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

The baby squirmed in his arms and a small hand broke free from the towel it was wrapped in. It reached up and actually touched Zach’s face. The feeling he got when it touched him was indescribable. A feeling of calm came over him and he frowned down at the babe.

  The eyes were clear on this newborn, the exact shade of green the same as Alexina’s. Shouldn’t they be blue? Weren’t all babies born with blue eyes?

  The babe was staring straight into his own eyes, and Conall smiled. He got the feeling that his son was saying it was going to be okay. Zach’s mind went spiralling round and round.

  He handed Conall to Tatiana, then took his daughter from the nurse. Zach spoke down into his daughter’s face. “Hi Lexi, it’s nice to meet you too, you are so beautiful ... just like your mom. I see you’ve got her curls.”

  The babe’s head was covered in tight curls, however they were not the strawberry-blonde of her mom, they were jet black like his.

  He turned and looked at Conall – he hadn’t noticed his hair. What kind of father didn’t notice the colour of their babies’ hair?

  Conall’s eyes were still following him and he saw that his head was covered with strawberry blonde hair – just like his mother, minus the curls.

  He looked back at Lexi in his arms, once more shocked at the knowledge that showed in her eyes.

  He noticed that, like her hair, she took her colouring from him, her eyes were the same unique shade of grey as his. Once more he thought – shouldn’t they be blue?

  She smiled again as if also telling him it was okay. This was very, very, strange.

  He turned towards Vlad and Irina, taking the few steps to close the distance between them, he kissed Lexi and handed her to Irina.

  Irina grasped Lexi to her breast, still crying though it was slowing down. She smiled down at the babe and the tiny girl’s hand came to rest on the side of her face. A look of shock came over Irina’s face ... then calmness ... the tears stopped falling from her eyes, as she smiled back at Lexi and nodded her head.

  What the hell was going on with these two little ones? Zach thought.

  His thoughts were torn from rambling about the babes, and straight back to Alexina – his mate still lying completely immobile on the bed.

  There was a knock on the door and Dmitri stuck his head in. “Can I come in?” he asked quietly. Vlad nodded and the huge Guard entered – his eyes immediately drawn to the twins.

  His hard stone face broke into a smile and he went closer to see them more clearly.

  His hands moved, as if of their own accord, holding a hand of each twin in his huge paws. The feeling that came over him was one of protection ... he was going to protect these two until their mom and dad could take over.

  He lifted his head and looked at Vlad with wonderment on his features. “Vlad – have you touched these babies yet?” His friend and boss shook his head. “I think you should,” Dmitri said quietly.

  Vlad moved from behind Irina and did as Dmitri had done, he took one hand from each babe into his own. The look that came over his face mirrored Dmitri’s.

  Vlad shook his head as if to clear it and then looked to Dmitri and spoke one word – “Protector.” Dmitri smiled and nodded his head.

  Vlad turned his head to Zach, and his heart ached for his friend, standing over his inert mate. Vlad hoped his words might help, even a tiny bit. “Zach, you don’t need to worry about the twins, they’ve picked Dmitri and myself, and possibly more, to be their protectors. Don’t ask me how they did it but they did. We won’t let anything happen to them. They’ll be here waiting on you and Alex when you get back.”

  Zach nodded his head at Vlad’s information. He knew these babes were to be special, but he didn’t think any of them knew how special they were going to be.

  Dmitri coughed to rid himself of the lump in his throat before speaking. “I’ve got somewhere for Zach to take Alex. One of the Wolves heard me on the phone and he told me about some place. His Pack is in an out-of-the-way part of Canada – nothing for miles and miles around the Pack land. However, the Alpha has a private cabin. He says he uses it when his mate is in her breeding cycle, it’s miles even from where the Pack is. He says they use it for its remoteness. He is a very jealous Alpha and the thought of his mate being around any other males makes him mad, so he takes her there, away from everyone and everything. I spoke with the Alpha, I don’t like him, but hey, he agreed. Well, truth is, I didn’t give him a choice. The calls have been made, there’s an airstrip about two hours from his Pack land and there will be someone to meet them from the plane. They will drive to the Pack land and then Zach can carry on to the cabin, which is at least another hour or so drive. James is ready with the jet. Is there anything else you need me to do now? I’ve still got clean-up going on and it’s a mess out there.”

  Vlad nodded his head. He smiled at his big friend and told him he could go and get on with what he had been doing. He thanked him in a quiet voice.

  Dmitri nodded once and looked again at Zach. Seeing this ancient and powerful Vampire standing next to his almost-dead mate was heartbreaking and brought long-buried emotions rising to the surface.

  Vlad was well aware that Dmitri would know how Zach was feeling, he had lost his mate many years ago and it still hurt. Still took his breath away and he knew exactly what Zach was going through. He had a grim look on his face as he left the blood-soaked room.

  Zach looked over at his friends holding his children and he didn’t know how he could leave his newborns. He had to, though, he had to get Alexina through the turning, and this was the only way.

  He spoke in a very low voice. “Irina, do you think you could go and pack some stuff for the both of us? Whatever you think, just throw some stuff in the cases – they’re in the walk-in wardrobe in our room, right at the back.”

  At that point Scott stuck his head in. With their Wolf hearing, he and Duncan had obviously been following what was going on. “I’ll take her, Zach. Come on Irina, we’ll go get some stuff now.”

  Irina handed Lexi to Vlad and followed Scott out the door. On their way out, she spied David. He was back working in the field hospital, tending to the many wounds scattered around the room. His face as white as a sheet.

  In the makeshift operating room, Tatiana said “Zach, would it be okay for me to stay at your place until you get back? All the things for the babies are there – it would make things a bit easier? Plus, I think they should be in their own home, get them settled properly.” Her voice was still the singsong it usually was but it seemed hard for her to keep it so.

  “Yes Tatiana, I think that would be best. Alexina wanted the nursery perfect for them so they should be there ... where they belong.”

  Tatiana nodded. Zach’s next words stilled everyone in the room.

  “If she doesn’t make it, I’ll stay there. I think it’s for the best. I may be dangerous if that happens. So, if she doesn’t come through the turning, I’ll phone and let you all know, but I won’t even try to make it back here before I join her. In that case, it will be up to you all to look after Lexi and Conall, can I trust you to do that?”

  His voice was pleading now, he needed to know that no matter what happened their babies would be looked after.

  Tatiana looked down at Conall in her arms but couldn’t get a word past her lips. She knew she would break down if she tried.

  Vlad took several attempts to get his own tongue working. “You know we will Zach, don’t worry about them. We will make sure they are looked after and safe, my friend.” The last word came out of his mouth and he didn’t recognise his own voice, he could feel the despair in him showing through his words.

  “Good – thank you – and once more I realise how lacking those two words are, my friend.” Zach returned Vlad’s response and then took up his vigil at Alexina’s side.

  The pain he was in was almost disabling. Was he strong enough to do this? Fuck ... he had no choice. He had to be strong for her.

  Through all of this, since the babies
had been forcefully pulled from their mother’s belly, they hadn’t made a sound. No crying, no whimpering ... nothing, just silently watching with knowing eyes what was going on around them.

  Chapter 3

  Irina was back very quickly. She and Scott had literally grabbed a host of clothes from the wardrobe, Irina getting stuff for Alex and Scott doing stuff for Zach.

  Irina also threw in toiletries and anything else she came across that she thought they may need. All the while trying to keep a hold on her emotions.

  Alex was her best friend ... had done so much for her ... and she was now lying between life and death, vampirism and death. What a fucking choice.

  She didn’t know what she would do if Alex didn’t make it ... she had to make it.

  She could feel the emotions rolling off Scott. Normally this strong Beta kept all his emotions in check; not today, not now, she could feel the same emotions in him that she felt herself.

  They didn’t talk, just got on with what they had been sent to do. As they left the bungalow, Irina’s throat closed completely. Would Alex ever come back to this home, be there to bring her babies up in the nursery she had ready for them?

  She didn’t know but prayed to God that she did. She turned and followed Scott out to the car.

  The short drive back was like driving through a war zone. Well, it had been a war zone. There were bodies and parts of bodies lying in the street, Scott trying his best to drive around and not over them.

  At one part he couldn’t miss them, and the bump going over was bad enough, but the sound the body made almost forced Irina to ask Scott to stop, so she could be sick. She swallowed it down and took deep breaths as Scott continued on.

  They left the suitcases in the car, out front of the Security Building, and made their way back in with very heavy hearts.

  *****

  Duncan felt Scott approach and put a hand on his shoulder, obviously seeing his despair. “I know, Duncan – I feel the same.”

  Duncan didn’t speak, he had no words for this situation. Shit, he wished things had turned out differently today ... this was horrific.

  Suddenly Duncan thought of home. He wanted to talk to his mate, Margaret. He needed to hear her voice. He pulled his phone out and dialled her number.

  “Duncan, is that you? You’re okay? Thank God, I’ve been so worried, my Wolf. Speak – tell me you and Scott and the rest of our pack are okay?” Margaret implored.

  Duncan sighed heavily.

  “Ma mate, ah really needed tae hear yer voice. Yea we’re all okay – Alex isnae tho. The babes came early an the doc hid tae cut them oot, he couldnae stop the bleeding!”

  Margaret gasped. “NO – oh no, Duncan – is she dead? Shit, is Zach going to die?”

  Duncan tried to break in on her words. “Nae hon, Zach has tried tae turn her … tho oh course it takes a while so we dinae know. He’s takin her away, somewhere remote an safe so she disnae hurt anybody. That’s if she makes it.” Even now hearing his mate’s voice was calming him, she was safe, at home, waiting on him.

  Margaret’s voice was low and it sounded as if she was crying when she replied, “Oh Duncan, I’m so sorry. I know Zach is a good friend of yours and I just love Alex, she’s so nice – and strong – even for a human. She’ll make it Duncan, I’m sure she will.”

  Duncan was nodding his head. “Yea hon – sure she will, she’ll be okay. Yea, I’m sure she’ll be okay.” Duncan wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince Margaret or himself.

  He spoke for a minute more before hanging up. He couldn’t wait to be back with his mate in the Scottish countryside.

  *****

  Irina had walked straight through and found Vlad still holding Lexi and he didn’t look like he was going to put her down any time soon.

  Zach was still standing next to Alex and Tatiana held Conall. The nurses had left, no doubt to help the many wounded.

  Zach didn’t move when she came back in. “Zach, the stuff is in the car, it’s out front waiting on you both. James is ready in the jet. As soon as you want to leave, everything’s set.”

  He raised his head and looked at the twins ... he didn’t want to leave them.

  He knew they would be safe but he should be there, feeding them, changing diapers – or as Alex called them, nappies. That’s what a new dad should be doing, not flying away without knowing if he would make it back.

  Tatiana could obviously feel the war inside of him and her words were soft as she spoke. “Zach, you need to take Alex now, you need to make sure she’s safe and keep everyone else safe. I promise Lexi and Conall will be okay, they will be waiting on their mom and dad coming back.”

  Zach walked over, kissed each of the babies and turned and picked Alex up. He didn’t say another word, just walked with his mate to the door. Irina opened it and he went through.

  Duncan was immediately at his side. “I’ll drive ye tae the plane, Zach,” he said as he walked in front, making sure the path was clear for Zach to follow.

  Everyone stopped to stare, no sound was in the room, nobody spoke, even the noises of the badly injured ceased. They had all heard Zach’s roars of anger, desperation and utter desolation, and they watched as this warrior walked past carrying his mate.

  The one he refused to let die.

  Every last one of them hoped that she survived the turning. If not, then this magnificent Vampire of theirs, the best of the best at his job of protecting innocents, would be lost to them also. That wasn’t something any of them could even think about.

  Zach walked briskly, his eyes straight ahead, cradling his love in his arms.

  Outside, he placed Alex in the back seat and then joined her, pulling her onto his lap, still cradling her immobile body to his.

  Duncan got in and started the car. He looked in the mirror and the look on Zach’s face nearly undid him.

  Finally, after a few deep breaths, he pulled away and they drove in silence to the airstrip. As they neared the jet, Duncan saw James waiting. James never waited outside.

  With the scars he had, he always hid away. Only a select few, his friends and those with whom he was comfortable, ever got to see him.

  The large Wolf spoke as he pulled to a stop. “We’re here, Zach. Ah cannae say how bad I feel fer ye laddie. Ah feel sick tae ma stomach. Please let me know how things go?”

  Zach nodded. “Thank you Duncan, I’ll let you know.”

  With that Zach got out and pulled Alex out after him. He walked towards James and for the first time noticed he had been waiting on them.

  Duncan got the cases and carried them over. “I’ll take those,” James said, his voice raspy from the scars that ran deep, all down one side of his face, throat and down past his clothing.

  Zach realised that Duncan had never seen James up close before, his face clearly showing his surprise at how anyone could survive that kind of damage. “Okay laddie – here ye go.” Duncan handed the cases over and turned back towards the car.

  Zach looked at James, one of his close friends, and James nodded ... acknowledging the fear, hurt and anger rolling off Zach.

  James’s eyes were sorrowful as he spoke. “Come my friend, let me take you somewhere safe ... for you and Alex.”

  The scratchy voice unique to James nearly had Zach breaking down.

  Zach was barely holding it together. James never let anyone see him, so for him to stand here for all to see while waiting on him and Alexina ... that said more than any words could. “Thank you, James,” was all he could manage.

  Zach followed James up the stairs and stopped at the top, turning to take one last look at his town, his people, his friends. Would this be the last he saw of them? He didn’t know so he wanted to have one last look, just in case.

  Duncan stood at the car watching, his face showing the sadness in the great Alpha. Zach nodded once more at Duncan and then turned and carried Alexina to the rear of the plane, placing her in the first bedroom. He covered her with the quilt, making sure she wasn’t col
d – she hated the cold.

  James had followed him and watched in sadness at his friend. He could only hope both him and Alex were strong enough to make it through this.

  James opened his mouth and his strange voice broke the silence. “Zach, come back here and have a drink, several. You need to sort your thoughts out. Get a plan of action. You won’t be able to do that while watching Alex. You need to get control on your emotions, Zach. I know it’s hard – well, fuck – I don’t as I’ve never mated, but you know what I’m trying to say. You have a job to do, you need to do it, my very old friend.”

  Zach shook his head and at first James thought he meant ‘no’, but then realised he was trying to clear his thoughts. Zach turned and looked at James. “You’re right, James. If she makes it through the turning, I have to have plans in place. Guide her, teach her, make sure she doesn’t harm anyone. I think I will have that drink.”

  Zach took another look at Alexina, then turned and followed James out into the main compartment of the jet.

  “Okay, you have a drink and get things sorted in your head, Zach. I’ve a plane to fly.” With that James left Zach and went to the cockpit. Very soon they were on their way to Canada.

  Zach got a bottle of single malt whisky from the galley and a glass, he planned on drinking the whole damn lot!

  He sat down at one of the chairs at the table and didn’t bother fastening his seat belt. He opened the bottle and poured a very large amount into the glass, lifting it he drank it in one.

  The whisky burned his throat on the way down and it was a welcome feeling, any feeling other than the despair was welcome.

  Zach filled the glass again and downed it again, then filled the glass once more. This time he started to take small sips, wanting to savour the taste, take his mind off why he was sitting here, alone.

  His thoughts were scattered, he couldn’t quite grasp onto any, and he thought of Alexina. His beautiful, strong, wife and soulmate. What would he do if she didn’t survive the turning?

  What would he do if she did survive the turning? Would she understand, would she forgive him?