Her phone fell from her hand and she looked to James – he had heard enough to realise what had happened – he felt like Lisa – he wished he had been there to hurt that shit too! He grasped her closer to him - “So what do you want to do?” he asked. She thought on it - “I think I'll just tell them all together – they all deserve to know.” she answered and he nodded – that's what he would've done. “Just give me a minute ok – can you get them all together? Bring them in here – I'll be back in a sec.” she said and got up and made for their room.
She was crying and James knew it was because of what had happened to her mother – not one tear would be for her father!
James walked out the front door and made his way around the porch to the rear – where the hot tub was. Annemarie was sitting with just her head above the water – earphones from her mp3 in her ears. She was bobbing her head to whatever music she was listening to and James said her name – she didn't flinch so he moved closer and turned the mp3 off. Her eyes popped open and she saw James – a blush creeping on her face!
Annemarie had been enjoying relaxing the hot water – listening to her favourite band when the music stopped. On opening her eyes she saw James and she blushed scarlet – she had a bit of a crush on Lisa's mate and it embarrassed her no end! She was painfully aware that she was in the water in nothing more than a small bikini – she hadn't expected to be disturbed!
James' face was serious as he spoke to her - “Annemarie – could you get out and come inside – Lisa needs to speak to all of you.” he said – his scratchy vocal chords giving Annemarie feelings she had never had before! She tried to speak and realised it probably wasn't a good idea – her voice, she knew, would come out as a high squeak – so she nodded her head to let him know she would do so. She had no intention of getting out while he was standing there tho and waited til he had turned away and walked round the front of the cabin!
Annemarie got out of the tub and pulled her terry cloth robe over her bikini – she noted she had a very weird feeling – 'down there' – and it scared her just a little. She had been having these feelings lately but was a bit too shy to ask anyone about it! She thought she might talk to Lisa – of course she wouldn't mention it was James that was giving her these 'feelings'! She wondered if it was to do with her first change being near – only a few more months she thought – then she would be a true wolf!
She padded in the back door and made her way to the living area – sitting on one of the chairs – making sure nobody could sit next to her! She tried hard to get rid of the sensation she was experiencing and hoped that is wasn't obvious to anyone! She tried to think of something to take her mind off of it and finally settled on going over a science project she was working on – it was so boring and was enough to put her to sleep!!
James walked out to the area in front of the cabin, the fish were gutted but there was no sign of the boys – he raised his voice - “DECLAN – BRING YOUR BROTHER – NOW PLEASE!” and he knew that with their enhanced hearing that the boys would hear him. He stayed in place, waiting, and soon heard the boys running in his direction. He turned and walked back inside – the boys tumbling in soon after – laughing and joking. James felt a twinge of sadness – the news would take away that carefree laughter as quick as a dunk in the icy water of the lake!
Once the boys entered and quieted a bit he spoke - “Ok guys – sit down – Lisa will be here in a minute – she needs to talk to all of you.” James looked at every one of them as he spoke and Declan was the one to speak - “James – you look serious – and sad?! You look sad! What's wrong.” the young boy asked – his tone betraying his fear.
“Declan – just wait on Lisa – she'll be here in a sec.” James said and sat on the couch opposite the one the boys had thrown themselves onto. Annemarie looked worried now and he hated what was to come. Their holiday would not be the same for the remainder of their stay – he hoped the kids would take the news not too badly – but they were kids – they could be devastated!
They sat in silence for another minute or so and then Lisa came out of their room – James noticed she had washed her face, getting rid of the tears that had been there moments before. She tried to smile but failed so gave up and sat next to James. His arm went around her shoulders and he pulled her close – his strength came at her in waves and she sucked it in – needing it badly! She opened her mouth and nothing came out! She swallowed and tried again!
“Kids – I've got some news – I know you'll have questions – but it's going to be hard for me to talk so can I ask that you let me finish please before saying anything?” Lisa asked quietly.
Her three siblings sank into their seats – worry evident and clear on both their faces and in their body languages. “Ok so – I've had a call from mom. Firstly I'll let you know that she is now safe and well but she wasn't a while ago. Dad came – to the house – he hurt her real bad and there was a fight. Dmitri arrived and he helped mom – got Dad off her – and Dmitri and Dad fought. He's dead.” she finished and waited on the onslaught!
“NOOOOO!” all three screamed and Lisa's stomach clenched – shit – this was going to be bad!
Annemarie started screaming - “Oh God! No – shit – shit shit – how!? How did he die?!! He's so strong – how could he be dead?!” she cried and before Lisa could answer Declan took over - “No – I don't believe it – he couldn't have killed him – he's the strongest one I know! You must've got it wrong Lisa!” he shouted and Lisa shook her head.
“I'm sorry kids – I didn't get it wrong. There was a fight and Dmitri had to do what he did to save mom. Dad is dead.” she finished and tears were in her eyes. Not for her father but for the pain she was seeing in her brothers and sister! James rubbed his hand up and down her arm – trying to soothe her – it was welcome but this was going so much worse than she had thought!
The kids quieted – they looked at each other – and Annemarie spoke again - “Thank god!” she said and Lisa frowned – Declan took over - “We thought you meant Dmitri was dead.” he said quietly and understanding dawned on Lisa and James. Lisa looked at all three and their demeanour had changed – dramatically!
“No, Dmitri is the one that saved mom – Dmitri killed dad.” she said and little Brendan spoke - “So he can't hurt mom any more? Dmitri's ok?” his small voice filled the room and James took over – knowing that Lisa was almost dumbstruck. “Dmitri is fine – he's at your house with your mom – looking after her. However, your dad is dead – he won't be coming back to hurt anyone.” James said and he saw small smiles on their faces!
“Good!” Annemarie said with vehemence and Declan and Brendan nodded their heads. Little Brendan spoke again - “I hope Dmitri comes back to stay at ours.” he said and Lisa smiled - “Oh I think he may just do that Brendan. Him and mom are real good friends now.” she said and relaxed – she hadn't realised the fear the kids were living under – each one had thought their father would come back and hurt them or their mother!
She was glad that they no longer had that fear – especially little Brendan – he was such a good little boy and if she had known he had felt like this then she would've spoken to him about it. She realised that she should have spoken to each of them – tried to make them feel safer – now she didn't need to. Each one was safe and seemed to care deeply for Dmitri – she was glad – it would make the fact of her mom and Dmitri being together so much easier!
Declan spoke again - “Are you sure mom's ok Lisa? I mean really ok?” he asked and Lisa wasn't sure how much to tell them - “I spoke to her – Dmitri was with her – he'll make sure she's fine.” she said and her brother nodded - “Ok – if Dmitri's there he'll look after her.” he said with conviction.
She stood up - “So who wants to go into town for ice cream?” she asked and Annemarie jumped up - “I'll just be a minute – I need to throw on some clothes.” her sister running up the stairs. The boys jumped up too - “I want chocolate!” Declan shouted and Brendan screamed
- “Me too! Me too!” and they ran out the door to James' jeep!
“Well that went far better than I thought.” Lisa said and James nodded - “Yes – they actually seem relieved – don't they?” he asked and Lisa had to agree - “I guess they were keeping their feelings to themselves – I wish I had known tho – I could've tried to make them feel better. Thank god he's gone James.” she spoke into his shoulder and he gave her a squeeze - “Come on – I want mint choc chip!” and she laughed letting him pull her out the door. Lisa came barrelling down the stairs and followed them to the jeep.
Chapter 17
The cleaning crew were finished and the house didn't even have a lingering smell of blood! Dmitri was impressed and would pass his thanks onto Simeon – he was a good Guard and doing a good job as Vlad's second! He knew that Simeon would be feeling guilty – because he knew he would if he had still been in that position! He also knew that there wasn't a hell of a lot that Simeon could've done to stop it! He would talk to him and let him know – he didn't want him to beat himself up about what had happened.
He made a call to the diner – asking for a delivery of food for Donna. She was starving – again – and after the last few hours he wasn't surprised. There had been a lot of crying – a lot of talking – a lot of lovemaking – in that order and now she was resting.
She hadn't been able to come downstairs yet – and Dmitri wasn't going to rush her. After he placed the order he stayed downstairs waiting on it. He straightened a few pictures that weren't hanging properly and made sure that there was no visual reminder of what had gone on. He was particularly impressed that all the blood was gone. No stains, no smell, nothing! He would have to ask how they did that!
His phoned buzzed – a message from Alex - “How's Donna? Do you need anything?” the text asked and once more Dmitri realised that Alex would always be there – thoughtful as ever – he smiled as he replied - “She's a lot better. I've got it covered – just waiting on some food being delivered.” and he pressed send. A second later she replied - “Ok – you know to call if u or Donna needs anything. Tell her to take as long as she needs off work.” and Dmitri smiled again – he wasn't sure how Donna would be in the coming days but he was going to try his damnedest to guarantee she was fine.
Dmitri thought that maybe he could get Alex to stay with Donna for a little bit tomorrow – to allow him to go and pack a load of his stuff and bring it over. He hadn't asked Donna yet but he was determined to stay here with her from now on. “Mayb u cld stay wiv Donna tom for a bit? Let me go pack some stuf?” he texted and Alex replied immediately - “No prob – text tom with time u nd me.” and he replied “Ok, thanks.” and sat waiting on the food.
It arrived quickly – and he took it upstairs – he had gotten 'finger food' like burgers and a couple of hot dogs – he laughed when Donna said she liked them! He stopped and went back downstairs – he checked in the kitchen and found what he was looking for and took everything upstairs. Donna was sitting up in bed – her hair all mussed and looking as sexy as hell!
Dmitri held up the bottle of wine he had found in the kitchen – he had two glasses and Donna raised her eyebrow - “Are you trying to get me drunk?” she asked and Dmitri's laughter rumbled from his throat! “I think it would take a little more than a couple of glasses of wine. Would it not?” he answered and Donna looked thoughtful - “Well probably not! I don't usually drink – I wasn't allowed to – you know – before – so my body isn't used to alcohol.” she told him and Dmitri got a very naughty look on his face.
“Well in that case I'm only having one – I think I would quite like to see you with some wine inside you. See if it releases some inhibitions?” he finished and Donna blushed - “Uhm – ok – tho you've been with me these past couple of days – during my cycle – so I don't think it will make much difference.” she wasn't sure tho – this was a first!
As Dmitri opened the wine Donna ate some of the food – she was always amazed at how hungry she got at this time. Dmitri handed her a glass and she drank the wine – it tasted good. It was a bottle Lisa had brought over and she had never thought to open it. She drank the first glass quickly and Dmitri filled it up again. The second glass went down too fast and she began to feel the effects. She ate some more food – hoping to soak up the wine and before she knew it she was on her fourth glass. Dmitri hadn't even poured himself one! “You lied Dmitri – you've not had any wine.” she managed to get out without slurring her words. Dmitri smiled - “I don't need any Laskovaya Moya.” his voice was getting huskier and Donna's response came on her quickly!
Dmitri took the remnants of the food from the bed and placed it on the dressing table. He turned and was just about to walk over when Donna jumped up from the bed and ran to him. She jumped up into his arms and grabbed him round his neck – kissing him passionately. She was clothed only in a small nightie and Dmitri grasped it at the back of her neck between his two huge hands. He applied pressure and easily ripped it down the back – the sound loud in the room. Donna gasped and tried to get Dmitri's shirt off – he walked to the bed and placed her on it, standing up and undressing quicker than her eyes could see.
“I think the wine's working Dmitri.” Donna said in voice he hadn't heard from her before – it was sultry and erotic. “Oh is it, and how can you tell?” he asked her – she laughed - “Because I have very very dirty thoughts going through my brain right now.” she replied - “Well I'll just have to take you up on those thoughts Donna!” Dmitri whispered so low she barely heard him. He moved her so that she was facing away – on her knees and he moved onto the bed behind her – she let out a very sexy moan as he found out exactly what was on her mind!
Dmitri and Donna didn't leave the bedroom for a long time. In fact Dmitri left it alone several times to get her food – and that was the extent of his absence from the room for the next three days! Dmitri texted Alex to say he would pack later and she didn't need to come round!
On the morning of the fourth day they lay in bed - “Ok Donna – I'm taking you downstairs.” Dmitri advised and Donna's face went white! She was terrified – this was her home and what had happened had soured it in her mind. She knew there would be a terrible mess downstairs to remind her of what had happened. Dmitri, however, wasn't asking – he was telling – and he picked her up and carried her out the room.
Donna hid her face in his huge chest – not wanting to see the devastation – his words came softly in her ear - “Open your eyes Donna – look around.” he ordered and she took a moment before she did so. Her eyes opened and she moved her head – everything was as it should be! She took a deep breath – and she couldn't even smell any blood?! How could that be?
“Simeon got a special crew in to clean and sort out the mess – it's as good as new.” Dmitri told her and she was overcome with tears! “Why are you crying Laskovaya Moya – what's wrong?” Donna sobbed - “I thought it would be a mess, blood everywhere – this is just a shock – it all seems as if nothing happened – but we know it did.” she got out.
Dmitri held her tighter - “I know – but at least when the kids come home they won't know the extent of things Donna.” he said and she agreed - “Yes – we need to protect them Dmitri – and.....oh – it's gone – where is it?” she said and Dmitri saw her eyes were on the space where the dining table had been!
“I threw it out – the last time I was down waiting on food – I'll get you a new one – one that doesn't have bad memories.” he said quietly.
She was touched – she had known she couldn't have kept that table but money was tight and she didn't want to ask for a new one. When she had arrived here with her children in tow she had been given everything. A house, contents, clothes – everything she and her children needed – food was delivered every week – no questions asked and she had been eternally grateful.
She had been happier when she had started working a couple of days a week – doing clerical work – and earning a little money. Now she had an eve
n better job – working with Zach and Alex – and, of course, Dmitri, but with four children money was always a concern. She knew she couldn't justify buying a new table – and she just couldn't have asked for a new one – even tho she would probably have gotten it no problem.
Now here was Dmitri – already removing the offending item before he brought her downstairs – she looked up into his face. Taking in his rugged good looks, blonde hair a bit on the long side, striking blue eyes and a chin that was strong and square. She placed a hand on the side of his face - “Thank you Dmitri – for everything.” she spoke in a voice which was full of emotion and Dmitri bent his head slightly and kissed her softly.
When he pulled away Dmitri was still staring into her eyes - “You're mine now Donna, my mate, the table – that was nothing – I'm going to do my best to make you happy. I've got quite a lot of money put away – most of us here do – we've made plenty of good investments over the centuries – so anything you or the kids need you have to tell me. Ok? None of that shyness or being embarrassed about it – you tell me – ok?” he reiterated and she nodded - “Ok Dmitri – tho are you sure you know what you're taking on? Kids cost a lot – jeez just keeping Declan and Brendan in shoes is a huge burden!” she laughed. Dmitri thought he would be quite happy making sure they had everything – he didn't think Donna realised just how wealthy he and a whole lot of the other Supers here were.
Defender's Blood The Return (An Urban Fantasy) Page 18
