Defender's Blood The Turning (An Urban Fantasy)

by A. K. Michaels

  He gruffly spoke in clipped tones. “Okay, food and supplies then back on the road.”

  They went to the food court in the mall and the kids were hungry – they ate a bunch. Dmitri was worried in case they threw up in the jeep! Then they all went to the loo and Dmitri bought some stuff for the journey – water, juice, snacks and a few sandwiches. Soon they were back on the road and the kids were subdued. Dmitri wondered if they could feel his mood. He was angry at himself and didn’t know why.

  He drove for hours and didn’t stop until finally Dawn spoke. “Dmitri, I think the kids need the toilet. They’re all squirming in their seats – a sure sign,” she half-laughed. Dmitri looked in the mirror and indeed they were all agitated and nodding their heads.

  He pulled over. “There’s nothing for miles so it needs to be a side of the road stop, sorry.”

  Dawn just nodded. “That’s okay. Everyone that needs to pee – out.” All four kids got out.

  Dawn made the boys go to the rear of the jeep and do their business while she and her daughter looked for somewhere to do a pee without being seen. There were a few bushes about so that would have to do. Her daughter helped her and she managed to get to the nearest bush. Once they were both done, they came back and all the boys were looking more than a little relieved.

  She popped her daughter in back and went to get in. Her ankle gave way and she yelped in pain. Dmitri had moved so fast that her backside didn’t even hit the road. He caught her and pulled her upright. She smiled up at him. “Sorry, my ankle’s still a bit sore … thank you.”

  Dmitri picked her up into her seat. Fuck, he thought … ‘my ankle’s still a bit sore’. It was fucking broken, and she was walking on it. What did she have to be sorry about? It was him that should have apologised, he should have known to help her.

  He only nodded, got round in his seat and drove off. He was decidedly unsettled – and Dmitri was never unsettled!

  Nothing fazed him, he just got on with things, no matter how bad, how dangerous. So why was this little Wolf getting to him? He had no fucking idea and just wished to get back home as soon as he could. Then he could pass them over to whomever and be done with it.

  They continued on and Dawn tried to start several conversations, none of which Dmitri responded to in other than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. After another couple of hours, she gave up. She laid her head on the side glass and just stared out, the miles passing by.

  “How much farther, Dmitri?”

  Dmitri checked the time and the sat nav to see where they were. “Another three or four hours, not too long,” and then stopped talking again.

  “Hey kids, I need to speak to you about James ...” she said in her most motherly tone.

  Dmitri stiffened – what was she going to say? Dawn continued “Well when you first meet him I don’t want you all to stare, okay? Lisa says he has some scars from a bomb and he’s a bit sensitive about them. So can you be real good and not stare too much? And don’t be scared of him. Lisa loves him and she wouldn’t love someone that wasn’t nice, okay?”

  Dmitri tensed. It was Fin who spoke. “So are these like real bad scars?”

  His mom shook her head. “I don’t know, hon, I’ve not seen him, it was just that Lisa told me.”

  Fin spoke directly to Dmitri. “Do you know James? What’re the scars and are they bad? How did he get them?”

  Dmitri wasn’t sure how to say it so he did what he always did – told the truth. “He is scarred quite bad. It was a bomb and fire. One side of his face, neck and as far as I’m aware the scars are also on his body. Meeting him for the first time can sometimes be a bit awkward but just treat him like anyone else. He is a very good man – strong, honourable and loyal. Your sister is lucky to have him as her mate.”

  The kids all made different noises – from ‘oh’ to ‘yeah?’ to even a ‘cool!’ Dmitri smiled. Kids – you never knew how they would react to anything, even news about a battle-scarred Vampire!

  They continued on and the kids dozed on and off. Dawn was awake, alert even and Dmitri could sense fear.

  “What’s wrong Dawn?”

  She turned and looked at him. “I think I can sense Kade. I haven’t up till a little while ago. How far is it now?”

  Her tone was fearful. Dmitri’s anger reared again and he would like to meet this Wolf who had made her speak in such a way!

  He realised that they weren’t far. “Only another half hour or so.”

  “Could you possibly speed up, Dmitri … I’m scared.” Dawn’s voice was a whisper and it shook. Fear was now rolling off of her in waves!

  He reached for his phone and dialled. “Vlad, am only half hour or less away. Dawn can sense her mate, he’s close. Can you get some guys to the gate please?” Dmitri’s tone was cold, calculating.

  Vlad snapped out orders and then replied “I’ll come out and meet you if you want?”

  “No – I’m on the last stretch, no traffic. Putting foot to the floor. This jeep of James’s, shit it can go some, so be there soon.”

  He put his foot right down and the vehicle took off – fast. Dawn let out a small gasp. Dmitri glanced at her. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing, Dawn, I won’t crash. We’ll be there soon.” His voice wasn’t quite as cold, not quite as calculating as it had been.

  Dawn breathed deeply, trying to keep calm as the jeep flew. Soon, lights from Unity could be seen. Dmitri knew they were close – the tension coming from Dawn was palpable.

  Dmitri slowed as the gates of Unity came into view and he saw several people there. He pulled to a stop just inside, where Thadius was standing along with Vlad, James and a few of the Guards. All looked serious.

  Thadius walked over and Dmitri got out. Thadius had a sheaf of papers in his hands which he handed over to Dawn.

  “Here – these are your new names. You will have these from now on. You are no longer Dawn Kavanagh.” Thadius spoke in a clipped tone and Dawn took the paper with a frown on her face. “We have a house ready for you. I think I should take you, I don’t think Dmitri wants to miss a meeting with your mate.” And Dmitri growled.

  Thadius got in behind the wheel of the jeep and drove away, leaving the rest of them at the gates. Dawn turned in her seat and watched Dmitri getting smaller as they moved away.

  James came over and shook Dmitri’s hand. “Thank you. Are they okay?”

  Dmitri nodded. “Seems to be, though Dawn is still hurt. That fucker beat her and left her in the cellar. What kind of man does that to his mate?”

  James shook his head. “I have no idea. I would die rather than hurt Lisa.” Dmitri nodded – yes, that’s how it should be.

  They heard vehicles approaching and both turned and took up a stance next to Vlad and the other Guards.

  The two vehicles came to a screeching stop in front of them. Doors flew open and eight males got out. One was obviously the Alpha and strode forward. “I’m Alpha Kade and I demand the return of my mate and my children – NOW!” he roared to nobody in particular.

  James was the one to step forward. “My name’s James – I’m mated to Lisa.”

  Kade growled, his Wolf fangs coming down for all to see. “So you’re the one that stole that little slut!”

  James snapped – he flew at the man in front of him and a vicious fight broke out. Dmitri went for the two largest males and Vlad was right there next to him. The other Guards stood still, watching. If need be they would step in but they didn’t think they would need to.

  They were right – Dmitri and Vlad had the rest of the men on the ground and hurting in no time at all. None of the men had changed to Wolf so the fight had been over very quickly indeed.

  James’s fight was still going on. Not because he couldn’t have finished it early, but because he wanted to inflict pain on this sorry excuse of a male.

  The Alpha was in a very strange state – half-Wolf – and finally he turned full Wolf. James upped his game a bit and his speed came into play. The Wolf just couldn’t land any
blows with its large claws, its teeth snapping always a second too late. Each time James would land a blow – a punch, a kick – and the Wolf roared in pain and annoyance.

  Finally the Wolf changed back and the man stood bloodied in front of James. “I know the fucking Law – return them now!” he roared.

  James turned to Vlad. “Over to you.” He turned his back on Kade. This was a huge insult to any Wolf. It meant James thought so little of him that he wasn’t afraid to turn his back!

  The Alpha roared again and rushed at James who turned in a flash and landed a huge punch to his face, feeling good when he felt bones break beneath his hand.

  Kade flew back a few feet, then fell to his knees and spat, and more than one tooth flew out. He was holding his nose, trying to stem the flow of blood. One eye completely closed, one eye half–closed, his body aching and more than one rib broken. He forced himself to stand and again shouted “Hand them over!”

  Vlad walked over slowly and stood in front of him.

  “I’m Head of Security. Who is it you want handed over? Names please?”

  Kade looked at him. “You know who! My mate – Dawn Kavanagh and our four children. I know the Law, you have to hand them over.”

  Vlad smiled. “Well, as Head of Security, I know who is and who is not on this land. I can categorically state that there is no Dawn Kavanagh here. Never has been and never will be. So you and your little band of toy soldiers can leave, now – or I will be forced to arrest all of you. Trust me, Alpha, you do not want to end up in my jail.”

  Kade was shaking in anger. “I know she’s here – I know it.”

  Vlad shook his head. “Nope, nobody of that name is here. Leave now, I will not tell you again!” As he finished speaking Vlad let his fangs out, let his eyes go red and Dmitri moved to his side. Dmitri said nothing – he growled and stared at this male with unadulterated hatred pouring off him.

  One of the other males came forward and tugged on the Alpha’s arm. “Come Kade, we’ve got to leave. We’re not getting in there and they say she’s not here.”

  Kade whirled round and pushed him away. “I know she IS!”

  Vlad just stood shaking his head. Another male spoke and the rest of the men went back into their vehicles. The lone male standing spoke again. “Alpha, we have to leave, we are not going to get put in jail. Come on – let it go.” Then he got in the driver’s seat of the car in front.

  Kade roared once more as he walked to the car. “I’ll be back, don’t think I won’t.”

  Vlad shouted after him “Who the fuck do you think you are – Arnold Schwarzenegger?” and laughed.

  The cars moved off and Vlad started issuing orders to his Guards. “Okay guys, I think that fuckhead just might come back. I want double duties for a while and four Guards around the property. Dmitri – you’ve drawn the short straw, you’ll be staying at theirs until I deem it safe.” Vlad finished and turned and walked away.

  Dmitri had a frown on his face. Fuck, he didn’t want to stay there. He had work to do, things to organise. This was a nuisance he could do without.

  James came over. “Dmitri, come with me, I’ll take you. Lisa’s there anyway just now and I need to pick her up.”

  Dmitri looked down at James, still frowning. He really didn’t want this assignment!

  Chapter 25

  Alex’s first day looking after the twins and being a mom had been great. They were so good, never cried, but they did eat a lot! Sitting cuddling them, Lexi in her arms and Conall in Zach’s, she couldn’t have been happier. The goofy smile on Zach’s face showed he felt the same. Life couldn’t get any better.

  Dawn and the kids had arrived safe and sound, and James got the chance to inflict some hurt on Kade. What a perfect ending to the day!

  She knew Dawn would need help from the doctor and probably from Lisa. Living like that, hiding it for so long, freedom might be a little hard on her. She was sure Dawn would be okay, she was one strong Wolf and with her kids around her, Alex just knew everything would work out.

  Vlad was still nervous about Kade though. There were plenty of patrols out and Guards manning the security monitors. Vlad wouldn’t let anybody get through to harm anyone.

  The next few weeks went by in a blur. There was so much washing with babies in the house and Alex thought, not for the first time, if she had been human she would’ve been absolutely knackered! Zach had taken some time off, wanting to be there to help and watch his babies grow – just a little – before having to think about work.

  One thing they found out was that they still couldn’t be apart for too long or those old feelings of panic and illness began. This was strange, as Alex had thought because she was now Vampire and not human that somehow it would’ve stopped. No, it hadn’t, so they would just have to work around it as they had been doing for the previous months.

  Alex had visited Dawn several times, taking the babies with her. Dawn – or rather Donna now, as everyone was calling her – cooed and aahhed for ages. She kept telling Alex that if her and Zach wanted a night out that she would babysit! Alex laughed, she had a list as long as her arm of people wanting to babysit!

  She was pleased to see Donna more relaxed, and her injuries had healed, more or less. She still had a very slight limp, her ankle not having set properly, but it didn’t seem to slow her down any. What had surprised Alex was that Dmitri was still staying overnight in the house. She saw him on a few occasions – and he didn’t look happy.

  Donna said it was because Vlad was sure Kade would come back and he wasn’t taking any chances. Alex thought that was just like Vlad but she wondered about Dmitri’s frown. Usually he was so laid back, he was horizontal!

  Zach and Alex caught up on all the news. Duncan, Scott, Bri and the rest of the Wolves from Scotland were back home. Bri was due any day now. Being a Witch and Wolf combo, it could happen any time in the next few weeks. Alex knew that Bri would be a great mom, and Scott, well he would be one of the most loving fathers around.

  Margaret, Duncan’s mate, had had her little one – a boy. By all accounts, Duncan was walking around proud as punch! She could just imagine the huge bear of a man with a tiny baby in his hands.

  All seemed right with the world and Alex thanked her lucky stars. Things could’ve turned out way different!

  Tatiana was always popping round and Alex got a feeling that she was worried about something, but when she asked she would just shake her head and say nothing was wrong. Alex thought maybe the Fairy and Thadius had a falling out. She was sure they would work it out, they were so good together even if it was weird seeing them, her so tiny, him so huge.

  Then Zach sat her down for a talk. She had known he was worrying about something. The babies were sound asleep and they were sitting on one of the sofas.

  Zach pulled her into his arms. “Honey, I think we need to decide on what we do from here.”

  “About what, Zach?”

  Zach tried hard to find the words that didn’t make him sound selfish. “Well before the pregnancy – before the battle – we were working together. It worked well what with the limitations we have on separation. I’m just wondering what we do now? I can’t sit around all the time and not do anything. My job is important to me. I’m not saying that the babies and you aren’t important – just that my job is too.”

  Shit – she hadn’t even given it a thought, all wrapped up in being home, having her babies to look after. She felt bad for not even thinking about this! “I’m sorry Zach, I guess I’ve just been caught up with the babies and stuff. You’re right, we need to talk, see what we can work out?”

  Zach sighed in relief, once more his mate understood, so far anyway. “So Alexina, what do you think we should do?” He asked this hoping she had a good solution!

  Alex thought hard. “I know your work means a lot to you and I know you can’t go too far without me with you, but I wouldn’t want to be away from the kids too much. There are a few things we could maybe see about doing. Firstly, instead
of flying, you could move us – that would save us time. If the situation requires the jet, then they could leave before us and be there already. Second … we could ask for simple jobs at the moment, not ones that need us on the ground for days on end? Try to get as much work done before we leave here, again so we’re not away as long. To begin with we could ask for a job a week? See how it goes and if it works out okay we could possibly expand that, as the kids get older too. What do you think?”

  “Once more you amaze me, you always seem to see solutions when I only see problems. I think we can work with that but we need childcare in place,” Zach advised, knowing that Alex would’ve already thought about that.

  “Well I don’t think that would be a problem. I will check with Tatiana, see what she would prefer. She may want to watch the twins at her rooms, or in fact Thadius’s place, I’m sure she is staying there and not in her own. So what if we built up the second cot at her place until they are too large to be in one? Then we can get travel cots or something for at her place. What do you think?”

  Zach agreed. “Yes that seems like a solution, though we will have to double check it’s okay with Tatiana, we don’t want to presume. So do you want to go into the offices tomorrow and see Tatiana and Thadius?”

  Alex was more than happy so agreed.

  The next morning, twins in their buggy, Alex and Zach walked to the offices slowly, enjoying the walk. Many stopped to see the babies and they were the proud parents

  When they made their way to the doors of the Headquarters Offices, the two Guards smiled down at the little ones – their size even more evident next to the tiny tots.

  Thadius was waiting for them. Alex had phoned Tatiana and said they would be in to discuss some business. Thadius got up, came round and went straight to the buggy. “And how are our little ones today?” he chuckled, putting his hand out to the tiny ones reaching for him.