Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  A voice interrupted -”Zach – if it was me I would want to forget – it's not something a woman should ever have to have in her mind.” Lisa's tone was serious as she finished and Zach realised she was at the bedroom door and had heard them talking.

  “Are you sure Lisa? I don't want to hurt her any more and if she found out we had done this it could hurt her too.” Zach spoke aloud his worries and Lisa came closer - “Zach – I can't talk for Alex – I'm talking from my own point – I can only say if Andre had done to me what he did to Alex I would pray for someone to wipe my memory – I couldn't have those thoughts in my head.” Lisa was near tears and Zach closed the distance and placed an arm around her shoulders. The young wolf had done great on her first mission and all that had happened would hit her soon – James would need to take care of her!

  Zach made up his mind - “Ok Lexi – do it. Lisa – can you tell the rest – this has NOT to be talked about EVER. Ok?” his tone was firm as he looked into Lisa's eyes. The young wolf nodded and left the room.

  Lexi moved to sit nearer her mother – she placed her hands on her face – and closed her eyes – after only a minute or so she moved away. “Ok – she should remember being taken and even being beaten but not that other stuff. I thought if I took it all away she would wonder – know something was off – is that ok?” Lexi asked her dad.

  Zach agreed – his mate had a real knack for knowing about things and if her mind was a total blank Lexi was right – Alex would know and try to find out the missing pieces. It would still hurt her to have the memories that Lexi had left but nothing like the ones she would have if she knew what Andre had done!

  They moved to the lounge area and the three large males all looked to Zach and nodded – they knew what was required – silence – and they would do it.

  Simeon spoke up - “Zach – we need to get rid of the video feeds – or parts of it.” and Zach realised he was right – shit!

  Zach was silent for a moment – there was only one person he could trust with this - “Simeon – call Vlad tell him what's happened and what's required – he's the only one I trust with this and he can do it without anyone knowing any different.”

  Simeon nodded and pulled his phone out – talking quietly to his boss. When he hung up he nodded – letting Zach know it would be taken care of.

  Zach realised that everyone looked very weary - “Why don't you all go and get cleaned up and rest – when Alexina wakes I want to be able to leave – I want to get her home and I was going to just move her but then that may seem a bit suspicious to her – so when she wakes we fly home. Together. Ok?” Zach finished and Dmitri and Simeon were already on their feet, heading to the door. “Ok Zach – see you in a bit.” Simeon said and Dmitri just placed a hand on Zach's shoulder for a split second before moving on.

  James had Lisa back in his lap and she looked very tired - “James go take care of Lisa – I think all this is going to hit her soon – a nice long bath should go down well.” Zach said with a slight smile on his face. Lisa saw it and blushed – James chuckled - “I think that's a great idea Zach.” James said as he stood up with Lisa still in his arms. “Put me down.” she wriggled in James' arms. “Nope – not a chance.” James replied and walked out of the suite. Conall and Lisa taking seats on the sofa – albeit a dirty, stained, sofa now!

  The twins looked shattered - “Why don't you two get off home – you need to sleep.” Zach admonished but they both shook their heads. “No – we'll stay til at least mum's awake.” Conall told his father and Lexi just nodded and grabbed a cushion and curled up in the corner of the dirty sofa.

  Conall mirrored his sister in the opposite corner and both were asleep in moments. Zach walked into the bedroom and brought a throw from the bed and placed it gently over his children. Then he moved the armchair – backwards – and sat down. He now had a view of his mate in bed and the twins. Zach kept guard for a long time, not moving a muscle, exhausted himself but refusing to relax even an iota.

  Several hours later Zach felt Alexina, she was stirring and her mind had broke through to his thoughts. He was up and lying beside her in a flash, pulling her to him and cradling her in his arms. Her eyes opened and panic flared in her before Zach's scent told her she was safe. She had to be safe, she was in Zach's arms.

  She looked up and he was looking down at her with such worry in his face she tried to remember what had happened. Pain was foremost in her mind – Andre had hurt her! “It's ok meine Kleine, I've got you.” Zach implored and Alex relaxed, slightly. “What happened?” she asked and Zach told her a shortened version – and her eyes were wide as she listened.

  “Is everyone ok?” she queried – Zach's heart ached – her first thoughts were for the others, not herself. “Yes, Simeon had a few injuries but he fed and is now healed.” Zach told her and she smiled - “Good.” she replied. Then Lexi and Conall were at the door - “How are you mum?” Conall asked and Alex pasted a smile on her face - “I'm fine. How're you two? Your dad told me what happened – are you ok?” she asked her children who now moved to join them on the large bed.

  Once they were all sitting on the bed Lexi told her mother that they were fine – just worried about her! “Don't ever worry about me – that's your dad's job!” Alex laughed and Zach moved to kiss the top of her head. “Ok – Conall can you go wake the others – I want to get going soon.” Zach told his son who moved straight away and was gone quickly.

  “Oh I need to make a call to the concierge – we'll need to pay for the sofa and chair – they've got blood on them – not sure how I'm going to explain it but hey – as long as they get paid and there're no dead bodies we should be fine.” Zach said as he moved – Alex felt his absence as he left - “Don't be long!” she shouted - “Get dressed – we'll be leaving soon.” was her mate's reply.

  Alex got up and dressed and packed their stuff, with Zach helping as he wanted her to rest! She kept telling him that she was fine but he fussed around her as if she was ill or something!

  Finally they were ready and James knocked the door before opening it and entering. “Ok – we're good to go – everyone else is downstairs.” James told them and took the case Alex had been carrying. Jeez were all the men going nuts or what, Alex thought as she followed James out the door.

  Chapter 26

  Alex realised that what had happened must've affected her more than she had thought – because soon they were landing back at home and she had totally been out of it. The journey having gone in a blur – conversations going on around her but having no impact on her brain at all. She came to fully only when Zach moved to stand up – she was in his lap and suspected she had been there for the entire journey!

  Lisa was fussing over her and Alex was getting more and more confused! Sure Andre had taken her and beat the shit out of her but she was fine now – no need for fussing.

  Zach shooed Lisa away and carried Alex down the stairs to a waiting car – Alex complained the entire way – there was no reason for him to carry her!

  The worry she saw on his face alarmed her – he should be able to feel that she was fine so why did he look so upset?! As the thought was in her mind Zach's face cleared a little – he must've heard her! Tho he refused to put her down and carried her from the car to their door and straight to their bedroom!

  Zach placed her gently down - “Ok Zach, that's enough – I'm fine – really.” she whined and Zach smiled - “Is a mate not allowed to spoil the one they love?” he said and his tone was only half joking. Alex's mind was still not quite with it but she was beginning to wonder what was going on!

  She half smiled as she spoke - “Of course Zach but I'm fine really, I don't like all this mollycoddling that's going on so stop – ok?” and Zach laughed - “Ok – well in that case do you want a shower?” he said in a voice that spoke volumes. He did his little lip lift on one side – the one that always got a response from her and she was up and out of the bed in a flash. “Now that, my mate, sounds
like a wonderful idea.” she purred and pulled him towards the ensuite.

  Zach's eyes started to shine – and so did Alex's – a sure sign of their arousal – they didn't make it out of the shower for quite a while! When they did Alex was sure her legs wouldn't carry her – and Zach scooped her up and took her to bed for a repeat performance!

  Many hours later there was knocking at the door – Alex groaned – not wanting to leave Zach's arms. Zach gave her a tight hug and then moved – pulling a robe around his naked form. Alex sighed as she watched – he was such a magnificent male – she hoped whoever was at the door would go away – she wanted Zach back in bed with her!

  Several minutes passed and Zach didn't return so she got up and got her own robe and padded through the house. Voices were clear to her ears and coming from the kitchen – when she walked in there was Conall and Lexi – both looking worried.

  “What's going on?” Alex asked and Zach motioned for her to sit down on her stool, placing a large mug of her favourite coffee in front of her. “The twins think they may need some help.” Zach stated and Alex raised her eyebrows – they had been clear in the past that they had to do things their way. Meaning on their own, what had changed?

  Conall started the conversation - “After the other night we realised that there may be more of these Fallen that are now living here. Warded by magic and trying to breed. The ones that have lost their wings aren't as powerful as the others – tho still strong of course. We don't think we can do this alone – do you think the Council will help?” he asked and Alex was at first surprised then thoughtful.

  “I'm sure they would – if you tell us what you need.” Alex said and Lexi sighed - “Good – witches first of all – they can help me to find any areas that are warded with any kind of weird magic. Then we need to scope things out – not just go in fighting like the other night. If we have some help we think we can deal with things a lot quicker.” their daughter said and Zach and Alex were in agreement. Both would like to help.

  Zach spoke next - “Ok – I'll set up a meeting with Thadius and take it from there.” and both Conall and Lexi seemed to relax a little. Zach was sure that Thadius would agree to help but they had to go through the correct procedures – if only to cover Thadius' back!

  Lexi looked as if she wanted to say something more but she stayed quiet. Alex saw it clear as day and wondered how to get it out of her? Then the house phone rang – Zach answered - “Zach here.” he said and Alex listened intently – wanting to know who it was. “Zach – I'm glad I got ye lad.” said Duncan, the powerful Alpha from Scotland.

  “Hi Duncan – how's things?” asked Zach and both he and Alex were stunned by the tone in Duncan's voice. “I need yer help laddie – something's goin on here and we cannae handle it on oor own. Would Alex and yersel come over – I widnae ask son if it wisnae important.” Duncan finished and both vampires knew it had taken a lot for Duncan to ask for help!

  Zach didn't hesitate - “We'll be there later today.” he said quickly and both he and Alex could hear the relief in the large wolf's voice - “Thank ye.” and Zach hung up. Worry was on his features - “What the hell is that about – Duncan – asking for help? Must be bad Alexina.” Zach mused and Alex was already getting up - “I'm going to dress and repack – get the plane ready and decide who we're taking – if it's bad enough for Duncan to call then it's bad enough for us to go with extra hands.” she said in a clipped tone. Zach agreed and started making calls.

  Firstly he set up a meeting with Thadius for Conall and Lexi then he called James – arranged for him and Lisa to come with them. Then he called Vlad - “Vlad – Duncan's in trouble – are you coming?” Zach said and Vlad answered immediately - “Yup – I'll bring Simeon too – what time are we leaving?” Vlad asked and Zach told him. He had known Vlad would go – Duncan was a friend of both of them and a good one at that!

  Zach then called Dmitri – who argued with him and wanted to go too but Zach told him he had to stay – to look after their own department but also Vlad's. With both Vlad and Simeon going to Scotland Dmitri would be needed here – the large Russian was not happy but Zach was the boss!

  Alex was ready in no time and was flying around like a whirlwind - “Zach I'm going to go see Tatiana for five minutes – I've not seen her in ages and then I'm going to stop and see Tatya – I won't be long.” she said as she went out the door. Zach was still packing his own things – weapons being the most important part of his luggage – so he just said “See you in a bit.” and got back to what he was doing.

  Alex went straight to Thadius' office, knowing Tatiana would be there, and there she was, the fairy sitting in her spot on the sofa. Tatiana's eyes lit up on seeing Alex - “Alex how are you?” the fairy spoke in her melodic sing song voice.

  “Oh I'm fine – it's just a flying visit – we're off to Scotland. Duncan's in some trouble and called and asked for help.” she said and Tatiana frowned – Thadius lifted his huge head and growled - “Trouble, Duncan?” he said and Alex nodded.

  “It must be bad if he's asked for help.” Thadius said and Alex had to agree - “Yes I know – so there's a few of us going – Zach's organising everything and leaving Dmitri to keep an eye on things while we're away. So how are you two?” Alex asked and Tatiana blushed.

  “Oh we're just grand Alex, just grand.” the fairy said and Thadius chuckled - “That we are little fairy!” the huge wolf said and Alex smiled – it was nice to see these two together – they obviously cared about each other immensely and that fact made Alex very happy indeed!

  Alex stayed for a little while chatting and passing on info on the twins but soon she knew she had to go. “Sorry it's just a quick visit – I promise when we get back we'll have you over for dinner.” she said and Thadius harrumphed - “Yes well so long as it's Zach that cooks.” he said with a smile on his face.

  Alex feigned hurt feelings - “What?! You don't want me to cook – you've hurt me Thadius!” she said and Tatiana laughed - “Oh my sweet Alex – I'm sure one day you will be able to cook – just not now!” the fairy said and Alex chuckled - “Yea yea – ok I promise, Zach will cook. Now I've got to run. See you when we get back.” and Alex bent down and kissed Tatiana on the cheek and turned and left. Her steps quick as she left. She still wanted to see Tatya before leaving, Irina too, but mostly Tatya!

  Irina was just arriving home when Alex got there – the young wolf smiled and waved when she saw Alex and Tatya started jumping up and down! “Auntie Auntie!” the little girl cried and Alex bent down and picked her up. Cuddling her to her chest she laughed as Tatya giggled.

  Alex followed Irina into the house and Irina started moving around in a hurry. “Sorry Alex but Vlad called – he needs me to pack for his trip. I must say I'm a bit worried – Duncan asking for help is just so out there! You know?” and Alex did - “I was going to come too but Vlad said no – if Duncan was asking for help it could be dangerous so he won't let us come.” Irina finished and Alex had to agree.

  “Irina we both know if Duncan is asking for Zach's help then things are serious so Vlad's right, you and Tatya should stay here. I know you liked Scotland when you visited after Tatya was born but we don't know what we're walking into.” Alex stopped and Irina just kept on getting things ready.

  It was a minute or so before she spoke again. “I know Alex – I just hate it when Vlad's away – I know it's not a lot now but I still miss him like mad! How long do you think you'll be away?” Irina's tone was worried and Alex wondered what was wrong?

  Alex looked closely at Irina - “What's up?” she asked pointedly and Irina stilled - “Uhm … it's just that … oh bloody hell – my breeding cycle is due in three weeks and I'll need Vlad home by then!” Irina blurted out and Alex started to smile then forced it away.

  This wasn't something to take lightly - “Ok – I think we should be home long before then but if not I promise I'll get Vlad home to you in time. If we're not home when it draws near you phone o
r text me – a few days before hand and I'll have your mate home and in your arms. How does that sound?” Alex said and Irina seemed to calm down.

  “Oh Alex, thank you. I was worried when Vlad called to say he was going – and I didn't say anything. I don't want him worrying about me when he's away on a mission – it could cause him to get hurt if he's not concentrating properly – it's a great weight off my shoulders, Alex.” Irina finished by crushing Alex in a hug – Tatya between them and protesting very loudly!

  Alex put Tatya down and headed for the door - “Ok I've got to run – remember – contact me if you need to.” she said as she left and she heard Irina shouting “Ok will do. ….... Tatya put that down now!” and Alex laughed – Tatya was always getting into mischief – she was a handful!

  Alex got home and Zach was all packed and ready – when she saw his huge battle sword she realised how serious he was taking the call from Duncan!

  “Did you pack my blades?” Alex asked and Zach answered - “Of course I did – tho are you sure you're up to it?” he finished and Alex gave him a very saucy look - “Listen vampire – if I was fit enough for the workout you gave me last night I'm fit enough for this!” she said and Zach groaned - “Oh did you have to? Did you really have to do that? Now my mind's full of what we did last night! I need a bloody cold shower!!” he emphasised his words by trying to relieve the hardness now pressing against his jeans!

  Alex picked up a case and walked to the front door – looking over her shoulder as she went. Zach was still trying to make himself comfortable and she chuckled – serves him right by asking if she was fit enough!!! His curse words followed her out the door and to the car where she put the case in the boot!

  As Alex walked back through the door she was grabbed and pulled against Zach - “You didn't think you'd get away with that, now did you?” he whispered in her ear and she started to breath quicker. With a swift kick the door slammed shut and before she knew what was happening her jeans and panties were around her ankles. They limited her movements and she struggled – tho not very much!