Chapter 46

 

Alex trimmed Gaius’ hair, and he hers, before they showered and dressed in their new attire for the special day. Alex stepped into her tall, brown boots after donning her red cashmere dress, and then returned to the bathroom to secure her hair atop her head in an elegant twist. She wore the diamond earrings and necklace Gaius had given her, and her newest pieces of jewelry as well.

She smiled as he turned in a complete circle, modeling his new button-up shirt, jeans, and sweater for her appraisal. Alex inclined her head playfully, telling him without words that she was pleased. Gaius took one last moment to kiss her before he gathered Alex’s hand in his and led her downstairs.

They found that Emily’s parents, Dorothy and Bernard, had just arrived to share in Grace’s first Christmas. Helen’s parents, Marie and Douglass, along with her brother, James, and his fiancée, Kate, were already in the foyer, having made their way inside just moments before. Alex and Gaius paused at the base of the stairs, smiling over the conversations already flowing between her family and her sisters-in-law’s loved ones.

Dorothy spotted Alex and broke away to hug her tightly, wishing her a happy holiday as they talked. Dorothy asked Alex how her recent business trip had gone, and Alex’s eyes met Emily’s over her shoulder. Emily shrugged, and Alex knew then that Emily had explained her latest departure from London thusly. Alex turned her gaze back to Dorothy and told her that the trip had been long, but that she and Gaius had accomplished much while away from England. Dorothy smiled, satisfied with Alex’s response and then hugged her again.

After several minutes of conversation, they moved into the dining room for breakfast. Alex stepped into the kitchen and found Than there, talking with Heath and Benen. She hugged each immortal man as she wished them a happy Christmas day. Alex gathered Jameason in her arms next, and the two hugged one another for several moments before she kissed his cheek and pulled away.

Gaius smiled at her as he went in search of coffee and soon they were all heading to a chair for the meal. Alex and Gaius moved to the far end of the table with Than, and took their now familiar seating pattern with her placed between the two. As they ate, she listened to Wallace and Conner’s extended family chat with her parents, and their cheerful interactions put a smile on her face.

Alex noted that Lady Juliana continuously glanced her way, as though she wished Alex sat nearer to them during the meal. But Alex offered her a wink and continued to eat, rather than participate in the dialog swirling around her. She knew there would be more time for the two of them later, and she held to that knowledge, hoping her mother could as well.

Several immortals volunteered to clean the dining room and kitchen, so the mortals could enjoy their exchange of gifts and time together without interruption. Alex offered to help, but she was politely shooed away. She asked Than if he felt comfortable joining her family in the den, and he agreed that he would go alongside Gaius and her. They found a sofa unoccupied, and the three of them quietly took their places.

Other Nephilim slowly filtered in, and each smiled at Alex as they found a seat. Once everyone was settled, Lord Errol and Lady Juliana stood together and walked over to the Christmas tree. Alex listened as her father spoke briefly about the importance of family and how grateful they were that all of their loved ones were home and safe. He smiled at Alex and Gaius when he made that comment, then turned his eyes down to his wife as she began the exchange of gifts.

Uncharacteristically, Alex had actually requested a specific gift from her family that year. After receiving the photo album for her birthday, Alex asked if they would do the same for her for Christmas. She was touched as saw each package she opened from her parents and brothers held many new pages for her scrapbook. Alex told Than of her earlier gift, and shared the photos with Gaius and him as she looked over them all.

Alex and Gaius had purchased many books for Grace, full of bright, colorful pictures and favorite childhood stories. They smiled as Emily opened the gifts for her, and she thanked them both for the additions to Grace’s bookshelves. Helen received the same gift for her unborn child, and she was excited to begin a reading selection of bedtime stories for her first.

Archimedes met Alex’s eye after the books were unwrapped and he winked at her. “You always did love a library, Alexandria,” he said mentally to her.

Alex inclined her head and felt her smile grow.

Small, thoughtful offerings were given to each mortal family member, and Than watched the entire undertaking with great interest. He observed the expressions on each person’s face as they saw what lay beneath the wrapping paper and bows. And he noted that Gaius’ earlier words were true, that the immortals did not give gifts to one another. But their smiles indicated their shared moments were truly gift enough.

When Lady Juliana began to distribute the simple gift baskets she had prepared for the Nephilim and angels within her home, Than was shocked to be given one of his own. Lady Juliana lightly touched his shoulder and smiled at him, then stepped away to hand Rohan and Sabina their baskets. Alex grinned up at him and nodded, encouraging him to open his gift.

He looked pained for a moment, but finally, Than drew in a deep breath and removed the translucent red paper that was gathered around the basket. Inside he found a tin of raspberry-cream roulade, admittedly one of his favorite foods, and a note from Lady Juliana welcoming Than to her family. She spoke in the letter of her thankfulness for his bravery and that, when it mattered most, Than had safeguarded her daughter so she might live another day and come home.

Alex watched his jaw clench several times as he worked diligently toward maintaining his composure. In an effort to help him, she lifted the last item from his basket and placed it in his hands. She chuckled under her breath and when his eyes met hers, Than saw the now familiar mischievous gleam there waiting for him.

“You know what this last item is, Alexandria?” Than asked softly, feeling a slow smile creep across his lips as he watched her blush.

“Yes,” she admitted and grinned. “I helped Mother select it for you when we shopped. Trust me, it’s something small, something you probably never needed before, but you’re going to need it now. Open it, Than,” Alex said, leaning into him and bumping his arm with hers.

“Alright, I will,” he replied, and then slid the top of the rectangular box off. He pulled back tissue paper and trailed his fingers over a stack of soft handkerchiefs. He pressed his lips together to suppress his amusement, but Alex’s husky laugh caused him to lose the battle. Than began to chuckle with her and he heard Gaius doing the same.

“Well, you were right. I’ve never needed these before I met you,” he laughed.

“Now you won’t have to borrow Gaius’,” Alex teased, turning toward him to give Than a tight hug.

“No, I won’t.” He smiled and closed his eyes momentarily and just soaked up the warmth from her aura pouring over him.

When he released Alex, he smiled at Lady Juliana and thanked her as well. She smiled in return, with the same loving smile he had come to expect from her. He sat back and stretched his legs out, watching the placement of his feet so he did not bump into Cara and Dudley. Both were lying close to Alex and Gaius, and he did not want to disturb them.

 

After the last basket was opened, conversation flowed quietly for some time. When the doorbell rang, Jameason rose to greet the newest arrivals and many among the Nephilim began to laugh softly. Alex narrowed her eyes and shook her head, but that action only emboldened several to laugh a little louder.

Iain stood and stretched high over his head, then rolled his shoulders back.

“Stop it,” she whispered to him, but Iain just winked at Alex and gave her a mischievous grin of his own.

“I gotcha covered, Alex,” Iain chuckled.

“Oh, good grief,” she sighed, looking at Gaius as he laughed too. “It’s not funny,” Alex fussed, swatting his chest. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Yes it is funny,” he played, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. “Let Iain deal with her.”

“No, let me,” said Wallace firmly, standing now too. “I’ve about had enough of this.”

“Sit down, Wallace. Trust me,” Iain said, still completely at ease.

“You’re having way too much fun with this, Iain,” Alex said warily.

“Only because it makes you blush so. I’ve dealt with many like her over the years. As I said, trust me.”

“Of course, I trust you,” Alex sighed. “And I also love you, so I want to spare you from my cousin’s wayward attention.”

“I take it the infamous Evelyn is here?” Than asked, watching everyone around him find such delight in her arrival.

“Oh yeah,” Jack drawled, while he gathered Lauren’s hand in his. “I’ve got a cousin like her in my family. When Ethan met Alex, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her, and he was constantly looking for a way to hug her.”

Without further delay, the extended Groaban family began to filter into the den. Aunts, uncles, and cousins joined the gathering. Alex stood when two of her aunts approached her and she gave them both warm hugs. She did the same with her uncles, even her Uncle Benedict, who Alex normally shied away from. His personality was overbearing and often self-serving, and Alex had never grown close to him.

She chatted with a few of her male cousins, and then Alex drew in a deep breath as Evelyn approached her. She could already see Evelyn’s eyes focusing on Gaius and the new face in the crowd. Alex remained standing to head her off, and she gave her cousin a slight hug.

“Alex, how are you?” Evelyn asked, lightly brushing her lips across Alex’s right cheek and then her left.

“I’m well, Evelyn, and you?” Alex asked, seeing her look down at Than and Gaius again.

“Wonderful!” she gushed, then deftly stepped to the left to face Gaius. “Gaius, stand up and give me a hug. It’s been a while.”

Gaius extended his hand, but he made no move to stand. “Merry Christmas, Evelyn,” he said evenly.

“Always with the handshake,” Evelyn sighed playfully. She took his hand, but all could clearly see the frustration painted across her face. “And who is this, Alex?” she asked, now eyeing Than.

“This gentleman is a dear friend of ours. His name is Than,” Alex said, not moving from where she stood between them.

“Than. What an interesting name. Well, Than, it’s nice to meet you.” She grinned coyishly. “Do you hug?”

Alex stared at her cousin, amazed at her brashness.

“No, I do not,” he said succinctly. “But it is nice to meet you.” Than inclined his head, but moved no more.

“Nice to meet you, too,” she said, not able to hide her pout. She turned then and focused on Iain. “Iain, so good to see you again!” Evelyn exclaimed, walking toward him now.

Iain gave her a hug, though he held her away from his body. He grinned at Alex the entire time, and Alex could only stand there and shake her head. But then, remarkably, Alex watched Ganymede rise from his chair and walk over to stand next to Evelyn and Iain. When Iain released her, Ganymede asked Evelyn if they might take a walk together. The angel led her from the den, and Alex stared in wonder as she watched them go.

“It is time for someone to address her behavior, and Ganymede will do so with kindness and grace,” Haniel said softly. He moved to stand next to where Alex still stood frozen in astonishment.

“My word,” Alex whispered.

Haniel wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and Alex leaned into his side as he redirected them closer to the Christmas tree. She felt him kiss her temple and she smiled as he lightly patted her arm.

“I’m so glad you’re both here,” Alex admitted.

“As I am, daughter,” he said sincerely.

Alex looked up into eyes that were so like her husband’s. “I think that is the first time you’ve called me daughter, Haniel.”

“You are, aren’t you?” he asked, grinning at her.

“Most definitely,” Alex chuckled and nodded.

She leaned back against Haniel’s side and wrapped an arm around his waist, looking at the scene before her. So many whom she loved were there, happily chatting away. Alex remembered thinking that Christmas was the one day of the year when everyone put their differences aside and peace seemed to abound, exactly two years ago. Two years and a day since the night Bertrand found her and it all began, Alex noted.

“Alexandria, do not think of him right now if you can help it,” Haniel whispered as he kissed her temple again. “Focus on the good around you.”

“Haniel, a thought occurred to me recently,” Alex said tentatively. “That your Light protecting us will only shine as a beacon to my actual location, and it might call the Fallen to where I am. Is such a possibility?”

“No, my dear,” he said, shaking his head in denial. “The deliberate game begun to learn about you and change you, came to an end when my Fallen brothers fell weeks ago. Those who are now evading us are not looking for more opportunities to study you. They are fleeing for their very existence. They want no part of our Light, for they want no part of the Lord. You are safe under our protection.”

“I know I’m safe with you, Haniel; I never thought otherwise. I just wondered if it could be used to lure them in. A way to deliberately call the moths to the flame and end this, once and for all.” Alex sighed, looking out over her loved ones while they visited with one another.

“Alexandria,” Haniel said softly.

She turned her eyes up to meet his. Alex saw a smile on his beautiful face, but also a look of admiration settling into his features.

“My brave girl,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “Let’s not think of calling them to you just now. No, use this time to rest and recover. Be with your family, while you can be.”

“I must be completely honest with you, Haniel,” Alex sighed heavily. “I do want to call them. Every last one of them, if need be, and stop this. Yes, they’re hunting me, but that ends up drawing everyone I love into the battle. I want them to know peace, too. They’ve not had much of that since my return.”

“And I know you think that you are doing them a disservice by bringing such conflicts to the surface. Don’t you?” he gently asked, and she nodded her head. “Tell me, Alexandria, were you at fault when Bertrand found you and hurt you?”

“No, sir,” Alex said quietly.

“No, you most certainly were not. Victims often are made to feel as though they did something to cause the attack, to instigate the violence, even. But you did nothing to begin this battle. No, dear child. This all began millennia ago, when many of my brothers dared to reach for more power and more control than was theirs to have. There will now always be a struggle between the darkness and the Light, and you are greatly needed to stand in the Light and guard the gate. Your brethren know that, and they will always stand by you and support you, Alexandria.”

“Wait a minute,” Alex said breathlessly, turning in Haniel’s hold and staring at him intently. “Kronis said that, the day Arianna died. He said I was holding Rangor and all of his brothers out of the Light for so long. And Abaddon said it too. He was talking with his brothers just after Keres fell, and he said that others of his kind feared they might be ended as well, for trying to breach the gate. What have I missed, Haniel?”

Alex looked to Gaius as he rose from the sofa and came over to stand next to his father. Both still looked calm, though she did note a slight amount of concern trailing through Gaius’ aura. But Alex took that to mean that he just wanted her calm and happy at the moment, not that there was imminent danger encroaching.

“You have called yourself the guardian at the gate many times now,” Haniel said with a gentle smile settling on his lips. “Have you never wondered which gate you are meant to guard?”

“I thought it was the door to my Library, after all we’ve lived through of late. I thought I was the guardian of that information – of the past, present, and future.”

“You are,” Haniel agreed. “But with that knowledge, what could the Fallen do?”

“Reclaim some of what was lost, what was stripped away,” Alex whispered in a hoarse voice.

“And thereby, become much more powerful. There are other gates closed to them, locked so that they cannot gain entrance to a place they once called home. We are all needed to keep them out and at bay, but holding such malevolent intent back is not a solitary soul’s task. We are all in this together and, together, through our various talents, skills, and abilities, we can keep the Fallen from breaching the gates,” Haniel explained.

“The gates,” Alex said, her mouth hanging open slightly.

“Yes, Alexandria, the gates.” Haniel slowly nodded. “And because of that ageless struggle, begun thousands of years before any of you were born, all of those you love will be drawn into the battle, whether you wish them to be or not. The struggle between Light and darkness does not hinge on your return. It exists, and it has a life of its own.”

“So do not think that your life and presence is a detriment for your family, whether mortal or immortal. You are a gift, Alexandria, as all souls are. So, listen to my son when he tells you that and believe him.”

“Haniel, I…,” Alex tried to say, but her words were caught in her throat and her tears were beginning to form. Suddenly her role as the Nephilim’s leader seemed to grow in weight and significance – more than Alex ever realized.

“I know, my dear. We all work together, but that does negate the fact that an incredible amount of the burden has been placed on your shoulders in this plane of existence. And we all know that,” Haniel said solemnly, reaching out to cup her face and smooth her tears away. “It is why we will never leave you alone to carry it all. The weight alone over the centuries might crush you, with all the Lord placed within you in this lifetime. Shhh, come here, dear one,” he said, and then gathered her to his heart.

Alex called on his power and Gaius’ to stop any more tears from falling. She wanted no emotions coming to the surface with so many of her mortal family members at the far end of the room. Alex straightened away quickly, and she willfully suppressed her power so that nothing wafted away from her person.

Haniel watched her effort with slight concern, for he knew she was hiding it all within as she did as a child. “Alexandria, you do not have to hide from us. You know this.”

“Not from you, no, sir. But from them,” she said, glancing to her family who still seemed oblivious that she and her father-in-law were having such a meaningful discussion, “it’s best if I do. I don’t mean my parents and brothers, it’s the rest I’m referring to. All part of keeping the secret,” Alex said as she gave him a resigned smile.

“Father, why don’t Alex and I take a walk now? Let the dogs run and perhaps step away from the crush for a little while?” Gaius asked, moving closer to Alex and settling his palm on her lower back.

“Alright,” Haniel said, smiling gently at the two. “Take a little break from it all, and let go of the worry for now if possible. Let’s enjoy this Christmas.”

His smile remained as he leaned forward to kiss Alex’s forehead before he let them leave the room. Gaius asked Than if he wanted to join them on their walk, and he immediately rose. Cara and Dudley noticed the movement and they dutifully followed along as the three left the den. But Rohan and Sabina also stood, along with Elrick, intent on taking a stroll too.

 

They found Alex, Gaius, and Than in the mudroom, donning jackets. Alex smiled as her three dear friends moved to do the same. Now that she was no longer near her extended family, her aura began to gently waft away from her body again, and Alex’s shoulders lowered a little from the tension she was holding within. Sabina immediately linked an arm through hers, and they leaned into one another’s side as they left the mudroom for the back lawn.

“Thank you, guys, for coming along,” Alex said, feeling Sabina’s head settle alongside hers.

“Well, I know that you and Haniel were having a private moment there, but we couldn’t help but overhear,” Elrick admitted, smiling down at Alex.

“I don’t mind if you hear what’s said. You know that,” Alex replied.

“We know,” Rohan said, smiling as well over the hold she and Sabina had on one another.

The six walked for quite a distance before Rohan cleared his throat to speak again. He cast a sideways glance at Than, but his eyes settled on Gaius. Gaius nodded, encouraging his brother to say whatever he wanted. Rohan pressed his lips together momentarily, then broke through the silence.

“Alex, we know that you’ve experienced much joy and beauty over the last two years, but that you’ve also had to wade through hell and back as you came home. Sometimes it feels like you and Gaius are never going to get the target off your backs, but that day is coming. We are going to come out on the other side of all this constant danger and persecution. We are,” Rohan said and exhaled heavily.

Alex stopped walking, as did the rest of their group, and she released Sabina to step closer to Rohan. Alex took his hand in hers and smiled gently at her dear friend.

“Rohan, I believe that too. That at some point, self-preservation will kick in and those who want me for their own purposes will decide that having me is just not worth the effort or the risk. And I know what the Lord placed within me. I know myself, my mind, my power, and my abilities completely. I’m confident that, through God and His infinite wisdom, I can keep the demons away. Away from all of you and the gates,” she said, drawing in a deep breath.

“I’d never thought of it in that way either, so don’t feel as though you were missing something that the rest of us knew and were withholding. It’s kind of like your waters and our fathers’, I suppose. With the increase in Light, comes the increase in talents and responsibility. But you’re not alone, just as Haniel said, and you will never have to shoulder it all without us by your side,” Rohan vowed.

“I know, big brother,” Alex chuckled and then stepped forward to hug him. She placed her arms under his and laid her head against his broad chest as Rohan’s arms encircled her. “I love you too, Rohan.”

He kissed the top of her head and then met Gaius’ gaze. “You too, you know,” he said. “We’ve got you both.”

“Well, right now,” Gaius chuckled, “you’ve got her.”

“You know what I meant.” Rohan smirked and narrowed his eyes.

“Of course.” Gaius smiled and bent to throw the stick Dudley had just brought to him.

Elrick took the stick from Cara’s mouth and gave it a good toss as well.

“Than, are you alright?” Sabina asked, taking a step closer to him and gently placing her hand on his back.

He turned his eyes to Sabina, finding warmth in her aura just as he did in Alex’s.

“I am. The differences in the interactions between your kind and mine are still startling and surprising to me. Never would one of us willingly allow another to embrace someone we considered ours. Never,” he said and shook his head as he made the confession.

“But sometimes your kind do share partners, correct?” Sabina asked tentatively, knowing she had seen that very thing occur many times over the centuries.

“We do, if we have no attachment or feeling for the person. But it’s not because we feel love for another. It’s more in keeping with the way in which our fathers rear us. The other is more of a possession, a thing to covet, not one to hold in high esteem or love. Just one to meet your needs for a while, before you move on.” Than pressed his lips together as he stared down at Sabina, and he slowly pulled in a deep breath before he went on.

“I know it sounds completely wretched to you, and rightly so. I’ve talked through this difference a bit with Alex, and she knows I’m learning a different way to look at relationships and another’s touch while I am around all of you. No one here is shy about holding each other, and I am seeing the differences in your touch. How you all hold to those you consider brothers and sisters, versus husband and wife. I am seeing and I am learning that there is far more to the concept of affection than I ever saw demonstrated before.”

“Than, I am so thankful that you met Alexandria and came home with her,” Sabina said, and she smiled over the surprise she saw register on his face. “I am, you know? For so long, I’ve wanted this too. An opening between the two sides that did not start and end in certain bloodshed. Just the opportunity to bring a lost soul in from the cold. I’ve lived a lot longer than you, Than, and over time, the struggle does weigh heavily on one’s mind and soul.”

“It does,” he quietly agreed.

“And yet despite that, you’re here.” Alex grinned as she moved out of Rohan’s hold to stand in front of Than. Alex’s smile grew as she reached for him next, and gave Than a hug and the touch he had asked her to afford him. “We’re all thankful you are here, Than, and brave enough to see another path.”

“Just as you did, hmmm?” he asked, smiling over her head at Gaius.

“Something like that,” Alex chuckled.

“And after today, perhaps your wayward cousin, Evelyn, will also find another way to relate to others,” Than said, waiting for her laughter that he knew was seconds away. It was one of the first times he had deliberately initiated such humor with Alex since they left his home. He saw the glint in Gaius and Elrick’s eyes, and he knew his words had hit their mark.

Alex stepped back to look up into Than’s face, and she bellowed with laughter. She covered her mouth with one hand as her other came to rest over her stomach. Finally, she tilted her head back and laughed until there were tears coursing down her cheeks.

Than held up a finger, asking her to wait a moment, then he pulled one of his new handkerchiefs from his pocket. Alex watched him carefully and when she saw what he had, her laughter only grew. She inclined her head as she took the cloth in hand and then began to wipe her happy tears away.

“See, I am learning,” Than said, and felt Gaius place a hand on his shoulder.

“That you are,” Gaius agreed. “Come; let’s go down to the stables for a bit, then we should return to the house. Lady Juliana will begin to miss us soon, and she’ll want us near her.”

Everyone concurred that Alex’s mother would not want them away from her side for too great a period that Christmas Day, so they fell into step with Gaius. Alex returned Than’s cloth and then moved back to Gaius’ side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, as Alex placed her arm around his waist. Than watched Rohan reach out for Sabina in the same way, and he thought to himself it was good to be among those who reached out in kindness, rather than to strike out in vengeance, jealousy, and hate.

Perhaps, he told himself, that was the true lesson of this day they called Christmas. A lesson Alex and her kind had demonstrated for him each and every day since he took Haniel’s outstretched hand. So much so that Than considered Christmas might not be just one day out of the year, for those who honored the spirit of the holiday, after all.