Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Michael's head snapped back and he stood up – rubbing his jaw. Everyone else gasped and Lexi ran over - “Mother what do you think you're doing! Michael only did what he had to!” she shouted and Alex just shook her head.

  Michael's voice was restrained as he spoke, “It's ok Lexi – I'll give her that one – only that one though so be warned vampire!” the Angel retorted.

  Conall was now laughing - “Jeez – I can see where Lexi gets her temper from now!” and Zach joined his son in laughing! Alex and Lexi frowning at both of them.

  At that moment Zach lifted his head - “I think Tatiana's here.” he said and at the same time the front door was pushed open – no knocking – just forcefully opened, by Thadius obviously. Tatiana came running into the kitchen but stopped when she saw firstly Michael then the twins. Conall and Zach still with large smiles on their faces – from their laughter. “Oh dear lord. It's true!” she squealed and ran over – trying hard to cuddle everyone at once. Thadius was in the doorway - “Hells bells!” he said – shock in his voice clear for them to hear.

  Tatiana was speechless – something neither Alex nor Thadius had come across before

  Thadius was the one to speak - “So what in hells name is going on? Is this really Conall and Lexi? Michael – I take it you had a hand in all this?” he looked pointedly at the Angel.

  Zach got up and went over to Thadius - “I think we both deserve a Scotch – what do you say?” he asked the large wolf. Thadius nodded and Zach got them two large glasses of his best whisky. Once they had taken a few sips Thadius spoke again - “So who's going to fill me in?” he asked and then there was a cacophony of voices as everyone spoke at once.

  Thadius held up a hand - “Stop! One at a time please!” he implored. Conall took over – gave him a concise version and Thadius did his usual harrumph in places and even a few 'bugger me's' in others. Especially when Zach interrupted and said that the twins could fly! At that Tatiana shouted - “No – really?!” and Conall and Lexi nodded.

  The talking went on into the night – they had went back to the living room and everyone was made comfy before they started. Once they did the conversation was flowing – nobody realised for how long – then Tatiana yawned.

  Thadius immediately looked at the time - “Dear lord it's four in the morning – come Tatiana I'll get you home to bed. Zach – I'll have to report to the rest of the Council and to say they will be shocked is putting it mildly. I'll also get onto an apartment for the twins. Though to be honest the only ones available are where the unmated Guards are housed. There are a couple of two bedroom ones there – we'll sort it out. Even if we have to move some folks around. I'm sure Vlad will get it done first thing – when he finds out that is.” Thadius finished and both he and Tatiana said goodbye and Thadius took his fairy home.

  Michael had stayed in the background all evening but now he stepped forward - “Ok you two I'll take you back and bring you down tomorrow – after you have both had a good rest.....” Alex jumped up - “NO – you can't take them away – NO – I won't let you!” and her voice was near breaking.

  Zach came over and held her tight – Lexi coming to stand in front of her - “It's ok – I promise we'll be back later today – it's our time to return here so don't worry. Ok?” Lexi advised in a soft calm voice. Alex was still worried - “What if something happens and you don't come back? It would kill me Lexi – I can't lose you a second time – I just can't.” Alex cried and Lexi tried to allay her mother's fears. “That's not going to happen – trust me – please?” she asked and her mother nodded once.

  Zach had a lump in his throat - “Make sure you keep them safe Angel.” he said to Michael and the way in which he said Angel no longer held the contempt it used to. Michael noticed and inclined his head in acknowledgement - “I will – don't worry – they'll be back soon.” and at that the three of them disappeared.

  Alex cried and turned round to grasp Zach's shirt, his arms encircled his mate and he held her close. “I don't think I'll sleep tonight Zach.” she told him and he answered - “Indeed!” and she laughed - “Another one for the box vampire!” and he rubbed her back - “Yes meine Kleine – it is.”

  They moved to the sofa and lay down on it together – both were quiet – the events of the past few hours running through their minds. Soon, however, both Zach and Alex felt as if a warm hand was on the top of their heads – just as they felt it their eyes closed and both fell into a dreamless sleep.

  Chapter 9

  Loud knocking woke both Alex and Zach up – Zach jumped up and over Alex landing squarely on the floor in a fighting stance. He then realised it was late morning and the knocking was at the front door.

  He shook his head to clear it and walked out to the hall – the knocking continued with a voice joining it - “Zach – open up – come on open the door!” - it was Vlad! Alex stayed on the sofa – although she sat up – trying to make herself shake off the sleepiness – she hadn't slept like that since the babies had been taken!

  Zach opened the door and Vlad and Irina swept in – Tatya in Irina's arms. The child was smiling, as usual, and put her arms out to Zach. Zach took her from her mother and threw her up in the air – Tatya squealing in delight – shouting - “Again again!” Zach did it one more time then followed Vlad and Irina into the living room.

  Vlad was pacing back and forth and Irina was doing the little jump in place she did when excited. “Is it true? Are the babies back?” Irina gasped and Alex smiled – she always smiled when Irina was about!

  “Well sort of – they appeared yesterday with Michael but ….” Vlad interrupted Alex - “That's bloody great news – I was beginning to think they would never come back!” he said and Zach spoke - “I know but it's not as simple as that – they're not babies or even toddlers – they're full grown.” Zach told their friends.

  Irina gasped - “No – really? How is that possible?” she asked and Alex took over - “They were in some other realm where apparently time doesn't work the same as here. They are now twenty one.” Alex advised.

  Vlad was shaking his head - “That's what I thought Thadius had said but I was sure he had got it wrong. Christ – that must've been strange – what do they look like? How are they? Why was Michael with them?” Vlad fired off the questions.

  Zach laughed - “Slow down Vlad – we've just woken up – let me at least get some coffee.” Zach moved towards the kitchen – passing Tatya back to her mother. The toddler wasn't happy – she preferred Uncle Zach!

  They all moved to the kitchen and Zach got the coffee machine on – and a cookie for Tatya! “So tell me – Thadius was saying something about an apartment and some other stuff that didn't make sense – such as special abilities – being wolf and vampire and more?” Vlad asked and Zach nodded. “Yea Conall has the abilities of a vamp but doesn't need blood – he's also got the abilities of a wolf plus a host of others. Lexi is some sort of master witch and also wolf and she is very strong as is Conall – but she has this ability to heal just by touch – to be honest it's quite scary the extent of their powers. Michael and some of his brothers were the ones to watch them and teach them – they both seem very close to him.” Zach finished with a grimace – the thought of Michael being closer to his children than him irked him – a lot!

  “Dear lord – this is all very weird!” Irina exclaimed and Alex agreed - “Yes it is – we are still trying to get our heads round it all.” she said. “So where are they? Can we meet them?” Vlad asked and Zach frowned - “Well Michael took them with him – saying he would bring them back......” and before Zach finished there was a bright light from the living room and Alex moved – quickly in that direction.

  There they were – both of them – with Michael standing behind them. Lexi moved and gave her mother a hug and Conall stood smiling - “Told you we would be back.” Conall said and Alex had tears running down her face - “I know you did but I was scared you wouldn't.” she said.

  Le
xi smiled down at her mother - “So did you get a good rest?” she asked with a knowing look on her face. Zach was behind Alex and he looked at his daughter - “Was that you?” he asked and she nodded - “Yes – I could feel the tension in both of you so thought I would help you get some rest. It was nothing, really.” Lexi said.

  Alex looked at her - “But we didn't see you – only felt something just before we both conked out!” Alex said surprised - “I know – we can do that – be somewhere but not really be there – it's hard to explain.” Lexi advised and Irina let out a gasp!

  Vlad and Irina were right behind Zach watching what was going on and looking at these two people. They had looked after them for a short while immediately after their birth – but both could see the babies in these two adults standing before them.

  Zach moved further into the living room, allowing Vlad and Irina to follow him in. Lexi gave a huge smile - “Vlad, Irina – it's so nice to see you – we're both very grateful for you looking after us and we look forward to getting to know you both better.” Lexi said and Vlad nodded while Irina started to cry quietly.

  The emotions were running through her in a jumble – she was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that they were here but sad that Zach and Alex had basically not had the chance to raise their own babies. Irina grasped Tatya tightly to her – glad she had her little one in her arms.

  Tatya was squirming and shouting - “Wings mommy Wings!” as she pointed to Michael! Michael smiled at the child and Tatya laughed – Michael let his wings out, just a little and wiggled them slightly and Tatya went wild! When Michael stopped and pulled his wings tight against his back again she pouted like only a three year old could!

  There was another very loud knocking at the door – Zach moved to answer it. As soon as the door was open slightly it was pushed open and Dmitri stormed in. “Zach – I've just been told the strangest thing......” he started and Zach pushed his friend towards the living room. “I know Dmitri and it's true – they're in the living room.” Zach told the large Russian.

  As soon as Dmitri saw them he moved forward taking both into a bear hug! He had been close to them after they were born and had suffered greatly when they disappeared. Lexi was laughing - “Dmitri – stop – I can't breathe!” she squawked!

  Dmitri loosened his grip and the twins moved away slightly. “You're here – you need to stay – no disappearing again!” Dmitri admonished and both of the twins just nodded - “We know Dmitri – hopefully Vlad will have an apartment for us today so we'll be staying.” Conall informed the large man.

  “Good – Vlad?” Dmitri looked at Vlad who spoke - “Yes I've already got it organised. It will be ready in an hour or so – it's in the Guards barracks – so you'll be close Dmitri.” Vlad finished and Dmitri's face lit up in a huge smile, he had a small house right next to the barracks! Irina was amazed at the difference a smile did to the vamps face – he was really quite handsome!

  “So, mom, we're hungry again! Can we go get something to eat – a brunch? We might as well go when all of you are with us for the first time. Get all the staring over and one with.” Lexi spoke – both her and Conall still smiling.

  This was exciting for them both – they had only had several short trips back down onto earth – on training missions. To be here for good now – well both of them could hardly contain themselves.

  Zach agreed - “That's a good idea – Vlad, Dmitri – you come too – Irina, what about you?” he asked and Irina shook her head - “Sorry – I've got to get to work – but next time for sure.” she said. Lexi and Conall moved as one and gave her a hug – the feeling of calmness that enveloped Irina was strange but welcome. Even Tatya stopped struggling and whining!

  Irina moved towards the door - “Ok I'm late I need to go – see you all soon.” she said and waved. Vlad moved quickly - “Hey little wolf – where's my kiss?” he asked his mate and she blushed – but let him pull her to him and he kissed her deeply! Tatya started squirming - “Mine mine!” she yelled and Vlad placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before releasing Irina who continued on and out of the door.

  They went in two cars – Vlad going with Dmitri and the twins going with their parents. Michael disappeared and hadn't said where he was going – the twins didn't seem bothered at all.

  In the short journey over to the diner Alex became nervous – how would people react? Zach placed a hand on her knee sending a thought to her – 'It's ok little one – it'll be fine. Remember – we've still got unfinished business from last night!' and he smiled at her. Her reaction was instant and she felt herself getting aroused.

  There were loud coughs coming from the back seat and Alex turned round to look at the twins who both looked more than a little embarrassed!?

  A thought crossed Alex's mind but she pushed it away – surely not?!

  Lexi nodded - “Mmmm think this would be a good time to let you know we can hear thoughts. So maybe a bit of discretion when we're around folks!” Lexi said and Alex's face went scarlet – Zach replied - “Indeed!” and Alex pinched him - “That's another one Zach – that box is going to be full real soon!” she said and he totally ignored her so she pinched him again. This time he looked over and gave her 'that' smile – the one that turned her legs to jelly - “No fair vampire!” Alex whispered and Zach threw his head back and laughed!

  They parked in front of the diner they used most often and all got out – Vlad and Dmitri right behind them. There were several people on the street and all stopped and stared. Conall and Lexi took it in their stride – going so far as to wave to a few of the more blatant starers!

  Alex was amazed at how calm they were – when she had fallen pregnant with them – an impossibility – she had hated being stared at! Lexi almost danced into the diner with a huge smile on her face – her friendliness was evident for everyone to see. Conall was more reserved and walked beside Alex – a slight smile on his face.

  Zach walked to their usual booth and it was free – they all squeezed in and their usual waitress was over before all their behinds had sat down! “Hi all – how are you today?” she asked and Zach introduced her - “Hi – this is Lexi and Conall – they're really hungry.” he said – keeping it simple – letting her know who they were but no further information.

  Her eyes went wide - “Uh Hi – well if you're hungry this is the best place to eat.” she said smiling and they placed their order. Coffee for the four vampires and the twins had a huge order of food.

  Vlad started the conversation - “So you two – want to fill us in on everything?” he asked the twins. Both nodded and they started to talk – first one then the other – they had a knack of stopping mid sentence and the other would carry on – it was quite disconcerting. By the time the food came and was eaten Vlad and Dmitri were told everything – or just about.

  Conall carried on - “So we're here to continue what we've started – we need to find these Fallen Ones and deal with them.” he said and Dmitri queried - “What or who are Fallen Ones?” his eyebrow was raised and Lexi took over – telling them everything they knew about them. More information than what had been told the day before so some of it was new to Zach and Alex too.

  It all sounded rather dangerous – these Fallen Ones were very powerful and Alex voiced her fears. Conall acknowledged her fear - “I know – we have to be very careful but Lexi has a secret weapon.” he said conspiratorially and Lexi snorted - “Yea you could say that.” she laughed.

  Zach wanted to know what that exactly meant - “Go on – show them.” Conall egged his sister on. “I'm not sure Conall – I don't want to hurt anyone.” she replied and her brother gave her a dig in the ribs - “You don't need to really hurt anyone – Dmitri's a big strong vamp – do a teeny demo on him.” Conall finished while smiling over at Dmitri.

  Dmitri felt a little nervous – how could that small female hurt him? “Ok.” Lexi said and placed her hand very lightly on Dmitri's arm – Dmitri immediately felt intense pain
where her hand was in contact with him - “Fuck! What the hell was that!?” he blurted – Lexi pulled her hand away - “That was my mildest level – I can inflict pain as easily as I can give healing – as long as I can touch someone with my hands – well they're going down. If I use more power it's deadly.” she spoke in a relaxed manner as if she was talking about the weather!

  Zach, Vlad, Dmitri and Alex all looked in awe at the girl - “Well I guess we don't need to worry about you two as much as I had at first thought.” Alex said and Conall answered - “Mom – I told you – we are powerful and we have been very well trained. We've already done a couple of missions – successfully – so please don't worry.” her son seemed sure of himself – not cocky in any way – but in a quiet manner – confident in their abilities.

  Lexi concurred - “Conall's right – although the hunting can be dangerous we do it in a controlled manner – everything is organised down to the minutest detail – we are a good tag team – we are both strong but together we are a force that's never before been on earth. Now – where can a girl do some shopping around here?” Lexi quipped and Alex laughed - “Now I know you're my daughter!” she said.

  After the diner they split up – Alex and Lexi going to do some girly shopping and Zach took Conall, Vlad and Dmitri – out to the wooded area on the outskirts of the town. He wanted Conall to demonstrate some of his abilities – he wanted to be sure his son was as powerful as he claimed. One way to do that was with three powerful vamps!

  Julia smiled broadly as Alex entered her clothing shop - “Alex – so nice to see you – it's been a while.” Julia greeted Alex and then she saw Lexi - “And who is this gorgeous girl you've got with you?” Julia asked.

  Alex took a deep breath - “Julia – this is Lexi – my daughter.” she said and saw Julia's eyes go as large as saucers in her face! “Lexi – as in one of the twins?” Julia breathed. “Yes Julia – very long story – short version – they've been in another place, time's different, hence they are now adults.” Alex got out – she knew if Julia had some facts then the information would get out and about – so less times she would have to explain!