Chapter 44

 

The first ten days of December passed by peacefully at the Manor. Everyone caught up on their rest while they enjoyed one another’s company. Fellowship abounded, and Than began to find it easier to relax around Alex and her loved ones as time progressed. He came to accept that no one was looking to judge him in any way.

Alex and Gaius were able to spend time with Grace as well, and she was rarely far from Alex’s arms as the days rolled by. Alex delighted in her every facial expression and sound, and she was so thankful for the angels’ guard. Thankful that she could still openly know days with her family, before time ran away from them.

On the eleventh day of the month, many went into Oxford to lend their time and assistance at a local soup kitchen. Than agreed to go along, and he stayed between Alex and Gaius as they prepared food for those who came down the line needing a warm meal and a kind word. He said little, only watched the other Nephilim and mortal volunteers around him as he worked.

He noted how Alex’s aura constantly wafted over the people she came in contact with, and how it rippled down her arm when she reached out to touch each person who came near her. Than listened intently to the way in which she and Gaius drew even the quietest of souls out of their shells, and engaged them in light conversation. And he took in the very personal stories that some shared with them, all because they indicated they cared enough to pause and listen.

The following day took them out into the community, where they served meals to those who were not able to make the journey into the city. Elderly, ill, or disabled citizens were provided for, and Than remained by Gaius and Alex’s side as they walked into many different homes throughout the day. Quite often, he watched one of the immortals ask if there were any small repairs or chores that needed to be addressed while they were there. A list was drawn up of the larger tasks and with it, the promise that the need would be seen to within the week.

Than found the work which followed those visits something he could easily fall into. Physical labor and light construction were familiar to him, and working with his hands felt natural and calming. The other immortals remained beside him, along with many of their fathers, and that surprised Than more than anything else he had witnessed thus far.

For never had Than seen Asterron actually create anything of value or worth. No, his father tore things apart, destroyed lives, and willfully wreaked havoc wherever he traveled. And Asterron had expected Than to do the same.

Now, he was witnessing the angels sharing their auras with the weak and infirm, repairing damaged decks, fences, and railings, and distributing food. He was watching them take the hand of another, alongside their children, and listen as those in need poured out their stories and their sorrows. He was watching Ganymede and his brothers lead by a different kind of example.

As Christmas drew closer, the work of the immortals moved into the local hospital. Than remained near Alex, but he was much quieter as they entered the children’s ward. He watched the Nephilim spread out, so that they could reach the greatest number of patients during their visit. At least one angel walked away with each group, but Ganymede and Haniel remained with Gaius, Alex, and himself.

He watched Alex and Gaius as they volunteered to hold and comfort some of the littlest patients. Tiny, fragile infants who had either been born far too early, or who were struggling against illness from the moment they drew their first breath. Than was not ready to hold any himself, so he sat next to them and observed.

A fleeting thought occurred to him after several hours of the visit had gone by that Alex had, at one time, been completely mortal. And in that state, she could have had what she was holding in her arms. He had witnessed her love and care of Grace over the last weeks, and Than saw now her nurturing and caring temperament blossoming in full.

He realized in that moment, more than ever before, just how much Alex had walked away from when she stepped into the world of the Nephilim. Than marveled over the sacrifice and courage it took to leave one’s own personal desires behind, so that others benefited and were safeguarded. She had done all that, willingly.

Than looked up at Ganymede and the angel nodded solemnly at him, acknowledging his internal dialog. Than nodded in return, and then turned his eyes back to Alexandria. She was rocking a prematurely born infant, so tiny he barely filled her two hands.

“Do you think you could help me, if I wanted to try?” he asked quietly.

Alex looked up from the little boy and smiled at Than. “Of course. See how I’m supporting his body with one hand, and his head and neck with the other?” she asked, and he said he did. “All you have to do is copy me.”

She stood and gently transferred the baby into his hands, making sure the many tubes and monitors attached to him were adjusted so he was still comfortable. Then, she knelt right in front of Than. Alex kept her aura cushioning the infant, and she looked on as Than deliberately suppressed his power so that his energy did not do damage to the child. She smiled as she soothingly trailed her fingers over his tiny head.

“He weighs nothing,” Than whispered, staring down at the sleeping infant.

“I know,” Alex said, grinning still. “But they say he’s a fighter, so he will make it through this rough patch. His name is Gregory, Than.”

He nodded, but kept his eyes on the child. Amazed that he was actually holding him, and that Alex was allowing it. It spoke volumes to Than about the trust she was extending to him, and he was humbled by Alex’s faith that he could do this without causing harm.

Gregory remained in his hands until a nurse finally came to take him away so he could eat. She asked if they could rock a few more, and Alex and Than both agreed. As Alex took a little girl named Sylvia into her hands, Haniel moved next to Than while a second baby boy was handed over to him. Than was gentle and quiet, staring at one who had so much working against him as he struggled to start his life. And yet, the little one fought for each precious breath.

For almost an hour, Than held the child. And when it was time for his meal, Than found he was almost reluctant to give him up. The infant had asked for nothing, save another to hold him, and Than found it a simple, yet honest exchange.

 

The following day, the ladies and Grace spent their hours in Oxford on their own under the protection of Ganymede, Haniel, Uriel, and Selaphiel. They shopped, chatted, and enjoyed lunch with one another. Alex accompanied her mother, Emily, and Helen into a dress shop so they could choose which gown they would wear to Lord Lenley’s annual Boxing Day ball. Alex had politely declined the invitation that year, telling her mother it was not a place she would revisit again.

Instead, Alex and her immortal sisters looked for a new party dress they could wear for the New Year’s Eve revelry at Aeoferth. Sabina, Noelle, and Ahadi had no qualms about selecting a short dress for the evening, nor did Tomoko or Celeste. Though Sabina did tell the others that she could not wait to hear Rohan’s heavy sighs throughout the evening, as he tried to temper his protective nature when she wore such revealing attire. They all laughed at that truthful statement, knowing he would indeed struggle.

Alex quietly tried on several, until one daring black dress spoke to her. She felt her cheeks heat from her slight embarrassment, but Alex decided she would be bold and give the dress a try. She purchased it without letting the others see her choice, and she smiled inwardly over the look Gaius was sure to give her when he finally saw it on her body.

They finished their time together at a favorite pastry shop Lady Juliana and Alex loved, laughing with one another while they ate. Helen admitted her cravings had begun in earnest, and she was now as hungry for chocolate as Alex always was. Helen indulged in a large chocolate scone, and then had to order several more to take back to the Manor.

When the day of shopping was at an end, they headed home under the careful guard of the angels. Alex drove her mother’s car, and she held Lady Juliana’s hand throughout most of the journey. They frequently met one another’s eyes, and Alex found herself thanking Ganymede privately again and again for making her trip home possible.

 

The day before Christmas, Alex asked her family if they could have a brief chat in the dining room after breakfast. She told her immortal family they were welcome to stay, and most did to see what she and Gaius wanted to share. Than quietly asked Alex if he should step out, but she shook her head and told him he could stay right where he was.

When the table was cleared of the food and dishes, Gaius stepped away for a few moments and returned with a leather portfolio. He opened it, and Lord Errol looked on as he removed several legal documents. Wallace and Conner also watched their brother-in-law keenly, wondering what Gaius and Alex were planning.

“Lord Errol, Alex and I have talked quite a bit over the last year about the changes that continue to take place in our family. Of those that we’ve already worked our way through, and what still lies ahead of us. Wallace and Conner,” Gaius said, looking to them now, “the changes in both of your families have also weighed heavily into our plans for the future, as you know. Your growing families are now permanent stations for our brethren, and will continue to be so until your days have passed by.”

Both men inclined their heads, but remained silent. Wallace leaned forward and propped his elbows on the table, listening and watching.

“As to the future, Alex will have next Christmas with you all, and then things will change drastically. Any legal or monetary adjustments we might want to make, cannot happen so close to our supposed demise. It would look too odd to human officials who will investigate our passing. So, Alex and I have to make said changes now, so that no one asks questions next year and places the family in an awkward position.”

“What financial changes are you talking about, Gaius?” Wallace asked cautiously.

“Alex received a very substantial sum from your parents when she graduated from university, just as you and Conner did. It was part of her inheritance, and it has remained largely untouched in the two accounts in which she’s always held the funds. She no longer requires that capital, for our accounts are enough to see to any need she may ever have.”

“So,” Alex said with a gentle smile, “Gaius and I have decided that we want all of my inheritance to pass to your children. We don’t know how many sons or daughters you will each have over the years, but I want my nieces and nephews to always be well taken care of. I want them to go to whatever university they choose, and enjoy the experience with no worries whatsoever. Travel even, if that’s what their hearts so desire.”

“I know you can both provide well for your children, and this gesture does not imply that you can’t. This is just my way of sharing something that came from Mother and Father, and I hope that you’ll both agree and let me do this,” Alex said sincerely, pausing to see what her brothers might say.

Wallace turned his head to Conner, and they stared at each other for several moments. Alex saw Conner’s eyes soften first, as he nodded at Wallace. Wallace pressed his lips together, and then looked back to Alex and Gaius as he sat up straight in his chair once more.

“Alex, this is a beautiful gesture.” Conner smiled, taking Helen’s hand in his. “And it is one we will accept on behalf of our children.”

“Yes, we will,” Wallace said, smoothing a hand over Emily’s hair as he worked to call his tears home. “Thank you, Alex.”

“You’re both welcome.” She smiled, feeling her own eyes cloud a bit.

“Yes, thank you for accepting. Alex has no other property in her name, no other belongings that will have to be accounted for, save one,” Gaius said, moving them through the next portion of business.

“We recently drew up a Will when we came to England in August, and also registered a flat in London in my name. That residence and one SUV, also in my name, are the only things that will have to be dealt with next year. We have a joint banking account set up for the same purpose, to appear as though we’re just a normal, young couple,” Gaius explained with a grin.

“The Will states that the large sum in the account be donated to our shelters in London, so the funds will just roll back into the Nephilim’s assets. The sum is also substantial enough, that anyone delving would think that Alex did not need her inheritance after her marriage to me. Lady Juliana and Lord Errol, you will receive the flat and vehicle. But we’ve set up an immediate purchase of the flat by Archimedes, so you won’t have to keep it for long,” he explained.

Everyone chuckled at his last statement, and Lady Juliana shook her head at Gaius.

“Gaius, I know this is a dreadful topic we’re discussing, but thank you both for thinking ahead,” she said, reaching across the table for his hand.

“We want the little things taken care of, so you have no additional stress or strain pulling on you. You’ll have enough to deal with in those first days,” he said, gently squeezing her fingers.

“Yes, we will,” Lord Errol said seriously, laying his hand on Gaius’ shoulder. “And I am very glad to see this all taken care of so succinctly now.”

Gaius smiled at him, then handed Wallace and Conner the paperwork transferring all of Alex’s inheritance to them. He gave Lord Errol and Lady Juliana their copy of the new Will. And then he handed one last document to Jameason. Jameason furrowed his brow, but he took the paper in hand and read over it. He looked to Alex and pursed his lips together.

“Alexandria, I don’t know what to say, dear,” he said quietly.

“Say yes,” Alex coaxed, grinning as she watched him have a rare moment of struggle.

“This is too much. What do I need with this?” Jameason asked, shaking his head.

“I don’t know. And that’s the fun part of it all. You can do whatever you want with it, for yourself or someone else. But I’m not about to leave you out,” she said, wiping her face as her tears began to fall steadily.

“What is it, Jameason?” Conner asked, smiling gently at him.

“She has transferred the property in Oxford your grandmother left Alex to my name. With the taxes paid in full for the next forty years, and all of her savings. Alex, dear…,” he began, but Alex shook her head.

“Jameason, I lived very frugally while on my own in New York and even at university. I saved most of what I earned, and I never spent a single pence of the interest from my inheritance. All of that extra, I want to go to you. You can use it to take a few trips, donate it, or whatever,” Alex chuckled. “Anyway, the land and money are yours, if you’ll only say yes.”

“I could donate it to a certain network of Nephilim shelters?” he asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

“It’s yours to do with as you see fit.” Alex laughed quietly, nodding at him.

“Very well. I accept, dear,” Jameason said, pulling out his handkerchief to dry his own tears.

“And with that, we have laid the groundwork for next year. So, Alex and I thank you for helping us make this as smooth as we can, considering what must take place,” Gaius said sincerely, letting his eyes move across their family.

“I agree with Father. Thank you both for thinking ahead,” Wallace said, as he took Grace in his hands and settled her against his shoulder.

“You are most welcome,” Gaius said, smiling gently at him.

“And as to that time, Gaius and I have tentatively planned it all out. We’ll wait a few months to go over it with you. But know that many of our brethren and angelic fathers are going to remain here and help you through the public part of it all. They’ll be here for you, when we cannot,” Alex said, staring at her mother as she uttered the words.

“Let’s wait a few months, as you say, to talk that part over,” Lady Juliana agreed. “It’s Christmas Eve day, so let’s concentrate on the gifts you’ve just given us, and those we’ll share tomorrow with one another. Alright?” she asked, trying hard to suppress her own tears.

“Yes, Mother,” Alex said quietly. “Let’s concentrate on today.”

“Come here, Alex,” she said, rising from her chair as Alex did the same.

They met in a warm hug, and neither said a word for many minutes. Alex smiled, despite the storm in her heart. Somehow, she knew if she kept holding to her family, they would make it through.

 

By the dinner hour, the day’s fellowship had turned everyone’s focus away from the heavier topic of the morning. Laughter and constant chatter could be heard echoing throughout the Manor as the estate became crowded with immortals, angels, and humans. Than still remained close to Alex, though he talked with any and all who addressed him.

She looked on as he openly chatted with Conner during the meal, about her brother’s work at the dig site. Than laughed softly as Conner described Alex and Gaius’ knowledge of what other structures lay hidden from view, and how they refused to give him details for fear of spoiling his and Helen’s daily hunt. Alex just patted Than’s back, sharing her touch and aura with him still.

After dinner, she and Gaius asked Than if he would walk with them while they took the dogs out, and he agreed without hesitation. Their evening walks had become routine, and Than found he actually looked forward to the small bit of privacy that he enjoyed with the two. At times, Ganymede and Haniel would also stroll along, but most often it was just the three of them.

That night, Gaius wrapped an arm around Alex’s shoulders as they followed slowly in the wake the four dogs left behind. Than watched them go and he smiled over their need to race one another to no particular destination. Their joy came from the sprint, though he knew they would return shortly for someone to throw a stick for them.

Alex called his name softly, and he came out of his own thoughts to glance down at her.

“Would you sit with us for a little while?” she asked, gesturing to a bench they sat on quite often. He took his place to her left on the cold seat. Than watched her eyes take on a focus that he had learned meant she had something of importance she wanted to say.

“What is it, Alex?” he said as he smiled.

She chuckled and grinned up at him. “You are coming to know me well, aren’t you?”

“I hope so,” he said sincerely.

“I know so,” she countered. All three chuckled over that statement. “Than, Gaius and I have something that we want to share with you tonight. Something that we thought it better to talk over in private, so you wouldn’t feel as though we were putting you on the spot in the morning. You see, we have a gift for you, in the spirit of not only Christmas, but of your journey thus far. It’s something you can accept or decline, without fear that you’ll be hurting my feelings if you don’t want it.”

“Alex, I want no gifts. Please. Everything you’ve shared with me, every moment that you, Gaius, and the others have given me by your side is enough. I would not feel comfortable at all taking something from you,” he said, shaking his head in denial already.

“Well, that’s just it. It’s not really from me. It’s from another. Can I at least show you the gift, and then you can decide?” she asked, giving him a very hopeful but innocent look still.

And every time Alex gave him that look, a little more of his armor melted away.

“I will agree to look at it. But that is all,” Than said, pressing his lips together as he tried to refuse her.

“Good,” she said and smiled. Alex withdrew a small velvet pouch from the pocket of her jacket. Gently, she pulled the corded strings that kept it cinched tight and turned the bag upside down. From it, something gold tumbled onto her palm, and Than drew in a deep breath as he instantly recognized his brother’s ruby ring.

“Than, when Anot gave me this, I did not know what I would do with it. I understood why he wanted me to have it and in respect of his last wish, I took it. I have honestly carried it with me each day since that terrible night. The night that I had to stop him from announcing to the world that we exist and end his plan to take me with him and use me.”

“His words, to be brave and make my family proud wherever I roam, still resonate deep within my heart and mind. And his plea that I might do what he could not, propels me forward as I continue to face the challenges before me. But this ring also bears the name of Anot’s mother and grandfather. It speaks of the love he once had under Banafrit and Nakhti’s care and, I think, it also speaks of his wish that he could have had the life they would have afforded him, rather than the one Asterron forced upon him.”

Than felt his eyes grow moist and he clenched his jaw as he fought against it. But within the next breath, he watched Alex lift her hand and gently wipe the moisture from his face. He leaned into her touch, and was relieved that she did not pull away.

“I know,” Alex said sadly, nodding her head as her own tears began to come. “You’ve come so far this last month, Than, you really have. And I know that every day is a struggle. It’s an uphill battle, but you are climbing your own personal mountain brilliantly.”

“Gaius and I thought that if you had this, then perhaps every time you felt it or looked at it, you would also be reminded of Anot’s last plea and of his final choice to lay all the pain and darkness behind him. We thought it would bring you hope, encouragement, and also give you something that was his. Anot gave it to me to carry that message on and I think, given his final choice, he would want you to wear it now as you find your own way independent of Asterron. But only, Than, if you want it. The choice is yours. There is no pressure from us, either way.”

Than said nothing, but he did extend an open palm to Alex. She gently placed Anot’s ring in his hand after she finished wiping his tears away. When she stopped her ministrations, Than turned his eyes down to the ring. He lifted it a little higher and turned it over several times as he studied it in detail.

“I have seen this so many times, but I never asked Anot why he wore the two names. I suppose it’s because I knew he wouldn’t answer me if I did,” Than said quietly. “Once, I saw our father staring at it with a look of complete disgust. He never made comment, though Anot saw his fierce look and glared right back him,” Than chuckled sadly. “There were times when I thought him braver than me. Sometimes, just with a look, Anot would openly defy Asterron.”

“He had many more years to perfect that look,” Alex said softly.

“That he did,” Than agreed, finally looking from the ring to her once more. “I’m still struggling with all of this, you know? Why you want me here, why you care so much. But, the truth is – I’m damned glad you do. I want you to keep caring, Alex. Okay?” he asked, and she saw that same desperate look flit through his hazel eyes again that she had witnessed over and over.

“Always,” Alex said assuredly. “I can say that and mean it because we have forever.”

“Yes,” he exhaled. “And in answer to your offer, I will accept the ring for now. I can’t say that I will wear it, but I will carry it with me as you have. Someday I might give it back to you, I don’t know. But for today, I’ll keep it.”

“Thank you,” Alex said with a smile that lit up her entire countenance.

“How can you be such a fierce warrior and still look at me like that?” he asked, his eyes roaming over her face.

“Like what?” Alex asked, wrinkling her brow and nose at him. She heard Gaius chuckle as he draped his arm back around her shoulders.

“Completely innocent,” Than mused aloud, then looked over her head at Gaius. “Gaius, I also don’t know how you tolerate my presence so close to Alex. But thank you, for allowing this friendship to grow. And thank you for trusting me not to hurt her.”

“I do trust you, Than, and I trust my wife. I’ve told Alex before that I will never deny her those she loves. That includes all of her family members, whether immortal or mortal. By coming into our home, you are a part of that group. And Alex and I will always do whatever we can to help you, Than, as you make your way,” he said, extending his free hand across Alex to clasp Than’s.

He took it and held Gaius’ palm in his briefly. “You have been more of a brother to me in this last month, than Anot was in over 1,600 years, Gaius. You and the other men here. I’m relying heavily on that support now, for sometimes it’s the only thing keeping my head above the proverbial water.”

“Than, I know exactly what it feels like to hit rock bottom,” Gaius said and sighed heavily. “To feel like there is no real reason to get out of bed, no purpose to pulling air into your lungs. So I do understand the despair you feel, though the cause of the emotion is different, for our journeys are different. Had it not been for Rohan, my father, and my brethren, I would not be here this day.”

“So lean on us, when you feel too weak to make it through the day. Lean on us, when you wonder what the purpose to it all is. And lean on us, when you’ve not the strength to carry on. Because we are all tenacious and determined enough, that we can share that fortitude with you and help you through the low points. And there will be many such moments as you find your way,” Gaius said solemnly.

“There have been. But you’ve all made it more bearable, easier to navigate,” Than said, looking away briefly and focusing on the Celestial Light that still cocooned the property. “I need to ask you both a question that’s been on my mind for many days.”

“Go ahead,” Alex said, leaning further into Gaius’ side to soak up his warmth against the evening’s chill.

“Since the moment my father and his brothers fell, Ganymede’s Light has been sheltering us. His power and his brothers’ auras have been a steady constant. No one has said anything in front of me, but I have noticed he’s not left your side. None of the angels have. Is there still more danger on the horizon for you to face?”

“There is,” Gaius admitted, glancing down at Alex before he refocused on Than. “There are still a few more Fallen who want her. Our fathers are looking for them, but they know now their former brothers are searching and they are moving about quite a bit to evade capture. Still, it would only a take a second for the guard to be let down, and one of them could take Alex and end her.”

“Or capture her and do worse,” Than said as a deep furrow appeared across his brow. “Will you remain here for this next year, or join your fathers in the battle as you did recently?”

“We want to remain in England, but like you, we must take it a day at a time,” Alex said sadly, reaching over for Gaius’ free hand and gathering it between hers.

“If I can offer anything, it is this – I won’t leave you, Alexandria, just as you did not leave me when my father fell. I’ll help defend you as much as you’ll let me,” Than offered sincerely.

“Thank you, Than,” Alex said and inclined her head. “That sounds like a beautiful gift to me. But,” she qualified, “as I once told Rohan – I would rather you fight beside me, than in front of me. Don’t run out ahead and sacrifice yourself, for together we are stronger. Hold the line with us, so we can all come home at the end of the day. Alright, friend?”

“Alright,” he said, smiling. “Shall we call the dogs in and let you spend the rest of the evening with your family?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Alex nodded.

They rose and began the trek back to the house. Alex kept an arm wrapped around Gaius’ waist, just as he held to her shoulders. As they walked along, Alex began to chuckle to herself and Gaius looked down to see what might be setting her off. Than glanced down too, and he waited to see what unpredictable words would tumble from her lips. He had come to love her ready wit and mischievous streak.

“Tell us, Alex,” Gaius drawled, squeezing her to his side a little more.

“Just thinking about tomorrow, and how the whole family likes to get together. Stick close to me, Than, and Gaius and I’ll protect you.”

Than looked at Gaius and he saw the humor playing in Gaius’ eyes. The two men waited a moment, then together said, “Evelyn.”

They burst into laughter at the same time, and it was that amusement that trailed around them as they continued on the way to the house. Cara bounded up beside them and barked over the sound, causing their laughter to only grow. Soon, Alex was wiping happy tears as Gaius kissed her forehead. She just leaned into him, content to be at home.