Chapter 3

 

 

Sunlight filtered in through the windows of their bedroom and roused Gaius before Alex ever stirred the following morning. He turned slowly on his side and propped his head in his hand. He lay there for quite some time, just watching her sleep next to him and taking in the miracle that was his wife.

He knew that later that same day, he and Alex would return to Aeoferth Hall and rejoin their brethren for the Darfur relief mission. And that their arrival would also signal a whole new chapter in Alex’s life. They had talked through it all since coming home to Elysium, but her choice to become a Nephilim was about to become a reality in ways Alex had not yet experienced. For Gaius also knew, that there was so much still for Alex to learn.

Throughout the days leading up to her transition, her body had steadily broken down and prevented Alex from using her aura to help heal and minister to those in need. And the challenges and traps Rangor set out to ensnare her, had dictated the pace of her days following Bertrand’s attack. Everything had happened so quickly, but now life was about to take a different turn for her, and thereby for him as well.

Gaius thought about how she would take to her role as leader of the Lord’s Nephilim. It was true that Alex would always have the council to help her guide and nurture her brethren, but never before had the Lord instilled such a vast amount of Celestial power in a Nephilim as He had in Alexandria. And Gaius knew that not only would she have to overcome her ingrained shyness to lead, but she still had a long road ahead of her as she learned how to wield the talents, power, and abilities the Lord had graced her with. Lessons that the preceding months had not allowed time for.

His mind strayed to their immortal family and their reactions to his and Alex’s return. It had been over a month now since he and Alex had married at Aeoferth and departed. Gaius smiled over the hugs he knew Alex would receive once they landed, sure that many of the immortals would be reluctant to let her go. And then he thought of Jack, and his expression turned contemplative.

He and Jack had taken a walk several nights before the wedding and talked about Jack’s plan to remain with the Nephilim and work alongside them. Gaius had promised Jack once again that he would always have a home and a family amongst them. And he reiterated his earlier vow, that he would never stand in the way of Alex and Jack’s friendship.

Gaius knew that Alex needed all the support she could muster, as she began to live the uncommon life she had committed herself to for the rest of time. And Jackson Campbell was still a very large part of her heart, her family, and her network of support. Gaius prayed once again that he, Alex, and Jack find a way to navigate their friendship now that he and Alex were actually husband and wife. But Gaius conceded to himself, that Jack was one of the bravest and giving of souls he had ever met in his near two thousand years on this earth, and if anyone could help them work it all out, it would be Jack.

Alex stirred and drew his focus back to her. She stretched and then lazily opened her eyes. She blinked a few times and then a slow smile spread across her lips when she saw him watching her.

“Good morning,” he smiled, and reached out to settle a hand on her stomach.

“Hmmm, good morning,” she murmured, and then rolled over to bury her nose against his chest. She felt him shake slightly with laughter as he brushed her hair back and then draped an arm over her waist. “What’s funny?” she mumbled, as she tried to clear the sleep from her mind.

“Nothing, my love,” he answered her with a smile in his voice. “Can I coax you into the shower with me? We need to get ready to head to Aeoferth.”

Alex leaned away from his hold and she settled her head back on her pillow so she could look him in the eye. “I’m excited, but nervous too,” she confessed softly.

“Don’t be nervous, Alex. I will be right there beside you, to help you in any and all ways. And you know Sabina, Rohan, Jack, Heath… Well, all of them will be so happy to see you,” he grinned, and watched as she smiled with him. “Just remember what we’ve talked about of late. No one expects you to take over the moment you walk through the front door. You have all of us, Ganymede, Haniel, the Host, and the Groabans, too. You are not alone, my love. Not now, not ever.”

“When you say it like that, I’ve no real reason to be nervous,” Alex said as she reached out to run her fingertips over his stubbled cheek. “I’ve so enjoyed these last weeks with you. Just the peace and serenity of it all.”

“So have I, sweetheart. And I’m still by your side, even if I do have to get in line to hold you when we’re in the middle of our brethren,” he chuckled.

“You never have to get in line,” Alex said with conviction. “You come first, Gaius, always.”

“As do you, Alex,” he vowed. Gaius leaned in to match his lips to hers, and before he could draw away, Alex threaded her fingers through his hair and moved her lips to the column of his throat.

“We’ll take that shower in just a little while,” she softly promised.

“What shower?” he asked innocently, causing them both to laugh aloud before they embraced one another again.

Eventually, they made it to the shower and then ate breakfast before they began their preparations. Gaius helped her select the items she would need in Africa, in the hope Alex would not over-pack for the trip as she so often did. She ran her hand across his cheek and through his hair as he bent over their luggage, trying to distract him. He finally growled and dropped the pants he was folding to capture her lips with his.

When he released her they were both grinning, and Gaius kissed her once more before he could return to their cases. Alex chuckled and began folding shirts again, as he shook his head and sighed. They continued to play as they packed, until finally Gaius was able to carry their suitcases down to the foyer, and he was glad for it. Anything that kept Alex’s spirits high was not a distraction to him, but a must.

The pile in the foyer continued to grow, as they added the remainder of the gifts they had purchased on Santorini for their fellow Nephilim, a few books, and even a couple of laptops. Gaius went to check on all the fireplaces which had recently been used, and made sure they were ready to be left for a time. Alex used the time, though, to walk out to the stables and stroke each horse before she bid them farewell.

She knew their fellow immortal, Tabor, would see to the horses’ care in their absence, as he always did. Yet, Alex also knew she would miss them during her travels abroad and she wanted one last visit with her four-legged friends. She was feeding the steeds an apple, when she noticed Gaius leaning against the stables’ main doorway watching her.

He held out a hand, and she did not hesitate to take it. Gaius pulled Alex into his arms and held her to his chest for many minutes. She wrapped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes, savoring the loving moment. He kissed her hair and drew slightly away to look down into her eyes.

“It’s time to leave Elysium for a while, sweetheart. Are you ready?” he smiled.

“I am more than ready for the adventure with you,” she answered, leaning back in his arms and grinning in return.

Gaius was thankful to see her so relaxed in the moment and ready to join the assembly of immortals. He kissed her lips gently, then turned them in the direction of their home’s entrance.

Their luggage, swords, and packages were soon loaded on the S-92, and Gaius and Alexandria departed Elysium before lunch. It took less than twenty minutes to touch down at Aeoferth Hall, and Alex could already feel many auras approaching before they had fully powered the helicopter down.

“Go ahead and open the door while I finish everything up front, love,” Gaius smiled. Alex kissed him, then moved back to do as he suggested.

As soon as the door opened and the stairs released, Alex had to draw in a deep breath. There were so many of their brethren before her, that she had to blink to process the auras that were flowing densely across the grounds.

“Get out of that helicopter and come give me a hug!” Rohan called to her first, in his usual graceful manner.

“Yes, sir.” She laughed aloud at his bossiness, but dutifully complied. Alex walked straight into his outstretched arms and was lifted high off of the ground as Rohan twirled her around. “Oh my gosh, I’ve missed you!”

“Not half as much as I missed you, Alex,” he said a bit gruffly, and then placed her back on the ground before him.

She patted his cheek as she let his eyes assess hers, just as Wallace had. Rohan nodded, happy with his evaluation, and then Sabina took Alex in her arms.

“Sabina, I cannot say how much I’ve missed being with you and talking every day. How have you been?” she asked softly, as they hugged one another tightly.

“I am well, Alex. Oh, and I’ve missed you too. I’m so happy you are both back,” Sabina said, and swallowed around the emotion clogging her throat. She kissed Alex’s cheek before she could release her.

Heath was the next to embrace her. “Alex, I’ve never seen you look so happy. Your aura’s radiating pure joy. Welcome home, sweetie,” he said. They smiled at one another and Alex murmured her thanks.

Gaius appeared by her side then, as more and more friends stepped forward to greet them. Rohan clasped a hand on Gaius’ shoulder and they grinned at one another. Gaius inclined his head to Rohan as Elrick reached out for Alex.

“Did you enjoy your time away from it all?” Elrick asked, giving her a tight hug before she was passed to Iain.

“Yeah, how was Santorini?” Iain smiled, pulling only slightly away as both men began to laugh at Alex’s brightly flaming face.

Gaius put an arm around her shoulders and hugged Alex to his side, as he tried to suppress his smile.

Alex finally found her voice and answered them. “Yes, Gaius and I experienced a wonderful honeymoon; and we have pictures of the places we visited to share with everyone.”

Nikolaj and Benen both stole a hug from her and welcomed her back, before Nassor and Ahadi embraced her. Alex moved through the crowd then, reconnecting with so many whom she loved. Their auras let her know quickly that they, too, had a need to be near her, just as Gaius did. The time between her soul’s departure a century ago and the night she had rejoined them, had left tracks in their hearts, too. Alex realized in that moment just how much she was really needed, and why the Lord had allowed her to come back.

She felt tears form in her eyes just as Archimedes pulled her in for a hug, and Alex closed them for a moment against his shoulder. He could feel the intense emotion rolling off her aura, and he patted her back reassuringly. When he released her, it was to John, who also sensed her need to be held. He drew Alex against his chest and rocked her for a moment.

Alex willed the tears to stop, and she was able to step back and smile at John through the slight moisture lingering in her eyes. They nodded at one another, and then someone cleared his throat to her right. It was a sound and timbre she knew well.

“Jack,” she whispered, then turned and smiled up at her dear friend. He was so close, and she stepped into his arms as he rocked her gently for a moment.

“Hey there,” Jack murmured against her ear.

“Hi,” she chuckled softly, so happy to fall into their familiar dialog.

“You look well, sweetie,” he said, as they pulled back from one another’s embrace.

“I am, Jack. Truly. And you? How have you been over the last several weeks?” she asked, as she lightly cupped his cheek.

“I’ve been really well. I turned in my notice while you guys were away, and officially resigned from the security firm I was employed with. I’m now on your payroll, Mrs. Marcus,” he teased, and they laughed together.

“Well, I think it’s better to be employed by the Nephilim, than any other organization or group in the world. Don’t you, Jack?” asked Alex, angling her head playfully at him.

“I wholeheartedly agree with you,” he smiled in return. “And now we get to do lots more work together, hmmm?”

“A whole lot more, Jack,” Alex said with assurance.

Jack glanced over Alex’s head at Gaius, and he nodded in greeting. He stepped to Alex’s left and extended his hand to Gaius, but Gaius pulled him closer and gave him a brief hug. Their eyes met for a moment, and then they smiled at one another and moved back a step.

“A handshake just won’t do, huh?” Jack played, though he coughed slightly over the emotion that had suddenly struck him.

“Not even close, brother,” Gaius said sincerely, and then lightly slapped his shoulder.

Archimedes broke through the spell the reunion had cast, when he asked everyone to come inside for lunch. Alex turned to help with their luggage, only to discover that it was already being carried into the castle. She chuckled as Gaius put his arm around her shoulders and guided her inside.

 

During lunch, Alex learned that forty-six immortals were going on the mission trip to the Darfur region, and she was impressed that such a number was traveling there. She could feel Gaius trying to mentally communicate with her amongst the boisterous gathering, as he gently nudged her internal shield with his aura. So she rolled back her mental armor without hesitation to hear him.

“Many of our brethren lingered or returned after our honeymoon ended, in the hopes of being with you, Alex. You have indeed been greatly missed,” he told her privately, as he looked into her eyes. It confirmed what she had felt upon their arrival, and she mentally told him she understood while she patted his leg.

As she listened to the conversations at the table, Alex had an idea and her aura immediately began to warm to it. She turned, grinning widely at Gaius, and he raised an eyebrow in question. She mentally connected with him again and told him what she was thinking. He, too, began to smile.

“It is a very good idea,” he nodded, as he spoke aloud.

Of course, many heard his statement and their heads turned in Gaius’ direction.

“What’s a good idea?” asked Rohan, ready to insinuate himself into their conversation.

Alex grinned and turned to their friends to answer. “Oh, I was just wondering who might be up for a little sparring?” she asked innocently, and was instantly met with a large group of eager volunteers. She laughed aloud and invited everyone to the back lawn after the meal was ended.

When she stood to carry her plate and Gaius’ to the kitchen, he went to fetch their swords. He met her at the base of the stairs with both of their blades, and they headed out of a rear door for a bit of fun.

She was tying her hair in a makeshift ponytail when their fellow immortals and Jack came out onto the large back lawn. It was the same lawn where she and Gaius had been married, but it had been restored to its former state. The stone gazebo and small lake were no longer there, and Alex nodded in approval. She lifted with the wind and somersaulted in the air several times, and then landed facing the others. Several laughed and called her a show-off before Rohan stepped forward to begin.

Though she had not practiced with her sword in weeks, Alex moved smoothly and met Rohan blow for blow. Her mind found Reuben in the stables where he usually was, and she mentally asked him to send her about thirty horses. She heard his agreement as she continued to parry with Rohan. Alex smiled as her aura began to travel down the pure Inonya blade Ganymede had gifted her with, causing it to become brighter with each of her strikes.

“I think marriage is making you soft, girl. Are you holding back on me, or does Gaius have you that distracted?” Rohan teased her.

“Did you honestly just accuse me of going soft, Rohan?” she chuckled in disbelief.

“Just calling it as I see it,” Rohan shrugged, and then winked mischievously at her.

“I almost feel sorry for you, Rohan. Almost!” Gaius called out amid the laughter of their brethren.

Alex angled her head at Rohan as she narrowed her eyes in focus, and then she began to land blows that caused him to stagger backwards. Alex could feel the horses approaching and without turning, she sensed Eimhir among the group. She noticed the surprise in Rohan’s eyes as the steeds neared them, and she lifted again, spinning end over end in the air until she landed gently on the Eimhir’s back.

“Come,” she whispered, and her fellow Nephilim took the challenge. Alex laughed loudly as they began to come at her one after another, and she played against each of their blades.

This was her in her element, Alex thought to herself. She reveled in the rush of power that overtook her as she channeled Ganymede’s Light, as well as the auras of his angelic brothers. Alex could feel so much Celestial energy surging through her body, and she let it come, delighting in the first major expenditure of her aura she had allowed since the night they had battled Rangor and his troops.

Titus had returned to travel to Sudan with them and he was determined to give her all he had; but Alex could only shake her head at his attempts to best her. She let memories come through of the time she and Gaius had trained Titus, and she remembered his tendency to leave his lower abdomen exposed. She sadly discovered he was still doing so.

As he came near her, Alex flattened her body against Eimhir’s back so his blade passed over her head. At the same time, she extended her sword to her right and slapped Titus with the flat of her blade across his midsection. He was knocked forcefully off of his horse, and Alex asked the wind to catch him and gently place him on the ground.

Titus looked up at her as she circled around and slid off of Eimhir’s back to make sure he was uninjured. Alex was relieved when she heard his laughter and saw him shaking his head. He scooped her up and hugged her tightly.

“It’s time you learned, Titus,” she whispered in his ear.

“Yes, ma’am,” Titus murmured as he bowed low. “It’s good to have you home, Alex.”

“It’s good to be home,” she grinned, and then patted his cheek before she stepped back.

Alex lifted and was back atop Eimhir quickly. Gaius remained off to the side, atop a mount, and they smiled at one another as she asked Eimhir to take her swiftly in the direction of Iain and his rapidly approaching horse. Iain was grinning broadly too, and Alex asked the wind to lift her just before he attempted to strike her neck with his sword. She flew over his blade and landed on Eimhir far past the place where they had met.

Alex was laughing loudly now, and she and Eimhir turned as one as she twirled her blade. Iain circled around and raced back at her, just as Alex released her sword in the air. She commanded it to match his blade and when the two connected, Light flooded the whole area around them. Iain had to squint as Alex called her sword back to her hand. He bowed over his horse’s neck and she responded in kind.

One after another came forward, until Alex was sparring with five of her friends simultaneously. She felt so alive, and she chuckled as she looked into the future to stay just a few steps ahead of them all. Nassor bowed when their group moved back and then Gaius moved forward at full speed. Alex inhaled deeply at the sight before her, and asked Eimhir to stand completely still.

Very slowly, Alex stood atop the mare’s back and she saw Gaius smile as he rapidly approached. She twirled her sword and angled her head to study his beautiful profile. And in that moment, sparring was the last thing she wanted to do. Her aura began to reach towards him, and Alex lifted and rotated over only once to seat herself directly behind him. He laughed and continued on, as her left arm encircled his waist.

She kissed his back and Gaius directed his horse to circle around and stop beside Eimhir. Several of their friends applauded, and Alex laid her head against his shoulder as they came to a stop. She closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply, loving the feel of him before her. Gaius called out for the others to continue as he moved their steeds over to the side, out of the line of combat.

He caressed her left hand and arm, but eventually he turned and pulled her around in front of him. Alex smiled as her back was snuggled against his chest. Gaius wrapped his arm around her, and then laid his face alongside hers. She heard him inhale deeply as well, and her smile grew. They both watched their friends as they worked through various techniques, and many were laughing loudly as they teased one another mercilessly.

Alex thought in that moment, that she had never felt so at home and at peace, even if swords were flying through the air at incredible speeds. Everyone she loved was protected and happy. And it gave her such contentment to see those she cared for, safe and whole. She prayed that there were no more like Rangor who also wanted her head. No more demons coming, who might call her brethren to action, for a long time to come.

As if he were hearing her internal dialog, Gaius pressed a kiss to her temple and then lowered his lips to her ear. “It feels good to play like this, doesn’t it, Alex? No danger calling, no worry of battle. Just family and friends having a bit of fun?”

“It does, Gaius,” she whispered back. “This is what I want for a long, long time to come. Peace and safety for us all.”

“As do I, my love,” he softly agreed, and then placed a kiss on her neck just under her ear. He chuckled faintly when she shivered against him.

 

After the sparring came to an end, many suggested a brief ride, and Alex chose to stay atop Gaius’ horse with him so she would not have to leave the warmth of his arms. Jack came forward and took Eimhir, and they all set off for fellowship in the refreshing outdoors. Sabina moved her mount alongside Alex and Gaius, and the two ladies shared a knowing smile. Alex winked at her, and then looked to the terrain before them.

When they returned to the stables, everyone helped to prepare their horses for the night, and Alex felt her internal waters calmly flowing through her soul as she gently brushed Eimhir. She hugged the mare and promised her that she would be back to ride her again before too long. Gaius embraced her from behind, and she sighed as he began to lightly kiss her neck. Alex turned and looked into his eyes and smiled slowly. They said nothing, but held hands and left the stables in the direction of the castle.

As they approached a rear door, Alex felt Sabina call to her mind and she allowed her swift entry. Sabina told her that Jack’s new room was on the second floor, so the end of their hallway was now occupied only by them. Alex laughed aloud and then mentally thanked Sabina, before she rolled her mental armor back in place. Gaius also listened to Sabina, and he put his arm around Alex and pulled her closer.

They made it to their room and closed the door just as Gaius reached out for Alex’s shirt. She laughed softly and reached for the buttons of his as well. They played as they disrobed each other, but soon Gaius lifted Alex and carried her over to the bed. They attempted to be quiet, knowing the others’ hearing was exceptionally keen, just as theirs was, but Alex had a difficult time. Finally, Gaius had to kiss her deeply to cover her sounds and he laughed as he tried to help her.

They held one another for a time after they had found fulfillment. Alex watched their auras swirling and intertwining, as she slowly laced her fingers in and out of Gaius’, and sighed contentedly. He kissed her forehead, then leaned back against his pillow to watch their fingers along with her. They drifted off still holding one another, until Sabina called them to dinner. Gaius roused Alex gently, and they took a quick shower together before they dressed in clean clothes.

She had her arm around his waist and Gaius’ arm was around her shoulders as they entered the dining hall. They were leaning against one another, though Alex was looking down and not at the assembly gathering around them. Gaius was looking ahead though, and noticed that one and all had a look of contentment or approval on their face.

Their support shown clearly in their eyes and through their auras, and Gaius smiled as he inclined his head. He led Alex to her chair, and was glad to find Jack still seated to her left. It was a good sign that they could make their friendship work well into the future, as they all had hoped.

 

Alex and Gaius stayed in the dining hall long after dinner, so she could visit with the majority of those still gathered at Aeoferth Hall. Alex promised herself that the Nephilim would be part of her mission work too, and they would receive the companionship, love, and support they still needed from her. And she knew that by extending her hand in friendship to this part of her family, she would be loved and supported in return. She would never be alone again.

Gaius finally came to collect her, in the hope that they could rest before their journey to Africa the next day. Alex said goodnight, and they left the hall together as they had come in.

“How tired are you?” she asked him.

“I’m not overly tired, why? What do you have in mind?” he asked, grinning mischievously at her.

All Alex could do was shake her head at him before she could answer. “I would like to go to the library and the pool before we make our way to bed, just to see the spaces. Do you mind?” she smiled.

Gaius kissed the top of her head and led her in the direction of the library, in answer to her question.

After she had spent fifteen minutes walking through the repository she so loved, they headed to the pool. They found no one else in the expansive room. And when Gaius glanced down at her, he could see her longing to be in the water etched across Alex’s face.

“Go find a swimsuit, Alex,” he chuckled indulgently. Her instant smile lit up her face, and only added to his own happiness. It was that smile that he lived for.

He changed as well, and they met in the shallow end minutes later. They held to one another as they enjoyed the privacy, but they eventually moved apart and began to swim a few slow laps side by side. Alex detected other auras approaching, and she met Gaius’ eyes as their smiles spread.

Soon, the pool was filled with their brethren. Gaius settled Alex by his side in the shallow end, where they reclined against its edge and visited with many. The evening grew late, but she showed no signs of fatigue. So, Gaius kept them in the water.

Alex remembered the time Sabina had massaged her back and Jack’s through the influence of her aura in the pool, and the memory gave Alex an idea. She looked down at the power streaming from her own fingertips and silently commanded it to fulfill her need. Without any discernible effort, Alex willed the water to begin kneading her back and Gaius’, and he made a startled sound when the massage began.

She chuckled as he looked down to shake his head slowly at her. His wide grin told her he was happy about the surprise, though, so she looked back at Heath and Elrick who were before them, then over to Jack who lounged against the coping on her right. She asked the water to do the same for them, and Elrick let his head fall back just as a loud moan escaped his lips. Alex laughed loudly at his response and felt herself blush brightly.

“What are you doing?” asked Iain, not wanting to be left out.

In answer, Alex sent a swirl of water in his direction. He raised an eyebrow at her before he, too, was laughing aloud.

“What has Gaius been teaching you?” Iain asked, with a devilish glint in his eyes.

“Iain,” Gaius said in warning, and shook his head at their friend. He knew Alex was easy to bait, and he did not want the men’s banter to make her too self-conscious so soon after their arrival to the larger gathering.

Iain held up a hand, palm facing out, in surrender. “Sorry,” he grinned.

“Ignore Iain, and keep doing what you’re doing, Alex,” Elrick sighed contentedly. “This is wonderful.”

“Please do,” Jack chuckled. He also sighed heavily from the massage that was whipping up the water all around them.

“It’s so good to have you home, Alex,” Heath said, as they all smiled at one another.

She inclined her head and released the water from her influence a few minutes later. Eventually, Gaius coaxed her out of the pool, hoping she was ready to concede she needed sleep. They wrapped towels around their bodies and carried their clothes in their hands. As they climbed the stairs, Alex emitted a soft sigh and the sound caught Gaius’ acute attention.

She cast a rueful glance his way and could not help but chuckle over the look he was giving her. “Okay, I admit it: I’m tired,” she smirked.

“I can tell,” Gaius nodded and then draped an arm over her shoulders to pull her closer. “I’ve wondered how long it would take you to admit it though.”

“Well, I honestly did not want today to end. My first day back with our brethren has been simply perfect, and I wanted to make it last as long as I could,” she admitted.

“Today was fun, wasn’t it?” he asked with a smile. They reached the third floor landing, and he paused to kiss the tip of her nose. “And just think, there’s an infinite number of such days before you.”

“Now that, I like the sound of,” Alex grinned.

“As do I, my love. As do I,” he softly agreed.