Chapter 12

 

 

At the end of their fourth week in India, Gaius came in a separate car to retrieve Alex from the children’s sanctuary where she was working that day with the other immortal ladies. She angled her head at him, but knew the look on his face well enough to know that he had some sort of surprise planned for her. He was smiling so broadly, that she found herself chuckling as she took her seat in the sedan before he closed her door.

“Tell me about your day with the children, my love,” Gaius asked, as he took her hand in his while he drove them through the New Delhi traffic.

Alex leaned back against the leather seat’s headrest and closed her eyes as she recounted the lessons she had led throughout the morning, and her interaction with the girls in the center’s art room after lunch. She was smiling wistfully when she felt the car slow, and she reopened her eyes to see a familiar drive come into view.

Alex said no more then, as she let her head slowly roll to the side and gazed at her husband’s striking profile. When he pulled to a stop below the glass topped porte-cochere, and she saw the two massive, white stone elephants acting as support columns, Alex knew he had brought them to the Leela Palace once again. Gaius raised her hand to his lips and gently brushed them against her knuckles, before he released her and left his seat.

He walked to Alex’s side and opened her door, as an attendant came forward to help them with the luggage Gaius had packed for their brief getaway. A valet approached next and drove their car away, as Gaius tucked Alex’s arm in the bend of his elbow and led her to the front desk. She looked around the familiar, ornate lobby, while he secured their room’s key.

She smiled to herself, as she acknowledged just how far she had come in such a short amount of time. The last time they had traversed the halls of the luxury hotel, her body had been breaking down at an alarming rate, and it was all she could do to hold on. The pain had been indescribable and Alex had fought her own internal war to hold her tongue and not cry out Ganymede’s name for deliverance.

“We’re checked in now,” Gaius said softly as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Come with me,” he invited her, then led Alex in the direction of the elevator.

Once they arrived at their door, Alex saw that they were in the Royal Suite again, and she smiled while Gaius tipped the young attendant for his help. Slowly, he closed the door behind him, and Alex bit her lower lip as she watched him gracefully move to stand before her.

“All alone?” she asked playfully.

“Utterly and completely,” he replied.

Gaius lifted one hand and gently cupped her face. They stared at one another for a moment before smiles began to spread across their faces. Alex chuckled slightly as he drew her lips to his and she melted into his embrace. She quickly put all thoughts, other than loving him, to the side.

A few hours later, they ordered dinner through room service. They sat as close as they could at the table within the suite, leaning into each other and talking while they ate. Once they were finished, Gaius stood and pulled Alex to her feet and then led her out to the private plunge pool that she had so appreciated during their initial visit. They helped each other remove the robes they were wearing, and then they let the water envelope their bodies.

Alex sighed a deep sound of contentment and floated on her back for a while, enjoying the weightlessness the water provided. Eventually, she swam back to Gaius and laced her arms behind his neck. She tenderly kissed him, then leaned away slightly to see his face.

“Thank you, sweetheart, for this wonderful surprise. It’s not that I don’t love our brethren, but the privacy with you is much appreciated,” Alex said softly, as she trailed a hand through his damp hair.

“You are most welcome, my love,” he chuckled, his youthful smile in full evidence. “And you don’t have to explain your need for time away from the others. I need it just as much as you do, Alex. It’s important for us to have such moments alone.”

“Hmmm, I couldn’t agree more,” Alex whispered. “Come here,” she added and then settled her lips fully on his. She felt the rumble of laughter in his chest as he brought her to his body and met her need with his own.

 

They remained at the luxury hotel throughout the weekend, and not once did they leave their suite. Alex felt as if they had experienced another small honeymoon, and she voiced her thought aloud Sunday evening as she lay cuddled to his side. Gaius’ hand was slowly trailing through her hair and she heard him hum softly in agreement. She chuckled and kissed his chest, then closed her eyes and said her prayers of thanksgiving once again for her many blessings.

Gaius woke Alex a little earlier the next morning, so they could love one another again before they had to leave the solitude they had so enjoyed, in the small respite he had orchestrated. Once he knew she was fully awake, he held her and pledged his unending love as they brought utter contentment to each other. Eventually, they made their way to the shower and ate breakfast before he drove them back to the community center where they would work together that day.

They arrived shortly after the others and were immediately put to work, but Alex was glad that she was still able to stay close to Gaius’ side as they began their morning. The day was spent counseling youth who had left their homes and had no clear direction for their future. Alex found that she loved this aspect of their service, because she could feel the almost immediate result of her effort with some of the teenagers who were so close to her age.

Most desired a path that provided them with safety, met their basic needs, and gave them hope for a better future. And with the Nephilim’s resources available to them through the center, Alex was able to help give each young adult a safe haven to shelter their bodies, while they worked towards finding education or training that would enable them to become self-sufficient in the future.

Rohan brushed his knuckles under her chin as Alex walked by him after lunch, and she looked up to see him smiling at her. Alex nodded at her dear friend and continued on her way as she, Gaius, and Jack joined Iain, Ahadi, and Elrick to play basketball with a group of the center’s teenagers. Alex laughed at their exuberance, though she knew she was about to be at a clear disadvantage.

“You guys, take it easy on me. I’ve never really played this game,” Alex said with a shrug.

One eighteen year old young man, named Baibhav, smiled at those around him and stepped forward. “I promise you, Alex, that I will look out for you. Come play on my team.”

Several laughed softly at his bold invitation, and Alex could not help but chuckle too. She looked over her shoulder at Gaius and saw his wide smile and his nod, so she accepted the offer and joined the center’s team. As they enjoyed the fellowship and easy camaraderie they had established with the teens, Alex found herself in awe and wonder of her immortal brethren.

Each would occasionally sink the ball in the basket and they made their effort look convincing, but the human players always stayed slightly in the lead. And with Baibhav’s instruction, Alex found that she could sink the ball every time they passed it her way. When the game concluded, Alex’s team won by two baskets and it was enough of a lead to make the teenagers celebrate their victory as a genuine win.

Their day concluded with a group session, which brought everyone together in a large circle to share whatever parts of their personal journeys or stories they felt compelled to divulge. Alex sat between a young girl of seventeen and Gaius, listening and letting her aura travel around the room. When a fifteen year old boy, named Layak, told of his desire to see himself free from the nightmares that still kept him awake at night, stemming from the abusive home he had fled, Alex nodded in understanding.

He caught her motion and angled his head at her. “I see your agreement, Alexandria, but do you really understand?” Layak questioned her.

Alex saw all eyes turn in her direction, and she knew it was a moment she would never have faced before returning to the Nephilim. She fled the spotlight during her youth. But she also acknowledged that she was on a different path now, one that placed her in the lives of innocents who would need her honesty and not her hesitation.

So, Alex smiled warmly at the young man and she bared her soul.

“Layak, I can honestly tell you that, though I have not experienced abuse from my family, I have from the hands of another within the past six months. And I can relate to the nightmares which come when one least expects them.”

She reached over and took Gaius’ hand in hers and squeezed his fingers lightly. “I can also share, that I have been shot and had several attempts made on my life recently, too.” She saw every teen’s eyes widen at her statement.

Alex actually chuckled at herself for a moment and then she nodded to the group before her.

“It’s true. My life has gone from one of hiding quietly from the unknown, to boldly facing any and all challenges that life might possibly throw my way in the last half year. And I am all the better for it. I have learned, that through great adversity - strength, honor, and courage can rise up. Through the Lord’s guidance and grace, I have been blessed with those qualities when I needed them most. And I’ve found those traits in the souls He has placed within my life, too.”

Alex angled her head at the young man as she spoke her next words. “All of those struggles are what brought me to this center on this day, and I think my journey has made me into a better servant and steward to my fellow man. So, I must take the bad with the good. And I must learn and grow from it. And, Layak, if you are anything like me, it will make you even stronger than you were before.”

Layak slowly stood and walked towards Alex, and she relinquished Gaius’ hand to meet him half way. They hugged one another and she gently rocked the young man as she patted his back and sent her aura directly to him. He pulled away slightly and smiled at Alex, as his eyes searched hers for the strength he had just heard in her words. Layak found it in abundance, and he hugged her once more before he released Alex and reclaimed his seat.

Alex sat back in her chair and listened as others shared more of their stories after hearing her honest retelling. Gaius gently took her hand again and laced his fingers between hers. She could feel his love and pride surge forth from his aura, and Alex squeezed his fingers in response of the support he so freely offered.

 

The immortals and Jack stayed well into the evening, enjoying the fellowship amongst the teens, until they finally pulled themselves away to return to Isha’s home for dinner. She was waiting for them with food prepared, and she smiled and embraced each as they made their way to her table. Their spirits and auras were radiating pure joy and Isha asked them to tell her of their day.

“We had a very good day with the youth at the center, Isha. Although, our team lost a basketball match to Alex and her players,” Iain laughed softly and grinned at Alex.

Isha raised her eyebrows and looked in Alex’s direction. Everyone shared a laugh, smiling over the devilish look playing on Alex’s face.

“I quite enjoyed the game, having never played it before,” Alex conceded. Then she looked over at Iain and pursed her lips playfully at him. “I think, though, that we need a basketball goal at Aeoferth Hall, so I can see what the game really looks like when you’re not holding back.”

“I promise you, that I will personally set one up the next time we’re at the castle,” Iain smiled down at her, as their friends’ laughter grew.

 

During their last week in New Delhi, the immortal men and Jack told Alex that they had a small excursion planned one evening after she and the ladies returned home. They all wore wide grins, but would give no details away. Each lady was asked to change into something she did not mind getting dirty and be ready in twenty minutes to depart. Alex arched an eyebrow at Gaius, but he shook his head in denial of her silent plea for information. She shrugged and moved in the direction of their bedroom to freshen herself and change.

Soon they were all driving through the streets, headed out of the suburbs and further away from the busy city. Alex was seated in the back of their sedan between Gaius and Jack, and both had smiles still plastered across their faces. She knew that she could easily read their thoughts, but Alex did not want to spoil their surprise. So, she smiled along with them and leaned into Gaius’ side.

But soon the suspense gave way to a happy gasp, when Alex read the sign hanging over the drive Rohan turned in to. She sat up in her seat and beamed with excitement as everyone in the car laughed from her joy. Alex turned and hugged Gaius tightly, and he chuckled as he patted her back and then kissed her cheek.

When all of their sedans came to a stop, one and all exited to enjoy a night at the nearby tiger preserve. A guide came forward to lead them in, and Jack grinned over the jubilant expression he saw on Alex’s face.

“Jack, would you like to pet a tiger with me?” she asked, as she looped her free arm through his. She saw his hesitation, and waited for him to make up his mind.

Finally, he inhaled and said, “I’ll agree, Alex, only if you, Gaius, and Rohan are all there beside me for the attempt. I like having all of my limbs attached and working properly.”

“I promise, you will always be safe by my side,” Alex vowed seriously.

“Of that, I have no doubt,” Jack smiled, his dimple firmly in place.

They ate dinner there that night and then toured an area where the tigers were allowed to roam free within a large parcel of land set aside for their habitat. Poachers were still a problem, even within the sanctuary, but the rangers did their best to safeguard the endangered species inside their boundaries.

Elrick, Benen, and Nikolaj asked their guides to quietly sit for a few moments and take a nap, and Alex watched as one and all mutely complied. Though she fussed at each of her immortal brothers, she was secretly happy that she might have the chance to touch an animal before they took their leave. Elrick just waved her objections away and grinned as the men fell asleep.

Gaius looked down at Alex as he laced his fingers through hers. “Alex, call them from the forest now.”

She glanced back at him questioningly, sure that the other immortals would summon the tigers.

“I assure you, love, this is something your soul has done many times through your aura. You can do this, Alex. This is a privilege that only our kind has been gifted with, for we are entrusted to never endanger the Lord’s creatures, whether great or small. Let your heart guide you, and give it a try,” he said encouragingly.

“Okay,” she said tentatively, and then turned her gaze to the trees beyond.

Alex’s aura surged forth and she directed it to travel in a large swirling arc across the land before her. She breathed deeply and sent out her love, respect, and request for the animals’ company, as well as her promise that no harm would come to them under her care. Alex willed her aura to go further, and she felt it dip and turn through small valleys and over trees for many kilometers in all directions.

Her power revealed every nuance of the landscape to her. Alex grew to learn the forest’s topography like the back of her hand as her aura gently caressed the land. Several minutes later, Alex sensed the first contact between her energy and the untamed power of the great felines as they began their approach to the fence.

“They’re coming,” Alex whispered in awe.

“Yes, they are,” Gaius said proudly. He glanced at Rohan over the top of her head and then to Jack. He saw the same look of delight that he knew was reflected in his own gaze, as Alex relearned a talent which had laid dormant within her for many years.

One after another they came, until there were fourteen walking towards the line of fencing. The tigers were well spaced apart, and Alex knew under normal circumstances they would never be so close to one another. She asked her aura to stay with those before her, and to calm and soothe them so that no skirmishes erupted.

Gaius took her hand in his and nodded. “Fly with me,” he intoned. With a gentle push off the ground, gravity released them and they effortlessly lifted over the fence and stood before the powerful gathering of apex creatures.

Alex felt all of her brethren follow them, and glanced over to find Jack between Rohan and Iain. He nodded tentatively, and she gave him a wide smile as she slowly moved forward. As she had when first she touched a tiger, Alex spoke aloud and began to circulate her aura gently to and fro.

And as she intoned her wish for contact and peace between her brethren and the magnificent animals, a large male moved forward first. Alex took two steps in his direction with her palms out.

“I’ll not hurt you. Never would I do such a thing. Feel and know that I am His, just as you are. Come to me and be at peace,” she coaxed soothingly.

He growled slightly, but within moments he inched forward and she had her hands on his massive head. Alex gently caressed him with her aura and fingers.

“Jack, come here,” Alex called softly.

Gaius, Rohan, and Iain all came with him and they used their auras to further bring peace to the animal.

“I trust you with my life, Alex. And I most assuredly am tonight,” Jack sighed playfully and shook his head.

“He knows not to hurt us. Come on,” Alex chuckled and then extended her hand to him. Jack lost all pretense of jesting and did not hesitate to clasp her palm between his.

“How do we do this?” Jack asked softly.

“Just like this,” Alex whispered with a smile.

She laced her fingers with Jack’s initially, so that each pass of his hand was supported by her aura. Again and again their hands trailed through his fur. Eventually, she released him and concentrated her fingers on the tiger’s scalp while Jack moved his hands along the animal’s back and sides.

“Oh, my word!” Jack muttered quietly in awe. “This is amazing.”

“Yes, it is,” Gaius grinned and scrubbed the tiger’s ear.

Alex glanced around and found a few of her brethren around each tiger within the area. Her smile widened from the peace and happiness she felt radiating from each soul’s aura that night. What a gift they had been entrusted with indeed, she thought.

When she sensed it was nearing their time to leave, Alex slowly knelt before the large male and hugged him. His head came to rest on her shoulder, and she heard Jack’s sharp intake of breath as he noticed what she was doing. She could feel Gaius’ hand on the back of her hair, ready to stop the great animal in case he decided to strike out.

But Alex’s aura was still dominating the space and so she leaned her head into the tiger’s, speaking her thanks and gratitude aloud. She felt a slight purr emanate from his throat, and then she gradually stood and kissed his head before she took her leave.

Rohan and Iain both placed hands on Jack’s arms, and each Nephilim left the ground at the same moment. They soundlessly moved over the fence and Alex sent her love and hope for their continued safety to each tiger through her aura. She bade them to leave the area in peace, so that none were injured in such close proximity to one another. Alex’s aura continued to gently glide and blanket the terrain, as one after another turned and melted away into the brush before their eyes, until none were visible.

When she felt that they had all moved away from one another safely, Alex exhaled deeply and called her aura back home to her soul. The Celestial waves reversed themselves, and the tides returned. Alex became aware of Gaius’ hand then, gently caressing slow circles across her shoulder blades and she smiled up at him.

“I am so proud of you,” he whispered.

“Thank you,” she said sincerely. “For this gift and for the entire night.”

Then Alex turned to look at Jack. He was gazing at the forest before him with awe and wonder still painted across his face, just as she saw on all of her brethren’s countenances. Alex reached over and took Jack’s hand in hers. He looked down at her and slowly nodded his head.

He found his voice then, though it sounded hushed at first. “Alex, I never imagined that I would place my hands on such a wild and formidable animal in all my days. But I’m truly humbled and so very grateful for what we were just a part of. I’m just… Stunned, I guess,” Jack smiled crookedly and shrugged his shoulders, out of words to describe what he was feeling.

Alex released his hand and drew Jack into a hug. “I’m so very grateful, too. Grateful for our many blessings and to have one such as you as my friend for all your days. I’m glad you’re still here with us, Jack. With me,” she qualified.

“’Till the end, right?” Jack chuckled, and kissed Alex’s hair before he released her.

“Until the end,” Alex said solemnly.

 

Their last two days there were emotional for Alex, because she had formed such an attachment to so many in India and she did not want to leave them behind. Gaius, Isha, and Sabina helped her greatly, as they counseled Alex and gave her specific memories from the past to recall, so she could see how her soul had dealt with such separation from humans in centuries past.

Alex learned that each of the moments she had spent with those she had come to love, did indeed cause small ripples in a much larger ocean. For the love, kindness, and compassion she had shared, had surely left a mark on many hearts and minds.

She chose to spend her last day at the children’s sanctuary. After almost six weeks, many of the girls had grown used to Gaius, Rohan, and Jack sitting off to the side of the large gathering room when the immortal ladies were present. Alex had made it a point throughout her time there to sit close to Gaius when she could, in the hopes the children would see he posed no threat and that she felt completely safe with him. So on that last day, she asked the three men to come with her as she said good-bye.

In their final hour with the girls, Isha led a story time, and Alex took the seat between Gaius and Rohan. Alex watched Inayat continuously glance her way as the first story was told, and when a teacher began a second story, the child gave up her struggle and left her chair. Alex chuckled softly as the five year old walked in a direct line to her with her arms outstretched. When Inayat reached her, she scooped the child up onto her lap.

Alex hugged her gently and told Inayat she loved her, then allowed the child to assume the position she was most comfortable with. As she normally did, Inayat settled her back against Alex’s chest and began to twirl Alex’s golden hair around her left hand as her right thumb went into her mouth. Alex rocked her gently and listened to the story with the little girl. But rather than stay there, she surprised them all by turning and holding her hands out to Gaius as the third story began to be read aloud.

Gaius schooled his face well and hid his surprise as he reached for the young child. He settled her on his lap and she lay back against his chest, just as she did most often with Alex. She reached up and snagged a lock of Gaius’ hair from his shoulder and began to twirl it absentmindedly.

Alex and Gaius held one another’s gaze for a moment, acknowledging the milestone the abused child had just reached. Alex extended a hand in Inayat’s direction, so she could still hold to Alex with her free hand and know she was safe while she was so physically close to Gaius. Her little fingers played with Alex’s as they listened to the tale being read aloud.

Alex noted that almost every young girl within the gathering room had immediately noticed Inayat asking to be held, and the transfer from Alex’s lap to Gaius’. And many did not turn back to the story, but continued to watch what was transpiring off to the side of the space.

“Isha,” Alex began, as she mentally connected with her friend, “is this alright, or is it too much for so many young, injured souls to witness?”

“Alexandria, what is transpiring is more than alright,” Isha replied through their private connection. “The children know you to be a trustworthy and non-threatening soul, and that your husband has, thus far, displayed the same traits in abundance. Let Inayat’s desire play out, Alex. For it is showing many of the girls, that there is still hope for healing and reconciliation. And,” Isha added, “that it is alright to trust a man again.”

“I understand,” Alex said, and smiled at the scene before her.

She continued to hold the child’s hand in hers while Inayat sat quietly. After several minutes, Inayat released her hold on his hair and resumed sucking her thumb. But she remained in Gaius’ lap for the rest of the story-telling hour.

When it was time for them to leave, Alex reminded Inayat that though she was leaving her for a little while, she would write her letters that Isha would read to her. And, she added, that she would be back sometime during the next year to visit with her again.

All of the girls knew that Alex and some in her party were departing, and that the others were leaving the following week, but Alex sought to reassure her little heart as best she could. She reached over and smoothed the child’s hair back, and Inayat finally left Gaius’ lap to hug Alex and say farewell.

Alex held Inayat’s hand as they rose and walked amongst the other children together, so Alex could say good-bye and share her aura with the girls. Each youthful face held such promise and hope, and Alex sent her love and optimism for their futures through her power as it circulated throughout the space. Many of the girls initiated a hug, and Alex was more than happy to give them her affection as they indicated they so desired it. And after one last loving hug with Inayat, Alex and her friends bade the children’s sanctuary farewell and took their leave.

 

Dinner that night was a joyous affair. They celebrated their time together and Alex felt her spirits greatly lifted by her extended family. Many times she had to pause and raise her napkin to wipe happy tears from her eyes, because her laughter brought them forth in abundance.

When the table was finally cleared, Alex, Gaius, Jack, and Sabina walked with Isha in her garden and talked about all that they had experienced over the past six weeks together. Alex expressed her gratitude again for the opportunity to share her gifts and the chance to continue to grow in her new path.

Isha moved to Alex’s side and draped an arm around her waist to draw her closer.

“Alexandria, I must praise you for your bravery and the selflessness that it took to join the Nephilim once again. Yes, there are certain aspects of a mortal life that are no longer available to you, but you have also gained much by embracing immortality. You’re more blessed now than you were before, if such a thing can be comprehended by the mind. And I must say, that we can all clearly see the Lord has great works in store for you, in this lifetime,” Isha admitted.

“Thank you, Isha,” Alex said softly, as she blushed. Alex stopped walking along the path to hug her dear friend. “I know I’ve much to learn about this life still, but each day brings a bit more clarity and insight. And with loved ones such as you in my life, I’m navigating this new road well, I think.”

“I think so too, sister,” Isha said, and smiled at Gaius over Alex’s shoulder. She knew that his unwavering support and love were truly what was helping Alex find her way amongst the Nephilim.

After several more turns throughout the tranquil garden, Isha bade them all restful slumber and they each departed into their own room.

Alex and Gaius packed the remainder of their clothes and items, and then showered together before coming to lie beside one another. As soon as he was next to her, Alex rolled over and placed her palm alongside his cheek. Her smile completely lit up her face and eyes, and Gaius could not help but smile in return.

“Gaius, I could not believe what happened tonight at the shelter. When Inayat asked to sit on your lap, I was speechless. But I was also so happy for her, that she felt comfortable enough to do that. I mentally asked Isha if it was alright, and she assured me it was just fine,” Alex gushed, her words hurriedly pouring from her lips.

Gaius slowly nodded his head against his pillow. “I know, sweetheart. I felt the same way. I was also taken completely by surprise when her little arms reached out in my direction. But I felt amazed and humbled, too, that she would trust me and reach for me.”

“It was beautiful, wasn’t it?” Alex asked, smiling broadly still.

“Absolutely, my love,” he agreed.

They both laughed quietly from the joy and hope that was blooming in their hearts from the child’s progress. Alex slowly caressed Gaius’ face, as she stared into his blue and green eyes.

“I am such a blessed lady to have this life and you,” she whispered.

He chuckled softly and whispered his familiar words, “Come here,” to her, unable to wait to embrace her any longer. Alex laughed as she moved closer and brought her lips up to meet his. Her aura enveloped him as her own arms did, and she sighed as their love carried her away for a time.