Defender's Blood The Birth and The Battle (Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  Zach was still amazed at what Alex had achieved. He had been worried for his friend. Vlad was a very proud being and he hadn’t been sure how they could get out of the mess. Alex had done it and it had seemed effortless for her.

  Zach spoke with pride. “Your mind surely works in a way none of ours do. Okay little gossip, I’ll drop you before I go to work. If you want a lift back home, just phone. I’ll come or send one of the Guards. Try not to spend too much money while doing all this gossiping though.”

  Alex laughed. “We’ll see, Vampire!”

  After Zach dropped her off, Alex went into the same shop she had bought some clothes from before. Julia, the owner, was there and seemed very happy to see her.

  “Alex, oh my goodness it’s so nice to see you again – and with babies in your little belly too. I hear it’s twins?” The vibe coming from Julia was all friendly and there weren’t any negative feelings at all.

  “Yes, Julia, it’s twins, a girl and a boy. Zach and I are a little overwhelmed with it all but ecstatic. I’m looking forward to giving Zach a family. It’s not something we had even imagined so we’re still getting used to it.” Alex’s tone was open and friendly and Julia came over and hugged her.

  “I’m sure it was a shock, Alex, but I can honestly say I don’t think these little ones could have better parents. I can just see the love shining in you. I can’t wait to see the big, tough and controlling Zach with them. That will be a sight to see.” Julia was smiling down at Alex and the same thought was rolling through her head.

  She remembered why she was there. “Julia, can I just browse? I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit. Zach’s helping out while Vlad and Irina are away in Tucson.”

  The seed was planted, would Julia pick up on it? Yes.

  “They’ve gone to the city? Whatever for? You’re all just back and the town is buzzing with all these extra Wolves and Vampires everywhere. I didn’t think Vlad would leave in the middle of this.” Julia’s tone was a little perplexed.

  Alex smiled and then put a conspiratorial look on her face. “Oh, I’m so excited for them. You wouldn’t believe what I found out at that specialist I went to see. He works with Wolves a lot, and he has used IVF on a couple of She-Wolves who couldn’t get pregnant – and it worked!”

  She left it there for the moment to see if Julia would connect the dots. Julia was no dummy and Alex saw a flicker of understanding in her eyes. “Alex! You don’t mean … is that why ... jeez, that would be wonderful!” Julia’s voice lowered to a whisper. “So is that why they’ve gone back to Tucson? Go on, you can tell me – I won’t blab.”

  So Alex did, she explained that was precisely why they had to go as Irina was in her mating period and it would be the best time to do it. Julia was clapping her hands. “Oh that would be wonderful, Irina loves kids! I know she works in the nursery to be near them ‘cause her and Vlad couldn’t have any so oh my God, this is fantastic!”

  Julia was genuinely happy for the couple and Alex was glad that she now knew the cover story. She hoped people would come in the shop right after her because she knew Julia wouldn’t be able to keep it to herself.

  As she left Julia’s shop she all but bumped into Brianna. “Hi Bri, how are you feeling?” she asked while looking at the Witch closely. Bri looked tired and Alex was a little concerned.

  “Oh I’m fine, just not slept well last night,” Bri explained.

  “Why not, Bri – is there anything wrong? Maybe I can help?”

  Bri looked like she was going to cry. “Oh Alex, I’ve been arguing with Rhianna. She has a thing about Wolves and wasn’t pleased I’d mated with Scott. Scott was all possessive and let her know in no uncertain terms that I was his – which didn’t go down well, and then I argued with Scott because he is making me leave to go to the Wolf Pack land. He says he wouldn’t be able to concentrate with me here. But I’m a strong Witch, Alex, I could help protect him – and you!”

  Alex took Bri by the arm and led her to some seats which were positioned along the front of the shops. They sat down and Alex took her hand before speaking. “Honey, I’m sure Rhianna will come round. If you want, I’ll talk to her. I’m sure she will understand once she knows how much you care for Scott. Scott going all protective … well Bri, that’s Wolves, as far as I can see. Wolves are very protective of their mates. You can’t blame him for that, it’s just the way he is. I can understand about him wanting you to leave before there’s any fighting too. Trust me, if Zach could get me away then he would. But we all know that the attack would then not happen here – it’s going to happen wherever I am. You do know that Zach has asked Scott to guard me?”

  Bri’s eyes opened wide. “No, he didn’t tell me that. So Zach is entrusting you to my Scott?”

  Alex smiled as she answered, “Yes he is, Bri. I’m not sure where we will be in the town but I’m certain it’s going to be the best protected area so Scott will be with me within that. Please don’t worry about him. It’s not good for you or the baby. Now, do you want me to talk to Rhianna?”

  Bri let out a sigh before answering. “I’m not sure, it might make things worse. If we don’t make up in another couple of days I think then yes, but not just yet. Is that okay?”

  Alex patted her hand. “Of course Bri, I only want to help and you only have to ask. You have our telephone number so phone me if you want me to talk to Rhianna – or even if you just want to talk. I know this is very stressful but you do have to think of your baby, that’s the most important thing just now.”

  Bri looked a little less worried. “You know Alex, just talking to you has helped. I’m going to tell Rhianna that I love Scott and he is the father of my baby and, well … she just better accept it.”

  Alex chuckled. “Good for you, Bri. And give Scott a break about making you leave, it’s for the best, really it is.”

  Bri looked at Alex and a small smile was on her face. “Yeah I know, I just don’t like being away from him, Alex. I don’t feel whole … ya know?”

  Alex gave her a hug. “Yes Bri I do know, everything’s going to be fine. Remember, just phone if you need to talk.”

  Bri nodded and got up and did that walk that heavily pregnant women do – a kind of waddle. Alex smiled. She was glad she could help Bri, she was a fabulous person, she just sometimes let her big sister boss her about a bit. That’s families though.

  Next Alex went to the hairdressers, she didn’t need anything doing to it but went for a wash and dry just so she could do some gossiping there. Again it went well and Alex left with the girls huddled in a corner smiling and laughing. Everyone loved Irina and they were over the moon that she might have a chance for a child.

  The hunger hit Alex as she left the hairdressers so her logical next stop was the diner. She was going to order quite a bit of food and saw that the diner wasn’t very busy. Good, that meant the waitress would possibly stop for a chat.

  Alex sat in the booth that her and Zach usually used so it was the waitress they normally got. Again she got good wishes about her and Zach’s babies and the conversation progressed from there.

  By the time she left, she had seen the waitress whispering to several couples, all of whom smiled – obviously happy for the couple who had gone to see about IVF. Well, that’s what they all thought now. Her job was done for the day and she was sure that soon just about everyone would know. She didn’t think any one of them would trust her with a secret anytime soon, but hey, it was worth it.

  As she left the diner, she thought she would walk home, it wasn’t that far. However, halfway home she felt the tiredness hit. She sat on a bench under a tree and pulled her phone to call Zach. As soon as he answered she knew he had felt her fatigue.

  “Where are you? … I’m on my way.” He hung up and ran for the car, shouting to Dmitri he would be back soon. When Zach reached Alex just a few minutes later, she was asleep on the bench in the street. He picked her up, laid her in the back of the car and took her home
to bed.

  Once she was out for the count safely in their bed, Zach went back to work. He stayed for another few hours and the paperwork was immense. Apart from the folk who had just turned up after the call to arms, there were lots of emails and telephone calls from others … he was astonished at the amount that wanted to come. He was sure some were coming just because Alex needed protection, though he was also sure some were coming just for the fight. It was rare nowadays for the infighting that was prevalent long ago, so a fight on this scale was unprecedented – some just wanted to come and join in. Some, he was sure, were either coming or sending others to ‘earn brownie points’. Hell, he didn’t care about the reason, he was just glad so many were coming.

  Dmitri walked in just as Zach was finishing up. He handed him another sheaf of paperwork with names and numbers. Dmitri spoke while looking at the paperwork in his hands. “Jeez, Zach, I never thought my call would be answered so quickly or with such numbers!”

  Zach knew that Dmitri just wasn’t aware of the respect he was held in by the other Supers. “I know Dmitri, it says a lot about you. You did this, my man!”

  Zach was sure he had seen a slight blush cross Dmitri’s face … it was very strange to see it on this Vampire. Dmitri was one of the deadliest he had come across. He could fight like a fiend and his strength was immense. However, it was his quiet dedication to protecting others that got the respect. He would never shirk in his duties, no matter what he was up against.

  Vlad had told him some facts about Dmitri that impressed him, and he wasn’t an easy person to impress. He had also seen the large Vampire at work himself and he was lethal.

  “The amount that is here, plus the amount that has been offered, well Dmitri, I hope to Christ we don’t need them all. Because if we do … then that means this is going to be a battle never before seen. And that, my friend, scares me shitless. Not for my safety but for Alex and the babies.”

  Dmitri laid a hand on Zach’s shoulder. “I know Zach. I promise you she will be safe. I will ensure it, until my last breath if need be.”

  Zach nodded his head. “I’m aware of that Dmitri, and just in case I don’t get the chance later or I forget with all that’s going on, I want to thank you. You are an exceptional Vampire and a good friend.”

  He was sure he saw another slight blush from Dmitri, who mumbled about going and checking something or other, and left the office.

  Zach made his way home to his mate. He had missed her today and desperately wanted to pull her into his arms.

  Alex woke when Zach came home, still tired but not so much. “So how was your day, Zach?” she asked sleepily. She was sitting on her stool in the kitchen sipping some orange juice. She had taken a craving for it and was drinking loads.

  “Fine little one. Busy – you wouldn’t believe the amount of emails and calls we’re getting. The numbers are increasing every hour. Some are already on their way, coming from as far as Russia, would you believe that!”

  Alex could feel his disbelief. “Wow, Russia … that’s a long way to come.”

  Zach nodded his head and continued. “I know, Alexina, but they are coming from all over. Dmitri’s call has gone answered like you wouldn’t believe. The Vampires obviously know of him and respect him, that’s why they are coming, plus the chance for a good fight. The Wolves … well they are coming for several reasons. One being Thadius is so well respected and they are coming to honour him. However, one of the main reasons they are giving is you, baby. They are all saying that nobody is going to harm you or your pups – as they call them. Family is one of the most important things to Wolves and the thought that you and the babies are in danger, well, in their eyes it’s an outrage.”

  Alex’s eyes teared up and Zach came over and lifted her head with a finger. “Hey, little one, what’s wrong?” he asked quietly.

  She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself so she could talk. “Zach I’m overwhelmed. These people – or Vampires and Wolves, whatever, they are all going to be putting their lives on the line for me and our babies. The thought that they are going to be hurt, some killed even … it’s very intense. How am I going to look into the eyes of someone who has lost a mate because of me?”

  Zach’s tone was soft as he answered her. “Darling, I can understand how you could look on it like that. However, it’s not because of you – it’s because of the Demon and whatever minions he has. It’s not your fault, trust me on this. You have to believe that or the feelings could overcome you, it is not your fault!”

  She thought about what Zach had said and slowly nodded her head. “Okay, but I know I’m going to feel bad, really bad, for any that are hurt. I can’t help that, Zach, it’s just the way I am.”

  “And that, my little one, is just one of the myriad of reasons I love you.” He lifted her head once more with one finger and slowly bent down to kiss her. The kiss started off gently but soon passion took over and Zach made sure that his mate wasn’t thinking of anything but him and the pleasure he was giving her.

  Over the next week to ten days, they got into a routine. Zach would go to work for a few hours and she would do what she wanted. She ordered some paint to be delivered, wanting to get the spare room ready, she was going to do it in lemon. Once she had the room decorated, she was going to call Samantha and get all the stuff she had ordered sent out. She was aware that she should have quite some time to do all this, but something was making her get ready … she didn’t know why.

  Bri came over a few times, and they would sit and chat and have her decaf coffee. Bri was the epitome of a happy, pregnant mate. She was glowing and her excitement was palpable, she couldn’t wait to see her child. She didn’t ask at her scans whether it was a boy or girl, she wanted a girl and Scott wanted a boy, but they would be happy as long as the baby was healthy.

  Bri and Rhianna had made up ... once Rhianna realised that Bri was not going to let her sister dictate to her any more. Rhianna didn’t do it out of malice, she had just always looked out for her sister. Bri, being the quieter of the two, hadn’t minded up till now. However, her love for Scott was immense and she wasn’t going to let Rhianna spoil it for her. Rhianna was slowly coming round to Scott, she could obviously see how much he adored Bri, and she was also excited about becoming an aunt. Alex was pleased that things were working out. Bri and Scott were meant to be together and that was the be all and end all of the matter.

  One evening when Zach got home from work, they were sitting talking about their day when the phone rang. Zach answered.

  A loud voice boomed down the line. “Hello there laddie – how’s ye doing, an that little lassie oh yoors!” It was Duncan calling from Scotland.

  “Hi Duncan, nice to hear from you. How’s Margaret?” Zach queried.

  Duncan’s voice was loud as he answered. “Fine laddie, fine. Now ah jest want tae go over some things. Me and ma laddies will be over as soon as ye think it’s gettin close. Wae Margaret bein pregnant, ah want tae leave it as long as possible. But as soon as ye think it’s near, ye need tae call me? Okay?”

  Zach had been thinking about this and broached the subject. “Duncan … Scott, your Beta is already here and Margaret is pregnant with your baby. I was thinking that maybe you should stay there and just send whatever Wolves you had in mind?” Zach waited on the explosion he was certain would come.

  He was right. “Whit! Whit did ye jest say tae me laddie? Me thinks yer goin tae get a slap roon the lugs when I see ye. Aye, that’s whits goin tae happen. Tellin me no tae come … a herd oh wild horses willnae keep me away, ye hear me laddie!” Duncan was not a happy Wolf.

  Zach tried to alleviate the tension. “First of all, yes I hear you Duncan – it was just a suggestion. Secondly, what in the blazes are lugs and why would you want to slap them? Sounds a bit dirty to me. You’ve not gone over to the other side and coming on to me now, are you Duncan?”

  Alex could hear the very loud laughing coming from Duncan before he spoke again. �
��Ah laddie, ye never fail tae make me laugh! Ask Alex whit lugs are. An no – as gorgeous a Vampire as ye are, ah’m no comin on tae ye. Seein as it wis you that brought it up, maybe it’s you that’s wishin it laddie. In yer dreams pal, in yer dreams.” And he dissolved into another fit of very loud laughing.

  Zach smiled at his large friend’s words. “Duncan, as soon as Alex is about the size that Bri saw in her vision, I’ll call you. Though I need to warn you that this pregnancy isn’t going at the normal pace so that call could come quicker than you may think.”

  Duncan finally stopped laughing. “Okay laddie, ah hear ye loud and clear. We’ll be ready tae move quick. Ah take it yer jet is going tae get us?”

  “Yes Duncan, as soon as it’s time it will be sent. You will be the first pick up and there’s another few from the Borders that want picked up too. I’ll keep in touch. Take care of that lovely mate of yours …”

  Alex interrupted. “Oh, could you ask Duncan if Margaret could bake me some scones and could he bring them over? And plain bread – he’ll know what I mean.”

  Duncan spoke before Zach got the chance. “Ma Wolf ears heard her laddie. Tell her nae problem. It must be hard fer her tae no to be getting her plain bread – that’s jest wrong.”

  Zach replied “Okaaay … I have no idea what it is but if she wants some, please bring it. You know what these pregnant women are like, Duncan!”

  Duncan all but whispered down the line, “Ah dae that, laddie.”

  Alex threw a cushion at Zach as he and Duncan said goodbye. As Zach walked back over to her on the sofa he asked “So what are lugs and why would he slap them? And what on earth is plain bread?”

  Alex laughed. “Lugs are ears, Zach – he’s going to give you a slap round your ears. Plain bread, well that’s harder to describe, it’s a Scottish thing. It’s the best for making toast with. I hope he remembers to bring some. You can see it when he comes.”