Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Nobody spoke – the journey to the airstrip was made in silence. Soon, Zach was pulling up close to the plane – Lisa was standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting on them.

  Zach got out and opened the side of the van nearest the plane – he reached in and grabbed Daniel – throwing him over his shoulder and carrying him up the stairs. Alex and Lisa both had to help Kate – she could barely walk and finally Alex picked her up also – it was a strange sight – the tiny woman carrying another as if she weighed no more than a bag of potatoes!

  Once Zach had deposited Daniel on a couch he went back and moved the van – leaving it in the car park. He walked back slowly – trying to calm himself – he dearly wanted to hurt Daniel – Zach kept seeing that little girl and what Daniel had done to her!

  However, Thadius had given explicit orders – he had said 'alive' so maybe he could hurt him just a bit? No – he knew if he started he wouldn't stop, best to just leave him be.

  When Zach got to the plane his phone rang - “Zach.” he said and Vlad spoke - “Ok we're in a taxi – be there soon – tell James to get ready.” and Vlad hung up – wasting no time in idle chat.

  Zach walked up the stairs and went into the cockpit – James was going over instruments and he turned to look at Zach. James could see and feel the anger in the ancient vampire and he hoped Zach could reign it in – bringing a dead body back to Thadius was not in the plan!

  Zach looked at his friend – the scars on his face not even seen – he had known James for a long long time and had been there when he had been blown up. Zach still marvelled at how he had survived. “Vlad and Dmitri will be here soon – he says to get the plane ready.” James nodded.

  James turned slightly and shouted over his shoulder - “Do the outside checks Lisa – we'll be going soon.” and both he and Zach heard Lisa saying “Ok” then James went on the radio advising that they would be taking off shortly. It was a small private airstrip – barely large enough to accommodate the jet's take off – but James was an excellent pilot and had taken off from worse strips. As it was private and quiet there was no problem with getting clearance straight away.

  Ten minutes later Vlad and Dmitri were walking towards them – their long strides eating up the tarmac. When they boarded Lisa pulled up the stairs and joined James in the cockpit.

  Everyone was seated – apart from Daniel who was lying on one of the sofas – and the tension could be cut with a knife. There were four very angry vampires – all wanting to hurt the animal that lay before them. Zach found he couldn't even look in Daniel's direction – every time he did he had to steel himself not to smash his face in!

  Dmitri was staring at Daniel and snarling and Vlad put a hand on his friend's arm - “Not now Dmitri – he'll get his punishment – don't worry.” The huge Russian just growled.

  Alex was sitting on the sofa opposite Daniel and Kate was half lying next to her. Once they were airborne Alex went and got a towel from one of the bedrooms to the rear of the plane. She wet it and brought it through – wiping Kate's face then trying to clean some of the wounds the silver had caused.

  Kate whimpered and Alex's face softened – poor wolf – she had suffered greatly at her mate's hands. Vlad came over and looked at the wounds – he was very adept at dealing with all kinds of injuries – but he thought it better to leave her until they got to Unity. The doctor at the Clinic would be able to help better than they could.

  Vlad stayed Alex's hand - “Leave them Alex – we'll get her to the Clinic and the Doc can help her. I don't think she's even got enough strength to change to wolf. If she had she would heal quicker – but she is so undernourished so I think it best we just keep her comfortable for now.” he said and Alex stopped trying to clean the puss and poison leaking from the wounds.

  Kate looked up - “I'm sorry Alex – I couldn't stop him – he kept me near and silvered – I couldn't even get to a phone. I'm so sorry for what he's done – for what he made me do!” and Kate starting crying again.

  Alex pushed some hair from Kate's face - “What did he make you do Kate?” Alex asked and Kate's eyes found hers again. “He used me to get those people – I had to make them come with me – obviously they saw I was hurt and wanted to help. Wolves will always want to help another wolf. God that mother and her children – it's my fault – all my fault!” and Kate started sobbing.

  Alex was shocked! She had wondered how Daniel had managed to get his hands on an entire family and now they knew!

  Kate started talking again - “I was going to kill myself – but he made sure I didn't get access to anything – no knives or even rope – I would've hanged myself but I didn't have anything to do it with. I'd decided that the next time he made me get anyone I was going to walk in front of a car or something – anything – to make sure he couldn't make me do those things!”

  Alex didn't know if she felt pity or anger for Kate – anger at her helping Daniel but pity for what he had done to her – she didn't know what she would've done in the circumstances. though Alex was pretty sure she wouldn't have helped – no matter the consequences.

  Vlad moved from beside Kate and took two steps to stand in front of Daniel - “Why Daniel?” he asked and Daniel sneered - “Why not? Do you know how much money can be made Vlad? No of course you don't – but it was lots – I would've had enough after that family and the boy today to disappear. So fuck you!” Daniel's voice was strange – his broken nose and other injuries causing him to speak funny.

  Vlad reached down and placed his hand over Daniel's nose and mouth – cutting off his airway! Daniel tried to struggle but couldn't – with his injuries and the silver he could only lay there as Vlad stared into his eyes.

  The look that Vlad had on his face scared Daniel shitless – he was sure he was going to die! Then he realised that death now would probably be better so he stopped even trying to struggle!

  Alex moved behind Vlad and placed a hand on his back – Vlad turned to look at her – and a second later Daniel was unconscious.

  Vlad released him and walked away - “I had to put him out – if not I think I would've killed him. What the fuck happened to him? He was a good Guard – until all that business with Kate getting sacked – and you getting pregnant Alex – shit he was one of my best men! How do you go from that to this?!” Vlad asked no one in particular and it was Zach that answered. “I've no idea Vlad – but something must've snapped in him – he lost everything and went rogue – that's all I have – sorry.” Zach finished and there was silence.

  There was nothing else to say.

  Chapter 7

  Everyone sat on the plane, not talking, lost in their own thoughts – none of them could come up with a reason for Daniel's behaviour. It was incomprehensible to all of them – hurting innocents – killing for organs – for money – none of them could understand!

  The flight was over soon – or so it seemed to them all – when they landed Daniel had regained consciousness but had remained quiet. James had radioed ahead and the doc was waiting with a small ambulance to take Kate. Then the rest of them filed down the stairs – Lisa and James watching Daniel with loathing in their eyes.

  James pulled Lisa to him, his arms embracing her, as he kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him - “Why James – why would he do those things?” she pleaded with tears in her eyes.

  They all knew the extent of Daniels depravity – including the rape of a small human child. James shook his head - “I've no idea honey – I really can't comprehend it – most of his victims were wolves too and that makes it all the worse!” he said and Lisa agreed - “I know – how could he hurt his own? How could he rape a child James – a little girl – I hope they hurt him real bad!” she spat out and James bent down and gave her a kiss.

  His wolf was hurting and upset – that always brought out his protective side - “I'm sure he'll get what's coming to him – though I can't wait to see what Thadius has up his sleeve.”

  Lisa s
miled - “Yea, I know, in the meantime – mate – can we finish up here and get home you need to take my mind off of that creep and I'm sure you've got another fantasy to fulfil!” and her look was naughty – very naughty indeed.

  James laughed – the sound going straight to Lisa's core – she loved when he laughed, “So have you decided on which one you want tonight – or shall I choose?” he asked her and Lisa cocked her head to the side – thinking.

  “Uhm – I think I'll let you choose – your imagination is a lot better than mine!” she said and laughed as she turned away to start checking the plane.

  James gave her ass a good swat and she jumped with a little scream. “That's just a taster my Wolf – I think your ass is going to get a good spanking when we get home!” his voice was now husky as he turned to go back into the cockpit to do the necessary after flight checks. A huge smile was now on both of their faces – and they hurried to get the work done so they could get home and 'play'!

  Zach was driving the large SUV – everyone was squashed in and they were headed to the HO – (Headquarters Offices) – when they parked the Guards on the doors straightened, just a bit, after all, Vlad was their boss!

  When they saw Daniel – both of the huge men looked at him with utter hatred – and their bodies tensed – obviously wanting to mete out some of their own justice. Vlad was in front - “At ease guys. Thadius wants him alive.” he told his men and they both took a small step back.

  Zach and Dmitri were pulling Daniel along and Alex was behind them. Everyone was anxious – Thadius had never asked for them to bring a prisoner straight here and they all wanted to know why?

  As they entered the building Alex once more marvelled at the beauty – every time she came something else would catch her eye, the place was gorgeous!

  There were a few people about and they all stopped to watch them proceed – looks of every emotion coming their way. Hate, loathing, disgust – they were all pointed straight at Daniel – who only sneered in return.

  As they neared the office doors Daniel slowed down – but Zach and Dmitri pulled him along – not giving him a choice to slow his steps.

  Vlad knocked the door and walked in – the rest following behind. Alex saw Tatiana in her usual place – curled up in the corner of the sofa – Thadius behind his desk. Paperwork strewn in front of him Thadius lifted his eyes and stood.

  Thadius was huge – a very old wolf – but still one of the most powerful beings Alex had came across. The look on his face scared even her – and the men all took a step away from Daniel – leaving him alone facing Thadius.

  Thadius looked at Daniel and the anger that was flowing through his body physically hurt. He had never done what he was about to do – but he had checked the Law and he was within his rights. He didn't think anybody in the room would be expecting what he was about to say.

  “So Daniel – they got you – have you anything to say?” Thadius asked – his tone was neutral – giving nothing away. Daniel shook his head - “Nope – you know what I've done and I don't give a fuck!” Daniel snarled and Thadius shook his head.

  “So you don't deny the charges? Any of them? Including the rape of a human child?” Thadius asked and Daniel stood there staring him down - “No Thadius – I don't refute anything so go fuck yourself!” Daniel said and then Thadius walked closer.

  “Ok Daniel – you have admitted your guilt. I have checked and double checked what I'm about to say and I'm well within my rights so listen up. You are obviously wounded – you will be kept in jail under Vlad's supervision for a few days – to let you heal and be fed. Then Daniel – you and I – we are going to have a challenge to the death!” Thadius finished and every single person in the room gasped – even Daniel!

  Tatiana jumped up - “Thadius – what are you talking about – no – you can't do that!” the fairy was upset and she couldn't believe what her mate was saying!

  They had met a few years ago when she had came to help Alex and had been together ever since – they were mates in every sense of the word but had just not had a formal announcement made. Now she heard her mate throwing down a challenge – a fight to the death! No – she couldn't allow that!

  Thadius looked over at Tatiana - “I'm sorry my little fairy but the decision has been made – nothing will stop this challenge from going ahead – not even you!” Thadius said and his tone was one of finality.

  Vlad looked aghast – surely this wasn't real – maybe Thadius was just trying to scare Daniel? Vlad stepped forward and stood at the side of the great wolf and whispered in his ear - “Thadius – is this for real?” and Thadius turned and looked him in the eyes - “Yes Vlad it is. I can and have dealt his punishment – if he survives he will go to jail – in my eyes that's a win win situation.” Thadius advised and then looked at Daniel again.

  Daniel was shocked – then he sneered – he was much younger than Thadius – stronger, faster – he could take him! “Ok Thadius, I think I may enjoy this!” Daniel said and Thadius turned back towards his desk - “Vlad get this ….. this..... thing... out of my office. Daniel – I'll see you in four days – on the playing fields – make sure you rest because you're going to need it!” Thadius informed and then sat back down and carried on with his paperwork – not even lifting his head to watch them leave.

  Alex was darting glances at Tatiana who was still standing in front of her sofa – a look of fear on her face. She didn't want to interfere – it was between Tatiana and Thadius – and to be honest she thought it was a strange thing for Thadius to have come up with. However, she thought Thadius was going to make mincemeat of Daniel – and she for one was going to watch every second of it! Alex gave Tatiana a small smile then walked out – following the rest. Zach and Dmitri dragging Daniel between them.

  As they moved down the large staircase Daniel was laughing - “He doesn't stand a chance – I'm young and strong – he's old and been behind a desk for far too many years!” he said and Dmitri gave him a shove – Daniel fell down the remaining stairs and Dmitri said - “Ooops sorry.” - in a tone that showed he was not sorry at all!

  Vlad moved and pulled Daniel up - “Ok I've got him – I'll take him over to our jail – get him ready. Must say I'm looking forward to this!” and he moved off in front of the rest of them – still standing on the stairs.

  Zach didn't know what to think – he thought Thadius would win but Daniel was right – Thadius had been behind a desk for many many years. Would he be fit enough to take the younger wolf? He knew Thadius was strong – he hoped he was strong enough.

  “Ok Dmitri can you go over to the offices and get Donna to get the report on this done – then you can take the rest of the day off. Alex and I are going home – I need a shower.” Zach said and took Alex's hand and moved forward - “Ok Zach.” Dmitri said and moved a little slower – he would need to go and talk to Donna – and he didn't know how he felt about that!

  Dmitri reached the office soon – he had ran – wanting to burn off the anger that had been building in him. He went into the building feeling a little more calm and his nervousness only came on as he entered his office.

  Donna was typing away at her computer – a pile of files next to her. She looked up at Dmitri - “Hi – I'm just finishing this one then I need to go pick up the boys – Finn's got something on so he can't get them today.” she said and Dmitri nodded. “Ok – but uhm Zach asked if you could do this one now but I'm sure it can wait til the morning.” he told her.

  She frowned - “Oh – but if he asked then maybe he wants me to do it now? What should I do?” she asked – not wanting to leave if Zach needed the report but needing to get the kids.

  Dmitri took his phone out and called Zach - “Zach – Donna was just going to leave and get the kids – can she do this one in the morning?” he asked and Zach groaned - “Shit – sorry I forgot the time – yea that's ok – as long as she does it first thing. Dmitri I'm going to be turning my phone off – Alex and I need some a
lone time so if it's an emergency call the landline ok?” Zach told his second in command.

  Dmitri smiled – knowing what Zach meant by 'alone time' but surprised that Zach was turning his phone off, he never did that! “Ok Zach no problem – see you tomorrow.” and he hung up turning to Donna. “Zach says sorry – he forgot the time – you can do it as long as it's the first thing you do in the morning – ok?” Dmitri said and Donna smiled, relieved. “Ok Dmitri – thanks.” she said.

  Dmitri's stomach clenched – there was that feeling again – she looked lovely and he wished he could just grasp her body to his!

  His anger tried to rear up but he fought it down – he told himself he was going to talk to her – about Finn of course! “So Donna – Finn has said he doesn't know whether he wants to go to college or stay and start training in the Guards?” he tried to sound friendly but wasn't sure if he had pulled it off!

  Donna looked startled – Dmitri hadn't spoke more than two words to her in nearly three years! “Oh uhm yea we've spoken but I'm unsure – it would depend if he would have a proper career in the Guards and I don't know much about them. What do you think Dmitri?” she asked the large Russian – she respected him as well as finding him attractive so would like his input.

  Dmitri looked thoughtful and moved to sit on the side of her desk - “Well he is doing real good in his training sessions with me – I think he would make a good Guard. He's intelligent too so he could certainly move up the ranks. There's a lot of work behind the scenes Donna – computer work is a large part of our work. There's also all the data collection – for security and also they help out the guys here. There is also the jail – it's never really busy there – but it still needs manned and that is a tricky job as it's Supers. There's the arsenal side of things too – procuring weapons and making sure everything is in working order. Vehicles too – we have mechanics for our vehicles – so there are loads of different jobs and chances for advancement.” Dmitri finished and Donna's mouth was hanging open. This was the most she had heard Dmitri say – ever.