Defender's Blood The Fallen (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  “Oh I'm going to miss you both!” Margaret came over to give both a hug, “Now remember – any time – just text and pop over, literally! Remember to come for Xander's birthday too, I'll phone you nearer the time to remind you.” Margaret finished and moved back to cleaning the counter tops, jeez, Alex thought, the woman never stops.

  “We will, let us know if there's anything in particular he wants and I'll make sure we get him it.” Alex smiled as she thought this, she loved buying toys for the kids, she hadn't been able to for her own so made up for it with others'.

  Duncan was nodding his huge head, “Nae worries lass, noo I've got somewhere tae be, so away wae ye.” Alex moved forward and gave the large Alpha a huge hug which he returned until she had to tell him to let her go.

  Zach grabbed the cases and they just stood in the hall and Moved, appearing in the bedroom of their bungalow.

  As soon as they did both sent out senses, seeing if Conall still lived there or if he had moved out to an apartment yet. They didn't hear anything and there were no fresh scents so they guessed he now had a place, hopefully next to Lexi.

  Alex hated the time difference between Scotland and Unity, they had just had a good rest and left in the morning, it was still the middle of the night here.

  Zach came up behind her and she jumped still not liking anything at her back suddenly. “Sorry! I was just trying to think of how to spend some time!” Zach's voice was low as he bent down and whispered into her ear and his tone left no doubt as to what he was thinking.

  “Uhm well now my Vampire, just what did you have in mind?” Alex turned her head so she could look into Zach's eyes – the shine there clear to see. “Oh!” she got out as her stomached tightened, arousal and fear still in her system.

  “Oh indeed little one, I think we should start with a shower – instead of ending.” At this Zach moved in front, taking Alex's hand and pulling her after him. Now that he was no longer behind her she relaxed, well almost.

  Zach took his time in the shower, once more being gentle and tender. He knew Alex was still fearful and he would do it this way for as long as it took to get her over this. Whether that be a month, a year or an eternity.

  After another bout of slow lovemaking in their bed both were a little tired, slipping into a dreamless sleep.

  Alex awoke and she realised she hadn't had a nightmare, a small smile came to her lips at this realisation. Maybe she was getting over all this Andre stuff after all.

  She got up and padded through to the kitchen, getting their coffee on the go. Alex loved her coffee and Zach had started to join her, now it was their usual routine in the mornings. As the machine made the noises of getting to work Alex got out their mugs and set them down. Her mind wandering, wondering how Lexi and Michael were getting on in the real world.

  At that moment there was the slight shimmer alerting her that one of her children had appeared in the living room and she moved towards it. Conall stood looking drained, his white pale and his eyes had slight black rings around them, “Oh my god Conall, what's wrong?”

  Alex moved towards her son, looking him all over, Zach appearing in the door like a flash. He had felt Alexina's fear and upset.

  “Bad night, more bloody Fallen, shit, they're coming out of the woodwork like nothing we ever expected. I'm bushed, so's Lexi and Michael.” Conall sat down heavily in one of the armchairs and both Alex and Zach had frowns on their faces.

  “Okay, your workload seems to be getting a bit much, as both your mum and I can Move I think we should join your team. Even if it's just for a short while, you definitely need more help Conall.” Zach's tone was firm, all business and Conall nodded.

  “Yea dad we do, I think that's a good idea, most of the ones we're coming across are ones without wings so they've been here a long time. That also means they're not as strong, so any help you can give would be great. I'll let Lexi know.”

  Conall closed his eyes, opened them a few seconds later, “Okay, she agrees,we'll have a meeting at lunchtime and go over things.” Zach was just about to say he would make everyone lunch but when he looked at his son he was sound asleep. Conall's head lay back on the back of the chair and his body was totally relaxed, he was out for the count.

  “Leave him.” Alex said quietly and moved to place a throw over her son, she didn't want him to get cold.

  Zach followed his mate into the kitchen where they talked and talked about helping their twins. “I've got a couple of ideas, I'm going to phone Vlad.” and Zach went out the back door, picking his phone up on the way.

  Alex went for a quick shower and as she walked back through to their bedroom Zach was already dressed. His hair was wet? “Did you have a shower?” she asked.

  Zach nodded, “Yea, I used the spare room, I didn't want to give you a fright if I just joined you.”

  Alex's heart did a little flip, he was so thoughtful, always had been, and he was hers. “Thank you, but in future just send a thought to me that you're joining me and then I won't get scared.” She moved to get her clothes and Zach smiled, “Okay hon I'll do that next time, I much prefer showering with you meine Kleine!”

  “Oh I bet you do my Vampire, but not now, tell me what you phoned Vlad about?” Alex was now nearly dressed, just getting her black jeans on and pulling a pair of combat boots out. Zach raised his eyebrow at her mode of dress and she winked, “Gotta be ready, the twins never know when their going to 'get a call' so to speak.”

  Zach realised she was right and took of his work boots and started to put his combat boots on too. Wouldn't be right if his mate was ready for action and he wasn't.

  “So, about Vlad, I was thinking about all those gizmos he has in R & D, I think some might be of help. Shit if it's just to get rid of the Fallen and not to capture them as such well a nice explosion should do the trick!” Zach had finished tying his boots and stood up.

  Alex looked thoughtful, “Good idea, but we'll have to check it will work on them, if so, bugger it, that would be better than the hand to hand shit. A lot less tiring too!”

  “That's what I was thinking, those flash bomb things Vlad's got for Supers, we could see if they work or if they could be modified for the Fallen, Lexi will know. Now, I'm away to the store to get some supplies, those twins are always hungry.” Zach left and Alex was thinking on what he had said, she hoped that anything Vlad could give them would work, would certainly make things a bit easier on them all.

  Alex unpacked their cases and sorted the clothes for laundry and generally tidying up. After one load of washing was done and the second in, Zach returned, arms full of brown bags of groceries. Alex always wondered why they used those brown bags here in the US, she though they were cumbersome and not easy to carry. She preferred the shopping bags they used in the UK.

  Zach unpacked the groceries then went downstairs to the basement. He got out his sword and some blades together with blades and the smaller sword that Alex had been using. He brought them up and left them just inside the door to the living room. Ready for picking up quickly.

  Zach then got started on preparing lunch, Conall was still asleep, Alex would have to wake him soon or he'd still be out for the count when Lexi and Michael arrived. Just as that thought hit her mind Conall started to waken, his long, strong, body stretching and yawning.

  Michael and Lexi arrived soon after and Zach put out the food he had prepared, his own home made burgers, which went down a treat. Even Michael scoffed them down, eating three together with salad and fries.

  “So you two want to help us for a bit?” Lexi got out between bites of burger.

  “Yea but I've got some ideas too …..” and Zach went on to tell them of Vlad's little inventions.

  Each one listened carefully and asked questions but at the end of it they all thought Vlad's things would either work or just help. If there was some kind of explosion it would certainly distract any Fallen and hopefully give them an opening for attack.

  “I'm really interested in those flash bomb thing
s dad, can you take me to see Vlad. I think they might work as is but if not we should try modifying them.” Lexi had finished eating and was now leaning into Michael's side, the large being's arm around her waist holding her close to him.

  Zach tried not to focus on that as he nodded, “Yea, I said we would probably be dropping by so we can go now.” Zach moved to start clearing up.

  “I'll do that, you go see Vlad.” Alex said and then looked pointedly at Conall - “Conall can help,” she finished and Conall started to pick things up, helping clear up for the first time.

  Lexi, Michael and Zach just Moved, appearing outside the Security Offices building and moved inside. Vlad was in his office, a large smile on his face when he saw Zach. He hoped that by their return it meant that Alex was getting over all that had happened in Italy. Irina had been beside herself when Vlad finally told her what had gone on.

  He had only done so because his Wolf knew he was keeping something from her and pestered him mercilessly. Also, Irina had gone through the same traumatic events and he knew she would may be able to help.

  “Come on, we'll go to R & D.” Vlad said as he got up and motioned them to follow him down to the basement. It was at the opposite end of the building that the safe room had been for Alex during the battle and Zach had been here a few times before. He always liked it as they got to play with Vlad's new toys.

  As they entered one of Vlad's men walked over, a Wolf, he had a white coat on and looked like a doctor of some sorts. “This here is Nick, he's our top man and he's the one that either comes up with the ideas or helps me to develop what I've came up with. The flash bombs were my idea but Nick helped me to get them right – my original ones would've taken out half a building! So Lexi,what is it you want to see first?”

  Lexi looked at Vlad and Nick, she had no idea all this went on down here. “The flash bombs, if we can knock the Fallen out, even for a second it would be a great help. I'm not sure how we'll know if they'll work on them or not so I thought if I put one of my own magic spells on them we could use them and see what happens? Once I've used them and seen the result if they need modified then I'll have a better sense of what needs to be done.”

  Vlad nodded to Nick who walked over to a large area with steel tables and lots of things scattered around – none of which any of them had any idea of what they were. Nick moved to a very large steel chest on the floor, a combination lock keeping it secure. He fiddled with the lock and opened the chest, pulling out a small tray with at least ten of the flash bombs in it. He brought it over and handed it to Vlad.

  “There's quite a few here for you to get started. I would suggest you spell a couple and use them to see what results you get, then if they need anything doing bring the rest back and we'll get right on it. How does that sound?” Vlad was holding the tray out towards Lexi.

  “Sounds good Vlad, thanks.” Zach said just as Lexi took the tray.

  “Jeez, these are heavier than they look!” she said as the full weight was transferred to her hands.

  Immediately Michael stepped forward and took the tray from her, “Hon, you know I'm strong, I could've carried them!” Lexi's tone was anything but the admonish that her words portrayed, she had a smile on her face and a look of love in her eyes as she looked up at Michael.

  Michael only smiled, didn't say anything, but kept the tray in his own hands and Vlad showed them out again. Nick saying he needed Vlad later to go over some kind of heat seeking device.

  When they got back upstairs Vlad pulled Zach back, walking behind everyone else. “How's Alex?” he asked his friend.

  “She's a bit better, not fully but a bit. At least we're feeding again.” Zach said and Vlad gave a huge smile.

  “Well that's good, thank fuck, Irina's being going mad worrying about her. If anyone would know how your mate felt it would be mine!”

  Zach knew this was so, Irina had been raped by the Wolf who had turned her into a Werewolf and also by another Wolf when she got caught outside in her breeding cycle. That woman had gone through a lot.

  “I know Vlad, I'm just happy everything's worked out for you both. I'm hopeful that Alex will make it through this. I am going to make sure she does.” Zach said softly and Vlad clapped him on the back.

  “I know you will Zach.” and they continued on following the other two in front.

  Once outside the building they Moved back to the bungalow, Conall and Alex sitting chatting in the lounge. Once Conall had a good look at the flash bombs Lexi started to cast a spell on two, soon she was finished and they kept those two separate from the rest. Zach placed the remainder downstairs in his weapons cupboard, not wanting any accidents.

  Just as Lexi told them her and Michael were going home Conall jumped up. Then Lexi stiffened and she looked to her parents, - “Fallen,” she said.

  Zach and Alex moved fast, retrieving their weapons and moving beside their twins. Lexi placed her arms out a little bit and then Moved them all and they knew immediately where they were – Vegas. Again!

  What was it with these Fallen and Vegas?

  They were on the outskirts of the town in a run-down, shabby area, one that the tourists never got to see. A building was directly in front of them – broken windows and the door was lying broken also, as if pulled off it's hinges!

  A small scream came from inside and they all moved together with Conall and Lexi in front, then Alex and Zach, with Michael covering their rear. As they entered the building they could see a scuffle going on up ahead, two males pulling a young woman...it was her scream they had heard.

  “Let me go, let me GO!” the girl was screaming and trying to pull away but she was no match for the strength of the Fallen that had her in a tight grip. A dirty mattress lay on the floor and they flung the girl down, sneers on their faces as they did so. “What do you want!” she whimpered, realising she was in deep trouble.

  “You, we're going to have you!” one of the males chuckled and the girl started to cry, knowing what was going to happen.

  “Uhm...excuse me...but I don't fucking think so!” Conall shouted and both males and the girl turned their heads in their direction.

  “Help me!” the girl cried and Alex was keeping a close eye on things looking for the minute she could get to the girl.

  “Who are you?” one of the Fallen spoke, his voice full of anger.

  “We're the twins and this here is Michael.” Lexi said with a smile. These Fallen obviously knew of them as their eyes widened and widened even more when they saw Michael no longer had wings.

  “Outside!” Conall commanded and the Fallen moved fast, in the opposite direction, towards the rear of the building.

  As soon as they did Alex ran quickly, grabbing the girl and pulling her up, “Run, out the front, get away from here!”

  The girl didn't need to be told twice, she took off like a bat out of hell not even looking backwards. Alex thought she probably wouldn't stop until she got very far away.

  Alex turned and followed the twins and Zach who had went after the Fallen, Michael having stayed with Alex, making sure the girl got away. Alex ran to catch up, the ones in front now in some dirty back alleyway. Just as she reached them Lexi drew her arm back and threw one of Vlad's little bombs.

  The silver globe flew straight at the the backs of the two Fallen, landing right in the middle of them, a huge flash and muted thud came next. When the flash cleared both Fallen were lying on the ground.

  “Yes!” Conall shouted and ran over, thinking he would find two unconscious Fallen. However, as he got nearer he smelt burnt flesh and clothing and when he stopped and looked down he gagged.

  The two Fallen were a mess, as if they had been burnt from the inside out. The stench of the burned tissue ripe in the air and his hand shot up to cover he nose and mouth.

  As the rest approached he heard various things being said, “Shit – think my spell was a bit too strong.” came from Lexi.

  “Oh my god!” came from his mother.

  “What a mess!
” came from his father.

  “Serves them right!” came from Michael.

  Conall turned away, not wanting to look at the sight in front of him. As he did so two Angels appeared and took the bodies away quietly.

  “Well guess we can say it worked.” Alex said softly.

  “Uhm think I'll tone down the spell next time.” Lexi said to no one in particular and Conall had to agree, that had been overkill and not something he wanted to see, or smell, again.

  Lexi Moved them all back to the bungalow and then her and Michael left. Conall staying for a bit, but then he went home to his one bed apartment in the Guards apartment block.

  The next few weeks went by quickly, now the Fallen had been on earth for longer they had lost their wings which meant they were easier to track. Easier to catch. Easier to kill.

  The five of them worked as a team, sometimes all five together but sometimes broken up into two teams. The flash bombs their secret weapon in the war against the Fallen.

  Then the missions got longer and longer apart and that meant that not many Fallen were left, or rather, not many that were staying on earth. It looked like they had won the war. The war to stop the Fallen having children and enslaving humans.

  Alex hoped so, she was tired, death and destruction having been her life for so long. She craved some peace and quiet, even if just for a little while.

  The twins started to do work for their parent's Department and Dmitri was thrilled. He loved both of the twins but liked their immense abilities even better. It made their missions so much easier when the twins were on one of the teams.

  Michael was always there with Lexi. Where she went so did he. His powers and strength coming in handy on more than one occasion. Even if he wasn't as powerful as the twins he was still more powerful than any of the Vampires or Wolves that were on the teams.

  The twins and Michael had accounts opened for them and they started to get paid for work done. It meant they could get what they wanted and pay for things themselves. All three felt better about that. Michael especially didn't like being dependant on Zach's funds.