Defender's Blood

Lexi's Trials

Book 7

by

A K Michaels

© 2014 by A K Michaels All Rights Reserved

This book, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission by the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Chapter              1

Chapter              2

Chapter              3

Chapter              4

Chapter              6

Chapter              7

Chapter              8

Chapter 1

Michael looked down at the sleeping beauty lying in bed next to him. Lexi, his soul mate, colour now back in her cheeks after her sickness the day before, her dark locks curling around her like a black halo. His heart swelled at the thought of what was to come...parenthood.

His kick ass mate was carrying their children, two tiny babies in her belly. He was still trying to get his head around it all. To say it had been a shock was putting things mildly in the extreme. The moment the doctor had told them Lexi was pregnant still etched into his brain. That one second in time more than made up for the loss of his Angel’s wings.

His eyes took all of her in, her strong muscles, her dark hair, her lithe, fit body. Michael’s hand moved to gently rest on her stomach, where their children now grew. His eyes watching carefully as if scared she would disappear and he would wake up alone.

Michael jolted as one of Lexi’s hands covered his, “Morning,” she said sleepily, “You didn’t sleep, did you?”

He turned his face to hers, a small smile on his lips as he answered. “Nope, I couldn’t quite stop thinking about all this. It’s a miracle, my little Angel, a miracle, and I know this will sound stupid, but I was afraid if I slept that I would wake up and find this had all been a dream.”

Lexi moved her other hand towards him, pulling him closer before placing a gentle kiss on his lips. “It’s not silly, Michael. Jeez, only last week we were still battling with Fallen Angels and now here I am pregnant. I can only assume there’s no more for us to hunt, ’cause I can tell ya I’m not putting these babies in any kind of danger.”

Michael nodded his head, “No, I agree, if there are any further missions then you, Lexi, will be staying home. However, I don’t think there will be, so I think we can relax for a bit. We need to rethink things though, we’re going to be parents and that means I need to work for Zach or Vlad on a regular basis so we have a steady income.”

He watched as she stifled a laugh before answering, “Hmm well, that’s definitely at the top of the list. Though I think my mum put our stuff in storage, so we can save a bit by getting it. After all, it’s not as if anything was used for long, it’ll all be like new. Jeez, Michael, isn’t this strange? Us together was weird enough, you giving up your wings to be with me, that was huge, but this, shit...this is freaking out of the park. How the heck do we do this? We’re both more used to fighting and killing, than feeding a baby, far less two. I’m not sure I can do this...”

Michael cut her off with a kiss, his senses on overload with her rising panic. His lips played with hers, his tongue caressing her mouth as his hand gently held her face. Michael continued until he felt her calm slightly, then pulled away, staring into those gorgeous grey eyes and tried to put her mind at ease.

“Lexi, my love, you’ll be fine, you’ll take to this like everything else that’s been thrown at you. I’m sure as soon as we meet our children then everything else will just fall into place. Remember, we’re not alone, your parents, Conall, Tatiana, Irina and a host of others will be here to help us. Please don’t worry, it’s not good for you, or the babies.”

Lexi stared up at him her face still showing some worry but she nodded her head. “Okay, I know you’re right, I’m still trying to get used to this and I know we’ll have a lot of support. I just don’t want to muck this up, Michael, this is the most important job of our lives. We need to do it right.”

Michael got out of bed while answering, “I know and we will, I promise. Now, I’m going to get you the medication David gave you to stop the sickness. Stay there ’til I get back, try and rest and not worry.”

Lexi said a quiet “Okay,” as he left their bedroom to get the pill bottle that they had brought home from the Clinic the previous day. He found it on the kitchen counter, checked the dosage and then got one of the small pills for Lexi, together with a small bottle of water from their fridge. As Michael entered the bedroom he sensed she was calmer, her heart not almost beating out of her chest as it had been earlier.

Michael opened the water and handed it to her as she sat up, “Here,” he handed her the water first and then the medication, “How’re you feeling anyway? Okay?”

Lexi’s face paled, “Uhm nope, feeling sick again. Shit, I hope I don’t puke like I did yesterday.”

She took the pill quickly, swirling water in her mouth before swallowing it. Michael sat down next to her, trying to contain his own worry for his mate. She had seemed so ill the day before and his concern for her had been out of control. He had never felt so scared in his very long life. The thought of losing her almost bringing him to his knees.

The truth was, he had never truly felt fear before. As a powerful Angel his strength had been vast, enough to deal with almost anything in this world, or any other for that matter. Michael had fought Fallen Angels, Demons and a horde of other wrongdoers and not once had he felt fear. As he watched his love become ill the day before he felt true fear for the first time. It was so all consuming that his body had been filled with raw terror at the thought of losing her. The feeling of relief when they had been told she wasn’t ill, she was pregnant, had been almost too much to take. He thought, for a moment his legs were going to give out. He fought against it and stayed strong, and upright, for his mate.

The thought of seeming anything less than strong, especially in front of Zach, Lexi’s father, was abhorrent to him. So he did what he had heard more than a few folks on the compound say - he just had to ’suck it up’ and get on with things, so that’s what he had done. Michael thought he had done a good job of hiding his fear and relief from everyone, even Lexi.

Michael shook his head, ridding him of those feelings and held one of her hands as he watched her fight for control, finally some colour seeping back into her face. “Stay here,” he said as he got up and left the room. Toast - dry toast was one of the things he had been told the day before was good for morning sickness. However, he had no idea who it was that had told him, so many voices giving so many different opinions. He only knew that he had definitely heard dry toast at some point.

He got to work in their small kitchen and fiddled with the toaster until he got it to work. Mostly they ate out and didn’t do much cooking, though they usually had the basics to hand, like bread and milk. Lexi loved making them sandwich concoctions, with weird and wonderful fillings, some good and, well, some not so good. After the toaster popped the bread up he placed it on a small plate and carried it towards their bedroom.

As Michael neared the door his acute senses went on alert. He could feel something in their room, what the hell? he thought. He used his speed to get to the room in less than a second, his head swirling around to find the threat. Nothing, there was nothing in the bedroom except for a confused looking Lexi and the feeling he had was gone. He frowned as he carried the plate to the bed, handing it down to Lexi as his eyes still strayed all around the room.

Lexi took the plate from him, her eyes questioning, “What’s up?” she asked as he finally looked down at her.

He checked the room one more time before answering. “Nothing, I just thought I sensed something but I must’ve been wrong. All the excitement probably getting to me, that’s all.”

Michael watched as Lexi nodded while nibbling on a corner of the toast, his heart slowly getting back to normal after the sharp rise as he thought there had been a threat in their home. Strange, he thought, as he forcibly sent his senses out now, making sure all was as it should be.

*****

Caim arrived in the room the second the betrayer, Michael, left. Staying invisible as he stood in the corner of the room, watching his little Angel struggle with the morning sickness that had hit her, full force, the day before. His anger and loathing at his brother, Michael, so immense that he fought to control it.

He wanted nothing more than to obliterate Michael, and rid him of his rival for Lexi’s love. Caim knew that if Michael were gone that his beautiful Lexi would turn to him for comfort, falling in love with him...as she had done with Michael. The thought that Michael had deliberately kept the two of them apart still burned brightly within him.

Caim knew that if Michael had not thwarted his attempts to spend more time with Lexi, that it would have been him, and not Michael, who Lexi had fallen in love with. To see his little Angel lying in bed, with Michael’s seed having taken root within her, brought a wrath to the fore in his entire being. He had no idea he was capable of the feelings that now engulfed him.

As Lexi sat up further in the bed the cover fell down slightly, giving him a glimpse of the tops of her perfect breasts. Caim inhaled sharply as his arousal hit him fully, his cock straining against his white trousers. He wanted nothing more than to sink it deep within Lexi’s sheath and have her call his name whilst in the throng of ecstasy.

Caim’s thoughts wandered, envisioning Lexi lying beneath him as he made hard, passionate, love to her, the sight inflaming his arousal further. His attention snapped back to the present as he heard Michaels footsteps. His brother’s speed picking up as Caim moved to another realm quickly as he realized Michael had sensed him. He cursed as he appeared in the realm he recently found and called his own, the place where he would bring his love...at the right moment in time.

His mind whirled through all the different scenarios that could bring that miracle about. Caim’s first and most enjoyable outcome would be for Michael to be destroyed, gone completely from this world and therefore out of Lexi’s life forever. He knew that if that happened Lexi would be grief-stricken and he could easily be on hand to console her. In his minds eye he clearly saw her wrapping her arms around his neck, clinging to him as he gave her solace. Caim was certain Lexi would grow to love him in those circumstances, absolutely certain.

Caim would take over fatherhood of the children now growing inside her. That thought almost bringing a lump to his throat as he saw himself holding one of the babes, whilst Lexi held the other. He already knew both would be girls, the twins manufactured to continue on the bloodline of The Defender of Man, with all the responsibility that entailed. Caim would make sure that both of the girls would grow up safe and strong, and able to take on their duty when the time was right. After all, he would be their father, wouldn’t he? Yes, of course he would.

Caim stood on the very edge of the outcrop he materialized on staring out onto the blue sky beyond. The rock he stood on was one that jutted out over a drop so far down that any human would be long dead by the time they hit solid ground. The mountain the outcrop protruded from so high that, at this moment, he was surrounded by soft, white, clouds, swirling around him. His mind saw Lexi standing right here with him, in this hidden realm, her face wide in a smile as she marvelled at the beauty of the place he found for them.

There was only one fly in the ointment that he could see...Michael...and his inability to destroy him. Caim had the strength and power to kill Michael, however, the very moment he did he knew ’the Boss’ would be aware of it and act accordingly. No, he couldn’t do what his heart desired, he had to come up with another solution.

Caim stayed immobile, going over and over how he was going to get his little Angel here and in his arms. He was good at lying, very good, after all, ’the Boss’ still had no idea of his darker side, of his longing to have Lexi for himself. Caim was still amazed at the stupidity of humans believing that God was all-seeing...he wasn’t. He only kept track of certain times, places, if or when there was a need. So watching everything that occurred on earth was not something that ’the Boss’ did on a regular basis. God was far more complacent than humans would ever believe, allowing his Angels to take care of most things on earth. That meant that Caim could get away with what he was planning, if he took care and timed it meticulously.

The lies he already had prepared for Lexi would drip off his tongue with ease. His mouth widened into a smile as he thought on how he was truly an expert in that department. Caim would make her believe Michael was dead, even if he wasn’t. Yes, that’s what he would do.

All he needed to do was ensure it looked as if Michael had been killed, just at the moment he saved Lexi. He could implant those memories into her mind as easily as taking a breath. Caim turned and walked towards the building he created on top of the mountain, a house with several bedrooms and all mod-cons. The only thing the house required now was Lexi and the babies.

His heart swelled as he envisioned her here with him, smiling as she looked at him, her babies calling him father. Caim couldn’t stop his own smile widening as he saw her calling his name as she writhed beneath him, lost in ecstasy and pleasure. He would lavish her body with so many feelings that she would forget Michael ever existed. He was sure of it.

Chapter 2

Zach smiled at Alexina’s excitement, her face aglow and her eyes bright and sparkling. She was almost bouncing on her feet as he tried to restrain her, laughing down at her upturned face. “Meine Kleine, you need to slow down. It’s very early, Lexi might still be asleep...”

Alex cut him off quickly with a wave of her hand and a chuckle, “She’s up, I can feel it, and I have to go see her. Yesterday was all drama and getting her to feel better. Today, well, today we can start discussing baby things. Zach, our little girl is going to have twins! Isn’t it exciting?”

Zach let himself be dragged along the hallway and out the door, at least he had made sure they were travelling in the normal fashion to Lexi’s. Alexina wanting to move but he had said no, it was abusing their power to just zap in and out on a whim. Her pouty face having him stifling a chuckle as she frowned up at him.

He laughed as she dragged him to the jeep, “Yes, Alexina, it’s very exciting, however, after we’ve been over to check on Lexi then we need to get to work. There’s quite a few things that need our attention and it’s not fair to keep passing our responsibilities off onto Dmitri and Donna. So, please, my little one, let’s keep this visit short and we can catch up this evening or tomorrow evening. Okay?”

Zach bent down and kissed her frown, then her nose, then her lips, his tongue probing until it gained entrance. She sighed into his mouth and he considered, just for a moment, picking her up and taking her back to bed. Her arms wrapped around his neck and their kiss deepening when they were interrupted.

Vlad’s voice was very loud as he shouted over at them. “Hey, you guys! Want to take that inside?”

Alexina jumped back, her face red, as they watched Vlad running down the middle of the road, sweat dripping from him. His laughter echoing in their ears as he passed quickly, the sound of his feet hitting the tarmac diminishing the farther away he ran.

Alexina punched his arm, “That was your fault! Kissing me like that in public, what are you thinking?”

Zach restrained his own laughter, opening the door for her and helping her up into her seat. He reached across and fastened her seatbelt before kissing her again. This time he kept it short and pulled away to go around the jeep before getting in to drive. As he turned the key and drove off he answered her.

Zach spoke quietly, keeping his eyes on the road ahead, “I was thinking about taking you back to bed and making you scream my name, over and over. That’s what I was thinking!”

He heard her gasp, her heart flutter and he knew a blush would be creeping up her neck, slowly making it’s way onto her cheeks. His smile was wide as he imagined her eyes wide and her breaths quickening. What he didn’t expect was her cursing loudly in the confines of the jeep.

Alexina’s tone was outraged as she shouted, “Feck! What the hell are you trying to do to me! We’re on our way to see our daughter, our pregnant daughter, and you’ve got me all hot ’n bothered and having lustful thoughts of your naked body, Vampire! Why the hell would you do that to me?”

Zach laughed out loud, his body shaking as he drove, his little mate punching him hard in the arm. “Ouch! That hurt!” he exclaimed as his laughter continued.

Alexina’s laughter joined his and his heart soared hearing the sound. Her joy always brought him immense delight, especially after the last few troublesome years they had endured. Zach sneaked a look at his mate, seeing the beautiful woman sitting next to him always making him feel immense happiness. They had fought, and won, so many battles to get to this point and he would do it all again, just to have her by his side.

Zach turned to face the road again, pulling up in front of the apartment building their twins lived in. Conall, their son, now having his own and Lexi and Michael taking over the original one that Conall had shared with his sister. Zach guessed it was hard for him, being apart from his twin, they had been together for their entire lives. Living apart was not something either of them had envisioned this early into them rejoining the human race. However, Conall couldn’t live in the same apartment as his sister with her mate and Zach could well understand that. Lexi and Michael needed their privacy just as Conall did.

Zach turned the engine off and was about to go around and help Alexina, as he normally did, but found she was already out of the vehicle and waiting on him impatiently. That little pout on her face again as she danced from one foot to the other. She moved her hand in a ’come on’ gesture as he walked towards her.

Alexina opened the main door and went inside, her small feet moving fast as she took the stairs as quickly as she could. Zach had to up his speed to keep up with her but soon caught up, grabbing her hand and slowing her down somewhat. “Alexina, you need to slow down and calm down, all this excitement will pass onto Lexi and she needs to be nice and calm. We don’t want her getting ill again, do we?”

Zach watched as Alexina frowned, again, then nodded her head in agreement, before they continued on at a more leisurely pace. As they reached the door to the apartment it swung open, Michael standing there waiting on them. Zach noticed he had a slightly worried look on his face. Alexina, however, didn’t, as she pushed passed the immense being and straight towards their daughter who was sitting on one of the sofas.

Zach raised an eyebrow and inclined his head as Michael said, “Come with me to the kitchen, Zach? I’m just going to make some herbal tea for Lexi.”

Zach followed Michael into the small kitchen area where the large being started to boil a kettle, the both kept their backs to the living room where Alexina and Lexi were babbling away in rather high pitched voices. Zach’s gut told him something was wrong and he only hoped it had nothing to do with Lexi’s health or that of the babies.

Michael looked into Zach’s face as he whispered, “Zach, I know we didn’t get off on the best terms, but you know how much I love Lexi and I’ll do anything for her and anything to keep her safe..”

Zach interrupted, “Are you saying Lexi is in danger? From who and why?”

Michael sighed heavily, running a hand over his face before replying, “I’m not sure. I felt something earlier, only for the briefest of moments and then it was gone. It’s got me on edge and I’m not sure exactly what it was I felt anyway. I just wanted to let you know, in case we need your help, or maybe I’m just overreacting and it’s just my nerves with everything that happened yesterday...”

Zach could clearly see the worry on Michael’s face, the used-to-be Angel certainly wasn’t one to panic or worry at nothing. As far as Zach had seen, Michael was as cool as a cucumber and not prone to over dramatising things. If this large being had sensed something then they should probably take note.

Zach placed a hand on Michael’s arm, “I believe you, Michael, if you felt something then we need to take heed. However, if you don’t know the who or the what then I’m kinda at a loss as to what to do. Do you want to come and stay at ours for a bit? Then Lexi would have all three of us to watch over her?”

Michael was already shaking his head before he replied, “No, that would let her know something was wrong. Come on, Zach, you and I aren’t exactly friends so if I said we were going to stay at your place she would know something was wrong. Plus, I’m trying to hide it from her, she’s far too good at reading my thoughts to keep things from her. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see, if it happens again I’ll definitely try harder to get a read on things to give us a better clue as to who or what it is. I just wanted you to know, just in case.”

Michael finished with the tea making, picking up the cup and walking over to Lexi and Alexina as Zach stared at all three. He sent his senses out, using every last part of his immense power, trying to find whatever it was that Michael had felt. Zach tried to hide what he was doing from everyone else but noticed Alexina’s face turn to his, frowning as she watched him.

He shook his head and walked over, standing in front of them, Michael now sitting beside Lexi, who was sipping her tea. Lexi’s smile was huge as she babbled about getting all the baby stuff from storage and wondering where they would put it all.

Alexina patted her hand as she butted in, “Of course we’ll get everything for you and we’ll work it out, though you may want to move into a house more suited for children. One that has a garden so the kids can play outside, we can look into that for you, if you want?”

Lexi was nodding as she smiled, first at her mother then at him. Zach gave her one of his best smiles, not wanting his daughter to know anything was bothering him. “I can do that when we get to the office and speaking of the office, Alexina, we need to go..”

Lexi shot a frown his way, “What? No, can’t you stay for a little longer? I wanted to ask mum about some things to do with the pregnancy.”

Zach shook his head, “I’m sorry, we’ve got a lot to catch up on, Lexi. Tell you what, why don’t you come for dinner tonight? Bring Conall with you and I’ll do some steaks for you all. Say about seven, is that okay? Then you and your mother can talk while us boys have a drink.”

Zach watched as Lexi frowned before nodding her head, Alexina nodding also as she answered. “Yes, that’s a good idea, don’t be late you two, there’s a lot to discuss.”

Alexina gave Lexi a quick cuddle before getting up and he took her hand as they left, Michael placing an arm around Lexi’s shoulders as she sipped her tea. Zach still had the partial block on his mind and he knew that his little mate was bursting to ask him what was going on. He wasn’t quite sure whether he would tell her, or not.

As soon as they left the building and were in the jeep she turned to him, one eyebrow raised and staring intently. She didn’t say anything, just stared as he tried hard to ignore her. He drove away and kept his eyes on the road ahead, not wanting the conversation he knew was coming. Not yet. He wanted to get the words right in his head before he spoke. The last thing he wanted was to spook her enough that she about turned and went straight back and told Lexi. The last thing their daughter needed was to worry about some unknown threat.

They were almost at their offices on the outskirts of the town when he broke under her stare, taking a deep breath before talking. “Okay, now first thing is, you have to stay calm and here, in the jeep, no shouting about turning around and going back or anything...”

Zach heard her gasp and sneaked a quick look, seeing her eyes wide, her mouth open and her face full of worry. Shit, he hadn’t started that right at all so he tried again. “Alexina, please, try and not worry because we don’t even know if there’s anything to worry about yet..”

Alexina cut him off, her tone cold and hard, “Who’s we? You and Michael perhaps? I saw the two of you in the kitchen and you two don’t just chat, Zach. Until recently, you two could barely be in the same room together, so I know something’s up. Tell me now, please.”

Zach pulled the jeep to the side of the road and turned to face his mate, her face now marred with a little anger to join the worry. He reached over and took one of her hands in his, rubbing his thumb on the back as he stared into her face. He sighed, “Yes, you’re right, Michael and I aren’t the best of friends but I am trying to treat him with the respect he deserves as our daughter’s mate, and the father of our grandchildren. However, he did take me aside to tell me he thought he had felt something earlier. Now, Alexina, he is not even certain he did feel something, or if he did, what that something was. Before you say anything, the first thing I offered was for them to stay at ours for a bit but he declined, because then Lexi would definitely know something was up. I think we can all agree that she doesn’t need any more worry or stress right now. Okay, that’s me finished, fire away, meine Kleine.”

Zach waited on the onslaught he guessed was coming and he wasn’t disappointed. Alexina’s face was upset, worried and angry all at once as she started to speak. “What? Are you telling me that our daughter is in some kind of danger? That there’s something trying to hurt her? Is that what you’re telling me? If so, then there’s no way in hell I’m not going straight back there! You hear me, Vampire! Turn this vehicle around right now, buster!”

Zach let her rant, knowing it was her fear that was taking over her rational thought process. He waited for a few seconds as she took several deep breaths in before he went on. “Firstly, we do not know if she’s in any danger. I’ve told you, Michael isn’t sure even if he did sense something and if he did he has no clue what it was. For all we know, honey, it could be another Angel that came to check in that she was okay. After all, Michael wasn’t the only Angel that looked after the kids. I’m sure some of them pop in and out from time to time to check on them. So, it could be completely innocent and not a threat at all. We are not going back, we will carry on and only if there is real evidence that there’s a threat will any action be taken. Conall is very close and he would know the second that Lexi was in any danger and get there far quicker than us. Alexina, I understand you’re worried but we need to stay calm, for Lexi. You know I’m right, honey, so please just calm down and we’ll take things as they come.”

Zach stopped for a moment, sending his own senses out to feel his mate’s. Her anger was still right there at the top, but she was calming down, she could see the sense in his words but was reluctant to agree with him. A smile crept onto his face as he watched her, “Really? You should know better meine Kleine. I’m glad you agree, so can we get to work?”

Alexina snorted, “Hmph, low blow, Vampire!”

Zach laughed as he drove off, “Alexina, firstly, you can read mine just as well as I can yours. Secondly, you are a Vampire too so am not sure why you keep using that when you’re pissed off. Oh yes, and thirdly, I love you and I love Lexi. We’ll keep her safe, just as I kept you safe when you were pregnant. Okay?”

At his words he felt the difference in her, as she relaxed slightly, taking just a moment before she replied. “Okay, Zach, I just don’t want her to go through what we did. I want her pregnancy to be normal, healthy, happy. Not full of worry and stress, so yes, we will keep her safe and those two grand-babies of ours. Put your foot down, we’re late for work.”

Zach chuckled at her last retort, after all, it had been him urging her to get to the office. However, he complied with her request and pressed his foot to the floor, the jeep flying along the road and into the car park outside their building. He slammed on the brakes and the jeep skidded to a stop in their usual parking spot.

Zach moved quickly, getting to Alexina’s door before she even had a chance to undo her seatbelt. He held out a hand and helped her out, her face a little flushed from the rather fast journey. He leaned down and kissed her nose, “Your wish is my command.” he laughed as he pulled her after him towards their office.

Alexina tugged her hand, pulling him back a step or two, using her Vampire strength to halt his progress. As he turned around she was smiling up at him, a mischievous look twinkling in her eye as she whispered, “I hope so, ’cause I’ve got quite a few wishes I wouldn’t mind asking for later tonight!”

Zach laughed, “Naughty, naughty, my little one.”

With that she let go of his hand and flew past him, running fast to reach the relative safety of her desk, as he watched her with a huge smile on his face. Boy, did he love that woman, he thought as he took off after her.

Chapter 3

Alexina only just made it to her desk, flying past a startled Dmitri to make it, before Zach flew in behind her, laughing. Dmitri looked at each of them and shook his head, “What are you two up to? Or don’t I want to know?”

Zach laughed louder as Alex replied, “Oh you definitely don’t want to know!” before she burst out laughing herself.

Donna, Dmitri’s mate, stuck her head in the door, “What’s going on here?” she asked, “My sensitive ears picked up running feet and laughter. Is everything okay?”

Dmitri looked at them as he replied to Donna, “I think these two are acting like love sick puppies again.”

Donna smirked as she looked up into Dmitri’s face, “Nothing wrong with that.” she said as she twirled around and moved back to their office next door.

Zach sat in his chair as he gave Alexina one last long look, then turned his attention to their Second in Command, Dmitri. The large Russian still giving them weird looks as he asked. “So, Dmitri, sorry about yesterday and yes, Lexi is fine, though we’re still coming to terms with the thought of becoming grandparents. Is there anything that’s urgent that needs our attention?”

Dmitri’s face completely changed as he smiled, no longer the immensely huge scary Vampire that he looked like normally. “I’m glad Lexi’s going to be fine. We were all worried and when we found out what was going on, well, you could’ve knocked me down with a feather. It’s a miracle, that’s what it is. I sincerely hope you two get to enjoy these little ones this time.”

Zach quickly turned to his mate, knowing she had been thinking the same thing. Their own twins snatched from them at such a young age and they never having the chance to raise them. He saw a flicker of hurt and anger race across her face before she got herself under control again.

Alex’s tone was a little frosty as she spoke, “I bloody well hope so too, ’cause if not, there’ll be hell to pay this time.”

Dmitri nodded, obviously understanding completely how they felt. “I know, Alex, I’ll be right there with you if anything happens to these babies. Now, onto work, I’m afraid we do have a situation and you’re not going to like it. I know I don’t and to be honest I wish we could take a pass on this as I really don’t want to deal with it. It gives me the, how do you Americans put it - the heebie jeebies! Yes this one definitely gives me the heebie jeebies.”

Alexina looked more than a little shocked and Zach couldn’t blame her. What the hell spooked someone like Dmitri? He didn’t know, and truth be told, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He only motioned with his hand to tell the large Vampire to continue.

Dmitri nodded, “Okay, well technically it’s not something we should deal with, however, Vlad has asked that we go in with him and his men. He’s personally taking over the mission and he wants you two, and me, as his Alpha team. This is...”

Zach interrupted, his impatience growing, “Out with it, Dmitri, what the hell has you spooked?”

Dmitri pulled himself up straighter, his immense frame turning fully to face Zach. “A necromancer, that’s what! The mission in New Orleans that time, gave me the heebie jeebies and so does this one! There’s reports of a necromancer at work in a small town on the border with Canada and we’ve been tasked with going and dealing with him, and those abominations he’s created. Vlad wants us over at his office asap and he’s got another two teams all set to go.”

Alex was staring wide eyed at Dmitri as she queried, “Are you saying we’re going to take out, erm zombies? Really?”

Zach shivered, he hated zombies! Only having dealt with them on one previous occasion...and that had been one time too many.

Dmitri was nodding towards Alexina as she continued to stare, “Yes, that’s what I’m saying and I have to say, I’m not happy about going on this mission. The last time was bad enough, to have to deal with those things again wasn’t on my repeat list of things to do. Vlad isn’t happy either, he didn’t say much when he phoned, but I could tell with his voice that he wasn’t overjoyed. So, are you two ready?”

Alexina looked to Zach, “Do we have to? I’m not sure I’ll be able to deal with those things. Can’t I stay here and catch up on paperwork?”

Zach stood up, shaking his head and giving her a lopsided grin. “Nope, if I have to go then so do you, come on, meine Kleine, time to go face some freaky zombies.”

Alexina sighed heavily before getting up and following behind the two very large Vampires. Just as well her and Zach dressed in their mission clothes this morning. Her eyes taking in her Vampire as he walked in front of her, his tall muscular frame sheathed in black with his long leather coat flapping behind him. Jeez he looked so damn fine this morning!

Zach’s head swivelled around, catching her eyes with a lustful look that mirrored hers. He obviously read her thoughts and she smiled back at him with a very cheeky grin. She saw his lips moving, whispering, “Later.” before he turned and continued down the hallway.

Dmitri followed them in his own vehicle to the Security Offices where Vlad waited. As they walked into the building they found him pacing back and forth with another two teams. All armed to the teeth with what appeared to be swords and machetes. What the hell? Alex thought as she saw the sun glinting through the windows and onto the shiny blades.

Vlad stopped his back and forth movement and held out two large bladed weapons, nodding to another of the guards as he did so. The man moving towards Dmitri and handing him a long, double edged sword. Alex took the proffered blade and looked at it, a frown on her face.

Vlad started talking immediately and his tone told of his unhappiness at what they were taking on. “Okay, so I assume Dmitri’s filled you in? We’re flying, James and Lisa are all ready for us and there’s a small area near where we need to be that he says he can land on. It’s not exactly a proper airstrip, well, not a functioning one anyway, but he says he can land the jet and if he says he can then that’s good enough for me. So, let’s get going. I want this over and done with today, as soon as possible, so I can get home and shower for a few hours!”

Zach immediately knew what his friend meant. The last time they had killed some of the undead they had been covered in the most disgusting gore that smelled like nothing he had ever come across before. To say it was revolting was putting it mildly, it was the most loathsome, foul and repellent substance in the universe, in his opinion anyway.

Zach watched Alexina’s face as she looked more and more worried. He hoped she didn’t freak out when she came face to face with the living dead they were going to hunt. In New Orleans even he had a hard time dealing with them. He hoped then that he would never have to deal with them again and silently cursed the necromancer responsible. If he could catch him then he was going to mete out some of his own punishment for his actions.

Everyone moved outside and into vehicles to take them to the airstrip, Zach driving their jeep and as soon as they drove away Alexina turned to him. “Why have we got blades? And just what the hell did Vlad mean about the shower?”

Zach kept his eyes on the road ahead as he answered, not wanting to scare her, but needing to tell her the truth. “Firstly, the best way to make sure they’re destroyed is to decapitate them, hence the blades. Secondly, the last time we ended up covered in a rather disgusting mess that took forever to clean and get out of our nostrils. I’d hoped then never to have to deal with them again, but I guess there’s always some maniac trying to do the most heinous things they can. So be prepared, honey, it’s not going to be nice and you have to be really careful, these things can be deadly. Please, if you get near any of them just take their head off as soon as you can and move on.”

Alex could feel the disgust pouring from her mate and she worried whether she would be able to do this. She had visions of her puking everywhere and not being able to do the job they were supposed to do. Shit! She wished she had taken the day off.

Zach’s hand moved over, grasping one of hers and giving it a squeeze. “I know, my little one, but I’m sure you’ll be okay. Just try and treat it like any other mission and try not to smell through your nose. Trust me...you’ll regret it if you do.”

Alex looked out her window, still worrying whether she could do this, but realizing she had no choice. She was part of the team and had to do her part, no matter the mission. If she had known what was coming this morning then she would’ve bought some menthol rub and used it under her nose...like the did on TV, though maybe that didn’t work, she wasn’t sure. Anything would be better than nothing though.

Zach’s voice interrupted her thoughts and she saw they were parked, “Alexina, you’ll be fine. Just remember not to think, just act. We’ll find out more on the flight, Vlad didn’t even tell us how many of these things he’s expecting and it could just be a few, no point in worrying unnecessarily, honey.”

Zach could sense his mate’s every emotion, some of which mirrored his own...mainly disgust. However, he still held a partial block in place so as not to spook her any more than she already was. Truth be told, he wished she wasn’t coming on this mission and wondered if he could save her from the horror that he knew they would be walking into.

He moved around, helping her out of the jeep, though being a very strong Vampire it wasn’t that she needed his help, he just liked doing it. The resulting smile she gave him was all he needed to keep on doing it. He squeezed her hand and sent a thought her way, ’You’ll be fine, little one, just stay close to me and Dmitri.’

Alex smiled up at him, her own thought entering his head, ’Thanks, I’ll try.’

Zach kept hold of her hand as they boarded the jet, settling down on one of the leather sofas and keeping her close by his side. James, their pilot, was doing his final checks as Lisa, his mate, closed and secured the door. James shouted through from the cockpit. “I’ll come through once we’re up and we can go over the mission, Vlad.”

Vlad was sitting at the small table, his tablet in his hands as he obviously went over the mission details. He lifted his head, “Fine.” was the only answer he gave.

Zach stared at his best friend, saw the tight lines around his eyes, and realised he was stressed. That was so unlike him that Zach stared more intently, seeing the stress in Vlad’s body, the way he was sitting, the way his mouth was in a thin line and not his usual smile or cheeky smirk. Christ, what the hell was he reading?

As Vlad placed the tablet down onto the table and lifted his head to speak, Zach guessed he was about to find out. Vlad stood up, just as the jet started to taxi for take off, not heeding James’ shout to ’buckle up’, but pacing up and down the middle of the cabin. Zach saw him take several deep breaths before his friend actually spoke a word.

Vlad ran a hand up and over his face, through his short blonde hair, then started, “Okay guys, as you know we have a report of a necromancer at work and we’re to go and take him out at the same time as the abominations he’s created. The intel we have is that the town is small, very small, with less than a thousand folks living there. It’s surrounded by woodland and rough terrain and it only has one main road in and out. Most of the townspeople that live there have left already, or been turned themselves. It started just over a week ago after the grave of a recently deceased young man who was killed in an accident was found to have been robbed of his remains. Since then several people were attacked and bitten by the first which has caused a domino effect, in that those bitten became ill within hours and died, to then rise and join the ranks of what we call the undead, zombies, whatever the fuck name you want to give them. Very soon the town was in a panic and we think most fled and luckily it doesn’t seem to have spread to the next town...yet. It’s only a matter of time for that to happen and we’re here to stop it.”

Vlad stopped for a moment, walking to the galley and getting a bottle of water from the fridge, taking a few swigs before continuing. “So, we all know these things are god-awful and there’s only one sure way to kill them, blow them the hell apart or take their heads. You all have blades capable of taking their heads and I’ve also got some of my little gadgets along for the ride. If I see the opportunity I’ll blow them up, otherwise, it’s a case of hunting them out and killing them. However, what we really need to do is find the Witch who’s turned to necromancing. This person needs to be either apprehended or killed. Truth is I don’t give a shit which it is, so long as he’s stopped.”

Vlad stopped again, Zach watching his friend try to relax, and fail, before he started to pace again. “We need to be careful folks, we have no idea what a bite from one of those things would do to a Vampire or a Wolf. I for one do not want to find out, so extreme caution and take the fuckers heads as soon as you can. Do not hesitate. Kill and kill swiftly guys. Any questions?”

Zach knew Alexina’s question before it left her lips, “How many?” she asked quietly, even more uptight now than she had been earlier.

Vlad turned to face them, “We’re not sure, Alex. We do know it’s in double figures at least, some of the folks from the town didn’t check in with the authorities so we’re not sure if all of those are just sitting in a friend or family’s house waiting on this to be sorted, or they’ve become victims themselves. I’m hoping the former and I’m hoping that there’s as few of those things as can be expected. All I know is we need to do this fast and deadly. The truth is, my first preference was getting Lexi and Conall here, but that’s obviously out of the question with Lexi’s condition and I couldn’t get a hold of Conall, so it’s just us.”

Alex sat up straighter, “What? Did you use his mobile number?”

Zach could feel the worry in his mate, wondering why Vlad couldn’t get a hold of their son. In fact, he was also a little puzzled, Conall always had his phone with him. Zach pulled her closer as Vlad started to shake his head.

Their friend was also frowning as he answered. “Yes, I tried his mobile and sent him a couple of texts first thing, but he didn’t reply. I thought he was maybe just having a long lie in or something so let it go. It’s not as if he’s on my payroll so I can’t expect him to drop everything if I ask him to. I was thinking of asking if I could poach him though. I really would like to have him on my team, do you think that would be okay?”

Zach answered, as Alexina had her phone out and was dialling their son. “I think it’s his decision, Vlad. He’s said he wants to take on a full time position, but I don’t know if he wants to work for us or you. He is very interested in all your little gadgets and your research and development side of things, so that may sway him in your favour. I’ll ask him when we catch up to him. I’m sure he’s fine and probably just turned his phone off.”

Alex held her phone to her ear, hearing it ring and ring with no answering ’Hello’ from their son. What the hell? she thought as she finally hung up. She then sent him a text, telling him to contact as soon as possible as she was worried that neither she or Vlad could get him.

Zach could feel her unease and he wished he could relieve her of it. However, he wasn’t naive enough to think he could, she was like a lioness with her young, very protective and worried for them all the time. Even if both their children’s powers far surpassed anyone else on earth, she still worried as only a mother could.

Alex turned her face to look into his eyes, worry etched in hers. “Why is he not answering? We both know he’s always got his phone with him, Zach. Bloody hell, it’s his new toy and he’s always playing with it.”

Zach tried to hide his own unease as he knew his little wife was right. “I’ve no idea, honey, maybe he got involved with a girl or something? You know what young love’s like so he may not be thinking straight.”

Zach knew it was a lame excuse, if Conall was involved with anyone then they would know about it. Gossip and news ran fast through Unity, so fast that they would be aware if Conall had met someone, even if it had only been the night before. Alexina raised an eyebrow as if saying, ’yeah right’ and had no comeback, none at all.

Vlad interrupted them, “Alex, I’ve no idea why Conall’s not available on his phone, however, we’re going into a dangerous mission and you need to focus. I don’t want you getting hurt because you’re worrying about Conall. Fuck, Zach would never forgive me! So for my sake, can you focus?”

Vlad’s tone was serious and everyone present knew he was right, even Alex. She nodded her head as she placed her phone back in her pocket. “Okay, I wouldn’t want to be the cause of you two falling out.” she tried for a laugh but it stuck in her throat as Zach pulled her nearer and almost onto his lap.

“I’ll make sure she’s okay.” Zach answered Vlad who nodded before pacing again.

James opened the cockpit door and joined them, taking the seat that Vlad had vacated to pace back and forth. “So, what’s the plan?”

Vlad went over everything, again and again, as if trying to burn the details into their brains. James hadn’t been with them on the mission in New Orleans so Zach knew he had no idea what they could be walking into. His friend was a warrior and would fight to the death for any mission, however, he was sure he wasn’t going to like what he was going to say.

Zach took a deep breath, “James, it might be best if Lisa stays with the plane...”

James didn’t let him continue, “What? What’re you talking about? You know we go together on any missions we’re involved in. What the fuck, Zach?”

Vlad saved him from having to carry on, “James, Zach just beat me to it. I was going to say the same. This isn’t like any other mission. We’re not dealing with Vamps, Wolves, Witches or even psycho humans. This is gonna be bad, James, and I know how brave and strong Lisa is. However, I also know how sensitive she is and trust me, my friend, you do not want her involved in this. She’ll have nightmares for months afterwards, James. Do you want that for her?”

Zach watched as James thought hard on what Vlad said, slowly coming to the same conclusion. “Okay, if you say it’s going to be bad then that kinda scares me a bit, Vlad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you rattled before and that also scares me. But, how do we tell her? She’s expecting to come with us?”

Zach managed to get in before Vlad, “Simple. We tell her the plane needs to be kept secure and safe for our escape. We don’t know how many hostiles there are and the plane could be in jeopardy, so she has to guard it.”

James looked thoughtful, turning to Vlad, “It would be better coming from you, you’re in charge and she’ll take it better if you make her feel it’s an important part of the mission.”

Vlad nodded, “No problem, I’ll take care of it when we land. Oh yeah, about that, just where are we landing again?”

James smiled, “Hey, I’ll get it down, don’t worry. It’s an abandoned logging site with a long stretch of road leading up to it. It’s straight, if a little overrun with weeds ’n stuff, but it’s long enough for me to get it down and the area in front of the station is large enough for me to turn and get us back in the air.”

As he finished James got up, “Gotta get back, it’s a short flight and I want to make a pass over the landing area before I go in.”

Dmitri spoke up for the first time since they took off, “He better be able to get us back in the air, Donna’s doing me a steak dinner tonight and the kids are all out so we’ve got the house to ourselves, for once!”

The tension that had built up in the cabin disappeared as everyone started to laugh, or make rather rude comments to the large Russian, whose face actually turned slightly red. Zach laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes as Dmitri cursed the lot of them in his native tongue.

Chapter 4

It wasn’t long afterwards that Lisa stuck her head out, “James is just doing a low sweep to make sure the road is okay and then we’ll be landing folks. He says it might be best if you prepare for a bumpy landing though.”

“Wonderful!” Vlad said as he took a seat, everyone readying themselves for what was to come.

Zach felt Alexina’s hand tighten on his as the jet swooped low then powered up again to fly up and around. It seemed only moments before they flew lower again before the wheels touched down in a very bumpy ride along the tarmac beneath. The jet’s engines screamed as the brakes were applied and James slowed right down, turning the plane around so that it was facing the correct way for take off.

Zach stood up, taking his long leather coat off and laying it on the sofa, Alexina’s eyes widening as he did so. He always wore his coat on missions but he wasn’t about to have it wasted by the gore he expected it to be covered in afterwards. He smiled at her as he explained, “Don’t want to have to throw it out later, I suggest you do the same or your jacket will have to go in the trash too.”

Alex stood up and removed her own leather garment, much shorter than Zach’s, but it was her mission gear and she wore it whenever they were on one. She placed it on the sofa on top of his and double checked she had everything, picking up the double edged blade she was given back at base and hefting it in her hand to gauge the weight and balance. It was similar in size to a short sword she used often, though not quite as heavy. She knew she would be able to wield it with no problem at all, but didn’t relish what was awaiting them. She hoped there weren’t too many of the undead that they had to deal with as her body shivered at the mere thought.

James joined them, Lisa at his back, as Vlad stepped forward, talking directly to Lisa. “Lisa, I’m afraid we have a problem and I was wondering if you could help?”

Lisa’s eyes widened as Vlad spoke, obviously wondering what the heck she could do to help the powerful Vampire. She nodded her head and Vlad continued, “We don’t know this area and we don’t have time to scope it out and that leaves us with a huge tactical problem. We would never leave the plane unguarded in hostile territory because if we need to get out of here fast then the plane has to be safe, secure, and ready to go. So, I was gonna leave Dmitri to guard it but then I thought, shit, that’s no good. If we need a quick getaway then we need someone who knows what they’re doing and let’s be honest, Dmitri just doesn’t have the know how.”

Vlad turned and winked at the large Russian who was now scowling deeply. “Sorry, big guy, but you know it’s true.” Vlad turned back to Lisa, “So, I wondered if you would do me a favour and guard our only means of escape? I would take it as a personal favour if you would, Lisa.”

Vlad gave Lisa one of his stunning smiles, his blue eyes sparkling as he waited on her answer. The young Wolf seemed to blush slightly as James pulled her close, putting on a show for his mate. “Vlad, I’m not sure that’s the best idea, what...”

Lisa cut James off, placing a finger on his lips, “Shush, Vlad’s right, you all need your exit to be clear and ready in case there’s any trouble we don’t know about. I’m the best person to stay behind James. Plus, I’ve noticed it’s all Vamps on this one and you know I can’t keep up, even in Wolf form. I would probably hold you all up, so, yes, Vlad, I’ll stay and keep watch. If there’s any trouble I can phone James. Honey,” Lisa turned into James with a little smile on her face, “if your phone rings with my tone it means there’s danger or trouble back here, so please make sure you hightail it back here asap. Okay?”

Zach hid the smile on his face, Vlad, as usual, had played out the scene exactly as he wanted it to unfold. Lisa would never be any the wiser that this had been his plan all along. He was pretty darn sure that after the million watt smile he had used on her that the girl would’ve done pretty much anything Vlad wanted.

Alex stepped forward, “Yes, James, make sure you keep an ear out for your phone. Lisa, if there’s any trouble just call all of us and we’ll get back here as soon as we can.”

Lisa nodded, “Thanks, Alex. Please be careful everyone.”

James gave his mate a quick kiss before moving to open the door and let down the stairs, then exiting the plane. Vlad left next, giving Lisa another smile as he passed her and saw her slight blush again. Alex gave him a shove at the top of the stairs, so that he jumped down onto the roadway, turning to laugh at her.

After everyone was out of the plane Vlad took charge, “Right we want three teams, Dmitri, Alex and Zach are with me in Alpha team, James you have the lead of the second, Simeon you’ve got the third. Team up guys and be alert, we have no idea how many, where they are, or where this necromancer is. This road goes on for almost a mile in a straight line, then it turns and goes down to the town. We’ll stop there and decide who goes where when we have a visual on the town and buildings. Let’s go folks.”

Vlad turned and started to jog, picking his speed up and almost flying along the tarmac, with his team right beside him. Simeon’s team came next as James had taken a moment to say goodbye to Lisa, who was standing at the bottom of the steps. Her worried face watching as her mate and his men took off after the others.

*****

Lisa turned to the jet, planning on doing a visual check outside before doing after flight checks inside the cockpit. She started humming as she looked over the front of the jet first, turning her head every few seconds to see the Vampires getting smaller and smaller, as they moved farther away using their supernatural speed. Her stomach did a little somersault as she hoped the mission went well and everyone got back safe and sound.

Shaking her head to rid herself of those thoughts, Lisa turned her attention back to her own mission...ensure the plane was safe, guarded, and ready for take off at a moments notice. Her mind wandered, for just a second, as she remembered the smile Vlad had given her. Jeez, she was sure that man could make an eskimo buy ice! Especially if it was a woman.

A small laugh erupted from her as she continued her visual of the sleek jet, everything looking as it should. She was almost all the way back around to the stairs when her Wolf senses picked up noise, a lot of noise...many footsteps coming in her direction.

Her head whirled around to the side, seeing nothing, before she completely turned around. Her heart nearly stopped beating in her chest as she saw hordes of the most disgusting abominations leaving the large, run down logging station building...and they were coming her way. She couldn’t help what happened next, she had no control over it at all, as her mouth opened and a scream tore from her throat.

*****

Vlad slowed down, the road ahead starting to meander down to his left, toward a small, quiet town. There was no sign of anything or anyone there, the town having a feel of being totally abandoned. Zach moved to his friends side, sending his vast powers outwards to sense anything below them.

Zach shook his head, “I don’t feel anything down there, Vlad, and there’s definitely no Witch hiding out in any of the houses.”

Vlad frowned, where the hell was that Witch, hiding? Fuck, it looked as if they were going to have to split up and start searching the surrounding forest. “Okay guys, this is what...”

Vlad stopped as a blood-curdling scream resonated in their sensitive Vampire ears. All present turned around to face the way they had just come from, seeing the jet as a speck in the distance. James roared as he took off back towards the jet, “Lisa!” fear and anger prevalent in that one word.

Alex didn’t think, only reacted to her friend’s scream, using her unique ability to move between places and disappeared as the rest of the Vampires took off after James. Zach knew the second his mate had left them but he had other ideas, using his powerful legs to catch up to James in seconds and grasping his arm tightly as he moved them both.

Alex appeared at the foot of the steps her eyes scanning for Lisa, finding her at the very rear of the jet. Lisa stood as if frozen in place and Alex’s eyes saw why...a horde of the undead were stumbling along in their direction. The sight caused Alex’s stomach to clench and heave as she fought for control. Using her speed she was next to Lisa in a flash, grabbing her arm tightly.

Lisa squealed loudly before realizing it was Alex who held her. “Come on, we need to get you locked up in the jet. Come on!” Alex was shouting now as Lisa still seemed rooted to the spot.

Alex started to use her immense strength, pulling Lisa after her as she made her way to the stairs leading up into the jet. As they reached them Zach and James appeared, James’ face a mask of worry until he saw Lisa. He moved forward grasping her in his arms for a brief second before pushing her towards the cabin.

Lisa tripped on the first step, James hauling her upwards and pushing her roughly inside. “Close it up, now!” he ordered as Lisa was shaking her head. “I said close it up now!” the tone he used wasn’t one either Zach or Alex had heard from him before, full of dominance and command. The effect on Lisa was visible and immediate, as her eyes lowered and she nodded her head once, as tears streamed down her face.

James threw the stairs up as his mate secured them, “Stay in there, no matter what happens, you stay inside. If the worst happens then you take off and you do not look back. Understood?”

Lisa looked as if she was going to argue before she agreed. “Okay, please, please, be careful, James. I can’t live without you, you know that!”

James gave her a small smile, “Yes, I know that, my little Wolf. Now, get this fucking door locked and let us take care of these monstrosities.”

Zach waited the precious few seconds it took for Lisa to secure the door before he spoke. “We need to take the fight to them, get out in the open space back there, let’s go folks and we’ll try to hold as many off until the cavalry arrives.”

Alex turned to look down the road, seeing the rest of the teams as small specks in the distance. She breathed heavily and hoped to Christ they’d get here quick. Zach placed a hand on her shoulder, “They’ll get here as soon as they can, little one. But for now we can start to deal with the ones that are out front of the main bunch. Just remember, Alexina, don’t hesitate and always, always, go for the kill. Use your blade and take their heads off as quick as you can and try and not think, just do. Come on, we need to get started.”

Alex looked at the hoard coming their way, a good few were out in front and she prayed she’d be able to do what she knew she must. James patted her back before moving passed her and towards the shambling abominations. She forced her feet to move and followed, Zach at her side.

As they drew nearer to the beings before them Zach could hear his mate’s laboured breathing. Her heart rate had rocketed and he was under no illusions that she was in trouble. He wished she was safe and sound within the cabin of the jet with Lisa, instead of standing at his side ready to take on these foul smelling undead. Her thoughts jumbling through his mind as he tried to send calming thoughts in return.

The sight before them was enough to turn even the most brave warriors’ stomach and he hoped they made it out of this unscathed. Their intel was sorely lacking as the numbers seemed to increase again and again. More of the shuffling, disgusting things joining those already visible.

James cursed, “Fuck! I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat!” he quipped and Zach frowned as James actually chuckled, “Jaws, Zach, it’s a quote from Jaws, the film.”

Zach shook his head, “Not the time.” he said as James smirked.

“I think it’s the perfect time, because, my friend, I think we’re in deep shit. There’s not enough of us to deal with these things and I’m just hoping Lisa isn’t going to be a widow very soon.”

Alex actually whimpered, “Zach, what do we do? There’s too many of them, what do we do?”

Zach watched as the things before them drew closer, still a definite space between the ones out front and the large crowd at their backs. “We fight, that’s what we do. We fight until the rest get here, so come on.”

Zach moved with such speed that it was difficult for even James and Alex to keep him in their sights. They moved a second after him and he was already using his sword to decimate the loathsome walking dead that were within it’s arc. Heads rolled all over the place and Alex tried hard not to trip over any and after standing on one and having the mess cover her combat boots she redoubled her efforts to keep away from them.

Alex held her blade to the side, ready to use her strength to destroy whatever came her way. She was breathing through her mouth, as Zach had instructed, but even that seemed too much, the scents assaulting her senses to such an extent that she gagged several times. If she wasn’t a Vampire she knew damn well she would be vomiting all over the place. She watched as Zach took out most of the first few rows all on his own, with James picking up the few her mate missed. Alex hadn’t, as yet, bloodied her blade but knew she would have to soon, too soon.

The large hoard was now very close and her heart stuttered in her chest as she saw two children at the forefront, coming right at her with their arms outstretched and fingers grasping in mid-air. Her heart ached for them, children torn from this word and thrust into the role of mindless zombies. She baulked at the thought of taking their heads with her razor sharp blade...even if she knew deep down she had to.

As the figures grew ever closer she felt Zach getting closer to her, keeping only enough distance between them for him to wield his sword. She didn’t think she had ever felt more grateful for anything in her life before. She sneaked a quick glance and saw his handsome face set like stone as he watched the beings drawing closer. His jaw muscles twitching as he ground his teeth.

Zach turned slightly, his eyes meeting hers, “Don’t think, honey, they’re beyond redemption, the only thing we can do for them now is to take them out of their misery.”

Zach then turned and lifted his sword arm, ready to take on what he knew were odds so long that he felt, for the first time on a mission, that they were going to lose. The two girls were almost upon them and he worried that Alexina wouldn’t be able to do what was required. Her love, especially for children, would get in the way. He knew this as sure as he knew her name.

Zach moved slightly, “I’ll take them,” he spoke quietly, knowing she would hear.

Alex almost sobbed with relief, “Thank you.” was all she managed to get out before all hell broke loose.

Zach was just about to strike with his sword when there was a roar from their rear, “Get back! Get back to the jet!”

James moved as soon as he heard Vlad’s command, as Zach grabbed Alex’s arm and dragged her after him, back towards the plane. Vlad was coming their way with Dmitri at his side, both had some of Vlad’s ’toys’ in their right hands and Vlad held his backpack loosely in his left. As soon as Zach, James and Alex were clear they brought their arms back and let fly, with small silver orbs.

Zach kept his eyes on them as they arced through the air and landed in the midst of the undead horde. The noise deafening as explosions ripped through the throng, body parts and gore flying in all directions. Vlad and Dmitri dipped their hands back into the bag and soon more bombs were winging their way towards the shambling bodies. Again and again they lobbed the small metallic balls and soon the horde dwindled until there were only a few still on their feet.

The ones that were left were having problems walking over the fallen and destroyed bodies littering the ground. They fell, got up, fell again, until they were almost at the edge of the destruction. Vlad turned around to face everyone, “We need to clean up guys, some are still ‘alive’ if you can call it that.”

Zach pushed Alex behind him, “Go to the plane and check Lisa’s okay, we’ll get this.”

Alex stared up into those ice grey eyes with such relief that she thought her legs were going to give out. Fighting Demons, she could handle, fighting other supernatural beings, she could handle, but this...she definitely couldn’t. James walked over, turning her towards the jet and giving her a little push, “Go and check on Lisa for me, please.”

Alex walked slowly back to the door of the jet as everyone else made their way to the disgusting mess ahead. Her Vampire hearing picking up the moment swords and blades went to work killing off any remaining ‘alive’. As she rattled on the door, shouting for Lisa to open up, she was shocked to see her hand shaking uncontrollably.

She clasped her hands together to still their obvious tremors as Lisa wrenched the door open, her face white as a ghost. “Are you okay? Is James okay?”

Alex put a hand out to keep Lisa within the confines of the plane as she let the stairs down. “Stay inside, Lisa, you definitely do not want to go outside. I’m coming to join you and I need a shower right now.”

Alex kicked off her combat boots and left them on the ground before making her way into the cabin. Lisa’s eyes wide and her nose wrinkling as the smell finally hit her sensitive Wolf’s senses. Alex tried to smile but failed miserably as her body started to join in her hands and shake uncontrollably. Lisa moved to grab her in a hug but Alex shook her head. “No, don’t, I’ve gotta have a shower, won’t be long.”

Lisa nodded as Alex continued to the rear of the cabin and went on through to the first bedroom, availing herself of the shower inside. She stayed under the water for a long time trying to get her body back under control. Alex’s heart continued to thud for quite some time before she finally felt anywhere near back to normal. She used one of the large towels to dry herself before she pondered on what to wear.

If she had known what today was going to be like she would’ve brought a change of clothes. However, she hadn’t and she knew she couldn’t put on the clothes that now lay in a pile on the floor. Alex flopped down onto the corner of the bed as she tried to come up with a solution. Her first instinct was to just move back home, but she didn’t want to run out on either Lisa or Zach. She knew he would worry if she did that.

A gentle knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts, Lisa popping her head inside, a small bag in her hands. “Alex, here, I’ve always got a bag with clothes in case of an emergency lay over, or if a mission last longer than we thought. I know we’re not the same size but, hopefully, you’ll be able to find something to do you ‘til you get home.”

Alex smiled a thanks as she took the bag, nodding her head as Lisa disappeared. After placing the bag on the bed she looked through it, finding a pair of panties that would do together with a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Everything was a little big for her but she would make do until she got home. Her leather mission jacket was still on the sofa in the main cabin, with that over the top it wouldn’t look so bad, even if her feet remained bare. Alex dressed quickly, picking up her clothes and carrying them back through with her.

She walked straight to the open door and threw them outside, not even wanting to take them home with her. Alex saw dark smoke and surmised the guys were burning the remains of the bodies that littered the ground. She kept her head inside the cabin, not wanting even a glimpse of what was going on outside.

Alex jumped as Lisa’s hand touched her shoulder, her friend’s words quiet as if not wanting to spook her. “Are you okay, Alex? I’ve never seen you like this before?”

She turned, giving Lisa a small smile. “I’ll be okay but that’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen and I hope to hell I don’t ever have to deal with that again. I’m not sure I could, deal with it again I mean. I feel bad for the guys, leaving them to escape in here, but I thought I was gonna lose it, Lisa. It was awful, truly awful.”

Lisa turned away, taking the couple of steps that took her to the galley where she grabbed a bottle of wine from the fridge. Alex watched as Lisa opened the bottle and got a large wine glass, filling it to the brim, before bringing it back over. “Sit down, Alex, drink this and try and relax. You’re as white as a sheet.”

Alex gratefully did as she was told, gulping down half the glass of wine as she sat on the sofa. “Ditto.” she said as she curled her feet up under her backside.

“What?” Lisa frowned, obviously having no idea what she meant.

Another sip of wine and Alex answered. “I meant, you’re as white as a sheet too.”

Lisa half laughed, “Oh, I see, yeah well I kinda freaked out earlier. Especially as I knew you were all quite a ways away. I totally forgot about you and Zach, ya know, the moving thing you two do. I froze, freaked and screamed like a kid. I’m embarrassed bout that.”

Alex patted the space beside her and Lisa sat down, a slight blush on her face. One of Alex’s hands found one of her friend’s, giving it a squeeze. “Hell, honey, I freaked too, don’t be embarrassed bout that. I’m just glad Zach had the forethought to actually bring James back with him. I just reacted and I shoulda thought to bring at least one back with me. Preferably Vlad, ‘cause we all know he’s always got his ‘bag of tricks’ with him. But, I didn’t I just reacted and then freaked out myself.”

Lisa peered at Alex through her hair, which had come loose and flew around her face with the draught from the door. “I’m just glad everyone’s okay.”

Alex finished her wine then got up to refill the glass, “Me too. I want to get home and see what the heck’s going on with Conall. He’s still not replied to my text and I’m getting worried. It’s not like him to be out of touch for so long.”

Before Lisa could respond James appeared, his face drawn and tight. Lisa squealed, jumping up and straight into his arms. Alex watched as James enveloped her, pulling her close as his forehead rested on his mate’s. “You’re okay? I mean really okay?” Lisa asked quietly and James grimaced.

His voice as tight as his face as he answered. “I wouldn’t say okay but I’m unhurt. I hope to never deal with anything like that again. How are you? Are you okay?”

Lisa gave a shy smile, “Yes, I’m fine now I know you’re not hurt. How long will it be ‘til we can go home?”

Alex sipped her wine as a thought came to her, interrupting before James could answer. “What ‘bout the Witch? Did you find them?”

James moved slightly, turning his head to take in Alex. “Yes, we did. Let’s just say he’s not coming back to base with us.”

Lisa gasped at the obvious meaning but all Alex could think was ‘serves him bloody right’.

The rest of the Vampires started to appear, one by one, all looking a little worse for wear and heading towards the rear of the aircraft for a shower. Vlad, Dmitri and Zach were last to board and she could clearly see the strain in each of them. Zach gave her a small smile, raising an eyebrow at her clothes.

She put her hand out to him and he moved to grasp it, still standing. “Can we go home now?” she asked and he nodded his head, picking up his leather coat and pulling her to her feet. “We’re going now guys, see you later.”

With that they moved as one, appearing in their bedroom. Zach leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling away. “Hey, I was enjoying that.” she quipped as he turned away.

“Shower, I have to shower.” was all he said as he entered their bathroom, pulling off his clothes as he went.

Alex knew what he meant and let him go, picking up his clothes and taking them out to the trash-can out back. She wasn’t even going to try and clean them. When she came back in she started to undress as she made her way through to the bedroom. After the day they had just endured she could think of no better way to relax than joining her Vampire in the shower!

Chapter 5

Zach carried Alex in his arms as they exited the bathroom, both with huge smiles on their faces. He shouldn’t have been surprised when his little mate joined him in the shower, but he was and a very welcome one it turned out to be. They pleasured each other until both their skins tingled as they gasped for breath. He thought he loved her more at that moment than ever before. She knew how he was feeling after the horrendous mission they had endured and she made him feel loved and whole again.

Alex nuzzled his neck as he carried her, “You’re not finished yet?” he laughed as one of her hands grasped his hair.

She answered as she continued to place small nips along his skin. “Nope, not nearly.”

Zach laughed and was just about to place her in their bed when they stilled, a voice breaking their intimate moment. “Mum, Dad! Are you in?”

Conall. Zach sighed and Alex laughed before shouting, “Yes, we’re in, we’ll be through in a moment.”

As Alex grabbed her robe Zach almost growled. “Our son’s timing sucks!”

Alex laughed, pulling him after her as he tied his own robe. They found Conall in the lounge, pacing back and forth, worry clear on his face. All thoughts of sex leaving their minds at the sight. Alex moved forward quickly, worry now in her voice. “Conall, what’s wrong and where have you been? We’ve been trying to get a hold of you.”

Conall ran his hand through his hair before stopping and looking at his parents. “I’ve been looking for something, or rather, someone. I felt something off at the hospital and I was a little worried. Then I felt it again at our apartment building and went in search of who I thought it was and...”

Alex placed a hand on his arm, “Conall, stop, you’re not making sense. Start at the beginning, who or what did you feel and why are you so upset?”

Zach sat down in his favourite seat, in the corner of one of the large sofas, indicating for Conall to sit down too. Alex moved over to perch on the edge of the sofa next to Zach, her eyes never leaving their son.

Conall started pacing again, ignoring the offered seat. “I can’t sit still. Okay, at the hospital I ‘felt’ something, I thought it was one of the Angels that looked after us growing up. However, when they didn’t show themselves I worried a bit about it. They raised us so I didn’t think it strange that one would come and possibly congratulate Lexi and Michael. Then I realized they were purposefully hiding themselves and that kinda worried me. Later, at home, I felt it again so I went to the Angel realm and tried to find them and well I did and none of them said they had appeared down here. Then I noticed one was missing, Caim, his name is Caim, and he well, this is hard...”

Zach was becoming alarmed and his tone showed it as he snapped. “For goodness sake, Conall, out with it. What about this Caim?”

Conall looked over at his father, stared him straight in the eye as he continued. “Caim, well he kinda had a thing for Lexi. I don’t think he realized we could all see it, but we could. Michael stepped in and started to limit his time with us both, but especially with Lexi. It was obvious he wasn’t pleased but nothing was ever said about it and after a while he seemed to accept things. Especially Lexi’s feelings for Michael. He’s missing from the realm that Angels are usually in and nobody has seen him for a few days. I’m certain it was him that I felt and with him now missing I’m more than a little worried.”

As Conall finally stopped pacing he turned his worried face to his parents. Zach almost snarled as he spoke. “Is there no way to find this Angel, Caim? Surely the others can locate him?”

Conall shook his head, “No, there are an infinite amount of different realms, dad, if he doesn’t want to be found then he won’t be. I know folks expect the Boss to know everything but the simple truth is; he doesn’t. That’s why he has Angels to do a lot of his work and even they are not omnipotent, they are very powerful but if they don’t want to be found then they won’t be.”

Conall started to pace again as Alex grabbed hold of one of Zach’s hands, he could feel her worry and her heart rate picking up. “Son, why are you worried though? Specifically what is it you think this Caim is going to do?”

Alex held even tighter as their son stopped, turning to them, his green eyes staring at them. “I’m scared that Lexi’s pregnancy has tipped him over the edge. It was obvious he loved her, it was also obvious he didn’t like it when Michael and her started to get closer. Shit, dad, a jealous Angel on the loose is not something that’s good, on any level. I’m scared he’s going to do something. Whether that’s to Michael or Lexi, I have no idea but I feel it deep inside. He’s going to act on his feelings. That could be either his love for Lexi or his jealousy of Michael.”

Alex jumped up, “I’m getting dressed and we’re going to see Lexi now. She needs to know about this so she can be forewarned.”

Zach agreed, getting up and patting Conall’s shoulder before leaving the room. They were dressed and back with their son in moments. Alex was still fighting with her unruly hair as they returned. “Come on, let’s go talk to your sister.” Zach nodded to his son and they all moved appearing outside the apartment building Conall and Lexi lived in.

As they moved towards the doorway one of Vlad’s guards walked out, holding the door open for them. “Thank you.” Alex said quietly as they went in.

They all heard the guard muttering as he walked away. “Wish I could freaking do that!”

Even in the circumstances Alex smiled, having heard those words or some just like it a whole load of times. Only their family having the ability to move around at a moments notice.

Conall moved up the stairs first, quickly and quietly, his head turning to check if his parents were keeping up. Alex smiled as she stayed right on his tail, Zach next to her. Zach pushed a thought to her, ‘You think this is something to worry about?’

Alex glanced at him, his eyes on hers, ‘Possibly, but we need to check with Michael, he’ll probably know more.’

Zach nodded, those were his thoughts too. Conall held the stairway door open as they joined him. They all had only just entered the corridor when an inhuman roar invaded the entire space, making the hair on their necks stand up. Conall took off at breakneck speed, shouting as he went. “Michael!”

Zach was next to react, his speed so fast no human eye could’ve possibly kept track. Alex on his heels as fear overtook her completely.

Conall almost took the door off it’s hinges as he blasted through into his sister’s apartment. His voice full of fear as he screamed. “Michael! Lexi!”

Zach pulled to a stop behind him as Alex bumped into him pushing him forwards. He caught himself before he impacted with Conall. The sight before them having their blood turn to ice.

Michael was on his knees, his head in his hands, tears streaming down his perfect face. Alex moved passed them going to the large no-longer Angel, her hand grasping his shoulder. “Michael, what is it? Where’s Lexi? What’s going on?”

Zach watched as the terror filled eyes of Michael found Alex’s, his mouth attempting to form words. He strode forward, stopping in front of the still powerful being. “Michael! Get a grip on yourself and tell us what the fuck is wrong. Where the hell is my daughter?”

They all saw the struggle within as Michael pushed himself to his feet. “She’s gone. Someone took her and I’m pretty sure it was an Angel. I felt him a second before she disappeared.”

Conall cursed. “Fuck! I fucking knew it! I’ll kill him, I swear to God I will kill him!”

Alex looked between all three then back to Michael. “Michael, what can we do?” her voice low and scared.

Michael stood up straight and promptly disappeared, leaving the three of them with open mouths. Conall seemed to come to his senses first, turning to his parents. “He’s probably gone to see if he can find anything out from the Angel realm. Waste of time seeing as I’ve already been there for most of the day. He’ll be back soon when he finds that out. Mum, dad, I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried ‘feeling’ her and I can’t which means she’s been taken somewhere specifically to keep her hidden from us. I’m certain it’s Caim. There’s no other explanation that I can come up with. I’m gonna kill him when I get my hands on him! I swear it!”

Zach placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Calm down, Conall, it won’t help Lexi if you’re going off half cocked. Now, first things first, do you think Caim will harm her?”

Conall looked thoughtful for a few moments before shaking his head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s in love with her but that could change to hate pretty fast if she doesn’t go along with whatever plan he’s got into his head. We can only hope his love for her stays strong and he keeps her safe until we can find her.”

Alex was the one now pacing, as she cursed quietly to herself, before she stopped and caught Zach’s eyes. “We need to find her. She’s pregnant and she’s going to be scared, Zach, she won’t know what’s happening. I know she’s powerful but is she as powerful as an Angel?”

Zach moved quickly, closing the distance between them, taking her into his strong arms. “We’ll find her, meine Kleine, don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

Zach wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince; his mate or himself. He held Alexina tight against him, feeling her tremble within his arms. Slowly she caught hold of herself, raising her eyes to his. She nodded her head and a steely look replaced her fear. “I know we will.” she whispered and pulled away slightly.

Zach tried to think on what to do next but before he could grasp anything, Michael appeared back, and he was not alone. A huge Angel was with him and both had anger marring their perfection.

Michael started talking before another breath could be taken. “Okay, so we’re pretty sure it’s Caim that has her. He’s taken her somewhere that they are hidden from us. The only way to find her is to travel among the different realms and see if we can sense her...”

Alex stepped forward, frowning as she interrupted. “Michael, wait, what about the spell that she cast to link us to her? The one she did before we went to the Fairy realm. Surely if I call her she’ll hear me?”

Michael cursed loudly, “Fuck! I forgot about that. How could I forget about something so important?”

Conall moved forward, placing a hand on Michael’s shoulder as he greeted the large Angel. “Hello, Rashnu, how are you?”

Zach and Alex watched as the huge being’s face split into a smile as he looked down at their son. “I am well, little Wolf, I hope you are too, apart from this trouble with Lexi, of course.”

Conall returned the smile, “Yes, we’ve settled in nicely and I’ve even got work lined up. Though I’ve not fully decided on who I’ll work for, my parents or...”

Michael growled an interruption. “Can we stop this? We have no idea what realm he’s taken Lexi to. Every single second we waste could be disastrous! It could be one where time moves differently to here. She could already have had our children by now! We have to move now and I mean now!”

The last word out of his mouth was roared and the true realization of the trouble Lexi was in hit home. Alex let out a curse word as Zach readied himself for whatever may lie ahead. It wasn’t every day he wanted to rip an Angel’s heart out.

*****

Caim gazed intently as his love lay atop their bed. A bed he made purposefully for them. Large, with four posters, gossamer curtains floating in the breeze as he took every single inch of Lexi in. A sigh escaped his lips at what he knew he had to do, not liking the fact he would need to invade her mind and change her memories. It couldn’t be helped though, he had to make her think Michael was destroyed and she was here with him to keep her and the babies safe.

It was a believable story, after all, her own mother almost lost her babies due to Demons so it wasn’t too far a stretch that they returned and decimated the town they lived in, with him appearing at the last minute to rescue Lexi. Caim knew her grief would be immense, not one person left alive that she cared about. However, if their love stood even a ghost of a chance then his little Angel had to think all was lost to her on earth.

Caim steeled himself and sent his powers out, invading Lexi’s mind, body and soul. As he planted visions of chaos and destruction his heart ached as she tossed and turned, frowning, crying, tears running down her perfect face. As she started to thrash around on the bed he eased off, letting the scene turn to one final picture encompassing the destruction of those that she loved.

As this last implanted memory made it’s way into her brain she screamed, her eyes flying open and sitting upright in the bed. Terror was in those beautiful grey orbs as she looked around her, confusion and fear in every pore of her being.

Caim stepped forward, “It’s okay, little Angel, I’ve got you. You’re safe here. I won’t let anything harm you.”

Lexi’s eyes turned in his direction, shock clear on her face. “Caim? What the hell’s going on and why the fuck am I here?”

Chapter 6

Lexi’s entire body was shaking, with fear, grief, panic, as she looked around her. She was in a lavish room, in a four poster bed that was enormous in the extreme. Flimsy curtains floating in the air around her as she thought, ‘Where the hell am I?’ then ‘That can’t be true, it just can’t be true!’

A soft voice broke into her thoughts and she turned to see the Angel, Caim, standing at the side of the bed. Her stomach roiled with dread as she saw him, the words out of her mouth before she could even think. “Caim? What the hell’s going on and why the fuck am I here?”

Caim sat down on the bed, reaching a hand out to her which she ignored. He smiled at her and in that smile she saw all the love and feelings she knew he had for her, before. ‘Holy shit,’ fluttered through her mind as she tried to sort out all the feelings attacking her.

Caim looked disappointed that she didn’t take his hand but he let it fall to lie on the soft covers separating them. “I saved you. Demons found out about your babies and attacked without warning. I’m sorry, Lexi, but everyone is gone and this is the only place you’re safe. We must keep you hidden in case they try again. We have to keep you and the babies safe.”

Lexi frowned, memories invading her thoughts. Blood, devastation, bodies littering the streets as she ran with Michael holding her hand. Suddenly his hand being ripped from hers as she stopped to find him. As she turned she saw him lying on the ground, bloody and broken.

Her heart almost broke wide open as the sight of her love completely took over. Fresh tears started to fall from her eyes at the mere thought of never seeing him again. Her throat almost closed as she struggled to speak. “Conall? Mum, dad? Tatiana? Surely someone survived?”

Caim looked sad as he shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. We were too late and everyone was killed. I only just managed to save you, Lexi. I’m truly sorry but you have to stay here, at least until the babies are born and you are strong again.”

Lexi couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It couldn’t be possible that everyone was dead. Could it? She struggled to get off of the large bed, her legs shaky as she walked to a large window. Looking out she could see soft, white clouds floating past, almost within reach. “Where are we?” she asked quietly, trying to keep control of her emotions.

Caim was suddenly at her side, his hand taking hold of one of hers, her skin almost crawled at the touch and she drew hers back sharply, clasping her arms around herself. She could feel his annoyance seeping from him as he spoke. “Somewhere safe and hidden. They won’t be able to find you here. I’ll make sure of it.”

Somehow his words sounded ominous and certainly didn’t make her feel safe. Not one bit. She tried to sense her brother, their bond strong, but felt nothing. Not even a tingle of his life-force coming to her. Maybe Caim was right and everyone was dead. The thought brought fresh tears and she couldn’t stop them. Her entire body trembled as her grief started to hit her.

Lexi turned and ran out of the bedroom, finding a staircase she ran full speed down and out the open door. She ran outside and onto a large outcrop, running until she reached the end. A fleeting thought of continuing and throwing herself off the edge, until she remembered her babies.

Sliding to a stop only feet from the end as Caim appeared, grasping her to his strong body. His wings moving forward and encompassing her within their embrace, the silky soft feathers bringing her some comfort.

Caim held her close, one hand running up and down her back as he murmured down into her hair. “It’s okay, Lexi, I’ll keep you and the babies safe. I can get you anything you need or want, all you have to do is ask, little Angel. I’ll move heaven and earth to keep you safe.”

Finally the full extent of what had happened overtook her and she clung to the one being she knew would keep her babies from harm. She felt her heart shatter into a million tiny pieces as she realized she would no longer see Michael or he see their babies. Lexi held on for dear life as her grief overtook her completely, her breaths caught in her throat so she felt as if she were drowning.

Caim held her tighter as she cried uncontrollably. “It’s going to be okay, my little Angel. I’ll take care of you.”

Lexi’s heart broke anew at the thought of her beautiful brother and her parents. ‘How could this have happened?’ she thought over and over, her mind not comprehending the depth of her loss. Caim continued to wrap his wings around her as she cried until she could cry no more. She had no idea how long they stood there on the precipice until finally Caim picked her up and carried her back inside the large mansion he had fashioned for her.

Caim took her to the bedroom she had woken up in, placing her gently upon the satin comforter. “Sleep, Lexi, you need to rest.” he said as her eyes closed and she lapsed into a dreamless sleep.

*****

Caim smiled down at his sleeping beauty as his powers placed her into a deep slumber. Finally he had her to himself, without interference from the traitor, Michael, or her family. He knew that she would be devastated at the loss but he would be there to pick up the pieces and look after her. Caim sighed, knowing that she would grow to love him over time. He would pander to her every whim and make her smile again. He hoped that her love for him would grow quickly, before she was too far along in her pregnancy.

The thought of making her scream his name in rapture causing him to harden and grow within his linen trousers. He couldn’t wait for that day but knew he couldn’t rush her. The last thing Caim wanted was to push her farther from him and his love. However, his great need to conquer her warred with his need to nurture her. He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts as his manhood continued to harden.

Caim curled his immense wings tight against his back then lay down on the bed next to Lexi. He took her into his arms and held her tight against his body as he ensured she didn’t wake. For the first time in his incredibly long life he ground his hips against someone for pleasure, the feeling exquisite and mind blowing. He clung onto her as his motions quickened, his hardness rubbing against her pelvic bone, one hand on her ass to hold her against his cock. He almost stripped her to enter her fully, only stopping himself in the last second. One of his hands grasped her hair, clasping her head against his bare skin in a parody of her kissing his nipple. His breathing became laboured as he rose higher and higher in ecstasy and far too soon reached a release. A release so incredibly vast that he bit down on his lip to stop himself from roaring her name.

As Caim’s senses came back to him he continued to hold her as the last tremors of his orgasm shook his body. Clarity now in his head about the other species and their obsession with sex. He would do anything to obtain entrance to his little Angel’s warm folds, anything at all. Including lying to her about Michael being dead. Including keeping her captive here until she fell in love with him. He knew it was only a matter of time. Yes, a matter of time before she turned to him for solace.

Caim smiled down at his sleeping love as his hardness grew again. He guessed he was going to be keeping her asleep for quite a while until he slaked his need and managed to get his body under control. He moved Lexi so that her back was to his front thereby gaining access to grasping one of her breasts as his other hand landed between her legs. He pulled her back into his body, her ass now tight against his cock as he started to move once more.

This time Caim tried to make it last longer, caressing her skin underneath her clothing, his fingers dipping down inside her panties as he felt her sex. A groan escaped his lips and Lexi moved on her own accord as his concentration lapsed, his heart stuttering for a second before he used his powers to pull her under and into an almost coma like sleep. His fingers touched, prodded, caressed every part of her as he ground against her ass, the thought of taking her fully once more rising to the front of his thoughts.

Could he? Could he plunge himself deep within her without her waking? He wasn’t a hundred percent certain, so fought to restrain himself from ripping her clothes from her body and dipping himself inside her. Another moan escaped him as he envisioned himself taking her as she lay naked beneath him, calling out his name as he brought her to her own rapture.

Caim lasted longer this time, much longer, bringing himself to the brink and then slowing his motions to eke out his pleasure. He let out a long, drawn out groan as his orgasm encompassed his entire being, tremors shaking him as his seed emptied onto the linen of his pants. The wetness against him reminding him of what his little Angel could do to his body.

As he felt her skin underneath his own, he hoped he had the patience to endure the time it would take for Lexi to accept him fully into her life and her bed. Patience wasn’t one of his virtues but he would have to try and curb his appetite if he didn’t want to push her away.

He could, after all, whet that appetite as he was doing now, placing her into a deep slumber as he used her body to bring him release. A small chuckle rumbled in his throat as he thought Lexi would be having an awful lot of rest as he availed himself of her perfection.

Finally he left the bed, after using her body to reach a further two orgasms. His legs almost weak as he stood up. He let his eyes roam over her body, fixing her clothing back into place, before going to get cleaned up. He couldn’t wait for the next time he could lie with her in his arms as his body took the pleasure it craved from her. At least she would be well rested whilst in his care, he laughed at the thought and turned to leave the room.

*****

Lexi came out of her sleep slowly, an arm snaking over to grasp Michael and finding the space empty and cold. Her heart hitched when she remembered where she was, and why. The ache in her chest was like a physical blow and she fought to control herself.

She remembered crying for a long time while Caim held her safely in the confines of his wings and she shuddered at the memory. Lexi could well remember the way he had looked at her as she grew into adulthood and she wondered why it was he that the other Angels had left to look after her. Surely Rashnu would’ve been a better fit, his strength and caring never crossing the boundaries. Not once did she feel uncomfortable in Rashnu’s presence. Caim, on the other hand, sometimes made her skin crawl and she shivered at the thought of being in his presence on a daily basis.

Lexi looked around the room she was in and rose from the bed. She opened the large wardrobe and found it stocked full of clothes. Although they weren’t actually her clothes, they were her size and most were her style i.e. casual jeans, tops and boots. She noticed several floaty dresses and wondered who had stocked the wardrobe. She guessed Caim and vowed to never wear any of those dresses, far too much skin would be on show for her to feel comfortable.

She wandered around and found a large bathroom off to the side of the bed. The shower massive and inviting. She tore her clothes off and left them where they fell before turning on the shower and going in. The warm water soothed her body and hid the fresh tears that streaked down her face.

Lexi stayed within the scalding hot water until she felt a little more in control. Her thoughts spiralling at the thought of never seeing anyone that she cared about again. As she envisioned raising her babies on her own her heart almost broke again as she stifled back even more tears.

She bit her lip almost hard enough to draw blood as she gave herself a good talking to. ‘You’re alive and the babies are alive. That’s all you need to focus on, Lexi. Get a grip and deal with things.’ She shook her head, her jet black hair throwing droplets of water all around as she finally left the warmth of the water.

Lexi pulled a large, fluffy towel from a rail on the wall and wrapped it around herself as she used a smaller one for her hair. She looked at herself in the steamed up mirror and grimaced...she looked awful. Not surprising seeing as everyone she loved had been ripped from her. ‘Enough!’ she chastised herself as she turned and walked slowly back through to the bedroom.

She stopped dead, Caim standing looking out of the window, his wing covered back to her. Lexi frowned as she spoke. “We need to set some boundaries, Caim. You can’t just come in here whenever you like. It’s not proper and I won’t allow it. In future, please knock and if I don’t answer please don’t just come in.”

Lexi knew her tone was sharp as the words left her mouth. Caim’s body tightening as he turned towards her, a look of...what...in his eyes? His mouth was a thin line as his eyes bored into hers before he finally nodded his head.

Caim stepped away from the window and took a few steps toward her, she moved backwards and bumped against the wall as he smiled. “I think you are forgetting yourself, little Angel. I am the one in charge, as always. However, I will try and respect your wishes. Now, hurry up and get dressed, I have a meal prepared for you downstairs.”

Lexi watched as the Angel left the bedroom, giving her one long look at the door before he disappeared. She let out a long breath, not realizing she had even been holding it in. Her stomach fluttered with a feeling she was not used to...fear. It pooled deep inside her as she quickly closed the door before drying herself and getting dressed.

She found brushes, combs and other hair things on top of the large dresser in the corner, where she had found underwear in the drawers. She quickly got rid of the tangles in her mane of black hair before using a band to pop it into a ponytail. The mirror showed her face as chalk white and her eyes red rimmed before she turned and also left the room.

The smell of food wafted up the stairs and she was surprised when her mouth watered. With everything that had happened she was darn sure she would never eat again. However, her body was disregarding her completely and she followed her nose into a large dining area. A huge table in the middle of the room with Caim sitting at the end, platters of food in front of him.

Caim stood up and moved to the chair on his right, a place set for her. He pulled the chair out and she reluctantly sat down as he pushed the chair underneath her. He returned to his seat and watched as she started to place some food onto the plate in front of her.

The platters were enough to feed a large family and she could only manage a little of what was on offer. Caim watching closely as she began to eat. Once again she wondered at the logic of leaving her in the care of this Angel as his eyes never wavered from her.

She swallowed the morsel of chicken in her mouth before speaking. “How long will we be here? I need to go and get their bodies and organize funerals. I can’t just leave them there.”

This thought had been swirling around in her brain since her shower. The thought of leaving Michael’s magnificent body lying broken and bloodied on the street almost bringing her to her knees. Caim took a moment or two to answer, his jaw clenching tightly before he relaxed it.

He stared for another second before answering. “It’s already been dealt with. The others gave everyone a burial but it’s not safe for you to leave here just yet. You and the babies are shielded here and I’ve been instructed to keep you here until we’re told otherwise.”

Lexi scowled as she looked at Caim, sure he was lying. About what she had no idea only that he was. Once again she wished Rashnu were here as she continued to eat. Her mind working overtime going over and over what had happened. She had so many questions her head was spinning as she placed her fork on the plate and turned once again to the Angel.

She tried to be careful as she spoke, not wanting him to even guess she thought he was being untruthful. “Why didn’t we just move? I’m pretty sure if I saw a horde of Demons destroying the town I would’ve thought on the babies and hightailed it outta there? Or my parents, or Conall, why didn’t they move and get out of there?”

Caim lifted an eyebrow as he studied her as the questions poured out of her mouth. Again his jaw clenched before he replied. “I’ve no idea why none of you didn’t just move, possibly the thought of leaving everyone to the mercy of the Demons? After all, your parents would never do that, now would they? You? I don’t know, Lexi, why didn’t you get out of there?”

His words hit home and she tried to remember why she and Michael hadn’t gotten out of there. Her mind tried and tried but she just couldn’t grasp much detail, other than death and destruction all around. Lexi’s body started to shake as the images played in her mind. Bodies and blood everywhere and Michael’s hand being ripped from hers as they ran.

Lexi fought to control herself, not wanting to dissolve into tears again as she remembered the moment she turned to see the love of her life lying dead before her. Her stomach lurched and her chest ached as she tried to shut out the images. Caim was at her side in a second, his hand gently stroking her hair as she tried to stem the tide of grief.

His voice full of concern as he talked down to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you again. Lexi, try and forget what happened, it won’t do you or the babies any good getting upset again. Maybe you should go and lie down again?”

Her tear filled eyes lifted to his and she saw nothing but worry and sympathy reflected in his. She nodded her head and slowly got up, leaving the Angel standing at the table watching her as she left.

Chapter 7

The days that followed were hard for Lexi, her grief seemed an insurmountable mountain and she wasn’t sure she would make it through. ‘How the hell am I going to get through this?’ she asked herself time and time again as her chest ached and her breaths would still until she felt as if she would pass out. Never in a million years did she think Michael would not be a part of her life, or be there to help her bring their children up.

Lexi just couldn’t comprehend losing absolutely everyone she cared about. Tears would run down her cheeks as she thought on her parents and brother never getting to meet her babies. Caim was also close by, offering words of sympathy and support. Telling her he would care for her and make sure she and the babies were safe. His words would, at times, help and at others make her angry.

More than once she wondered at the wisdom of him being the one looking over her and she longed for the smiling face of Rashnu or one of the others. If she thought too hard on things she found herself becoming tired and would return to her room to sleep for hours. On awakening, she always felt a little ‘off’ as if she had been drugged in some way, but put it down to her grief.

Caim provided lavish meals and she would force food into her mouth knowing she had to for her babies’ sake as Caim looked on with an inscrutable look. Those days turned into weeks, months, with Lexi and Caim settling into a kind of routine. Not once did Caim leave her alone, not that she knew of anyway, he could’ve gone elsewhere whilst she slept but she doubted it. He seemed to keep himself in check whilst around her though and she never again felt as if he was lying to her.

She wasn’t sure that he didn’t lie again but if he did then he hid it well. She still didn’t like the way he would look at her but her thoughts were on her babies and trying to come to terms with her loss. Lexi just didn’t have the time to worry about Caim’s affections, one way or the other.

He catered to her every need, food, clothes, books to read to pass the time and even her medication to stop her morning sickness. She had stopped taking that some time ago as her pregnancy progressed and her belly swelled. Lexi’s hands would gently rub her stomach as she spoke to her babies about their father, uncle and grandparents. Vowing that they would know as much as possible about each and every one of them. Her sadness that they would never see them still so very fresh in her, each and every day.

Lexi would go for long walks along the mountain that the house was perched on, Caim chastising her every time. His worry that she could fall and harm herself evident in his words. However, she couldn’t stop herself, she needed to get out of the house and as it was located on the mountain she had little choice of where to go for a walk.

Her longing for some contact with anyone other than Caim grew daily and she constantly asked when they could leave. “Soon, little Angel, soon. My brothers say it’s still not safe for you.” was his answer each and every time as her desire grew.

*****

Caim stood at the doorway waiting on Lexi’s return from her morning walk, his mind a shambles as he went over and over each and every day they had spent together. At times his anger and frustration ruling his body so that he would place her into a deep sleep and pleasure himself against her warmth. He didn’t know how much longer he would be able to hold back from taking her completely, fully, sinking inside her instead of rubbing himself along her body.

The first few days were awful, his little Angel crying and distraught at the loss of her loved ones. Every tear she shed for the betrayer, Michael, stabbing him in the heart. If she grew to care for him even a small fraction of what she seemed to care for Michael then he would be ecstatic.

The days turned to weeks then months and although he still availed himself of her to give himself release and pleasure, he was growing tired with waiting. She would constantly question him about leaving and he would put her off time and again. Always using the safety of the babies as the reason.

Now she was heavily pregnant, the babies birth imminent and he knew she was becoming more and more concerned about where she would give birth. However, he had no intention of letting her leave. They would be born here and he would help her to raise them. After all, he now considered them his children and all thoughts of their father gone from his mind.

Caim was certain once the babies were born and he helped Lexi with them that her view of him would change. She would grow to love him and soon he would be sharing her bed. He moved inside, checking his wings in the large mirror to the side of the door. After his liaisons with Lexi had started he noted grey feathers marring their white beauty. Ahh yes, there was one, he reached around and pulled it free before ripping it to shreds and going outside again. He opened his hand and the remains of the grey feather floated off on the breeze.

As he watched them flutter and fly away on the wind he heard Lexi’s heavy breathing as she returned from her walk. He turned to watch and take in her glorious body as she closed the distance between them.

*****

This morning she had gone for her usual walk before breakfast and noticed it tiring her out more than normal. Her pregnancy now so far along that she was grateful for those floaty dresses she so despised. They were the only thing she felt comfortable in nowadays and she began to think on where her babies would be born. Not here. Definitely not here, she decided, as she arrived back to the smell of her breakfast waiting on her.

As usual Caim stood at the front door, his eyes following her as she walked the last few yards. His look inscrutable as she gave him a small smile and made up her mind to broach the subject of the babies birth, whether he liked it or not.

“Good morning, little Angel. Did you enjoy your walk?” Caim asked as he moved to the side to allow her entry.

She nodded her head. “Yes, but I’m tiring much quicker now. These little ones are quite a bundle to be carrying around.”

Caim followed her as she took her seat and started to pick which food she wanted. He sat down staring intently at her. “Are you okay? You look tired, Lexi.”

She popped a piece of fruit into her mouth, the tartness making her mouth water. “Yes, I’m just a little tired and I need to talk to you about the babies, Caim. Just when are we leaving here and where are my babies being born? I’m almost due and I’m not going to argue with you, but, they are not being born here. I just won’t allow it. You can say what you want, you can argue ‘til you are blue in the face, but I want to go and see a doctor and organize for my children to be born in a hospital.”

Lexi watched as Caim’s eyes widened slightly at her tone. She knew she had been sharp with him but she needed for him to know she wasn’t going to be fobbed off this time. She needed answers and was determined to get them.

Caim’s jaw clenched as he watched her, staying silent for more than a few moments before he finally answered. “Rashnu visited last night and said that it is too dangerous for you to leave. There were far more Demons that escaped Hell than any of us thought and they are wreaking havoc on earth. As soon as you leave here they will sense you and you will be their target so they can get their hands on the babies. Lexi, do you want to put the babies in danger? Never mind that you would also be in danger, but are you really willing to put those two babies within the grasp of the Demons that destroyed their father? Are you?”

Lexi recoiled as Caim’s voice rose, ending on an angry shout. Never before had he spoken to her in such a way and she was shocked to silence. That lasted only a few seconds as anger overtook her. Her niggling doubts about never, not once, seeing any of the other Angels coming to the fore with gusto.

She pushed her chair back with such force that it flew across the room and smashed into the wall, falling broken to the floor. Her heart rate picked up at about the same pace as her anger. “Don’t you dare speak to me about putting my children in danger. You hear me! Don’t you fucking dare! I’ve been cooped up here for months and not once, not once have I even had a glimpse of any of the other Angels. Why is that? Why has Rashnu not even stopped by to see how I am? I’ve got a very bad feeling in my gut, Caim, and I don’t like it. Now you better...”

Lexi stopped short, her ears picking up something that was an impossibility. She felt the colour drain from her face as her hearing picked up, as a voice called to her. No, it couldn’t be! Her eyes found Caim’s and saw his anger boiling up inside of him as he looked at her.

“What’s wrong?” he spat out, his eyes glaring down at her.

She took a step back, one hand on her belly and one held out in front of her. “Stay away, do you hear? Stay the fuck away from me!”

Realization dawned as her mother called to her, telling her to move to her now. Caim had been lying. Nobody was dead and she had to come to her this very instant! The tone was one of fear but also anger and she knew she had to go now, before Caim realized what was happening.

She took another step back, her blood rushing through her system so fast she could hear it thudding in her ears. Lexi saw the second Caim knew something was wrong and she honed in on her mother and moved. As she appeared in a field behind Unity she almost collapsed when she saw Michael. A low groan escaped her as she fell into his arms.

Lexi heard Conall curse as Michael held her tight. “Thank fuck!”

She almost laughed as her mother admonished him. “Conall! That’s enough of that.”

A second later her father’s cursing had her pulling away from Michael’s body. “I’m going to fucking kill you!” her father was roaring and she saw the reason why.

Caim. The Angel stood before them, shaking in anger as he took in the scene of her in Michael’s arms. She stared into his eyes and saw emotions she had grown to know well over the last few months. Grief, pain, anger, all were showing in his eyes as he stared back at her.

As she spoke she realized the situation they were in. Caim could destroy them all in the blink of an eye. “Why? Why would you do this to me, Caim?”

He snarled back at her, his face unrecognisable as it filled with hatred. “Why? You ask me why? Because you should’ve been mine! That’s why! He took you from me! He betrayed both of us and took you for himself!”

Lexi moved slightly, “No, he didn’t, Caim. I never felt for you like that. Never. Michael didn’t take me from you, because I was never yours to begin with.”

Caim roared like a caged animal and everyone saw the moment he decided to act. Conall acting a nano-second before her father. Her brother flung himself at Caim and he locked his arms around the powerful being as Zach attacked too. Caim threw both of them away easily, their bodies flying through the air for many feet before crashing to the ground.

Michael pushed her towards her mother as he closed the distance between them and Caim. His large body tackling the Angel and landing a solid punch to the Angel’s face, knocking his head backwards with the force. Caim snarled down at him and Lexi screamed, the intent in Caim’s eyes very clear. He was going to destroy Michael.

“No!” she screamed and waited for the death blow she knew was coming.

“Now!” Michael shouted and Rashnu and two other Angels appeared as Caim grabbed Michael by the throat and flung him high into the air, his body crashing to the ground like a rock. Lexi ran to him, falling to her knees and taking his head onto her lap. Blood seeped from his mouth and trickled down the side of his face from a large gash on his head. Immediately she called on her powers, laying her hands upon the face of her love and felt her healing invade his body. A mere second later Michael’s eyes fluttered open and he smiled up at her.

Lexi tried to laugh but it stuck in her throat as she fought to get words out. “Are you okay? Michael, tell me, are you okay?”

He nodded his head as a hand moved to cup her face. “I am now, my little Angel, I am now.”

As a sob broke free from her throat as she leaned down and gave him a kiss on his lips, before he pulled away and rose. His eyes following the fight behind him as Rashnu and Rafael, two of his brothers, fought with an enraged Caim.

They traded blows with such power that with each one they would fly through the air for many feet, landing in a heap only to get up and continue. Caim’s anger seemed to give him even more strength and Michael worried that two would not be enough to contain him.

Lexi followed the fight and watched as her father and Conall became involved, Caim now being attacked by all four. It seemed to go on for hours but, in all honesty, probably lasted mere minutes. Caim taking a beating from the Angels, her brother and her father, until blood soaked the white feathers of his wings. The sight of him like this brought tears to her eyes as she blamed herself. Her thoughts running wild and trying to work out if she had ever given him reason to believe that she cared for him in that way.

Michael’s arms pulled her back and into his body, his voice reaching her troubled mind. “It’s not your fault, Lexi. I knew a long time ago how he felt and I should probably have reported it. However, at the time I was going through those very same feelings, so I let it go, hoping he would see you didn’t care for him as he did you. If anyone is to blame, it’s me.”

Lexi looked up and over her shoulder, shaking her head. “It’s nobody’s fault, Michael, other than his.”

When they turned back they saw Caim on his knees with Rashnu and Rafael at his sides, a hand on each of his shoulders. Rashnu gave her a small smile before all three disappeared, as they took Caim to face his punishment.

Lexi blinked her eyes, checking to make sure Caim was gone and that they were indeed safe. Her mother ran over, pulling her into her arms as tears wet her cheeks. Lexi patted her mum’s back, trying to calm her down. “I’m okay, really, I’m fine and I’m just so happy that you’re all alive and ...”

Lexi stopped abruptly as pain lanced through her belly, a moment before warm liquid gushed down her legs to leave a dark pool on the grass. “Oh shit!” she said as another pain hit.

Michael grabbed hold of her, his voice in a panic as he saw her waters breaking. “Holy crap! This can’t be happening! I only found out we were having babies yesterday! Now they’re on their way, holy shitting crap!”

Lexi smiled up into his panic stricken face, “Yesterday? I’ve been gone for months, haven’t I?”

Michael shook his head as her mother answered. “No, honey, you were taken less than a day ago, but looks like we better get you to the clinic.”

Conall’s voice was the next one she heard and it swelled her heart, even if his words were typical Conall. “Eeeewwww that is gross!” he laughed as she tried to swat him, staying just out of reach as he dusted himself down.

Her father did it for her, giving Conall a slap on the back of the head. “Don’t talk about your sister like that! Now, come on, we’ve got some babies wanting to be born.”

Chapter 8

As they arrived at the clinic, bursting through the doors, Michael and Zach bellowing for David, the doctor ran out, his eyes wide at the sight. Only the day before had he given them the news that Lexi was pregnant and now here they were presenting her full term and in labour. The doctor took it in his stride motioning for them to bring Lexi through.

All four went with her, Michael carrying her in his arms as she protested loudly. “Put me down! For goodness sake I’m pregnant not hurt!”

Michael ignored her and simply carried her as he followed behind David. The doc turning into a side room equipped with everything required for a birth. “Here, put her on the bed and I’ll examine her and we’ll see how far along this labour is.”

Alex stopped at the doorway, barring Zach and Conall from entering. “Stay out here for a few moments, David needs to examine Lexi and I’m sure she doesn’t need you two while he does it. I’ll come get you in a few moments.”

Zach nodded while Conall looked very unhappy but stayed outside in the corridor. Alex turned back into the room, closing the door and going to stand at the head of the bed. Lexi already lying on it with a sheet over her legs. David was at the sink thoroughly scrubbing his hands before turning back to the bed.

Michael held Lexi’s hand as he stayed at her head, opposite Alex, all three watching David. The doctor did his exam and then addressed them. “Okay, so your waters have broken and you are definitely in labour. However, I’m afraid it’s only the start, you’ve a ways to go so I suggest you get comfortable because you’re going to be here for a while.”

Lexi groaned loudly, “Really? How long doc?”

David chuckled, “As long as it takes, there’s not a timetable when it comes to giving birth.”

Alex gave Lexi’s hand a squeeze. “It’s okay, we’ll all be here and I’ll send Conall and your dad to get you some things.”

Lexi nodded as her mother left and sat up straighter, moving her legs over the side of the bed. “Well, if I’m going to be here for a while I’m having a shower. David, where can I clean up and do you have something I can wear until they bring me my own stuff?”

David pointed to a door in the corner, behind the bed. “Full bath in there, Lexi, and there’ll be a hospital gown hanging on the door. I’ll come back and check on you in a bit.”

As David left, Lexi allowed Michael to help her into the bathroom where he turned on the shower and then helped her undress. A blush crept up her neck and over her cheeks as she realized that he hadn’t seen her like this. The large mound sticking out from her lean frame and she was very self conscious.

Michael stared, his eyes wide as he took in the dramatic change in Lexi, a hand moving to rub the belly that housed their babies. “It’s amazing, kinda hard to take in, but amazing. You look beautiful, my little Angel, absolutely beautiful.”

He moved his other hand, tipping her chin up to place a gentle kiss on her lips as fresh tears filled her eyes. “I thought I’d lost you.” she whimpered as he brought her within his strong arms.

“I’m here now, you’ve not lost me and we’re going to be parents. Lexi, I was so worried when I knew it was Caim that took you. I should’ve done something about him sooner but I thought he had accepted us. I’m sorry I was wrong but he’ll be dealt with now and we need to get ready for these little ones. So, come on, we’ll shower together then get you settled.” Michael stepped back, undressing quickly and taking her hand and pulling her into the shower. It was a tight fit but they managed somehow and once they were done he dried her carefully.

As he finished getting dressed another contraction hit and Lexi almost doubled over at the pain. It wasn’t something she was used to...pain...and she found she didn’t like it one bit. She bit her lip and rode through it hoping things didn’t get much worse.

Unfortunately, they did. The labour was long and arduous and even with her enhanced abilities and strength Lexi was flagging, fast. Her hair was soaking wet with sweat and Michael continually wiped her brow down with a cold cloth trying to ease her discomfort. Zach and Conall paced the room like two caged lions and Alex sat at the side of the bed muttering encouragement.

A nurse hovered around, keeping a check on Lexi and the babies, saying little but her calm demeanour helping everyone involved.

Finally, after a very long few hours, David announced. “Not long now, Lexi, are you getting the urge to push?” he paused as she nodded frantically, “Good, from now every time a contraction hits, you push, for as long and as hard as you can. I can feel the head of the first baby and we’re on the home stretch now. I know you’re tired but we’ve got to get these little ones born and that’s your job, mother, so let’s get started.”

David sat at the end of the bed, a sheet covering most of Lexi’s modesty, as she grunted and pushed with all her might. The nurse stood to the side, a table set up with warm water to cleanse the babies and pristine white towels to wrap them in.

Slowly, so very slowly, she felt the small baby move within her. Downwards it went until finally David told her to stop pushing while he did goodness knew what. Then he looked over the sheet and up into her eyes. “Come on, one more big push and we’ll have baby number one.”

Lexi almost screamed as she fought to bring her first child into the world, her mother holding one hand and Michael the other. David lifted his head, “Michael, come down a bit so you can see.” he said quickly before going back to the job of delivering the child.

Michael kept hold of her hand but moved downwards, standing beside David and saw the blood covered head of a very small infant, it’s eyes closed and face screwed up as David worked with Lexi to deliver the child from her body.

One last push and Michael watched as the small baby slithered free, David cradling it in his hands, before expertly cutting the cord. “Congratulations, you have a daughter!” David announced before the nurse quickly took the child. She turned her back to the room as she carried out whatever was necessary for a newborn, turning around a few moments later.

The nurse moved to the bed, holding out the small bundle to Michael. “Here you go, daddy, mom’s going to be busy for a little while yet.”

Michael took the child, holding the bundle close to his chest as he stared down into the now almost clean face. Light hair curled around the scalp and he guessed this little one was going to take after her grandmother as a tiny hand fluttered around, peeking out the top of the towel. A feeling overcame his entire being, a love so fierce and vast that it almost brought him to his knees. He held the child towards Lexi to allow her a glimpse before she continued the work of delivering their second child.

Conall and Zach had stopped pacing, both staring at the small bundle in Michael’s arms, as Alex fought to control tears overflowing from her eyes. David brought their attention back to Lexi as he urged her to push, push, push harder. Her response not words that any child should hear.

After far too long David motioned for Michael once again. He stretched over the bed and handed his bundle to Alex who held it tight against her chest while she oohed and aahed down into the tiny face. Michael watched as yet another blood covered head popped free of his mate’s body, her loud curse filling the room.

The white blonde hair that this child had was unmistakable, this little one obviously taking their colouring from him. He sent his senses out and realized both babies were human. Completely, one hundred percent, human.

As this little one popped free and David once more announced, “It’s a girl.” Michael knew why, they were the new Defender’s and this time there were two of them.

Lexi was laughing, crying, mumbling utter rubbish while Conall and Zach stood with great big grins on their faces. Alex still held daughter number one and her tears had broken free and were running down her cheeks.

As the nurse sorted out the newest arrival Michael moved back to hug Lexi, kissing her gently and murmuring sweet nothings down at her. She looked him in the eyes, “They’re both human, I can feel it.” she whispered and he nodded.

“Everyone, our babies are human, all human. Only one reason for that folks, can we please welcome the new Defender’s.” Michael whooped like an idiot, Conall jumped around like a fool, Alex cried tears of happiness and Zach stood back taking it all in with a smile on his face and the look of a very proud father, and grandfather, on his face.

“This time we do things right.” he said quietly, Alexina hearing him and nodding her head in agreement.

This time the Defender’s of Man would be brought up prepared for their destiny. With a mother that was one of the most powerful to walk this earth, a father who was almost as powerful. Grandparents, uncle and a host of other strong and mighty beings around them, they would be looked after and protected. Until it was their time to take on the role they were born to do. Defend mankind from evil.

Author’s Note

Well, here we are, at the end of the Defender’s series. Thank you so very much for coming on this journey with me and I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. I loved writing it and feel a teeny bit sad that it’s come to an end.

I hope you look for my other series, The Witch, the Wolf and the Vampire which is a steamy paranormal trilogy. Also, Sabrina’s Vampire series, where Sabrina finds her love in the most unusual of places...a dirty, dank, alleyway in Las Vegas.

Then there’s the Supernatural Enforcement Bureau which has the magnificent Ronan and his quest to rescue Dragons. He is one hot cookie! Check out the blurbs for these on the next page.

Please come and share your thoughts of my stories with me on my Facebook page, link below, and check out my website, like below. I absolutely love to hear folks thoughts on my stories.

So to the thanks, to everyone on my Street Team who help me each and every day. I can’t actually thank them enough, words just don’t express how blessed I am to have them in my life. I just hope they know it, inside.

Live, Love, Read!

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Blurbs

The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire, book 1:-

Peri has been running since she was fifteen – using her magic to stay safe. 'They' can track her magic tho, so she has to use it sparingly. In Vegas, for a cash in hand job, and things turn nasty! She knows the amount of magic she would have to use to escape unscathed would bring 'them' right to her.
Before she can use the vast magic required two males appear and aid her. One a wolf, one an ancient vampire.
Josef, the vampire, and Gabe, the wolf, are more than a little interested in this skinny girl. What ensues shocks both of the strong males – this girl is more than a stray, more than a witch – it looks like she is a mate – for both of them!?
Will Peri stay? Will they keep her safe? Who, if any, of the two will she choose? Just how much power does this stripling of a girl have locked inside her?
Adult content in this book!

Sabrina’s Vampire, Book 1, FREE on all platforms:-

Sabrina's life was a mess, suspended from her police job, she ran to Vegas for a break, to escape the torment and embarrassment. She followed this up by getting blind drunk and down an alleyway with two thugs who wanted more than a goodnight kiss! Kyle, a vampire, hears her scream and against his better judgement enters the alley and saves her. As she collapses into his arms he had a deep need to take her home? He never takes anyone to his home! Soon Sabrina is ingrained in him - he can't get enough - can't let her go and just why are his bites not healing on her neck? When he finds out he is shocked - he must keep her - make her stay! Will she? Will this woman stay in the arms of a vampire?!
Vampire Erotica Novella!

Supernatural Enforcement Bureau, Book 1, The Dragon and The Vampire:-

As Director of the Supernatural Enforcement Bureau, powerful Vampire Ronan, thought he had seen it all...until he discovers that Dragons actually exist. Can he help the Dragon being hunted on his patch? He certainly has the means at his disposal...if they can find it first...before the dark magic-wielding Witches and their Vampire cohorts.

After seeing the magnificent beast with his own eyes he can’t turn from the task, even if he wanted to. Especially as his Sire, Josef, gives him a direct command to find the Dragon and keep it safe. No matter the cost.

With rogue Vampires and Witches on its trail, it’s only a matter of time before they capture it. That’s not something Ronan will allow...not on his watch! He will do whatever it takes to find and save the Dragon, using every powerful being at his disposal, including the dark and dangerous Creed.