Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Zach looked at them – he wasn't sure he could answer. Dmitri spoke up - “If your mom and dad are separated by a long distance they get ill and if not reunited they die.” he stated calmly, even tho he was anything but calm! Lexi looked as if she was going to be sick - “No – that can't be.” she whimpered.

  James came over - “Lexi, Conall – it's true, but we don't have time for discussions – we think we know where Alex is – here – come see.” and James moved back to the laptop – the address in Italy on the screen, underneath an aerial map. The twins looked at it and nodded - “Ok who's coming?” they asked and everyone, including Lisa, said “Me!”

  James shook his head - “No Lisa – you stay here.” he said and she had a look of pure anger on her face, she growled loudly, her beast wanting to get out. “James, I love you but it's not your call. I'm going wolf – you all know what my wolf's like, well maybe not Simeon but the rest of you do! If there's any kind of battle someone needs to be able to take care of Alex – she might not recover like Zach so she'll be vulnerable. I'm not stupid enough to want to come just to fight but I do want to come – to watch over Alex.” Lisa's voice was firm and when she finished she turned to Zach.

  Zach looked at Lisa in an appraising manner – she had a point but when he looked to James his friend's face was turning red, with anger. Zach looked James straight in the eyes as he spoke quietly, his strength going quickly. “James you know she has a point and if it was anyone but your mate you would let them go. As she said, it's my call, and I say she goes, however, Lisa – you stay behind at all times – until we get to Alex – if I'm distracted or fighting it's your job to get her out – ok?” he finished and hoped there would be no more arguing – he wasn't up to it.

  James visibly tried to relax, his worry evident for his mate. He had to push it to the back of his mind tho – he could jeopardise the mission if his head wasn't in the game! He smiled at Lisa and nodded once. He could do this!

  Conall was back at his father's side - “Dad are you sure you should come? You look awful.” Conall said and Zach smiled - “As soon as I'm near Alex again I'll be fine.” he spoke slowly, every word taking a toll on him.

  Lexi stood in the middle of the room - “Conall you take dad and Lisa – I'll take these three.” she said and Lisa moved over to Zach. Dmitri, James and Simeon were already close to Lexi so they waited on her instructions – she gave none – and suddenly they were standing in a forest!

  Dmitri spoke first - “How did you do that? Zach has to have contact and James had to touch those girls earlier?” he said in his accented English She smiled up at him – he was very tall - “I don't need to do that – as long as I concentrate hard enough.” she finished and all three of them wondered just how powerful this young girl was?!

  James spoke next - “I don't feel sick?” and Lexi smiled again - “No you won't, when we move anyone they are fine – no yuchy sick feeling.” and James and Simeon were grateful!

  A few seconds passed before Conall arrived with Zach and Lisa. Zach was between Conall and Lisa, both of whom had a grip on him – holding him upright.

  As soon as they appeared Zach sent his powers out – searching for his mate. Almost straight away he felt her – and he stood straighter, unaided. “She's near – I can feel her. Give me a few minutes – my strength is coming back.” Zach told everyone and they nodded their heads. “Oh and everyone keep blocks in place, Andre could sense you.” Zach finished and the vamps all realised their blocks were still in place from the Club!

  Dmitri motioned for James to go right and Simeon to go left – scope the place out, and both moved quickly and silently. Lisa snarled once before changing to her wolf – a huge beast with pure white fur. Lexi stared – although both her and Conall had the ability to change to wolf they did so only rarely. Usually for fun, running wild through the forest. Looking at Lisa she realised how beautiful the wolf in front of them was, it was very large and powerful, but it's beauty came from the coat of pure white fur and the large knowing eyes that glowed in the dim light.

  Both Simeon and James were back soon and gave their reports.

  James was first - “Guards all around – equally spaced about a hundred paces apart. Most look alert a couple don't seem to be bothered doing their job. All in about a dozen on my side and I saw four at the main gate. Those are the ones I saw – there may be others that I didn't.” he spoke in a concise manner, only relevant details spoken. Simeon's report was the exact same – and Dmitri started to formulate a plan.

  Lexi and Conall had other ideas tho - “Ok we'll take care of them and you can go straight for the gates – I'm sure you can manage those four?” Lexi said and Dmitri turned to her - “All of the sentries?” he asked and Conall smirked - “Yea Dmitri – all of them – once we move from here if you count to fifty we'll be done – then you can go to the gate.” Conall finished and tried not to laugh at the shocked look on Dmitri's face.

  Well if these twins said they could do it then who was he to argue, Dmitri thought! “Ok so....” Dmitri started and Zach stopped him. “Ok – I'm fine now – let's get this show on the road.” he said in his usual voice and everyone sighed in relief!

  Conall and Lexi moved and Dmitri started counting in his head. When he got to forty five they started to move. James and Simeon out front leading the way and Lisa's wolf in the rear.

  Zach wanted to let Alexina know he was coming for her but he couldn't risk it! If Andre knew they were there things could go very wrong! He settled with whispering - “I'm coming for you Alexina.” as they walked towards the gates.

  *****

  Alex realised she had been unconscious – coming to in what appeared to be a cellar. She tried to stand up but couldn't, her legs too weak to hold her so she stayed where she was and looked around.

  The place looked like a very large wine cellar – with rows upon rows of wine stacked high – there must be hundreds if not thousands of bottles! The air was slightly damp and musty and she looked for a way out. Seeing none she again tried to stand – realising that she wasn't restrained?! Shit she must be in a bad way if they hadn't bothered to at least tie her up!

  Once more her legs gave way and then she heard the chuckle – her head spinning trying to locate the person who had made the noise. She saw nothing so she took a deep breath – a faint scent entering her nostrils. All of a sudden Andre appeared directly in front of her – he hadn't walked, or ran, he had just appeared. Shit! She remembered him taking her from Vegas – he could move the same as Zach! He must be very old and powerful to be able to do that!

  She tried to stay calm and pasted a look of disdain on her face as Andre reached down. He grabbed her clothes in front and hauled her effortlessly upwards, keeping her feet dangling a few inches from the floor.

  He smiled at Alex and her stomach clenched - “So Alex – you are the famous Defender – you don't look like much.” he teased and Alex ignored him, trying to hide the shock that he knew who she was!

  “Oh yes my dear – I know exactly who you are – I did as soon as I entered that Club in Vegas. I must say it was a bit of a surprise to me but a pleasant one. And this lovely dress you're wearing – or I'll rephrase that – the dress you were wearing – was very sexy!” Andre spoke in what Alex assumed he thought of as a sexy or sensual tone – to her ears it was coarse and hard and in no way nice!

  At his words she looked down – realising that her dress was ripped and far too much of her skin was showing! She battled to stop her hands from rising to cover herself – knowing that it would amuse Andre. She tried for nonchalant but feared she hadn't pulled it off!

  Andre's eyes raked over her – and she felt physically sick! “So Alex – as I said I've heard of you – your special blood – of course that was before you were turned! However, it is still unique – I can feel it – I can sense it – I can almost taste it! Trust me – I will taste it – very shortly – and we both know what that will do – do we not?” he smirk
ed and Alex started to squirm. She tried to hit him but her arms wouldn't do what she told them! What the fuck was wrong with her – she felt weaker than a baby!

  Realisation dawned slowly but when it came it hit her like a fist in the gut. Alex moaned loudly “Where am I?” she asked and Andre smiled but it wasn't at all friendly! “Oh you're in my home little Alex – in Italy.” he told her and Alex was scared – Italy! Shit Zach would be in pain – hurting – and it was her fault!

  She tried to form words - “What do you want with me? Why bring me here?” she mumbled and Andre brought her closer – their faces mere inches apart. “Can't you guess?” he asked and she shook her head. “I'm going to have some fun with you Alex. WE are going to have some fun – you can't fight the response from a vampire's bite – and I AM going to bite you – all over. I'm going to have you Alex – all of you – then I'll leave you to die. That IS what will happen with you being so far from your mate – isn't it?” he stated the last part as a question but Alex knew that he was aware of what would happen. How he knew so much she had no idea but she was certain that he knew exactly what would happen to her – and to Zach!

  Her heart ached – her thoughts on Zach – she couldn't bear that he would be in pain, weakened, like she was. It tore at her insides – and the thought of this vamp in front of her touching her like only Zach had – made her want to die!

  She knew she would do anything to stay alive tho – anything at all – because if she died so did Zach! She couldn't give up on him – on her babies – she had to fight – if not with a vampire's strength then with the strength of a mate, a mother. She had to, the other option was unthinkable!

  Andre started moving – fast – and now cradled Alex in his arms like a baby – his hands on her making her skin crawl. He moved through the cellar and up stairs into a brightly lit hallway – then up another flight of stairs – along another hallway and to the end.

  A very large set of antique doors was pushed aside as he entered what appeared to be his bedroom! Alex wriggled trying to break free but she had no strength, literally none, left in her body. Andre laughed down at her - “Now now – don't be naughty – I might have to punish you if you are!” he said and his tone told Alex that he would enjoy hurting her!

  Andre kept grip of the tatters of her dress as he threw her onto the huge bed – it had a leather headboard and looked totally out of place in this room. As Alex landed on it she realised her dress was in Andre's hands and she lay with only a thong and lacy bra. She grabbed the top cover and pulled it over herself – trying to hide her body. Andre stared at her and his eyes told of the lust that was in him – and he started to strip.

  Alex gasped and tried to move away – get off the bed – but every time she nearly made it to the floor Andre would toss her back into the middle, getting more angry every time he had to do it. Finally he backhanded Alex across the face and she fell back dazed.

  Pain radiated from her cheek and mouth and she tasted blood. Still she tried to move – she would not give in easily to this monster!

  Finally Andre stood naked and Alex tried not to look at his erection – standing straight up – he was huge and the sight scared her even more! She couldn't believe this was how she was going to spend her last minutes or hours or however long she had on this earth by being violated by this ancient vampire!

  Andre moved onto the bed and grabbed her roughly – he sat at the top of the bed and pulled her into his lap, his hardness pressing against her bottom. She tried to stay calm but found she was losing the battle – fear and loathing were rampant in her as he grabbed her hair and pulled her head back sharply.

  Pain ran through her head and down her neck and he placed his fangs on her pulse. Alex started to struggle harder – fear giving her strength – and he held her tighter – and bit down, hard. No care was taken as he ripped into her throat – and as soon as he did so, the feelings came. She tried to block them, tried to stop them, but was powerless to do so. He had been right – nobody could fight the vampire bite and the pleasure that erupted in a body – she felt sick at the same time as she felt aroused.

  One of Andre's hands moved to between her legs and she clamped them closed – he was very fierce in his movements – forcing his hand down. As soon as he felt her he laughed – still keeping his fangs inside her neck! He had felt her arousal and she blushed scarlet – and fought harder. Andre kept pulling on her neck and moved his hand between her legs and to her complete and utter shame she came – moaning loudly – tears running down her face!

  Zach – I'm sorry – she kept thinking this – and realised that he would never know. This is how she was going to die – being used and abused by Andre. She wanted just a little of her strength back – so she could hurt him back – even a little.

  Once she had finished her orgasm he pulled his fangs out – and looked down at her - “Your blood is so unique Alex – it tastes – what's the word? Oh I think the word is perfect – yes perfect – I only wish I could keep you longer but no – so I'll have to take my fill while I've still got you.” Andre's voice was full of longing and his eyes were shining bright!

  His head came down and bit again and once more Alex was forced into rising again towards a climax. This time she didn't try to fight it – she had no strength left.

  Alex opened her mind and pushed a thought to her mate – knowing that he would not hear it - 'I love you Zach and I'm sorry' she thought and then Andre moved her – laying her flat on the bed. Oh dear lord – now he was going to rape her!

  Alex tried hard to think only of Zach – tried not to let anything else enter her mind – and even more tears ran down her face. She smiled – knowing how bad she must look – all puffy and snotty – and thought back to the first time Zach had made love to her! He had awakened her body – taught her how to love – and these were the thoughts she had as another male's hands moved over her body.

  Andre was like a man possessed – he had to have this female – he could hear her thoughts – she had released her block and she was thinking of her mate – Zach! It angered him greatly and he started to pinch her skin – hard – nipping, pulling, and finally hitting – trying to get her thoughts to waver – to concentrate on him as he took her with his cock!

  Only after he had turned her over and repeatedly hit her did her concentration waiver – he got up and quickly retrieved his belt – settled behind her on his knees and started to whip her! Anywhere – her back, buttocks, thighs – he hit harder and harder and she was covered in lashes and blood – finally the amount of pain broke through and she screamed loud and long!

  Andre moved and grabbed her and raised her backside up – he rammed into her and she was screaming at the top of her lungs! Yes! This was what he wanted – what he always wanted – and he pressed his hands into some of the wounds his belt had made – ensuring that pain was foremost in her mind!

  Chapter 25

  James was first to engage one of the guards – he went in fast and hard – breaking the neck in less than a millisecond. Once the guard was down he placed a foot on his chest and pulled the head clean off.

  Simeon hit the second guard at the same time as James and killed the vamp in the same manner. It was a tried and tested method of killing a vampire and was part of the training that Vlad ensured all who worked for him were adept at.

  Dmitri and Zach killed at the same time – punching through the front of the chest and ripping the heart out – crushing it in their large hands.

  Zach felt strong – very strong – and he would get through anything that stood between him and his mate! They moved as one onwards through the gates and several shouts were heard – soon there were about a dozen more vamps heading their way.

  Zach smiled and pulled his dart gun out and shot three in quick succession and then launched himself right into the middle of them. Before James or Simeon could even reach him Zach had taken out all of them. He stood covered in blood and Dmitri chuckled - “Now that
's a sight to warm my heart – come on – Zach – leave some for us please.” the Russian cried and they took off running. Fast but slow enough for Lisa to keep up.

  As they neared the large front doors they swung open and several more vamps came down the steps – a very large one in front – Zach guessed this was Marcello.

  Zach stopped - “Where's my wife?” he asked in a tone that would turn most people's blood to ice. Marcello smirked - “Oh she's having some fun – with my maker – can't you hear her scream?” at those words Zach opened his senses some more – he heard her – faintly – and she was screaming loudly in pain!

  Zach flew at Marcello and James, Dmitri and Simeon joined in tackling the others. Marcello was strong and old – but not as old as Zach. Zach was so filled with anger that as soon as he got a hold of Marcello his anger took over – before he knew what he was doing he had ripped him apart. Literally ripped him apart – arms, legs and finally head – then he stepped over the mess on the ground and ran inside.

  He listened again – moved in the direction of Alexina's screams and moved faster – he didn't know if any of the others were behind him – his focus was only in reaching Alexina.

  He flew along a hallway and found stairs – moved up them so quickly he wasn't even a blur, up another stairway and at the top he slowed – then moved towards a room at the end. He went through the doors at such a rate and with such power that one flew off it's hinges and landed on the floor – taking out a dresser and chest of drawers with a loud bang! The sight in front of him was one that would be burned into his mind forever.

  His mate's broken and bloodied body lay on a large bed and Andre was only now pulling out of her. Andre moved slowly – off the bed and to the side. Zach wanted nothing more than to run to his mate – first he had to deal with Andre. The ancient vampire stared at him – no fear in his eyes – Zach's full of hatred!