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

  Chapter 2

  Zach and Dmitri went over all the paperwork they had and Alex retrieved a fax from Thadius. The fax had several names on it of people looking for work, and one jumped out at her – Donna Ross – Lisa's mom.

  She smiled, she liked Donna and now that her youngest was over eight she was looking for some more part time work. Alex thought she would be perfect, she raised her head, “Hey Zach – Donna's looking for work – what do you think?”

  Something happened before Zach could speak – Dmitri growled – low, but loud enough for both of them to hear. They both looked at him with raised eyebrows and Dmitri's face closed down – hiding the look that had flitted across his features.

  “What's up big man?” he asked and Dmitri just shook his head and muttered about going to check on something before leaving the room.

  She looked at Zach, “What the hell was that about?” she asked him.

  “Sorry hon – I'm not sure – but hey I think Donna would be a good fit here so go ahead and call her – see if she can come in now for a meeting.”

  She dialled the number on the paperwork in front of her and she heard Donna's cheery voice, “Hi Donna here.”

  Alex liked Donna's friendly manner and smiled before answering, “Hi Donna it's Alex – Thadius gave me your name – he said you're looking for some work?”

  “Alex – it's nice to hear from you. You're working too hard, I've not seen you in ages. Sorry – your question – yes I'm looking for work. I need more hours now so what do you have in mind?” Donna asked.

  Alex got straight to the point, “Donna can you come in now – we can discuss things and see if it will suit you?”

  Donna sounded excited, “Yes Alex – I'll be right over.”

  “Ok Donna see you soon.” Alex finished the conversation and hung up.

  “She's on her way.” she told Zach and he smiled. He also liked Donna – she was friendly and smart and she had bounced back very quickly from her abusive past.

  “I think with Donna's past she would be good for us here. She knows what it's like to be abused – albeit we don't know the half of what she went through – but we do know she is strong and caring. I hope she likes what we have to offer.”

  Alex nodded – she also liked the thought of Donna working with them. Zach went back to his paperwork and making plans for the coming mission and then made some calls to the Council in San Francisco.

  When he had finished the calls he shouted - “Dmitri – can you come here?” Zach's voice wasn't very loud – Dmitri's enhanced hearing assured he would have heard. When the large Russian walked back in he seemed like himself again and they wondered what it was that had rattled him earlier.

  “Yes Zach?” Dmitri asked stiffly and Zach looked at Dmitri then Alex before speaking,

  “Ok I've got quite a bit of information – they think they know where the victims are being taken to remove organs. It's an abandoned warehouse near the docks – seems like an impromptu operating room – or rooms – have been set up. We will need to scope the place out and then decide on a course of action. We need to either get the guy in charge or people working for him – try to find out who and where he is. I'm thinking of doing it at sunset – the area around will be quiet and no witnesses. So we'll leave here late afternoon so we can have a good nosey around before we do anything else.” Zach finished and waited on the other two's input.

  Dmitri was the first to speak, “Okay Zach – do the Council know our timeline in case they need to take anyone we manage to free?”

  Zach nodded, “Yeah – I've given them the details and they will have men on hand with vans and healers available. They'll be about ten minutes away from the location and all I have to do is call – I've got the number of the Guard in charge.”

  Dmitri nodded as Alex spoke, “Okay seems everything is in hand – looks like we won't even be away overnight this time.”

  Zach looked at her, “Indeed.”

  She laughed, “One for the box Zach!” Dmitri looked at them both – they were trying not to laugh but it was obvious he had no idea at what.

  Dmitri was still going over some of the paperwork with Zach when Donna arrived. He could smell her before she even got into the room – the scent assaulting his nostrils which flared in response. A scowl appeared on his face and Alex noticed it a moment before Donna came into the room.

  “Hi Alex, Zach, Dmitri.” Donna spoke – quieter than normal and Alex was sure she saw a slight blush. What was that about Alex wondered?

  Alex stood up and moved around to the front of her desk, “Hi Donna – glad you could make it so quick. Here – sit down and we can have a chat.” Alex pointed to the chair in front of her desk and Donna sat, twiddling her fingers in her lap. Dmitri said a very gruff 'hello' before exiting the office. What the hell was wrong with him today Zach thought.

  Zach stayed in his seat and let Alex do the talking, “So Donna – we really need some help here – paperwork to be honest. We just don't get the chance between missions to get it done so we need someone to do that for us. What do you think?”

  Donna seemed a little less nervous as she answered, “I'm sure I could help – what exactly does it entail and how many hours were you thinking of?”

  Alex smiled, “Ok so you know the kind of missions we are dealing with – we wear both a mini camera and audio link – those need to be typed into a report afterwards. Not verbatim – just a concise report on what happened. At first I wouldn't want you using the camera though – it can be quite graphic at times and I wouldn't want you to be upset so you could use both our own paperwork and notes together with the audio. We also need the paperwork for expenses to be dealt with – the Council really need that. As for hours – that may vary – especially at first as we have a huge backlog but once that's dealt with basically if the work is done you could go home. How does that sound?” Alex asked while trying to gauge Donna's reaction.

  Donna looked thoughtful, “As long as I can leave before the kids get home from school that's fine. I can do breakfast for them in the mornings and then the older two can take the younger ones to school. The older ones have after school activities so they couldn't bring them home most days but if I can finish in time to get them that would be great?” Donna phrased the last part as a question.

  Alex's smile was bright as she spoke, “That's fine Donna – and as I say as soon as the backlog is finished your hours will probably drop a bit – so welcome to the team!” Alex put her hand out and Donna got up and shook it.

  Zach got up and came round – he also shook her hand, “Donna – nice to have you onboard – afraid we're a little limited for offices so you'll be sharing with Dmitri. I'll get him to get you a desk and chair and anything else you'll need.” Zach told her and noticed her eyes dropping to the floor and a blush spreading across her cheeks.

  Zach raised an eyebrow at Alex – had she noticed – yes she had as she shook her head – she didn't know what that was either.

  Alex led Donna out and into the office next to theirs, finding Dmitri sitting at his desk – studiously looking at his computer screen. He had heard the entire conversation and was trying hard to think of a way NOT to have this Wolf in his space.

  He came up blank though so tried to just ignore Donna and Alex. Alex was having none of it though, “Dmitri – Donna is joining the team – she'll be sharing your office – can you get her everything she'll need, desk, chair, computer, phone etc – as soon as you've done that can you please give her a tour here? She'll need to know what teams work from what offices etc and also show her where the rooms are that we use for people we bring back etc. I want her to be familiar with the entire building – ok?” Alex stated this as a question but in reality she was giving Dmitri an order. His face was stone cold – what the hell was the matter with the man?

  Dmitri nodded – once – acknowledging Alex's words and got up, “I'll go get some stuff now – won't be long.” he spoke as he left
the room. Alex looked at Donna who was still looking at the floor with a blush on her face.

  She had no idea what was going on but they better work it out – they all had jobs to do and there was no room for pettiness. She turned to Donna, “Ok Donna – once Dmitri gets back you get him to set you up and once that's done I'll come in and show you how to do the reports on our system. I've got some stuff I need to do so I'll see you in a bit.” Alex turned and walked back through to her own office, shaking her head in confusion.

  Once she was sitting at her desk she looked at her mate, “Zach – what's going on between Dmitri and Donna?” her voice low, not wanting either Dmitri or Donna to hear her.

  “I've no idea – I know that when we brought Donna and the kids here Dmitri stayed at theirs for a while in case that sorry excuse of a mate showed up but I know he asked repeatedly to be able to leave. Vlad made him stay for a while though and I know Dmitri wasn't happy – I've no idea why. Donna's a lovely person and I didn't hear of any arguments or anything. So whatever it is they will just have to get over it – we can't have any nonsense at work. If needs be I'll talk to Dmitri – we'll just see how it goes.” Zach was also perplexed – he hoped he didn't have to intervene.

  Alex went back to work – all thoughts of Dmitri and Donna leaving her mind. She had to focus – this mission was important – they had to find the guy behind this sordid mess. In her peripheral hearing she heard Dmitri coming and going and noises of furniture being put in place. Soon the large Vampire was back in their office, “That's everything set up next door – Donna's ready for you Alex.”

  Alex looked up and saw that Dmitri was holding himself very tensely – what the hell was wrong with him? “Ok – I'm just coming.” she told him. Alex lifted a folder up and walked next door.

  Donna was sitting at a desk and scrolling through the computer, “Ok Donna – I've got one of the files from the backlog – I'll sit with you and show you what to do and we'll take things from there – ok?” Alex asked.

  Donna nodded and Alex grabbed Dmitri's chair and moved it next to Donna and the computer. Alex showed Donna how to open the programme for the reports – and showed her where to access the audio from the missions – everything already downloaded onto the main hard drive.

  She showed her how to do a concise report and how to send it to the Council for their records. Donna was a quick study and watched everything Alex did – taking notes to make sure she followed things correctly.

  Once Alex was finished she turned to her, “So – what do you think?” she asked and Donna nodded her head.

  “Yes Alex – I'm sure I can manage this – why don't you give me another file and I'll try it on my own? I'll let you see it before I send it onto the Council records.”

  Alex smiled – that's just what she had been about to suggest and Donna beat her to it.

  She nodded and got up and went to retrieve another file from the vast pile in the corner of her office, returning with one in her hand and handing it to Donna. Donna took the file and immediately went to work – Alex left her to it and went back through to Zach.

  She went to stand at his back – rubbing his shoulders gently, “I'm sure Donna's going to be an asset – but obviously we'll need to wait and see but I've got a good feeling about her.” Dmitri was standing at the window and he grunted – Alex walked over and closed the door.

  She turned round and spoke to Dmitri's back, “Ok big guy spill? What's with you and Donna?”

  Dmitri didn't move as he answered, “Nothing – just not sure she is the right person for the job that is all.”

  Alex looked to Zach who shook his head before talking, “Dmitri – come on man – what's up? There's obviously something and if it's going to affect you two working together then we need to know.” Zach's tone was friendly and Dmitri turned round.

  Alex nearly gasped – Dmitri had a look of pain on his face?

  Alex stepped towards him but Dmitri's expression changed – to one of nonchalance. The large Russian spoke again, “It is nothing – just forget it.” he said and Alex was suddenly worried – what had that expression meant?

  She cared about Dmitri and to see him in any kind of pain hurt her – she moved closer and placed her hand on his arm. She smiled up at him - “Hey Dmitri – you do know you can tell us anything right? It won't go any further – you know that.” Alex told the huge Vampire.

  Dmitri nodded and looked down at her, “I know Alex – it is ok – I'll work it out don't worry.” he said and gave a little smile.

  Dmitri didn't smile very often and it completely changed his face when he did. Alex nodded up at him, “Okay but please if at any point you want to talk please you know I'm here to listen – okay?” and he nodded again before leaving the room.

  Zach blew out a large breath, “What the hell was that all about?”

  She shook her head, “No idea – did you catch that expression? He looked to be in pain Zach – I hope he lets us help him if he needs to.”

  Zach agreed, “Yes – though I'm pretty sure Dmitri hasn't asked anyone for help in a very long time – if ever.”

  Alex knew that was probably the case but she was going to keep an eye on things – if Dmitri needed help he was going to get it even if he didn't bloody want it.

  Chapter 3

  Dmitri walked outside – he needed air – he was trying to get Donna's scent out of his nostrils. Why the fuck did she have to come work here – he had managed to avoid her the past few years. Ever since he drove her and her kids here from Canada and stayed to protect them from her insane mate – he had avoided her like the plague.

  If he was out and he detected her scent he would go in the opposite direction. If she came into the diner or bar when he was there – he would leave. She had tried to speak to him once at a party they were both invited to – he had shut her down and left. He could still see the look on her face – the tear that had escaped her right eye.

  FUCK! Now she was working with them and was even in his own fucking office! He wasn't sure what he was going to do.

  His stomach rolled – then clenched – and he thought he would throw up ... well if he could he would that is. His thoughts went to his long dead mate – her gorgeous blonde hair, her very, very, long legs – god what she did to him with those legs. They had thought they had forever – literally – and then suddenly she was gone ... killed ... and he wanted to die too.

  It had taken him a long, long time to come back from that and since then he had lived his life – his mate never far from his thoughts. He had sex – of course – but always picked females that were only looking for a good time he also looked for females that liked things a little rough. That way he could spank them, whip them – if they wanted it – and he didn't feel as bad as he had sex – punishing them like he wanted to be punished as he took them.

  If one even hinted that they wanted anything more he dropped them as quick as he could. He would never betray his mate – it was unthinkable to him.

  So he would just have to try and stay away from Donna as much as he could. He would just have to try and not focus on her scent – the one that usually resulted in his jeans getting tighter and tighter as his hardness grew. Fuck – even thinking about avoiding her had him hard.

  What the hell was going on – he had no idea – only that he couldn't allow anything to happen. His Ludmilla deserved better .. he honoured her every day he lived and would not betray her – ever – no matter what.

  *****

  As Dmitri stood outside with his thoughts, Donna had just finished her first report – before she showed it to Alex she let her thoughts drift to the large Vampire. It was hard to be so near him and not even talk. When he had finally moved out of her house when Vlad had deemed things safe she had cried herself to sleep for ages. She missed him terribly – even though he was gruff and abrupt with her.

  His scent was imprinted in her Wolf senses and her Wolf howled in protest at not seeing him. V
ery soon after they had met, it had started to prowl, growling and whining and lying in submission. It kept telling her that this man was meant for her – how stupid was that.

  She pushed the Wolf back – forcing it down and tried not to focus on what it was telling her. Dmitri obviously didn't even like her – he would avoid her at all costs and the once she had tried to speak to him – what did he do? Well he cut her off, shut her down, and embarrassed the hell out of her.

  She had never tried again – though to be honest she barely saw him. She would sometimes smell his scent – as if he had just left as she had got there – but meet face to face – no – didn't happen.

  Donna sighed and went to get Alex – pushing thoughts of Dmitri from her mind – they were destructive and unhelpful. Only upsetting her and she had work to do – she put a smile on her face as she walked into the other office.

  *****

  “Alex – that's me finished that file – do you want to come check it before it's sent?” Donna asked and Alex immediately got up and followed her through.

  Alex sat down and went over everything Donna had done. When she finished she looked up - “Wow – you pick things up quick Donna – well done. So now I'm going to show you the back log – please don't run for the hills!” Alex laughed and was pleased at Donna's smile – the praise obviously meaning a lot to the Wolf.

  When they both entered the office Dmitri was back – talking to Zach about the execution of their mission. He stopped – just for a second – as Donna entered and then continued on – ignoring her completely. Alex didn't miss the look on Donna's face – she was hurt but covered it well.

  Alex showed Donna the large, very large, pile of folders on the floor and directed her to the oldest ones first, “So Donna – if you start at the oldest and work your way from there. Remember you can finish when you need to collect the kids so please don't feel pressured in any way to keep going. These files will be here for you when you get in tomorrow and the day after and the day after.” Alex half laughed and Donna just nodded her head and took several files away with her.