Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Lexi nodded and spoke, with a slight smile - “Oh I think we'll go on our own – we want a good spot to watch.” and Alex and Zach saw the smirk on Conall's face?!

  “Ok well we'll see you later than.” Alex said and Zach and her left – Alex's nerves coming on again as the time drew near.

  *****

  Tatiana was pacing back and forth in the lounge area – her senses heightened to an extent it was uncomfortable!

  Thadius was trying his hardest to calm his fairy but she was having none of it!

  “No Thadius – I know why you feel the need to do this but I can't help worry – how you can tell me not to is beyond me! I can't bear the thought of you being hurt my wolf!” she implored and Thadius took a deep breath, trying to remain calm! Did Tatiana not understand he HAD to do this!

  “Tatiana – please – I need to leave now – I AM leaving now – this is not something I can shirk! The Council is losing ground to all these rogues – we HAVE to send a message. One that cannot be misinterpreted – one that tells these wrongdoers – if you commit a heinous crime there will be consequences – severe consequences!” Thadius finished by walking over and pulling the tiny fairy to his vast body and placing a kiss on her head, then he turned and walked out. Leaving Tatiana standing with tears in her eyes.

  It hurt Thadius that Tatiana was in pain – emotional or physical he wasn't sure – only that he could sense it in her. BUT he had no choice – this was something that had to be done – so he walked out and made his way to the playing fields.

  Tatiana paced back and forth some more before making the decision to go and watch. She had said she wouldn't go – refused to in fact. Now tho – with Thadius leaving – she couldn't stay in their rooms. She had to be there for her wolf – whether she was worried or not.

  *****

  When Alex and Zach arrived at the playing fields there was nowhere left to park. They had to park some distance away and walk – the amount of people who had turned out was huge. The noise of the crowd meeting their ears long before they saw them. Alex knew it would be busy – she just didn't think it would be this busy!

  Jeez, it looked like everyone in the town was here.

  As they made their way through the crowd Zach spotted James and Lisa and moved towards them. As Lisa saw them her smile lit up her face - “Hi you two – gosh isn't this weird – look at everybody that's here! I hope Thadius is going to be ok.” she finished with a worried look crossing her features.

  James pulled her closer - “I'm sure he'll be fine.” he said and Zach agreed - “Yes Lisa – he's a strong wolf – I'm sure he'll be ok.” Lisa nodded as if trying to convince herself.

  Alex spoke next - “Anyway are you two not supposed to be away with the kids?” and James smiled as he spoke - “Yea but after this came up we weren't going anywhere until it was over – the kids are back home watching videos. Didn't think it was something they should see – tho both Declan and Annemarie wanted to come! I think Finn's around here somewhere tho. We'll leave as soon as this is over – a nice cabin in the wild! Get some fishing done and all that manly outdoor stuff!” James' tone told a lot about what he felt about 'manly outdoor stuff' and Zach laughed!

  “At least it's got all mod cons – and a large hot tub out back!” Lisa added and Alex just smiled – she couldn't picture James sitting with a fishing pole in his hands!

  “Ok – well enjoy and see you when you get back. I'm going to phone Donna tomorrow to check she's ok.” Alex told Lisa who seemed relieved. “Thanks Alex – I always worry about her on her own at this time.” Lisa replied and Zach made a weird 'humphing' noise which both of them caught but didn't know what it meant.

  Alex tried to see what Zach's noise had meant in his mind but he had cut it off – just enough so she couldn't make it out. Weird, she thought.

  “Anyway – we're away to find Tatiana and Vlad.” said Alex and her and Zach moved on.

  After searching for about ten minutes Zach saw Dmitri – the large Russian a full head taller than even most of the Guards – and they made their way over.

  When they got to them they saw Vlad next to him and David, the Doctor, standing at the side of them – with his Doctor's bag in his hands.

  David looked very nervous and seemed upset – he looked as if he would rather be anywhere than here waiting on a fight between two wolves!

  Tatiana was next to David – tho they didn't see her until they got closer. When they did Alex moved close and placed an arm around her shoulders. The tiny fairy leant into her and she was shaking!

  “I'm scared Alex – if that Daniel hurts Thadius I'm scared what I'll do!” her voice was filled with such fear that it tore at Alex's heart! Before Alex could say anything Zach spoke “Don't worry Tatiana – Thadius will be fine.” he said and Alex smiled a 'thank you' to him, knowing that his words should hopefully help.

  Alex stayed close to Tatiana and Zach moved a step over to Vlad and Dmitri. “Shit Zach – look at all these people!” Vlad said and Zach could only nod - “I know – everyone is here I think – apart from some females and kids that is.” and Dmitri snorted - “Yea we all want to see Daniel getting what he deserves, that's why!” and Zach didn't even answer – he knew that it was true.

  The next moment there was a rumbling from the crowd and they could see why – Thadius was making his way onto the field. A cheer went up and Alex felt Tatiana shaking all the more and Alex saw her hands starting to move. Alex grabbed them in her own and stilled the movements – knowing that Tatiana was starting a spell.

  Tatiana looked up at her and Alex shook her head - “No Tatiana – you can't – you know you can't.” she said and the fairy only looked back out at her mate. Fear was leaking from her pores and Alex could scent it clearly.

  From the opposite end of the field two large Guards brought Daniel – who was walking as if he owned the place! Daniel's demeanour was one of cockiness and he had a smirk on his face which angered just about everyone present!

  Once they came face to face Thadius said nothing – not a word – he only nodded his head to the Guards to let them know to leave. Daniel actually laughed – and then both started circling each other.

  Thadius growled low in his throat and it was so loud that most in the crowd heard it. Daniel laughed once more and changed – quickly – and leapt at Thadius!

  Thadius was a few seconds too late changing and Daniel's wolf landed a huge paw across his chest – raking it with it's enormous claws! Thadius roared and changed and just about everyone gasped – his wolf was extremely large – and powerful – and just plain deadly!

  Daniel sensed the danger from this beast and darted away – trying to circle and attack from behind. Thadius didn't allow it to happen tho – and met every dart, every pass, with a swipe of his own colossal paws and his large jaws missed by mere millimetres more than once.

  Soon the fight got down and dirty – each wolf inflicting injuries to the other. The smell of blood was ripe in the air and Alex saw Tatiana's hands starting to move once more!

  “No! Tatiana stop it – now – or I'll get one of the men to take you away!” Alex spoke firmly and the fairy was surprised at the tone! “Alex I can't bear to see him getting hurt!” Tatiana implored and Alex nodded her head. “I know Tatiana but you can't interfere – really – you just can't!” Alex told her and Tatiana bowed her head – not being able to watch!

  Alex could understand how Tatiana was feeling and she felt sorry for the pain the fairy was so obviously in – but she also could not allow her to interfere with a spell! She hugged her closer and then continued to watch the fight.

  Both wolves were tiring – the fight had lasted much longer than a normal fight between wolves would and both were hurt. Being quite a distance away Alex couldn't figure out who was most hurt tho and that was making her very anxious indeed.

  Zach's hand touched her back – rubbing gently – and she knew he had felt her nerves. She smiled quickly up at him
and then her eyes were pulled back to the battle in front of them.

  There was no noise from the crowd – none at all – complete silence was all around and the only sounds came from the two wolves. Sounds that made Alex's skin crawl – shit she hoped Thadius could win this!

  Zach's body stilled and Alex knew why – Thadius was limping badly and Daniel looked as if he was going in for the kill. No no no – please no! Alex was pleading in her head and Zach's arm progressed to encircle her shoulders and he moved into her body holding her to him.

  Alex took a deep breath in and held it watching as Daniel crept ever closer to an ailing Thadius.

  *****

  Thadius was tired – very tired – but he knew what he was doing – he hadn't survived to be as old as he was without knowing how to fight!

  He moved with a purpose – showing weakness and wounds that he did not have. Daniel was falling for it – so cocksure was he that he could best Thadius!

  Thadius had to time things right – he limped once more and then stumbled – and Daniel made his move, pouncing to try and get his jaws around the back of Thadius' neck!

  At the last second Thadius dropped, moved, rolled – with speed he had not shown up until now – and the crowd gasped as one.

  Daniel flew over the top, fell and rolled onto his back, and Thadius was up and leaping before Daniel had a chance to even think!

  Thadius' great jaws closed around Daniel's throat and he closed – with every ounce of strength he had! Thadius felt his teeth penetrating deep and blood filled his mouth – he closed his jaws more and more and finally he heard the noise. The noise he had heard in fights long ago – first the windpipe broke, then the rest of the throat and he moved his jaws and bit deeper. Finally he heard the SNAP – the entire neck was broken!

  It wasn't enough for the colossal wolf tho and he opened his great maw wide and grabbed onto the entire neck area. Holding the body with his huge paws he twisted and pulled until the head was completely detached and he spat it out to the side. Only then was his wolf satisfied and it let out an enormous roar of victory.

  Thadius stepped back and away from the dead wolf on the ground great pants coming from his wolf throat.

  Silence was all around him for a second and then cheers went up from all around and he sat down on his haunches – taking deep breaths in through his wolf's mouth!

  *****

  Alex and Tatiana were moving quickly, Zach right behind them – as soon as Thadius had pulled away they ran – Alex pulling the small fairy behind her. When they reached the huge wolf Tatiana fell to her knees - “Thadius Thadius – are you ok – oh dear lord look at all this blood!” and Alex had to agree – there seemed to be a lot of blood!

  David pushed between them - “Let me see – ok Thadius stay still let me see your wounds.” the Doctor ordered and Thadius just looked at him with his wolf eyes – he had no intention of moving! He was very tired and hurt in places he didn't know he even had!

  Tatiana was in shock – she tried to get her mind to work – she could help her wolf! Only if she could think tho – a healing spell – she needed a healing spell! Her mind was in utter turmoil – she was usually so cool in emergencies but seeing her mate hurt had affected her in a way she had never before encountered!

  She was very old – over two hundred years and all those years had been spent protecting the Defender – no time for her. No time for love. No time for a mate. Now she had one and the feelings she had for this wolf literally left her breathless and her mind just wouldn't work!

  She felt Alex's arm on her shoulders trying to calm her but she couldn't take this – the feelings of fear were so fierce that her body was shaking!

  Suddenly there were gasps from the crowd and Alex and Tatiana looked round – Zach and David also looked. Everyone was staring up at the sky and their eyes followed.

  There – flying fast and low were Lexi and Conall – their speed slowed as they got closer but the sight was something nobody had ever saw before (apart from their father and Vlad and Dmitri that was) and there were gasps, shouts of wonder and more. Alex's breath hitched – god her children were magnificent!

  The twins landed quickly and immediately Lexi moved forward - “Here let me.” she said and she went down onto her knees. Lexi took the great wolf's head into her hands and she closed her eyes – only briefly – then nodded. Then she went to work – very quickly – and within moments they could all see the wounds healing – fast!

  The wolf whined once then shook it's vast head and Lexi stepped back with a smile on her face. The wolf stood up and shook itself and promptly changed – Thadius standing proud and healed in front of everyone.

  Tatiana gasped – and Thadius turned to his fairy - “Come here my little fairy.” he said and picked her up and hugged her close. He moved his head slightly and their lips met in a forceful kiss – one of his hands grasping the back of her head and holding her in place!

  Tatiana's face blushed scarlet – showing their passion in public was not something they had ever done but the response from the crowd was instantaneous!

  An enormous cheer went up and clapping soon followed – along with lots of encouragement – 'Way to go Thadius!' was shouted all around and Tatiana's face blushed all the more!

  Thadius released her lips and moved her body so that he was cradling her in his arms and started to walk off the field. His voice was loud as he spoke - “Come my fairy – I need you home and in our bed – now!” and even more cheers went up!

  Alex was laughing – she saw the redness of Tatiana's face and knew she was mortified with embarrassment! Zach moved to her side and pulled her close – placing a kiss on her lips which she took gratefully. Opening her mouth to let his tongue inside!

  Several coughs broke them apart and Alex was smiling ruefully as she looked around at the twins.

  “Ok you two enough with the kissing!” Lexi said – tho she had a slight smile to her lips.

  Thadius carried Tatiana all the way to his car – through the crowd that parted for them and cheering them. Tatiana was mortified and kept her face hidden in her mate's neck! Thadius walked like he owned the entire world – straight and true and a huge smile on his face!

  Once they had driven away the crowd started to leave – quite slowly as people stood in groups going over the fight – bit by bit. Vlad's guards had walked out onto the field and removed the dead body – for which Alex was glad – the sight was not one she wished to see again any time soon.

  Lexi and Conall followed their mother, father and David back to where Vlad and Dmitri were standing waiting – Zach's face was beaming. “That was something to see you two.” he said to the twins. Both of them just shrugged their shoulders – it wasn't a big deal for them and found it a little weird that others thought it was!

  Vlad started talking - “Now are you two looking for work? I could sure use your abilities.” he said and Zach answered - “Nope – they're going to be doing some work for us – just part time – so they're already taken.” Zach informed Vlad.

  The Head of Security wasn't giving up - “Well if you've any spare time come see me – the pay's good!” Vlad told the twins who nodded - “Thank you very much – if we can we'll help out but it won't be on a regular basis – we've got our own work to do. There's still quite a large number of Fallen that we need to hunt.” Conall said and Lexi agreed - “Yes Vlad – if possible we'll help tho I think mum and dad are first in line.” Lexi said – and both Alex and Zach were nodding their heads.

  They all started moving towards the car park when David spoke – he had been so quiet they had forgot he was there! “Uhm Lexi – do you think if I have something I can't deal with – well, could you help me out too?” he asked politely and Lexi once more nodded - “Of course David – we've got phones now – I'll come and leave the number at the Clinic and if there's an emergency just phone. If I can I will help.” she said in a humble tone – and everyone saw just how good thes
e two were.

  They had abilities beyond any they knew of but weren't cocky or big headed or any of the not so nice qualities that power like that could cause. No – both were polite, humble and helpful – in fact they were truly wonderful beings. Alex was so proud she thought she would burst!

  As they neared their cars Zach went on ahead – he pulled a closed envelope from the back seat and held it out - “Dmitri – could you take this over to Donna's tonight? I would......” and Alex elbowed him in the side, she whispered up - “Zach what're you doing? You know why....” and Zach stopped her!

  “Yes Alex I know!” he stated firmly before once more turning to Dmitri - “Sorry – Dmitri can you take this to Donna's – can you stay until she has opened and read it – she has to sign each page and return it to the envelope. Bring it into work tomorrow – ok?” Zach stated firmly and Dmitri frowned – he took the envelope but didn't really want to go. He knew what Zach had said in the office was probably true but he still felt as if he was being dishonourable even thinking about another woman!

  They split up in the car park – Finn showing up and Vlad taking him in his vehicle back for some training. Alex and Zach were going to drop in at the office – in case there was anything urgent. Zach had told the leader of his Team Two that they were taking a day off and to keep an eye on things but he just wanted to double check everything was ok. Afterwards they were going for a picnic – in the woods near a small body of water – one of their favourite places and if Zach had his way then it would be more than a picnic!

  Alex looked over at him - “You are so bad Zach!” she giggled and he said his favourite word - “Indeed!” and Alex squealed - “Ok now we need to get that jar or box or whatever set up – you owe me quite a few treats!” and Zach laughed - “Oh little one you're going to get one today – don't worry – and yes I'll get a box sorted. My imagination has been running wild with things to put in it!” and Alex noted the shine to his eyes – showing he was already aroused!