Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  “What's going on Dmitri? I thought you and Donna were getting on ok now? The tension in here is easy for anyone to feel.” Zach said and Dmitri looked up from his computer. Zach saw a host of emotions flit across the large man's face and then he closed it down – nothing showing.

  “Nothing.” Dmitri responded and Zach sat down on the edge of the desk. “Dmitri – you know you can talk to me – so please – what's up?” Zach said with compassion in his voice. Dmitri sighed heavily - “I don't know Zach. I've not even looked at a female for anything other than sex since my mate died. Donna – well – she gets under my skin – makes me feel things I don't want to feel. It makes me angry!” Dmitri confided and Zach realised what the problem was!

  Zach had to word his response delicately or he knew Dmitri would fly off the handle - “Ok – so you're attracted to her – not just for sex but actually attracted?” he asked and Dmitri nodded – his mouth set in a hard line. Zach continued - “Dmitri – you've been on your own a long time – I'm sure your mate, Ludmilla, well she wouldn't want you to be on your own forever. You've grieved for her enough – you deserve to be happy – and if you feel like this then maybe Donna is the person to help you, make you happy.” Zach said and Dmitri shook his head.

  “Zach – I promised when Ludmilla died that I would not take another mate – the pain was too much – I couldn't go through that again – I just couldn't.” Dmitri whispered. “I know my friend – when Alex nearly died after the birth – I was insane with grief – I understand – but how long has it been – over a hundred years? I think you should take a chance – you don't need to think of Donna as a mate, or even a prospective mate. What you can have is someone who is more than a sex buddy, a friend, I think she would be good for you – really I do.” Zach finished and waited to see what his friend would say.

  Dmitri looked at Zach - “I don't know Zach – maybe – I'll try and not be so gruff with her tho – ok?” Dmitri answered and Zach nodded - “Ok – take things slow – see how it goes – but Dmitri you can't punish Donna for the way she makes you feel. It's not her fault.” Zach admonished and Dmitri knew he was right. “I know – I'll try.” Dmitri said and then went back to working on his computer – as far as he was concerned the conversation was over!

  Donna had walked in and sat down in front of Alex - “Uhm Alex – I need to ask a favour.” she said and Alex nodded her head – motioning for her to continue. “I need some time off. I know I've just started and I'm sorry but mmm..... uhm...” Donna faltered and Alex spoke - “What's wrong Donna – come on out with it.” Alex told her and Donna continued – rushing her words trying to get it out before she died of embarrassment! “My breeding cycle is due – James and Lisa are taking the three younger kids away for a few days and Vlad has arranged for Finn to stay at the Guards Barracks and take part in some training to give him a taste of what it would be like. But I need to stay home.” Donna finished and her face was scarlet!

  Alex's thoughts were running through her head – Irina had explained about this time to her – usually a male would 'alleviate' the symptoms that shewolves went through at this time. Usually a mate – Vlad would take time off to spend with Irina at this time – but she hadn't thought on what Donna had been doing for the past three years!

  “Donna – how have you dealt with this in the past few years? Do you have someone that comes to – you know – 'help' you?” Alex asked and Donna was even redder – and shaking her head. “Uhm No Alex – I've only ever been with Kade, my mate, and since I came here – well Lisa takes the kids and I stay indoors. David's been great – he's a good Doctor – so he gives me strong painkillers for the uhm.... discomfort ….. and they make me sleepy – I just muddle through.” Donna finished and Alex gasped – Irina had told her just how bad the breeding cycle could be – and she realised that Donna had been suffering alone all this time.

  She looked at the wolf and saw that Donna couldn't even look her in the eyes - “It's ok Donna – Irina has explained this to me – I'm amazed tho that you've suffered this alone. Of course you can have the time off – when would you like to finish?” Alex asked and she saw Donna relax - “Uhm – I'm really sorry – but could today be my last day for a week – I promise I'll make up for it. I'll come in early or work late when I can.” Donna spoke quietly – obviously still embarrassed.

  Alex laughed - “Don't be silly – Donna you've only been with us for a short time and you have already made a great difference to our workload. This is not something to worry about – finish up early today – go home see the kids and then we'll see you as soon as you can make it back. Don't worry – honestly.” Alex told her and Donna nodded - “Thank you Alex – I'll phone when it's over and I'll get back as soon as I can.” Donna said as she stood up and moved back towards her own office.

  Zach walked back in just as Donna was leaving and she was glad he hadn't been in the room! Jeez that would've been very awkward!

  When she went back to her desk she saw Dmitri wasn't sending off the vibes he had been earlier – she had felt very uncomfortable as it was obvious he didn't want to talk to her and she didn't know what she had done! The large Russian looked up and gave a tentative smile which she returned with a warm smile of her own. Good – she had dreaded working the day in a room full of tension!

  As she sat down her wolf was pacing back and forth – desperate for Dmitri to touch her and once more she blushed! Must be the start of her breeding cycle, she told herself, her wolf disagreed! Vehemently!

  Alex told Zach about Donna having to take time off and at first he was annoyed – she had just started! When Alex told him why, he felt foolish – of course she needed the time off and it wasn't her fault of the timing of the cycle! Tho a thought popped into his head?! No – he pushed it aside and told himself to forget it!

  Both of them worked for a while – going through things and setting up meetings and conference calls – there was still a lot of work to do! Alex noticed the time and realised that she had to leave. Irina was expecting her. She jumped up and grabbed the toy and waved goodbye to Zach as she half ran out of the office. She made it to Irina's house only a few minutes late!

  Tatya screamed as soon as she saw the toy and Alex giggled – switching it on – it danced and sang and Tatya couldn't get enough. As soon as she saw where Alex had switched it on she started to do it herself – very soon it was annoying and Irina scowled. “Do you know how annoying that's going to be after a few hours?” she whined and Alex nodded.

  “Yup – but if she uses it a lot the batteries will run out – just don't put new ones in.” Alex advised and Irina smiled a little - “That might work – tho I'm sure if she asks Vlad he'll put new ones in – he can't say no to her!” Irina's tone was one of frustration! Alex knew that Vlad adored Tatya – even tho he wasn't the biological father – he completely and utterly loved the little girl and it was lovely to see.

  Irina got the coffee ready and they sat down in the kitchen – leaving Tatya in the living room with the loud toy! Alex had missed this – just sitting and chatting with her friend! Her and Zach were so busy lately that they hadn't really had time for social calls and Alex realised just how much she missed seeing Irina. The wolf always made her smile and laugh – sometimes so hard she had tears running down her face!

  Seeing her with Tatya always made her sad and happy – she wished she had been able to bring up her own babies – but seeing how great a mother Irina was and how much she loved her little girl made anyone who saw them feel happy. Alex relaxed back into the stool and decided she wasn't going to rush back to work – she was going to sit and enjoy some time with her friend.

  Irina was doing her usual in a conversation – starting about one thing and jumping to another – sometimes it was very hard to follow what she was saying! “So Vlad has told me all about this fight that Thadius is going to have with Daniel. I'm a bit worried – Thadius has been working for the Council for decades – and I've never seen him train �
� or even go for a run. Do you think he's fit enough for this. Jeez Alex it would kill Tatiana if anything happened to him.” Irina said softly and Alex answered immediately.

  “Oh don't you worry – we had the same thoughts and Zach took him out to the playing fields for a 'training session' – trust me when I say Thadius is more than a match for Daniel.” she spoke forcefully – and Irina's eyes opened wide - “Really? Zach and Thadius? Now I would've paid to see that!” the wolf said excited! “Hey Irina – that's my husband you're talking about!” Alex commented and gave Irina a light punch on the arm.

  Irina did her giggle again – it was a sound that always brought a smile to Alex's face - “I know but Alex – come on – Zach is hot! Seeing him doing a session with Thadius – well I bet you had a 'nice' time afterwards!” Alex blushed at Irina's words – as soon as Irina saw the blush she squealed - “I knew it! You did – didn't you!” she asked Alex – Alex nodded and then burst out laughing!

  “Oh did we – I very nearly sent Thadius a Thank You card!” she said and Irina started laughing – a full bodied laugh this time – very soon both of them had tears in their eyes and Tatya came through – looking from one to another. “You're silly!” the little girl said and that made them laugh all the more!

  Too soon Alex realised she better get back – she had stayed at Irina's for a lot longer than she had planned. There was just so much to catch up on and Irina even knew about Donna – she had made sure Alex knew just how difficult it must be for the woman. Irina was in awe that Donna managed to get through it without grabbing the first man to walk past her house!

  She also confirmed what Alex knew – that it was painful if they didn't get 'release' and both of them thought a lot more of Donna. She had never once complained to anyone about it – never looking for a man to help her through the cycle – she was one strong cookie! Alex made a note to call Donna in a day or two – just make sure she was ok – it was the least she could do.

  *****

  The kids didn't come for dinner that night – in fact they weren't to be found and both Zach and Alex worried. Where were they? Were they ok? On a hunt?

  They didn't know and Alex especially got more and more worried. It was late in the evening before they heard a knock at the door – Zach answered and the twins were there. Dishevelled and dirty!

  Zach ushered them in as Conall spoke - “So we took your advice and came to the door this time – hope that's ok? It's not too late is it?” their son asked and Zach assured them it was fine.

  As soon as Alex saw them she jumped up - “What on earth's happened – are you ok?” she asked – Lexi did that smile again - “We're fine mum – just on a hunt – got the bugger too!” she told her parents and Alex made her sit down.

  “So you're sure you're both ok? No injuries? Do you want something?” Alex rattled off and Conall answered - “We're …..” and before he could finish both Zach and Alex shouted - “Starving!” and Conall had a sheepish look on his face! “Yea – not had time to do any of that grocery shopping. In fact we'll probably need your help with that – we're not sure what to buy or what to do with it once we buy it!” he advised and Zach nodded – of course they wouldn't, they had never done it before.

  Zach moved into the kitchen - “I'll get something for you both – and I'll take you grocery shopping tomorrow. We're having a day off – what with the fight and such we decided to take a holiday.” he told them and Lexi jumped up – following her father into the kitchen. She picked up an apple and started to eat – she was ravenous!

  “So dad – this fight – what did this Daniel guy actually do to warrant something like this? I take it that it's rare? A fight to the death?” she asked and Zach frowned – he didn't like being reminded of what Daniel had done – when he was, he saw that little girl lying prone with blood on her!

  Alex and Conall had followed them into the kitchen and she told them all that had happened. Both of the twins were shocked - “He was taking organs – and then leaving folk to die – he raped a little girl? What kind of animal is he?!” Lexi was angry – her words firing from her mouth like a gun shooting bullets!

  “Yes he did all of that plus torture his mate and make her help him. It's the little girl that gets to me tho – she won't be able to have any children of her own when she grows up – he damaged her insides very badly! That's if she ever recovers mentally from what he did – it's possible she won't ever let a man touch her!” Alex replied and Conall did a noise deep down in his throat – one that Alex knew very well!

  It was the exact same noise that Zach did when he was very very angry! Something like a growl but more primitive!

  “Mum, dad, I think we should help you in your work – we would both like to help – and maybe get some kind of salary? Then we can pay our own way.” Conall said and Lexi was nodding her head in agreement.

  Zach placed a plate of sandwiches in front of them – along with some cans of cola – and they tore into the food. “Mmm these are great dad!” Lexi spoke round a mouthful of sandwich - “Don't talk with your mouth full.” her mother admonished and Lexi looked at her - “Why?” she asked and Alex's mouth fell open.

  “Well it's bad manners honey – weren't you taught that?” Alex asked and Lexi and Conall shook their heads - “Nope – sorry – so it's bad manners to talk if you're eating?” Conall asked. Zach took over - “Not if you've not got a mouthful of food – it's ok to talk at a meal – just between mouthfuls – it's not very pretty to see a mouth full of half chewed food.” he advised and the twins nodded.

  Lexi swallowed what she had in her mouth and then spoke - “Ok – good to know!” she said and Alex was glad she hadn't upset them. It had just popped out of her mouth – it was the way she had been brought up and could still remember her mother giving her into trouble for it!

  Zach was curious about the 'hunt' they had just been on - “So tell us what happened tonight – how you knew there was a Fallen on earth, how do you track them, how do you tackle them – all of it.” he asked and Conall nodded at Lexi - “Ok – well we can both sense them when they come here – when we do we move – usually very close to them. It gives us an advantage of surprise – they never expect us! Then we take in the situation – usually about a second – then deal with it. Sometimes there are humans involved – usually females – for well – you know what! We need to make sure they're not hurt. Conall attacks a second before me – his strength is immense – and then I follow up with my 'magic touch' – usually that's all it takes. Sometimes it can go into a full blown fight – like tonight – both of us got thrown around a bit – but we don't feel it. We heal almost immediately and have a very high tolerance for pain! We've never lost one tho – as long as one of us is in touch with them they can't move back to the realm they came from. So it's not as hard as you might think.” she finished with a big smile – Zach was frowning tho!

  “Still sounds dangerous to me.” he said and Conall placed a hand on his father's arm - “It would be for anyone but us dad – but we know what we're doing. We kinda like it – the adrenaline pumping through our system – well it's exhilarating!” he finished and Alex knew exactly what her son meant. It was something that she enjoyed too – on a mission – and usually resulted in great sex with Zach afterwards!

  “MUM!” both the twins shouted and Zach laughed - “Ok I'm really going to have to teach you two how to block – especially around your mother! She has a tendency to have dirty thoughts a lot!” he told them and Alex blushed!

  She was so not used to anyone but Zach being inside her mind – she would have to try harder to remember – she could place a block up when they were around! Tho that would mean Zach was blocked too and she never liked that!

  Chapter 12

  The next day was the day of the fight and Alex woke in Zach's arms and her thoughts went immediately to Thadius. She hoped that he didn't get hurt! She had gotten very close to him over the past few years and he was like a father figure to
her. He was also Tatiana's mate and she dreaded to think what would happen if he was badly hurt!

  Alex knew that Tatiana was a strong fairy – with powers and spells that none of them could comprehend. She hoped that Tatiana was going to be ok with this. Alex knew she would have to help the fairy – she knew Tatiana would do the same for her.

  Zach awoke and could feel the turmoil in his mate - “It's ok Alex – I'm sure Thadius will be more than a match for Daniel.” he spoke softly, calmly, hoping to soothe her. Alex moved her head and smiled up at his face - “I know Zach – can't help worrying tho.” and Zach cuddled her close. “I know meine Kleine – just one of the reasons I love you. Come on we'll have a shower then we need to go grocery shopping with the twins.” and the slight upturn of his mouth on one side gave Alex an inclination of what he meant with regard to the 'shower'!

  After their 'shower' Alex felt a lot more relaxed and her and Zach made their way over to pick the twins up. Both were standing outside waiting on them – they must've sensed them coming!

  The grocery shopping was quite an eye opening experience! Neither of the twins had a clue – about anything! It was quite funny and they kept picking things up and asking what it was and what did you do with it!

  After quite some time they managed to get them the basics for breakfast and lunches. Tho they had to be told exactly what to do with everything. Down to putting cereal in a bowl and adding milk! Making a sandwich was also new to them and Zach was very tolerant as he explained everything. Alex was amazed at his patience – like teaching a baby or toddler a new skill.

  Once the explanations had been gone over and everything put in place in their apartment – showing that milk had to be kept in the fridge etc – Alex said they were going to head over to the playing fields. Where the fight was going to take place.