Defender's Blood The Fallen (An Urban Fantasy) Read online

  Simeon groaned. “I'm old enough for a mate Simeon. I have been for more than two years. I wouldn't though – even if my father tried to steer me to do so. He would never have forced me, he was a kind father, strong and loving....” and Sam's eyes filled with tears – thinking on her parents and siblings – tore apart by devil dogs.

  Simeon's stomach clenched, “I know it must be hard for you but we do need to talk Samantha – I mean – what about your sister? Will she want to stay here or come with us?”

  Sam took a deep breath, while Simeon tried hard NOT to look at her breasts. “I think she may want to come – but I haven't asked her yet. If she wants to stay here I'll miss her but I AM coming with you my mate.”

  Simeon noted the strong conviction in her voice, even through her despair at losing her family. “Okay, tomorrow we can ask her – if she wants to come she can. I'll get a place big enough for us, at the moment I live in a one bedroom apartment but if we need to we'll move – into a house with more room.”

  Simeon realised that he had made the decision – he was definitely taking his little Jaguar with him. Nothing would stop that – nothing.

  Sam relaxed back down into the lovely warm water and Simeon started to wash her again. This time his touch was more sensual and less cleansing.

  The Jaguar felt the change in the Vampire and made a noise deep down in her throat. One that the Vampire had never heard before from anyone or any animal. It was a cross between a purr and a growl – and it spoke of his little princess's arousal.

  Simeon stood up and then quickly lifted her from the bathtub, carrying her to the bed. He undressed quickly and joined her – and she went wild. She was like a wild animal, and their lovemaking was like nothing he had experienced before.

  She was rough and strong, much stronger than she looked and he was shocked at her sensuality. For a female so young she was experienced in the ways of pleasuring a mate and Simeon took advantage of it fully.

  “I'm going to mark you my mate!” she growled low in her throat, while she straddled above him. Simeon nearly came when he looked at her – she was glorious, wild, his!

  Her strange golden eyes had glowing flecks in them as her Jaguar came forth. Her large canines erupted from her gums and she licked along them with her tongue! Shit – it was so sexy and Simeon's own fangs descended quickly.

  Both moved towards each other...Simeon biting deep into her neck and Samantha piercing her teeth onto the more meatier part, nearer the shoulder. Sam bit deep and Simeon felt a jolt of pain as she lapped his blood. As Simeon drank from her he savoured her blood. Tasting it fully – a unique blend of sweetness and wildness – he pulled deeply as she pulled back and a loud roar erupted from her throat as his bite took her to a high she had never experienced before.

  It was a long, long, time before she fell into a sleep, curled up in his arms. He smiled down at her as she slept – his mate.

  Chapter 13

  In the morning Alex and Zach rose early, entering the kitchen to the smells of Margaret's cooking. Once again Alex's mouth watered as she smelled the square sausage being cooked. This morning there was bacon...crispy, eggs, tattie scones and fried bread. Heaven!

  Vlad came in moments later – looking very dishevelled - “Can we go home now?” he all but whined and Alex laughed.

  “Take it the couch isn't very comfortable?” she said and Vlad drew her a very dirty look.

  “It's not that – shit – mated couples all around and me on my own on a bloody couch! I want my mate – tight in my arms in our lovely big, soft, comfy bed!”

  Zach coughed - “Okay Vlad, no need for details. We'll leave later today – once James gets the go ahead from the airport – okay?” and Vlad sighed.

  “Thank god!” and he sat down, grabbing some coffee.

  Duncan was chuckling away – his son on his knee eating his breakfast. “I jest want tae thank ye all, we couldnae hae done it withoot ye an, well, thanks!” the large Alpha finished and his face was more than a little red.

  “Duncan, no thanks are necessary, you've done the same for us – all of us – at one time or another. If anything else happens let us know and we'll come straight away. Now that Alex can move we'll get here quicker – with the twins in tow!” Zach finished and as he mentioned the twins his thoughts went to Lexi – and Michael.

  “We'll talk to her when we get home Zach.” Alex answered her mate's thoughts and he nodded, a frown still on his face.

  James and Lisa joined them and both looked very happy – holding hands and smiling at each other.

  “Oh for goodness sake – will you at least try and not look so damn happy!” Vlad grumped and Lisa blushed before sitting down. James just laughed and slapped Vlad on the back as he went past.

  “Where's Simeon?” Vlad asked

  Lisa looked up, “Oh he's gone to find Sam's sister. Sam wants to know if she wants to stay here or go with her – and by the way how are we going to do that? She doesn't have a passport?”

  “I would think that's Zach's department.” Vlad said as he blew on his hot coffee.

  Zach smiled, “Most of the time they don't even ask for our passports but I'll have all of them in my hand and if they ask to see them individually I'll just put a thought in that they are all there, all correct. No problem.”

  Lisa nodded at Zach's words, “okay – well they shouldn't be long.”

  James got up, pulling his phone out. “I'm just going to contact the airport – tell them to fuel her and give us a time slot for take off – be back in a min.” and he walked out the back door, closing it behind him.

  Scott and Bri walked in, Shona between them. As soon as Xander saw the little girl he yelled and jumped down off of Duncan's knee. Grabbing her hand the little boy took her over to the corner where he had a stack of toys. Soon both were sitting on the floor and playing – completely at ease as if they did this every day. Alex thought they most probably did.

  Scott was looking a lot better – and Bri was therefore better too. None of the worry that had been etched on the Witch's face a few days ago.

  “That smells good Margaret!” Scott got out and Bri punched his arm, “You've just finished breakfast!”

  Margaret laughed, “Wolves!” she said as she handed a plate full of food to Scott, who grabbed it quickly and sat at the nearest chair, all the while smiling at Bri.

  James walked back in, “No hanging about – we've got a slot in three hours so we'll need to shift.” he told them and Alex moved to go and pack. She noticed Zach stayed behind?

  As soon as Alex was out of the room Zach turned to Lisa, “Lisa – yesterday when Michael brought the girls back he made a comment about their memories being wiped of the abuse they had endured. Alex's mind started going haywire – she's trying hard to remember something she thinks she's forgotten!”

  Vlad, James and Lisa gasped – everyone else didn't know what Zach was talking about. “Shit Zach – you don't think......” Lisa started and Zach nodded.

  “Yes I do, since she was turned I always knew she was much stronger than a normal Vamp – way faster – and her mental abilities are so strong that I think she could even deal with the airport today if there are problems. I think she's going to remember and I don't know what to do!”

  Zach's tone told everyone who was in the room that he was worried. Lisa bit her lip, “Zach we did what we had to – but if she's going to remember on her own...then maybe...well...uhm, maybe you should tell her first?” Lisa finished and Zach nodded, he had already been coming to that same conclusion.

  Shit, this was going to be bad...way bad! One of the first things Zach had ever told Alex was that he would never lie to her. Yet here he was colluding with others to wipe her mind and not let her know what had happened to her own body.

  It was a mess – and he only hoped he could sort it – without too much hurt for Alex.

  Simeon and Samantha arrived just then and she had some tears still drying on her face. “Susie wants to stay here for now
Uncle Duncan – is that okay?” the Jaguar asked and Duncan got up and enveloped the small female into his huge body. Simeon tried not to snarl.

  “Aye lassie that's fine...ye know ye can come any time – tae visit or stay – whitever ye want. An if Susie decides she wants tae join ye I'll let ye know – okay.” the large Alpha's tone was soft as he spoke to his niece, she was going to leave, and all he would have of his family of jaguars would be Susie. The thought made him sad.

  “Simeon you need to go pack, we're leaving.” Vlad ordered and Simeon nodded and turned around and left.

  “I don't have anything Uncle Duncan.” Sam said quietly, but before he could answer Lisa got up.

  “That's not a problem, when James and I got together we had to run from my father's pack – I didn't have anything either – other than some muddy jeans, boots and jacket, nothing else! There are shops there and Simeon will get you anything you need. In fact when we land I'll take you...I'll take you to the shop and we'll get everything you'll need. How does that sound?” Lisa finished with a smile and Sam gave a small one in return while nodding her head.

  James beamed, his mate was always thinking on others – one of the many reasons he loved her so damn much.

  Lisa had made the offer because she had seen the camp that the girl had lived in. She wasn't judging on how their pack lived – if it worked for them and folks were happy so be it. However, the girl wouldn't know about half the things in their world – she saw that she still didn't wear a bra for instance. She didn't think the Jaguar had ever worn one.

  Then there was the technology...she just hoped she didn't freak out on the plane.

  As they readied to leave Margaret was running about making sure everything was okay and asking if they wanted anything to take with them.

  Alex had packed and their cases were in the hall, she entered the kitchen just as Margaret had asked that and she smiled. “Mm Margaret – do you happen to have.....”

  Margaret interrupted her, “I've got a batch of scones here – and I've also got a whole square sausage lorne here for you.”

  “What the hell is a lorne?” Zach asked and Margaret pulled it out of the fridge – a huge lump of meat. It was a long rectancle shape and he had no idea what it was.

  “This is a lorne Zach – I can then cut the sausage to whatever thickness I want, but I'll probably go for thinner – then I'll get more out of it! I'll cut it and freeze it when we get home. Thank you Margaret, and for the scones – as you know I'm useless in the kitchen and making scones is an art form – one which you are very good at!” Alex finished and saw Margaret had a slight blush and a huge smile on her face.

  “Oh and I've added a load of tattie scones too – all you need is bacon and eggs and you can have a proper fry up.” Margaret was packing the things into a cool bag, “Here we've got loads of these – it'll make sure everything stays fresh for the journey.” and the Alpha's mate handed it over to Alex who was very happy indeed to be taking back some of her favourite foods to the US.

  “Okay, we gotta go.” James said as he headed out the door - “Bye all.” he shouted and then the rounds of 'byes' started.

  Duncan gave Alex and Lisa hard hugs and both females complained – he was very strong. Then the Alpha once more said 'Thank You' to all the vampires for helping him, for rescuing the young jaguars – well just for everything. Of course, all of them said no thanks were necessary and they meant it. Duncan had helped each and every one at some point or other.

  Then Duncan turned to Samantha – the young Jaguar moving into his arms. “Noo ye better take care oh ma niece Simeon, tho I see fae yer necks ye've bonded – so be kind tae her!” the Alpha's tone was sharp.

  Simeon let him away with it, “I will Alpha – don't worry about her.” the large Vampire spoke all the time his eyes on his mate.

  “Uncle Duncan if Susie decides she wants to come you will let me know?” Sam pleaded and Duncan chucked her under the chin.

  “Aye lassie I will – noo dinae be worryin aboot Susie, we'll take real good care oh her. Off ye go noo – yer mate's waiting.” and Duncan released the girl, now he only had Susie left from his brother's family – six dead, his brother and mate and four other children – all males, all killed. Fuck it was hard watching Samantha walk out that door with Simeon grabbing her hand so tight.

  Margaret was at his side and running a hand up and down his back – and he smiled down at her – knowing she knew how he felt.

  Scott and William were waiting outside, they were going to drive them back to the airport and Alex was pleased to see both looked well. Scott was now back to full strength and William had gotten over the trauma of the rescue. Alex thought that William had never came across anything that his magic couldn't deal with and that thought had knocked the lad off kilter – he seemed fine now and she was happy about that.

  Bri was standing with Shona in her arms and the little girl was struggling to get down, “Xander, Xander, wanna play!” and finally Bri let her down and the small girl ran straight for the front door – flying past them all in her quest to find her play mate.

  Alex smiled as she watched her and Bri came over and gave her a hug. “Thanks again Alex – I was really scared there for a bit. I'm glad it's over.”

  Alex frowned, “I'm not sure it is Bri – maybe for here but there are others out there doing the same thing. We'll have to help the twins so I'm pretty certain it won't be the last time we have to fight those Fallen.”

  Bri's face fell, “Oh Alex...I hope not...but if you do please take care – don't get hurt!”

  “I'll certainly try!” Alex laughed and Bri smiled – gave Alex a kiss on her cheek and stepped back, saying goodbye to everyone else. Bri could only imagine the bravery it took to go against celestial beings – she didn't think she could do it.

  The journey to the airport was a quiet one, Zach had been toying with the idea of just moving back and not using the jet. However, he may be needed to get Samantha through if security decided to check all the passports. The main reason though was he was trying to get his thoughts together for the talk they would have with Lexi and the Angel. He didn't think it was going to go smoothly, no not at all.

  Alex laid a hand on his thigh and he turned to look down into her face, “I know Zach I feel the same – we'll get through it...hopefully without alienating our daughter.” Zach nodded, he hoped so.

  At the airport they were allowed to drive right to where the jet was sitting waiting on them. A member of staff from the airport was there but when Zach got to him with the pile of passports in his hand the man waived them on – good – meant Zach didn't need to do anything.

  As they neared the stairs Samantha did a little whine, she had never even seen a jet, far less been on one. Simeon pulled her closer, “It's okay princess – it's perfectly safe – come on.” and the large Vampire pulled her steadily towards the steps.

  Once they were all in and James and Lisa were in the cockpit, doing whatever pilots do, Alex went straight to the galley – pulling out a bottle of wine and opening it. She got two glasses and sat next to Zach at the table – pouring them both a glass. Zach took it gratefully, though he would've preferred a full bottle of single malt.

  Alex nudged him, “Getting drunk won't help.” but Zach disagreed...he thought getting drunk would help him immensely.

  Vlad was lying on one of the sofas he closed his eyes and looked as if he was dozing. Simeon had Sam on his lap on the other sofa but the girl looked absolutely terrified.

  The large Guard tried to calm her, muttering endearments into her ear but it didn't seem to be working. The girl's body was coiled tight like a spring and Alex hoped she would be fine.

  Zach saw what was happening and sighed before getting up and moving over towards them. Once he was in front he knelt down, to a small snarl from Simeon.

  “Simeon – may I touch your mate?” and the Guard looked as if he was ready to launch himself at Zach.

  Vlad lifted his head, “Simeon – en
ough – let Zach help.” and Vlad's voice was all boss, not asking but giving an order to his Second in Command.

  Simeon tried to relax and managed, if only a little, before nodding his head at Zach. The little Jaguar was staring wide eyed at Zach as he placed his hands on either side of her face. He concentrated and pushed his will onto her rambling mind and soon she snuggled into her mate and fell asleep.

  Zach stood up to go back to Alex and Simeon smiled down at his little princess. “Thank you.” he said and Zach just sat down - “No problem.”

  It was quite a long flight and Alex and Zach decided to have a lie down in one of the bedrooms. Vlad was now out for the count on the sofa and Simeon was dozing while cradling his mate in his arms.

  Too much was going on in both Alex and Zach's minds to do anything other than lie quietly and try to sort through them. Finally both dozed off and were only roused when Vlad rattled the door, “Landing in twenty.” he said and Alex and Zach pulled themselves up and out into the main compartment.

  Neither wanted the showdown they knew was coming.

  Chapter 14

  The flight was not one that Zach wanted to do again. Throughout it he had sensed Alex's mind working hard to remember something that she felt she had forgotten. He had to put a block on his own to stop his thoughts from alerting her as to just what it was.

  He was worrying about that and about Lexi, so the flight had not been the best for him. He felt tired and groggy – the mental trauma taking a toll on him.

  As they left the jet Lisa was taking Samantha under her wing, so to speak, and was telling Simeon to get home and clean up. Lisa was taking Sam shopping and nobody was going to stop her.

  Sam was looking all around at the large mini town in front of her and she once more looked scared. She had only ever lived in her camp and had very short visits to her Uncle Duncan's farmhouse. To be in another country and in a town – well her nerves were shot to hell.