Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Simeon spoke up - “I know everything about what's there so don't worry too much about how to set them up.” and Alex nodded, good, one less thing to worry about. Vlad continued on - “Now I've also put in a few new things – I've been working with our R & D team here and we've came up with some very interesting items. This -” and he pulled out a small, metal ball like thing - “This here is something I've came up with – it's like a small flash bomb and in itself doesn't do any damage to anyone. However, if it is in touch with a Super – it will give them a huge electrical shock – basically it will put them down. They should be out for about half an hour – tho don't let it touch a human – it would probably kill them!” he told them. Alex held the small ball in her hand – it was very light and you wouldn't suspect what it was capable of!

  Vlad then reached for a small gun - “This is a modified piece – it's similar to a dart gun but carries these vials – the red ones are for vamps and the blue are for wolfs – witches and mages – white. Wait til you hear what they do tho!” Vlad was excited – Simeon stood with a knowing look on his face – Alex was impatient - “Ok Vlad – what does it do?” she asked.

  Vlad smiled - “They take their powers away for a period of time – all their powers – so basically you would be dealing with a weak human! The time limit is different to each Super tho – witches etc are powerless for more than a day, wolves – normally about a day, vamps – well that's where it gets tricky – because it depends on how powerful they are. If they are ancient it would only be for a short while, most aren't ancient tho – so it depends on various things, age etc – anything from a couple of hours to twelve hours. I would quite like to try it on you Zach?” Vlad finished with a questioning look at Zach. Zach punched his friend's arm - “No way Vlad – not even for you.” Zach said and looked at the little arsenal of technology. These would come in handy!

  Alex was a little shocked at what Vlad had tho - “So how long have you been working on this dart thing?” she asked and Vlad replied - “Quite a while – the witches one was easy – the wolves not so much and the vamp ones – that's where it got really hard. But – we worked hard and finally came up with these. They've all been tried and tested – but as I said the vamp one is tricky – so take care.” he finished.

  Simeon closed the briefcase and held it in his hands - “Ok I'm going to pack and I'll meet you at the plane – what time?” Simeon asked. “Take off is four pm – I don't need to say don't be late?” Zach asked and Simeon laughed - “Absolutely not!” he replied and walked out – the briefcase in his hand. It was obvious to Zach and Alex who Vlad had put in charge of his toys!

  Vlad stayed chatting for a bit – telling Alex that he was sooooo grateful for the mickey mouse toy she had got Tatya – in a very sarcastic tone! “Look Vlad – I told Irina – just let the batteries run out – and then it's just a mickey mouse – minus the noise.” Alex told him and he shook his head - “Tried that – Tatya knows all about batteries – so it doesn't work – I think I might just 'lose' the damn thing!” he chuckled and Alex was trying hard not to laugh. Zach had told her not to buy it at the time – saying how annoying it would become after only a short time! She, however, knew that Tatya would love it so had gone ahead and got it for her!

  She thought for a moment - “Tell you what – I'll look for something else while we're away – something that doesn't make a noise – ok?” she said and Vlad sounded grateful when he spoke - “Please – anything – anything that will make her forget that damn noisy toy. Right – I better be off – lots to do. Be safe you two – see you when you get back.” and he turned and left. Alex still smiling at the thought of the noisy toy!

  Zach switched his computer off - “Come on – we'll go 'have an early lunch' before we pack for the trip.” he spoke using Dmitri's little saying and Alex shut off her computer quickly before jumping up. Her stomach had butterflies as she looked at Zach, his face was perfect, his body strong and muscular – and she loved him with all her being. Zach was obviously listening into her thoughts – for the look he gave her literally made her knees go weak. He walked over and placed his arm around her waist – and they left the office. Thoughts of Vegas could wait – for a little while anyway!

  Chapter 21

  Alex was walking towards the plane with a huge satisfied smile on her face – her and Zach had had a lovely afternoon – most of it being spent in the bedroom. First for fun and then packing

  Alex had packed some nice clothes – a couple of which she thought she should've left! They were items she only wore in the house for Zach's eyes only! A little strappy dress which was too short – in her opinion – and far too figure hugging – again in her opinion! It was scarlet red – and she had matching stiletto shoes. Zach had pulled it out of the wardrobe and made her put it in the case saying it was just the thing for a night in a Club! Alex was sure she would need a couple of glasses of wine to have the courage to wear it out in public!

  Another was a skin tight short skirt which had lace panels going down the side, from the waist to the hem, underwear was not an option whilst wearing it! The top to go with it was a matching lace see through blouse cut very low at the front – again it wasn't something she would wear outside normally!

  She also packed Zach's favourite dress – the first one he bought her for their first 'official' night out – over four years ago. It was classic so the length of time she had it didn't detract from it's beauty. The exact shade of her green eyes and cut low at the back but high in the front – she loved wearing it. It always made her feel sexy and the amount of memories it held was vast!

  Her mind wandered as she took it out of the wardrobe to pack it and Zach had came up behind her – his arms encircling her waist - “If you don't stop those rather saucy thoughts my little one we are the ones that's going to be late for the plane!” he whispered into her ear.

  She had pulled away laughing - “I know Zach but every time I see it I can't help it – the thoughts just pop into my mind!” Zach looked down at her - “I'm going for a cold shower – hurry up and finish before I take your body – again!” he scolded and she watched as he went back into the ensuite – hearing his curse as the cold water hit his body. She hurried to finish – not wanting to keep him in the cold water for long!

  As she walked up the steps to the plane Zach followed carrying their suitcases. When they got inside Simeon was already there, sitting playing some game or other on his ipad. The cockpit door was open – James shouted - “Everything's ready – just waiting on Dmitri.” and Zach checked his watch. Dmitri wasn't late – yet! However, if he didn't appear in the next ten minutes he would be!

  Lisa came through into the cabin - “Alex – what did you pack? I wasn't sure – so I've brought loads – far too much – but I've never done this before – I hope what I've brought is ok.” the young wolf sounded worried. “I'm sure what you've got will be fine – and Lisa – if it isn't then we can buy you something – there's always shops in the hotels.” Alex said trying to allay the fears she felt coming from the wolf.

  “Oh ok – well once we're in the air would you look with me? Our cases are in the first bedroom – I want to make sure – if I need to buy anything then I want to know straight off so I can get it done – I don't want to be the cause of any unnecessary problems on my first proper mission!” Lisa chattered and when she stopped James shouted again - “Lisa – do the double checks please.” and Lisa turned to do her job.

  Alex could just imagine that Lisa would've brought most of her wardrobe and once again realised that she was really quite young. She hoped they hadn't made a mistake bringing her – she wasn't trained for this sort of thing! Zach placed a hand on hers - “She'll be fine – don't worry.” he said and she pushed a thought at him - 'I can't help it – I wouldn't want anything to happen to her' and Zach replied in their minds - “I know but I know she can do this – I wouldn't have brought her otherwise.” Alex relaxed – Zach was the best of the best at what he di
d and his instincts were never wrong – she trusted him on this.

  Zach looked at his watch – two minutes – and Dmitri would be late! Alex settled down at one of the chairs around the table and fastened her seat belt. Zach sat beside her – Simeon was opposite – then they heard heavy footsteps, running. Dmitri bounded up and into the plane and Zach made a point of looking at his watch! “I know I know – I'm sorry.” Dmitri spoke in his accented English an embarrassed look on his face. “You had one minute left – so technically you're not late.” Zach advised and Dmitri threw his case onto one of the sofas and took the seat next to Simeon. Lisa came out and brought the steps up and secured the door. The jet's engines roared as they started to move – soon they were in the air.

  Zach got up and took a large envelope from his briefcase and sat back down, pulling a load of paperwork and photographs out. “Ok – this is who we're after – we need to keep him under surveillance and see if he is indeed killing these girls.” he said and handed an A4 size photograph to Dmitri and Simeon. At that moment James and Lisa joined them - “Got it on autopilot for a little while.” James informed them and Zach handed them both one of the pictures.

  Simeon was staring hard at James – a look of wonder on his features. He had obviously not seen James since Lexi had taken his scars away! James noticed and gave Simeon a smile but said nothing. Zach then laid one of the pictures flat on the table - “Get your phones out – take a picture – that way you'll have it with you at all times. Now let's go over what we're going to do.” he said and waited til everyone had used their phones to take a picture of the face of the vamp they were after. Once that was done he detailed what he had in mind.

  He was in his business mode – cool, calm, confident - “So we'll all go to the Club he seems to frequent just about every night. Dmitri, as you are the largest and most conspicuous you stay outside – keeping watch. If he comes out and none of us is tailing him you follow – sending us directions, if one of us is at his back you get one of our vehicles and await orders. What I hope to do is get one of those small trackers on him and another on his vehicle. Simeon – you go into the Club alone – as if you're looking for a good time – you may even be able to engage this guy and get close to him. James – you're with me – a couple of vamps out for fun. Lisa and Alexina – you two are the same – you're out for a night of fun in sin city. Hopefully at least one of us will get close enough to put the tracker on him. We will also have a tracker on each of us – underneath our clothing so it won't be knocked off – that way we will all be able to track each other in case of any problems. Vlad sent all of you an email – open it in your phones and download what he sent. It's something new – to track. It will allow us to track using our phones – no need for anything else. What we need is info on what he is doing with these girls. Is he just feeding and killing them? Is he holding them somewhere? Is he selling them on? We don't know – and we need to find out before any more go missing. Everyone know what to do?” Zach asked and everyone nodded their agreement.

  James took the large picture with him as he walked back to the cockpit - “Ok – I'm getting back to fly this thing – I don't like using the autopilot!” he said and disappeared through the door. Lisa looked to Alex - “Can you look at what I've brought?” she asked nervously. Alex got up - “Yea of course – come on.” and the two of them went through to the rear of the plane – to the first large bedroom.

  Two large cases were lying on the bed and Alex tried not to smile – she knew Lisa would've brought loads! Lisa opened up both cases and started pulling stuff out - “I wasn't sure what to bring.” the young wolf said. Alex looked through everything – separating some casual clothes and combat boots - “These are a must – so repack these.” Alex said and Lisa took them and completely emptied one case and started to repack. “Get all your toiletries, make up and underwear – pack those. Then we'll have a look here – yes this one – this is nice and short – just what a girl would wear going to a club – the high heels too.” Alex said as she was passing things to Lisa.

  Alex got several skimpy outfits and handed them over - Lisa frowned - “Are you sure about these? I thought they might be too – oh – I don't know – too daring?” Lisa mumbled and Alex laughed - “Lisa you're gorgeous – and that body is to die for – these are just the thing that you should be wearing to go to a club – so get them packed. The rest pack in the other case and leave it here on the plane – you've got more than enough for the few days we'll be there.” Alex finished and turned to leave the room, Lisa doing as Alex said and packing what she indicated.

  Lisa was more than a little worried about how James would react at her going into a club without him and wearing such daring clothes! One thing she had learnt quickly about James was that he was very possessive!

  When Alex got back to the main compartment Simeon was chatting to the other two – Alex looked hard at him – he was a very good looking guy! Dark chestnut hair – quite long and wavy – all mussed up – and very dark eyes to match. He was tall and lean, he had muscles, they were just not quite as pronounced as Zach's or Dmitri's – she was sure he would have a flock of girls after him in any Club.

  Zach's head moved, slowly, and his eyes met hers – one eyebrow raised and she realised he had heard her thoughts! She gave a little smile and sent a thought his way – 'Sorry – but his good looks could help on this case – if that vamp sees a flock of girls going his way he may just want to get involved' and Zach slowly nodded and then his thought came into her head – 'Ok – but try and not think those thoughts too often Alexina – you know how jealous I get!' and she walked over and firmly sat down on his lap. Placing her hands on either side of his face she kissed him deeply! Dmitri chuckled and Simeon just sat staring.

  Dmitri looked at Simeon's face and his voice still held a hint of his chuckle as he spoke - “You better get used to it Simeon – they're always doing that!” the large Russian advised and Simeon shrugged - “Just not used to going on a mission with a mated couple Dmitri.” he said and Dmitri nodded - “Yes I know what you mean.” and Alex pulled away but stayed on Zach's lap.

  A few minutes later Lisa walked out and went straight to the cockpit – the rest relaxed for the remainder of the journey. James only opening the door to advise them they were landing soon – Alex had made her way onto her own seat and everyone buckled up. The landing was as smooth as ever – and Alex thought once more what a good pilot James was.

  They disembarked and made their way through the airport – there was only a cursory check – the privileges of arriving in a private jet! All of them had some kind of weapons with them – Dmitri had several of his guns the rest a hotch potch of blades and such. Their luggage wasn't even looked at so there were no problems – the guns were all legal, licensed and would not have posed a problem – the blades might have – so Zach was pleased when they got through without any difficulties.

  They made their way to the hire car desk – they had organised two large SUV's and when the girl behind the desk saw them coming towards her she opened her mouth in a silent 'OH' and it took Zach to speak twice before she recovered. All of them, apart from Lisa, could actually hear the girl's heartbeat pick up speed and her breathing was rapid little gasps. When Zach gave her one of his 'smiles' Alex gave him an elbow in the ribs! The girl couldn't have done more for them – giving them a further discount on what had already been agreed.

  As they stood James had a thought and moved forward, he bent down and laid his elbows on the counter – giving the girl an extremely sexy smirk! “Uhm wonder if you could help? We've been told about a Club – think it's called Midnight? You heard of it?” James asked casually.

  The girls eyes opened a bit more - “Uhm yea – I've been there a few times – it's kinda cool but kinda scary too.” she said and James nodded - “That's what we've heard – any tips?” he asked and the girl nodded - “Uhm yea – there's been some rumours of girls going missing there – so keep your – uhm – girl
friend?” she queried and James nodded - “Keep an eye on her – strange thing is that these rumours are making the place even more popular – sense of danger and all that.” she told them and Zach sighed – some humans were just too damn stupid! James stood up - “Ok – thanks for that.” he said and the girl nodded so much Alex thought her head would drop off!

  James moved back to Lisa and she looked up at him – a worrying look on her face – James bent down and gave her a gentle kiss. “You're the one I love Lisa – never doubt that.” he told her and she seemed to relax. The truth was since James had lost his scars he was so good looking that it sometimes scared her!

  Zach picked up the keys and threw a set to Dmitri - “Here – you drive one and I'll take the other. Simeon you go with Dmitri and James and Lisa can come with us.” he finished and they all started towards where the vehicles were kept. Once they were all in they set off – and Alex could feel Lisa's excitement! She was looking all around, not staying still for a second and her excitement was a little contagious! Alex was worried about the girls that were missing but she also wanted to maybe enjoy some of the things that Vegas had to offer!

  Soon they arrived at the Venetian – once the valets had taken the vehicles they went in and to the privileged check in for the suites they were in. There was a concierge available for anything they required and Alex was a little excited! Their rooms were fabulous – very spacious and sumptuous – the bed large and comfy. The shower was very large – and she knew that her and Zach would definitely be using it together!

  They ordered some room service – mainly for Lisa but Alex had a hankering for a steak so had one. Soon tho it was time to get ready – they were going to the club soon. Zach left their room to 'do something' as he had put it and Alex showered and got ready – putting on the red dress. Her make up was more than she would normally wear but hey she was going to a club! She tried to put her hair up to get a coiffed look – she failed! It was up but there were ringlets and curls escaping – she pulled some more down and the effect was really quite stunning!