Chapter 7

 

 

The month of May passed by far too quickly for Alex’s liking. Now that she and her family had established a deadline for her mortal life to come to an end to the outside world, it seemed her days sped by, though she sought to savor each and every moment. Alex tried diligently not to dwell on the line they had drawn in the proverbial sand, but rather she endeavored to see it as a means to protect the secret and thereby all of her loved ones. And when she looked at their decision in those terms, Alex’s resolve strengthened that they had indeed settled on the best course of action after all.

Over fifty of their brethren joined them at Elysium during that time, as they all participated in the required training on Holy Island for the local village’s St. Vincent de Paul Summer Youth Camp. Each year at the end of April the camp’s mentor training took place, and once Gaius had explained the program to Alex, she had been overjoyed to find mission work so close to their home that they could participate in during the upcoming summer. After Alex voiced her desire to contribute, they invited others along with them and the idea spread quickly.

May also became the time to install their home theatre and Elysium’s new swimming pool with the help of their immortal friends, and an opportunity to fellowship. As Alex had come to understand upon her return to Aeoferth after her honeymoon, the Nephilim needed her just as much as the Groabans did. They craved her nearness, and Alex used the time spent in their company to strengthen their bonds, more so than she had been able to do during the whirlwind of violence and danger that shadowed her return to the fold.

Though she was rarely alone within her own home, Alex found she needed their nearness, because her aura found solace when it was close to the others’ power. She, Sabina, Tomoko, and Ahadi spent time taking walks and riding horses, and Alex loved the bond of sisterhood she had established with the ladies. She knew in the future, those bonds would be critical to her when her human family no longer walked the earth.

And, Alex was able to share Elysium for the first time with Jack. Like the Groabans, he was bowled over by the sheer size and scope of the hidden estate. But he was also proud that Alex had settled into the abode so well and that she felt truly at home there. Alex was working towards finding a balance between her angelic side and her human ties, and Jack could see that with Gaius’ unwavering support, she was already feeling at ease in her life’s new path.

Alex also had time to practice her sparring skills with Rohan, Iain, Elrick, Nassor, Benen, Nikolaj, and many of the other men. But when she sparred with Gaius, she had to work hard to remain with the group and not pull him into the privacy of their bedroom afterwards. Gaius had said once at Aeoferth, that he longed to take Alex into his arms following such exchanges. And now she understood, for Alex found her body wanted to make contact with him after such practice. Gaius would usually smile broadly and wink at her, knowing full well what she was thinking. And most often, she would see Rohan and Iain shake their heads and laugh at her predicament.

Gaius made sure Alex was a part of the pool’s construction, as he and Rohan taught her to use her abilities to help remove the soil from the area. She learned that Gaius had made plans to build an additional large room onto the rear, right side of their home and place the pool within it. He wanted Alex to be able to enjoy it throughout the year, no matter what the season or weather.

As Alex had no real technical skill, she patiently stood by and took note of all the work that went into the wiring and installation of the theatre room. She was amazed that most of her immortal brethren had mastered such knowledge, and had no trouble completing any of the tasks necessary to add the modern room into the ancient structure. Everyone seemed in such a lighthearted mood during their work and stay, that auras were radiating pure joy throughout the grounds. And Alex could not help but feel bolstered by the camaraderie.

During those weeks, she was also given training and information about the Nephilim’s global network of businesses, shelters, and investments. Gaius felt it was time for Alex to begin learning how it was all managed and he enlisted Archimedes, John, Heath, Benen, and Sabina to help him educate her. At one such lesson, Jack came in and took the seat to her left at the dining room table where they were all working. Alex told him that they were currently showing her how they transferred funds and where they placed a few of their accounts.

But when they both saw the balance of one the accounts appear on the laptop’s screen, they turned and gazed at each other in stunned silence. Alex saw Jack’s slow grin and his dimple appear, as she felt a similar smile begin on her lips. He knew that she was still staggered by the vast resources available to the Nephilim, and Jack tried not to laugh over the struggle he saw in her eyes. But try as they might to contain themselves, both Jack and Alex burst into laughter in the same moment.

“And that’s just one account’s balance?” Jack asked, no more able to stop his laughter than she.

“Just one,” Alex nodded. “Oh my, word!” she breathed and shook her head.

“And to think you’re in charge of all this,” Jack muttered, causing Alex to pale slightly. He noted the shift in her demeanor, and immediately sought to reassure her. “Be calm, Alex,” he said sincerely. “I’m only kidding.”

“I’m fine,” she said and then looked to her right at Gaius.

“Yes, you are,” Gaius said tenderly. “And you are not solely responsible for the management of all our monetary accounts. The council and several others are currently tasked with overseeing our funds. So right now, your only job is to learn how we manage it all. In time, you can supervise some of it.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Alex agreed.

“Indeed,” Gaius grinned, and then lightly kissed her forehead. “Shall we continue?”

Alex nodded as he redirected her attention back to what they were teaching her. She had easily gathered that the Nephilim had immense resources, just from the properties and various modes of transportation they currently owned. But until Alex saw it all in black and white before her eyes, she had truly not realized the well from which they could draw was so deep and infinite.

Her mind reeled from the good that they would be able to bring about over the centuries to come. Even though the funds were staggering, knowing that they were set aside for the protection and aid of untold innocents, helped Alex deal with the immortals’ financial affairs a bit easier. As long as others would benefit, Alex could make her peace with the unfathomable fortune her brethren had amassed.

 

At the end of their third week there, Alex flew to Oxford to retrieve her parents, Jameason, and Emily. She and Gaius had explained over dinner one night, the decisions that had been made with her family during their last visit to the Manor House. Though many expressed their regret that it had to be done, they also voiced their support for the three year deadline, which Gaius and Alex had established for her mortal life to come to a close in the world’s eyes. And they all wholeheartedly supported Alex keeping her brothers’ wives in her life, so Wallace and Conner were never put into the position of hiding her story from their spouses.

When Alex lifted the S-92 from Elysium’s lawn, it was Rohan who sat beside her in the co-pilot’s seat. She and Gaius had privately agreed she was ready for solo flights, but Alex told him she wanted Rohan along to see if he really did need more training. Gaius had been unable to staunch his laughter when he told her that unfortunately Rohan needed much more help, and perhaps she was the right one to try. Heath had teased Rohan months before over his lack of flying skills, and Alex wanted to help her immortal brother if at all possible.

So, she asked Rohan to accompany her and he immediately agreed, thinking she wanted not only his companionship during the flight, but also his protection. Alex waited until they were in the air before she broached the topic of his skill and prowess behind the controls. She wanted none of the other immortals to hear their conversation and cause her dear friend embarrassment in any way.

“So… I’ve been thinking…” Alex began, casting a glance and slight smile Rohan’s direction.

“Oh, that’s never good. When a lady says she’s been thinking,” he smirked teasingly at her. They both chuckled softly and Alex inclined her head in agreement.

“That can be true at times, I suppose. But this time, I think the direction of my thoughts is a good one,” Alex conceded, loving the relaxed smile on his face. It made broaching the topic so much easier, she thought.

“I’ve wondered lately, Rohan, how you feel about taking control of the different aircraft we all use. I know Heath teased you in London and New York about your piloting skills, and I’ve never seen you at the helm. Is there a reason? I promise, whatever you say will not be repeated, big brother,” Alex said gently.

He sighed heavily, and paused momentarily before he answered her.

“Alex, I will only admit this to you and no other,” he began and cast a wary glance her way.

“I swear, your words are safe with me. I won’t even tell Gaius, if you tell me not to share what we’re saying to one another.”

“No, I don’t doubt you, Alex,” he sighed again and raked a hand through his hair. “It’s just that I… I struggle when I try to take control of a helicopter or plane. Yeah, I want to be more proficient, but I lack the patience necessary to master the finer techniques and skills. And I’m not about to put anyone at risk, if I can’t safely transport them. I took lessons, like the rest of our brethren, but I just need a bit more practice, I guess. And you know how hard that is to come by, with everyone listening in or making comments.”

“Boy, don’t I?” Alex chuckled, and nodded her head. “Rohan, would you let me teach you? After all you’ve done for me, I would love to, if you’ll allow it.”

He looked over at her with a genuine, beautiful smile. She was struck by how young he appeared to be in such relaxed and unguarded moments. Finally, Rohan slowly nodded.

“I would be most grateful for your help,” he said quietly, and it was all the encouragement she needed.

“Let’s get started then,” Alex said firmly, furrowing her brow in concentration.

“Yes, ma’am,” Rohan agreed, his smile still confidently in place.

Alex immediately began to work with Rohan, as she successfully went over all of the onboard instruments and gauges with him. It seemed he already knew most of them, along with their function, so she focused primarily on the six Rohan had forgotten. Then, Alex cloaked and silenced the helicopter with her aura, enabling them to practice movements in the air, while the humans on the ground remained oblivious to their actions.

She slowed their approach to Oxford’s airport and hovered over an expanse of pasture before they reached the city. She brought Rohan’s consciousness into her mind, so that he could learn how to mimic her movements and use his aura to cushion the aircraft. With her patient instruction and the lack of an audience nearby, he quickly caught on.

Alex nodded her approval after forty minutes of dedicated practice, pleased with what she was witnessing.

“Rohan, I think you’re ready to land at the airport. What do you think?”

He reached over and patted her cheek. “Thank you, Alex, for your lesson. I think… Yes, I think I want to try. But with your help,” he qualified.

“I’m right here beside you, Rohan,” Alex softly reassured him.

But her smile widened as she lifted them higher, then removed her cloak. Alex kept her hands on the controls for back-up support, as she communicated with the control tower and allowed Rohan to land the S-92. There was no discernible bump as he gently lowered them to the marked helipad, and he turned and slowly nodded at her.

“Look at you,” Alex praised and smiled approvingly.

“We did well, didn’t we?” Rohan chuckled.

“I’d say,” Alex agreed. “We make a good team, big brother.” She winked at him, and then redirected his attention to all they had to accomplish within the machine before they could disembark.

Once finished, they secured their waiting vehicle and drove to the Manor House. They retrieved her parents, Jameason, Emily, and their three Labradors. Alex asked if the dogs could come along and her parents laughed, but agreed with her request.

Their return to the airport was swift; and once everyone was safely aboard, Alex used her aura to calm the animals. She asked them to lie down during the flight. All three stretched out on the carpeted floor straight away, and Alex scrubbed their heads in silent praise.

She continued to work with Rohan throughout the flight home, and she was greatly encouraged by how quickly he honed his technique and skill. Alex could see that all he had needed was a little time away from the ever-present, acute hearing of their brethren, to feel free enough to work through the areas in which he struggled. She told Rohan that she wanted him to help her take her family back to Oxford in a few days’ time, and also over to Aeoferth, so that they could continue to practice his piloting skills. Rohan gave her a rare, heart-stopping smile and told her he was looking forward to it.

 

Her family left the helicopter to find a warm welcome awaiting them. Gaius came forward first to hug and greet them all, and Alex noted how quickly his eyebrows rose in surprise when she came down the steps with the dogs at her side. Dudley immediately ran over to Gaius and barked his greeting, before he took off running with the other two to explore the new area. She giggled and saw a warm and inviting look come into her husband’s eyes as he gazed back at her. She smiled and made her way to his side, so they could introduce Emily to everyone.

Alex anchored an arm around Gaius’ waist and he encircled her shoulders with his, holding her snuggly against him. She grinned as the immortals and Jack all took turns welcoming her future sister-in-law to their gathering as they introduced themselves one at a time. Emily looked stunned, but overjoyed at the same time, from feeling so much love and power radiating from the collective group. Lady Juliana patted her back gently to help keep her steady through the new experience.

Finally, they made their way inside the castle and Alex noticed Heath moving in her direction. He gently pulled her to the side, but Alex could tell by the devilish gleam in his eyes that he wanted the inside story over her flight with Rohan.

“Alex,” he whispered, as he tried to suppress his grin, “please tell me how your flight lesson turned out. I could not believe my ears when Gaius told me who your co-pilot was.”

“Heath, stop it,” Alex chuckled, despite herself. She smiled knowingly, but shook her head, not wanting to betray Rohan’s confidence.

“Oh, come on. Just one encouraging remark? Give me something, please?” he played, grinning like a scoundrel now.

“You are so wrong, and you know it, Heath,” Alex fussed half-heartedly. “You will just have to wait and see. But trust me when I say, Rohan will be just fine under my care,” she politely told him.

Heath gently touched her cheek and lost all pretense of jesting. “Of that, I have no doubt, Alex.” They smiled at one another, and finally he gave her a wink before they moved to join the others.

 

The remainder of the day and the next were spent at Elysium, and Alex made time to bring Emily, Sabina, Ahadi, and her mother together in the library. She wanted the ladies to gather in the hope that Sabina could help guide Emily through some of her wedding preparations. Alex pulled out the four large photo albums Sabina had gifted her with after her return from Santorini, so that Emily could truly see and appreciate all that Sabina had helped to envision and bring to fruition.

Emily was amazed at the beauty and artistic design of the many areas which Sabina created for Alex and Gaius’ precious day. And though they had only just met, Emily tentatively asked Sabina if she would also help her. But Alex knew her dear friend well enough to know what the request would mean to Sabina, and she saw tears gather in Sabina’s eyes as she told Emily she would be honored to help.

Alex and Ahadi smiled warmly at one another, happy to see Emily feeling included. And it was just as important to Alex, for it signaled the success of her family’s plan to always remain in contact and in support of one another. Somehow, Alex told herself again, this was all going to work out for the best.

 

The following morning, Alex and Rohan piloted one of the S-92’s over to Aeoferth Hall with Gaius, her family, Jack, Sabina, Ahadi, Archimedes, John, Elrick, Iain, Heath, Nikolaj, and Benen all aboard. Alex mentally connected with Rohan so that their entire conversation remained private, and she saw him visibly relax when he knew no one else was listening to them. She gave him a detailed mental diagram to follow, and he used that as his guide to expertly pilot them across the short distance.

He had them gently on the ground in less than twenty minutes and Alex kissed Rohan’s cheek in silent praise of his rapidly improving technique. His smile was all the thanks she needed, and she helped him power down the machine and make it ready to leave for the day. When they exited the cockpit, all of their brethren gave Rohan a standing ovation and he narrowed his eyes at them.

“What?” he mumbled warily.

But Gaius moved forward and clasped his arm in a gesture Rohan knew to be genuine and warm.

“We are most proud of you, brother. That is all,” Gaius said and gave him a tender smile.

“Well… Thanks for that,” Rohan said gruffly.

“You’re most welcome,” Gaius chuckled and then slapped Rohan’s shoulder. “Come, let’s show Emily our home, now that you’ve brought us here.”

Rohan’s countenance relaxed even more and he drew in a deep breath as he nodded his agreement. Alex gave Gaius a wink, happy to see that his words had both reassured and calmed their dear friend. Alex was also grateful he had spoken up so soon. For Gaius had efficiently stopped any teasing comments from their brethren, which might have undone all she was trying to accomplish with Rohan during their flight lessons.

 

The day in its entirety was spent giving Emily a tour of the vast and expansive estate. There were always immortals coming and going at Aeoferth, and Emily was able to meet another twenty-four whom she had not previously met at Elysium. Like the other members of Alex’s family, she was stunned into silence by the beauty and resources contained within many of the castle’s large rooms. Her eyes were constantly drinking in the various scenes before her, and she marveled that Alex also called Aeoferth home from time to time.

During lunch, Emily took the seat to Alex’s left so they could talk about all she had seen thus far. Alex smiled as she listened to Emily’s exuberance and excitement spilling forth.

“Remember, Emily, during our future visits with one another, we can always select Aeoferth as a destination. It’s a place I intend to share with my family throughout the course of our lives. So, you and Wallace can also call it home, whenever you wish.”

Emily was stunned momentarily, but she recovered and leaned forward to hug Alex tightly. “Alex, thank you for trusting me with the truth of who and what you’ve really become. I will never betray that trust. I know that sharing this secret is not undertaken lightly, so thank you.”

“You’re going to be my sister now,” Alex grinned. “So of course we want you with us, in every way.”

“I like the sound of that,” Emily sighed.

Alex nodded her agreement. “So do I,” she said.

 

After lunch they walked to the stables, and Alex smiled at Emily’s excitement over the grand structure. She seemed much less nervous around the horses, and she admitted that she had begun to take riding lessons, hoping she could keep up with Wallace. Alex laughed loudly and told her that was almost an impossible task, but she was so delighted to see the two of them so happy and in support of one another.

As the day came to a close, they all flew back to Elysium, and Rohan mentally worked with Alex to bring them safely home. Alex glanced over at his rugged profile and smiled inwardly. He was normally so guarded and stoic, but in such moments as that, Alex saw Rohan completely let down his barriers and relax.

She wondered what made him keep his internal guard so entrenched, though she did not want to pry. Alex knew she could go into the halls of her mental Library, and see any memory she wished from Rohan’s past. As the guardian of the world’s past, present, and future, Alex alone out of all the Nephilim had access to such knowledge.

But Alex respected Rohan too much to do such a thing, and it went against her conscience to delve into another’s past without their consent. He had been there for her through thick and thin, and she knew she felt the same ferocious need to shelter and protect him, as she did any member of her family. So instead of looking to the past, she continued to learn about the remarkable man who would be her brother for the rest of her days, one experience and one moment at a time.

“When we leave for India in a few weeks, I want you up front on our Airbus with me. We’ll practice flying the jet together, so you can feel more at ease in it, too. What do you say?” Alex mentally asked him.

Rohan glanced over at her and then he offered her a slight nod. “I’d like that, Alex. And we’ll keep our conversation private there, too?”

“Of course,” she reassured him.

“It’s a plan then,” he whispered aloud and grazed her chin with his knuckles.