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

by A. K. Michaels

  His mind raced all night, and every time he thought of her in danger, his stomach clenched. He had to keep her safe. To do that he had to keep himself alive too. Well, he was bloody good in battle, having fought in several large ones over the centuries. He only hoped he came out of this one as he had done the others ... alive.

  When Alex woke, Zach was still lying behind her, his arm over her belly, rubbing gently. “Morning, my Vampire.” She smiled even though he couldn’t see her face.

  “Morning, my little one,” he answered. She moved ever closer to him. She loved the feel of skin on skin the entire length of their bodies. “Mmm, I’m feeling good this morning,” she told him.

  Zach inhaled her scent, he could never get enough of it. He knew if she was standing in a crowd of thousands, he would be able to find her. “I’m glad,” he whispered.

  “You didn’t rest, did you?” She knew this as sure as she knew her own name.

  “Not really … lots going on in my head. Alexina, I can’t even express how much I love you, and the thought you might be in danger or get hurt makes my guts twisted.” His hold tightened on her, as if holding her tighter would make the coming events disappear.

  “I know, my Vampire – I feel the same. The thought of you fighting God knows what … it makes my guts twist too. You need to promise me you will take care, use caution ... whatever you need to do to make sure you’re safe.”

  “I will, Alexina, I will,” he promised.

  “Well I think as this may be the last opportunity for us to be like this, for a little while anyway … we should make the most of it?” she taunted him.

  She wiggled her behind into Zach’s groin and his response was immediate. “Oh I see you agree, Mr Vampire. So what are you waiting for?” She laughed over her shoulder at him.

  “Well this time keep the noise down, wench. I don’t want details of our sex life being gossiped about.” His tone was playful with a hint of want.

  She remembered Scott was in the house – bugger. “I’ll try but can’t give you any promises and I’m sure Scott isn’t the gossiping type.” She again wiggled her behind and Zach groaned into her hair.

  “Okay wench, hope you’re ready cause I have a feeling this is going to be fast!”

  “Always ready for my Vampire.” Her breath hitched as he entered her without any further warning. It was indeed fast and when Zach bit down on her neck she pulled her pillow to cover her face, trying to keep her end of the bargain and drown out her scream.

  Zach, however, must have forgot what he said about keeping the noise down because when he came he roared so loud she was sure the whole bloody town must’ve heard.

  “Now that just wasn’t playing fair, Zach,” she chuckled.

  He didn’t answer for quite a few moments. “You are mine!” he forcefully said.

  “I know, Zach, and you are mine.” The love was evident in her voice.

  “Good. Time for a shower baby, come on.” Zach pulled her up and took her to the shower.

  The shower was a little more intimate than the one the previous night. The things he could do with a loofah – it was positively illegal. He supported her weight with one of his very, very strong arms, mainly because her legs had gone to jelly.

  “Satiated my little one?” he asked her. She couldn’t talk, her mind was in shambles so she just nodded her head and smiled. “Right, time to cleanse you,” and he soaped every single inch of her body.

  When they were dressed and made their way to the kitchen, Scott was already there having made the coffee. He smiled at them and Alex blushed! She looked away and spoke to her mate. “Zach, I’ll have toast with my plain bread and then put the rest into the freezer. I don’t know when we’ll be back to normal and I don’t want to waste it.”

  Zach went to work while Alex sipped her decaf. There was only a small part of her bread that made it to the freezer, he made her loads and loads of toast. When she finished it she asked for two of the scones that Duncan had brought over. “Put the rest of those in the freezer too, I don’t want them lying about and going stodgy.”

  He put the container in the freezer and turned round to Scott, giving him a cheeky smile. “You still deluding yourself, Zach!” Scott smirked. Zach just growled and Alex looked between the two.

  Scott rose and walked towards the front door, and was there a second before it rang. Wolf hearing, Alex surmised. It was Vlad and he walked in and sat down on a stool, looking as cool as ever. “So how’re you two this morning?” he asked.

  “We’re fine,” Zach replied.

  Scott put in “Oh I think they’re more than fine,” and chuckled when Zach looked at him with more than a little annoyance.

  Vlad just carried on talking as if neither Scott or Zach had spoken. “Well, everything’s set up, everybody knows their positions and duties. The big guns and rocket launchers are located on roofs around the perimeter of the town, we have every area covered. Everyone has to stay in the town until I give the word to give us the chance of using them. We can’t have folk running into the areas covered by them and getting themselves blown up by our own men.”

  Alex pounced on something Vlad had said. “Did you just say rocket launchers? Where the heck did they come from?”

  Zach smiled. “Oh, those are from Vlad’s private collection. There’s not much he doesn’t have.” Even Scott raised his eyes at this.

  Vlad once more spoke in a calm, businesslike tone. “Also, when the alarm is raised, everyone has their area to go to. Nobody – and I mean nobody, Zach – moves until I give the order. They have to stay in their designated area even if we’re being attacked from another. Simple reason really, they could move and then their area could be targeted. Basic tactics but everyone has to abide by what I have spelled out. It might be hard for those not engaged in battle, everyone wants to get into the fight, but it could leave us vulnerable if they move.”

  Scott and Zach nodded their heads. Vlad was good at what he did. Zach didn’t think there was anyone that could plan all this with such precision.

  “Zach, I know I’ve not yet advised you of where you’ll be. I’m going to now. Zach, this is not a discussion. You will follow my orders the same as everyone. Understood?”

  Zach stilled – he didn’t like taking orders from anyone. He knew, though, that Vlad was the best, so nodded once.

  Once Vlad saw Zach’s nod he carried on, his tone extremely firm. “You’re going to be with me in the control room … don’t interrupt, Zach … we will stay there until all the big guns and rockets have been used. Only then will we leave the control room and make our way to wherever the action is. You, Zach, will stay with me and Dmitri – the three of us together. You will get the chance to fight, but only on my terms. I have no intention of letting anything happen to you. You will stay between Dmitri and me. Got that?”

  Zach was actually happy about the arrangements and told him so with a smile. “Vlad, I can’t wait. To fight, truly fight, in a battle with you at my side once more … fuck, it’s the best news I’ve had lately. We are going to raise hell, my friend!”

  Vlad did a half-smile before responding. “That’s what I was hoping you would say, but I think you’ve got that wrong – we’re trying to send them back to hell! Now, down to weapons. What are you planning on using and taking with you?”

  Zach didn’t even need to think on that. “My sword obviously, blades aplenty, but no guns. I prefer close combat, Vlad, you know that.”

  Vlad smiled. “Indeed I do, my friend. I’ll have my usual sword, crossbow and blades. Dmitri will have similar but he does like his guns, so he will have several of them about his body, with the bullets charmed by the Witches. They have been working overtime putting spells on things. If you get your stuff together, I’ll take them over and get them sorted out. The spells on weapons worked a treat in Scotland so I think it will help us here too.”

  Zach was happy with that, his large body moving quickly to retrieve his
weapons from the downstairs gym.

  Alex was getting nervous again. Jeez, this was all real. She had been hoping it was a nightmare she would wake up from. She didn’t have long to ponder that as the large Vampire next to her turned his attention on her, his ice-blue eyes boring into hers.

  “Right, now, Alex, I want you to pack some things … whatever you think you’ll need for a few days. I would prefer you stay at the safe room we’ve set up but if you’re dead set against that, you will move to our house. It’s much closer and you can be there in less than five minutes walking and even less in a vehicle. You, Zach and Scott will stay with us. Scott, afraid you’ve got the couch.”

  Scott nodded his head, he could sleep anywhere and could even go Wolf and sleep outside near the door.

  Vlad took a deep breath and continued. “Also, I want you to go see David every morning from now on. I want to make sure everything’s okay with you. I don’t want to lock you up in the safe room if things aren’t a hundred per cent. We will need David upstairs in the Security Offices. We’ve cleared the exercise areas and put in medical stuff, it will be the main field hospital. We’ve got several very strong Witches that are adept at healing and Tatiana will also be there together with David for anything more serious. I think I’ve got things covered, but if any of you have any ideas, let me know.”

  Zach was once more impressed by just how organised Vlad was. He couldn’t think of anything to add. “Okay, we’ll go and pack some stuff and get over to your place. Once we’ve dropped our things off, I’ll take Alexina to see David,” Zach told his friend. Alex wasn’t happy at not being in her own home but knew it was for the best.

  They were packed and ready to leave in under fifteen minutes. Passing back down the hallway with Zach behind her, Alex stopped at the door to the nursery. She opened the door and went in, standing in the middle of the room and rubbing her belly.

  She hoped this would be all over soon. She wanted back to her home and couldn’t wait to be sitting in this room with her babies.

  “I know darling … me too,” Zach answered her thoughts. He had left their cases in the hall and wrapped his arms around her from behind, covering her hands with his own and rubbing softly.

  Zach had the ‘feeling’ again. What he now knew to be the Angel Michael had joined them. He wished he knew why. He decided to plant a seed in Michael’s mind. “I’m sure if it comes down to it that Angel or others of his kind will watch over you, Alexina. Your God wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble for us to be together and you being pregnant to let anything happen to you.” He hoped he was right.

  “Do you think so Zach?” she questioned.

  “Yeah, I’m sure of it. They would be pretty damn stupid otherwise.” He hoped the remark would irk Michael – hopefully make him want to prove the point and ensure her safety.

  “I really hope you’re right, Zach, and that they look over you too. I know you don’t particularly like all that stuff … Angels, God … but if anything happened to you, well I would die too and these babies, so they need to make sure you’re okay too.” As Alex spoke her voice nearly broke.

  Zach hugged her to him. “We’ve gotta go,” he said quietly and led her out of the room – hoping that Michael would take on board what had been said. He picked their cases up and walked towards Scott who was waiting for them at the front door.

  Chapter 22

  Scott could see that Irina was very pleased to have them in her home. She was running around making sure everything was okay. The spare room was all ready with fresh sheets and toiletries in the en suite. The living room had two couches and a couple of armchairs, and one of the couches already had pillows and covers on it.

  “Thanks Irina, but I may sleep outside in Wolf form. I’ll see what I feel like later. My Wolf is itching to get out, it knows there’s a fight on the way,” Scott said with a slight grin.

  Irina gave him a huge smile. “Oh thank goodness, I’ve been worried, mine has been the same and I thought it was just me.”

  It was painfully obvious to Scott that Irina hadn’t spent an awful lot of time with Wolves or in a Pack. It was second nature to them to go Wolf if danger was around. They were faster, stronger and certainly more deadly in Wolf form. It was natural for her Wolf to be feeling like that.

  Scott spoke directly to Irina, ignoring the others. “Irina, it’s perfectly natural. I take it you don’t spend a lot of time with Wolves?”

  Irina lowered her head. “No, not really. When Vlad and Zach brought me here, I was newly changed, but I’m still not sure how that even happened. I spent some time learning from other Wolves here but it was just the basics … you know, changing and stuff. Apart from that, no, I always sort of felt on the outside of the other Wolves here, so kinda kept to myself.”

  Scott felt sorry for her. She should have been taught by the other She-Wolves about everything Wolf, and she hadn’t had that.

  “Irina, I think Zach and Alex would like some time alone …” Scott raised his eyebrow at Alex giving her a prompt.

  Alex picked up on it immediately. “Yes Irina, is that okay?”

  Scott took over, “So why don’t I take you out to the woods – they back onto your garden here – and I’ll try to help. I will explain everything I can. All I ask is that if I ask you a question, you answer truthfully even if it’s embarrassing?”

  Irina blushed. “Uhm okay,” she said quietly.

  Zach stepped forward. “Irina, I think that’s a really good idea. Scott here can help you.”

  Irina nodded at Zach. “Okay, Zach, if you trust Scott then so should I.”

  Scott went to the back door and opened it. Irina followed. Scott changed immediately and very quickly – his Wolf standing just outside. It was enormous ... silver-grey in colour and the head and paws were huge.

  Irina hesitated. Alex spoke quietly. “Go on, Irina, this will be good for you. I know you might be scared but you need this.” She knew Alex would be scared of a large male Wolf, but Alex was sure that Scott, without him even knowing it, could help her get over what had happened. Irina smiled shyly at Alex and took the step outside hesitantly. She took a couple of tries but then her gorgeous red Wolf stood next to Scott’s.

  Scott nudged her with his muzzle, urging her to follow him. Turning, she looked at Alex with her Wolf’s eyes – Alex nodded at her. Irina turned and followed the large male Wolf.

  When they got into the trees the large grey Wolf took off running with the smaller red one on his heels trying to keep up. Scott had decided to get Irina relaxed before they changed back to human. He thought they should talk in a quiet area of the woods with no prying eyes or ears. He was a full-blooded Wolf and changing back and forth – including his clothes – was no problem for him.

  He noticed that it taken Irina a couple of tries. He only hoped she turned back with clothes intact.

  After both Wolves had run for some miles, they broke free of the trees and there was a stream in front of them. They lapped up some water and Scott changed back to human.

  The red Wolf at his side whined. He bent down onto one knee and grasped her scruff. He was a Beta and very strong power emanated from him. He didn’t think she had any experience of the power an Alpha and Beta could wield over other Wolves – he would show her.

  He spoke in a calm and authoritative voice. “Irina, look into my eyes. I am Beta – you will do what I ask. You are safe here, you are safe with me. Change, Irina. Do as I tell you.”

  Irina’s Wolf felt the raw power and she lowered her stance into a submissive position without even knowing she had done it. Scott stood up and waited, not talking again but pushing his power out towards her.

  A couple of minutes later, he could see her concentrate and then finally change. She stood before him in a submissive pose, even in human form. He was glad to note she was fully clothed.

  Scott praised her. “Good, Irina, your Wolf recognises my dominance. That is not a bad thing – I would never hurt
you, Irina – but Wolves are pack animals and there is a distinct order to it. It’s in our DNA, we can’t change it. Alpha is always first. If a Pack is lucky, they have one like Duncan. Strong, dominant, fair and caring. He always does what is best for the Pack, even if the decisions are hard. A Beta is his right arm. Usually a Beta’s main job is the protection of the Pack and supporting his Alpha. A Beta also helps in training of new members to the Pack or pups. It helps in any transition for new Wolves joining a Pack. I would like to think I am good at my job. I’m going to help you … are you okay with that?”

  His voice was melodic but powerful and he knew the effect it had on lesser Wolves. She nodded her head.

  Scott motioned for Irina to follow him. “Okay, come we’ll sit down and talk. First of all, I don’t know anything of your background. It will help me to help you. Can you tell me how you became Wolf? I can sense you’re not full-blooded but that’s all I can sense from you, apart from confusion, apprehension and to be honest, a lot of fear. I’m not sure where that comes from but if you can find the strength to tell me … well, I probably could help.”

  He sat down and lay in a relaxed posture, trying to ease her fear and make her feel more confident around him.

  She sat down a few feet away and lowered her head. “Okay Scott, but can I not look at you when I speak? I don’t want to see any loathing or such in your face. I don’t think I could take it.” She spoke in slightly more than a whisper and if not for Scott’s advanced hearing abilities, he may not have heard.

  ‘Loathing’, he thought … fuck, what had this woman been through? “Irina, if that makes you more comfortable then that’s fine, although I’m pretty certain you will not see any sign of loathing in my face.” His tone was calm, comforting and he hoped she felt that.

  Irina took a great breath in and started talking. “I lived in a very small town in the back of beyond in the mountains. My mother was dead and I lived with my father. He wasn’t a great one but he certainly wasn’t the worst. Then a rogue Wolf arrived. It terrorised the town – attacking people at night. Some were so badly injured they died. I was coming home from the store and, well … he took me. I can’t remember what happened at that point but he must’ve knocked me out. I woke in a run-down cabin, tied to a bed by my ankle. I was terrified, I couldn’t understand what he wanted me for ...”