “So the report has been done and sent – Dmitri should have the film ready soon and we can go over the tape. David gave a lot of good information so hopefully we can get Daniel soon. Before he does any more damage.” Her tone was one of disgust at the end as she remembered what Daniel had done to the little girl.

  Zach was nodding as Vlad spoke, “Okay, so we need to work together – we need to get that shit and he needs to be punished.”

  Zach advised what Thadius had said about bringing him back alive and to his office. Vlad raised an eyebrow – now that was something that didn't happen a lot – Thadius making demands like that. When he thought on it more he smiled – Daniel was in for a world of hurt.

  Dmitri came in a few minutes later to advise the conference room screen was set up and they all went to the end of the hall and into the large room. The screen was already working and on pause – just at the point where David had started telling them all he knew.

  They sat and went through it – sentence by sentence – and dissected just about every word. There was one part of information that caught their attention – there was a rich British guy whose son needed a kidney – fast – and Daniel had let slip some details. We not exactly let slip – he had been talking on the phone and David had overheard him.

  The boy was already insitu in Mexico at a hospital that would not ask any questions. A surgeon had been flown in also – all they needed was the organ. Daniel had said he had someone in mind – he had a hacker break into hospital records all over the US to get a blood match as the boy had a rare blood type and they had found one in a small town in Texas. They were planning on kidnapping him in the next day or so and getting the organ and flying it to Mexico.

  As David was no longer under Daniel's enforced labour that meant he would need another Doctor to remove the organ, and fast.

  Alex spoke up, thoughts running through her head, “Okay so we're looking for a male child – up to say eighteen – with a rare blood type in small towns in Texas. Vlad – you and I can get on that now. We can hack in and see what we find – what'd you think?” she asked.

  “Come on we can get started on that and leave these two to go through the rest of the film – see if anything else comes to light.” Vlad said as he got up and started walking to the door. Alex followed leaving Zach and Dmitri to watch the screen.

  A few moments later Zach's mobile rang, he answered without checking who the caller was, “Zach here.” he said and he heard the voice of the Guard from San Francisco.

  “Zach – I'm just calling to give you an update. David and his wife are fine – just a bit undernourished and dehydrated. The older girl is also the same but she has some trauma mentally – we'll get her the help she needs. The smaller girl – her name's Fiona – she had to have surgery – there was internal damage and she won't be able to have children of her own. She also had a pretty bad infection inside due to the fact of not receiving medical care. She's still in intensive care but as soon as she's well enough we will move them all – somewhere safe. I thought you might want to know.” he finished and Zach sighed.

  “Yes – thanks – I'll let Alex know, we're hopefully going to be closing in on Daniel – trust me he will get what's coming to him!” Zach advised and the Guard, he realised he didn't even know his name, spoke again.

  “I truly hope so Zach – I would happily rip his throat out myself for what he has done – that little girl will never be the same and of course David blames himself. Keeps saying he should've done more but we both know a human can't take on a Super – but he won't listen – all of us down here – well we're mad as hell!” the Guard finished and Zach knew how he felt.

  “I know – we feel the same too. I'll make sure to let you know how this goes.” Zach said and the Guard thanked him and hung up.

  Dmitri had heard everything and his face was stern and his jaw was locked – gritting his teeth he managed to get out, “We need to get him Zach!” and Zach could only agree. They went back to watching the screen – hoping to get more information to help them.

  Vlad and Alex were busy at their computers and they had found four possibles – they were trying to pin it down further when Tatiana walked in. Alex was surprised – the fairy rarely came to their offices.

  “Hi Tatiana – what're you doing here?” Alex asked and the fairy came over and placed a bag of herbs on Alex's desk. “Put a teaspoon in hot water before bed – it will help with the nightmares.” Tatiana said and Alex's eyes went wide.

  “What?! How did you know about the nightmares?! Oh wait – I get it – Zach – Zach told you didn't he!” Alex replied and her voice had risen – Tatiana went on - “Now don't you go getting mad little girl – your mate is worried – you need your rest Alex – vampire or not you still need to rest! So don't go getting your knickers in a twist – you hear me? Just take the herbs and let me know if they work – if not – I've got plenty others to try – ok?”

  Tatiana's tone was the one she used to use when Alex was a child and had done something wrong – and Alex realised that it still had the same effect on her.

  She lowered her gaze and said “Ok.” before smiling again. Of course Zach would go to Tatiana – he loved her and knew the fairy would probably be able to
help. If it had been the other way around she would've done the same! She was still going to give him a hard time though!

  Tatiana turned to Vlad - “So how is your little one Vlad?” she asked and Vlad beamed at her - “Oh she's great Tatiana – Irina is such a good mom and the little one knows I'm a soft touch! She comes to me asking for a cookie when Irina has already said no! Would you believe it – three years old and already playing us off each other!” Vlad laughed and it was clear to see how much he loved the child.

  Tatiana smiled - “Oh Vlad – that's just the beginning – you've a lot more coming my lad – a lot more!” Tatiana laughed and started to walk out - “Bye you two – Alex don't make me have to come and find out about the herbs! Let me know – ok?” she said and Alex just nodded her head. Tatiana may be a tiny fairy – not even four foot tall – but she was a force to be reckoned with – and for goodness sake don't make her mad!!

  Vlad was chuckling - “Jeez I bet you were a well behaved child – even I wouldn't cross her!” he said and then went back to his computer screen. His fingers flying over the keyboard at an impressive rate!

  Alex knew he was good – he had honed her hacking skills – but to be working with him and seeing him do what he was so damn good at – it was pretty amazing!

  Dmitri walked in - “There's something about the name – possibly Adam or Adams – not sure if its the boy's first or last name – but could be handy.” the large Russian told them.

  Both Vlad and Alex went back to the information they had and searched through it – there – one boy – first name Adam – same blood type – eureka! Alex yelled - “Yes!” and they all moved out of the room towards the conference room.

  Zach was still watching the screen – pausing, rewinding and playing parts over and over. Vlad spoke as they entered the room - “Think we've got him – there's a boy whose first name is Adam on the list so I think we need to get over there – it's a small town – so we should maybe split up when we get there. I'll get hire cars for us – all four of us will go – Zach you can move us – as soon as we're ready. Then we can get the cars – two in each – and head over to his house. I'm going to get as much info as I can on him – school, what sports he does and where – stuff like that – we need to get him in our sights and not lose him. Daniel will be coming for him soon.” Vlad finished and turned around and headed out again – Zach shouted - “Ok Vlad – let me know when the cars etc are ready – print out info on Adam and a picture if you can find one – two copies – so we've both got it.”