Chapter 15

 

 

The following week, Alex found herself at the Vlychada marina once again, and this time she knew what lay in store for her. The day after her mortal family and Jack had taken their leave, a large group of the Nephilim arrived for a holiday all their own and to see the new Santorini home. Jack was bound for Georgia to tell his family of his career change, while those from the India mission and many from around Europe flew in. The immortals either moved in to Gaius and Alex’s home, or one of the several nearby estates which Gaius had rented for the influx of friends.

At the onset of their holiday, the Nephilim had taken small excursions around the island, just as the Groabans had with Alex. They even visited the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, so Alex could see the site with many auras supporting her as the island’s violent past called to her mind. A few nights were spent out at dinner. And, not surprisingly, Elrick and Iain were able to coax the others to agree with their plan to go dancing after dinner in the capital city of Fira.

But when it came time to enjoy the Fuga once again, they were taken to the yacht by the same pilot who had ferried her family. Within a few cycles, the gentleman had everyone aboard.

Alex noted four smaller sailboats anchored near the large yacht this time, and Gaius told her they were rented for additional space and excursions for whoever wanted them during their time together. When she recognized one as the same Bavaria sailing yacht they had used during their honeymoon, she turned back to search his eyes. His knowing smile and wink was enough of a promise to her that they would get to personally take the ship out again.

Rohan and Benen took over control of the Fuga, while Nikolaj, Conleth, Gaius, and Ahadi moved aboard the sailboats to head east and then north alongside the larger vessel. Alex went with Gaius aboard the smaller ship and leaned against his chest as he directed them through the currents. After witnessing him bring all of their luggage aboard, Alex knew that they would also spend their nights in the privacy of their own boat.

Once out of the sight of mortals, those days became true bliss for the Nephilim gathered there to relax and unwind. They ate their meals together aboard the large yacht and played on the jetskis, in the ocean, or in the pool. A few movies were viewed in the Fuga’s theatre room, and Alex stayed throughout one with many explosions, snuggled into Gaius’ side. He continuously stroked her arm that night to reassure her, and she remained anchored there, letting his aura soothe her as nothing else could.

 

On their fourth day at sea, Alex discovered that the ship offered a high diving platform that she had previously not noticed. Iain and Elrick were the first two to dive from the full height of the yacht into the Aegean Sea, making the effort look simple and graceful. Alex looked down and was unsure she could jump from the yacht’s uppermost deck, but Nikolaj and Benen went next promising her that it was really quite easy and safe. She saw Thomas and Conleth take their turns, rotating end over end before they broke the water’s surface below.

Gaius watched the entire exchange as their brethren sought to reassure her. He moved to stand beside her and gently caressed Alex’s back.

“Alex, you do not have to dive, if you do not want to, love,” he told her.

“Are you planning to jump?” she asked, looking up into his eyes.

“I am,” he smiled. “I’ll go first and wait for you below if you decide you want to make the attempt. But there is no pressure; only jump if you want to.”

She backed up and took in his every movement, as Gaius gracefully bounced on the board twice and propelled himself higher in the air. His body rolled over, and he completed three rotations before he extended his long frame and broke the surface below. Alex felt her breath catch from the control and beauty of the form she had just witnessed him execute before her eyes. The dive was more graceful and masterful than she had ever seen any Olympic diver produce.

And he was her husband, Alex told herself, feeling a warm smile spread across her face. Hers and no others.

“Alex, you can do this,” Rohan encouraged her. He stepped to her side and draped his arm around her shoulders. “It’s no different from lifting off of a horse, and you’ve done that several times now.”

“I can do this,” she echoed him, as she tried to will the last bit of courage she would need into her legs in order to move her body forward.

Rohan leaned a little closer and whispered directly into her ear, “Anyone who could wrap an entire S-92 in her aura and cloak it, just so I could learn how to fly the thing, can take a dive off of this ship. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I think so too,” Alex chuckled and looked into her immortal brother’s eyes.

“Good,” he nodded once. “So get going, before I toss you off the boat.”

Alex arched an eyebrow at him in surprise, but Rohan was laughing and shaking his head. “I’m only kidding, and you know that. Now, go,” he prompted again.

Alex stepped onto the board and thought about the many times she had used the wind to lift and rotate her body. She asked it to come to her again and cushion her effort, as she moved to the end of the platform. Ahadi and Heath encouraged her as she began to bounce. Alex’s feet left the diving board after three high springs and she tucked her hands behind her legs, rotating again and again as she headed towards the water’s surface.

But when she straightened her body out, Alex asked the wind to lift her again. She soared back up, then turned over and made her way gracefully into the ocean from half the distance of the original dive. Her hands hit the water first and then she felt the salt water envelop her. She laughed internally as her eyes came open and she swam back up to where Gaius and their friends were treading water.

He was grinning from ear to ear, and he shook his head at her as he leaned in to kiss her and touch his cheek to hers.

“How was that? A fair effort, don’t you think?” Alex asked, as she laughed aloud.

“I’ve never seen such an impressive first attempt, love,” he said, still smiling.

“I want another go!” Alex giggled, then kissed him in return.

“Oh, man! She’s hooked,” Iain laughed over Alex’s exuberance.

A loud splash sounded just over her shoulder as Rohan hit the water, and Alex glanced back to see his head break the surface.

“See? Nothing to it,” Rohan chuckled.

“Nope, nothing,” Alex played back.

“Lead the way back, Alex, and we’ll try it again,” Gaius said, as he gestured towards the Fuga.

“With pleasure,” she said and then broke away in a rapid sprint to the yacht.

Diving became the focus of the next two hours, as one immortal after another tried to rotate or twist more so than the last soul off of the board. And Alex found that she loved the sensation of lifting with the wind above the water’s surface. It was like nothing she had yet experienced.

When the fun was winding down, Gaius lifted her in his arms and walked to the end of the platform. Alex kept her hands around his neck and she readied herself for the leap.

“You know I trust you completely, don’t you?” she said cheekily.

“Oh, yes,” he smiled.

His eyes stayed fixed on Alex’s, as he began to jump on the platform. Alex felt Gaius bounce them quite high, and then they left the ship together. She squealed as he rotated them over twice before he used the wind to slow their decent. They hovered briefly, then they were below the water. His arm stayed around her waist as his other pulled them back to the surface.

As soon as her head was above the water, Alex put an arm around Gaius’ neck and drew him in for an all-consuming kiss. She felt him laughing against her, but she did not pull back. Finally, he was able to lift his head and look into her eyes.

“Come. Swim to the sailboat with me,” he coaxed.

“I’ll race you home,” she teased.

His eyebrows rose, but his playful smile was still in place as they began to move in unison across the water.

Their smaller ship was not far away, and Alex made it to the ladder first. She laughed as she grabbed a towel from a chair where she had left it. But Gaius was right behind her, and when he lifted Alex over his shoulder, she squealed again as he took them below deck. Alex knew that their friends had heard her yell, but she did not care as her laughter came forth in full.

Gaius’ hands began to travel over her body, and she squirmed over his shoulder from the ticklish places he was caressing. She heard his laughter in response to hers, and finally he lowered her down in front of himself and captured her lips with his own. Alex sighed then and entirely let go in their loving embrace.

 

They took the small dinghy from their sailboat over to the yacht for dinner a few hours later. It was their last night at sea, and Alex was so reluctant to see their time there come to an end. She could not remember feeling as at peace and relaxed as she was in the moment. And as she listened to the others while they ate and talked, Alex finally decided to voice her true desire aloud.

“Would it, perhaps, be possible for us to stay another day?” she asked, and saw the warm smiles that met her request. “I know we have mission work starting up soon on Holy Island, but is it feasible to keep the ship for another day or two before we fly north?”

Gaius put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead, before he turned back to the group.

“Well, I would like nothing more. I think the idea is a splendid one, Alex,” Archimedes said in support of her request.

“I agree. One more day would be lovely,” John replied, echoing the sentiment.

But it was Rohan who left her speechless with his comment.

“It’s our yacht, after all. So why shouldn’t we stay aboard one more day and enjoy the time together?” he asked with a shrug.

Alex fell silent and she momentarily had trouble processing Rohan’s words. Her eyes slowly came back to meet Gaius’ and Alex found she could not quite close her mouth, so shocked was she. Rohan began to laugh softly, and held a hand up to Gaius as a means of apology.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to let the ship’s ownership slip,” he said, still chuckling.

Elrick shot him an exasperated look, but Alex missed it. She could only stare at her husband.

Gaius finally took pity on her and put a finger under her chin to close her open mouth. His hand moved to cup her cheek and he drew her in for a brief kiss. Alex found her voice then, and she turned to look at Rohan.

“Why do we need such a vessel? I mean, I know that we own many large ships on which we transport relief supplies around the globe, but I don’t understand why such a personal expenditure was made,” Alex asked, truly perplexed.

“Alex,” Rohan sighed, “there are many Nephilim throughout the world who use the various modes of transportation we own. And it’s a hell of a lot easier to gather and spend time with each other, when there are no questions to be answered. I promise, it’s just a tiny drop in the ocean of what we have. And besides, it was your soul who made it all possible.”

Alex could only stare at him in response, feeling suddenly so out of her depth.

“Why don’t I call the marina after dinner and make sure we can keep the smaller sailboats for an extra day? If that works out, we’ll remain at sea. How does that sound?” Gaius interjected.

Alex nodded slowly, but remained quiet throughout the rest of the meal. She felt as though the rug had just been pulled out from under her, and she had no more words to offer to their conversation. Instead, she looked down at her plate and watched her fork push her remaining food around.

When they had cleaned their place settings away, Alex saw Gaius take his mobile out to place the call to the marina. She quietly left the room and walked up to the yacht’s third level. There was a large lounge area on that level’s deck, and she moved over to the railing and leaned against it, looking down over the floating mansion on the sea. She was feeling pensive and honestly guilty, and though Alex tried to shake off the mood, she found she could not.

After several minutes, she felt Gaius’ aura approaching, but she did not leave the place where she stood. His hand settled on her back, and he leaned against the railing to her left. He said nothing, only gently caressed her between her shoulder blades and looked out over the ship with her.

Finally, Alex stood straighter and looked over at his face. Gaius slowly turned his head to meet her gaze. She sighed and shook her head, feeling emotion well in her eyes. He stood then and gently pulled Alex into his arms. She buried her head against his heart as he leisurely continued to stroke her back.

“We have too much, Gaius,” Alex whispered tremulously.

Gaius propped his chin atop her head and rocked her, waiting to see if she would say more before he spoke. But Alex remained quiet and finally he broke through the silence. He pulled back to look into her eyes, but kept his arms locked around her body to comfort and warm her. He lifted a palm for a moment to smooth the moisture on her cheeks away, then returned it behind her back.

“Alexandria, it is true that we have many blessings and unending resources to call upon. And Rohan’s words at dinner were also true, that it was your soul’s foresight, thousands of years before any other Nephilim came into this world, which laid the financial path we all adhere to, to this very day. There is no shortage of relief we can offer, no innocent we cannot help, when help is needed most. And in your plan, you also specifically designated funds for the Nephilim’s homes, transportation, and well-being,” he calmly began to explain to her.

Gaius moved a hand back to her cheek and gently caressed her face as he said, “After many centuries on this earth a long life, can at times, begin to wear on a soul. Your soul experienced that, Alex, before the rest of us were ever born, walking the earth for so long on your own. And because your soul understood that we would need to form and strengthen our bonds together, nurturing one another along the way, you always advocated homes and transportation which allowed us to congregate and fellowship with one another out of the prying eyes of the mortal world.”

“We could most certainly have individual flats in London or New York for example, but we choose to follow your instructions still. We purchase or build homes that can house many of us at any given time,” he said, and smiled tenderly.

“Sweetheart, the balance I have been laying out for us since our wedding is part of that plan as well. Imagine for just a moment, what emotional toll it might possibly take if you were to stay engaged in situations like the ones we had to battle our way out of in December and January. Imagine also what the constant transfer of human pain and suffering for hundreds upon hundreds of years, with no relief or respite, might feel like.”

That thought did give her pause, and he watched her eyes intently as she digested the information he was giving her.

“There is no way I could live every day for centuries, as we had to while we were battling Rangor or the dark immortals he sent our way,” she whispered vehemently.

“Indeed, you could not. Nor could you endure the pain of healing broken, battered, and abused bodies day after day without the sorrow overtaking you. It would be too much to bear, Alex,” he said, echoing her thoughts.

“Remember, if you will, our brethren’s reactions when we returned to Aeoferth Hall after our honeymoon. And do you also remember what we said to one another, as we mentally communicated over dinner? That you had indeed been missed?” She nodded as he continued. “Alexandria, the other immortals have undeniably been affected by all that you had to endure as you returned to the fold. And they crave time with you, just as much as I do,” he continued, knowing he was gaining ground.

“This is why I have planned so many opportunities for us to work and fellowship alongside our loved ones. Our time together is just as important as the time you spend with your human family, and the time we dedicate to the healing and restoration of mortals in need,” Gaius explained.

“Because, my love, it is these family ties which bring our hearts and souls comfort, after they’ve been in the proximity of such death and heartache. It is necessary, sweetheart, and your soul’s plan from millennia ago has ensured that we will always have the means to be with one another and remain well provided for. Just as we do for the many innocents we endeavor to rescue day after day,” he said softly, and smiled tenderly at her.

At his last words, Alex began to let some of the guilt and anxiety go. Gaius watched her shoulders lower slightly. He leaned forward and gently kissed her, as his palm continued to caress her face. When he lifted his head, he asked Alex a question that truly hit home.

“Alex, do you recall Helen’s comment, when she said that she could not imagine how long one would have to save the funds necessary to purchase an island home as we have?”

Gaius paused, as she mulled the words over in her mind. Then he whispered, “What if you had forever?” And he saw her eyes finally soften in acceptance.

Alex slowly nodded her understanding and agreement, and he smiled once more before he lowered his head to meet her lips with his again. Alex moved her arms under his and hugged Gaius to her body, while they gently held each other. He moved his lips over to her ear and then below it to the sensitive place she always responded to. Gaius chuckled softly when he felt her shiver against him, before moving his lips back to hers.

“Would you like to go down and join the others for a while? I think they have gathered in the first deck’s large living area.” He lifted his head and smiled down at her.

“Yes, I want to spend some more time with them. And thank you for helping me again, Gaius, as I make my way through the challenges and changes that are still before me. I’ve still so much to learn and come to terms with,” Alex said solemnly.

“And I will always be here for you, to help you through it all,” he answered her softly.

“One challenge at a time, huh?” Alex asked, feeling a more relaxed smile grace her lips.

“Yes, my love. One challenge at a time,” he smiled in return.

“Just… Next time, tell me, okay?” Alex pressed. “I didn’t like hearing about the ship’s ownership from Rohan and not you.”

“You’re right, my love. I should have told you. And I will disclose all future holdings to you, I promise,” he said, as he tried to keep a straight face while she gave him an exasperated look in return.

“It’s not funny,” she fussed and lightly swatted his chest.

Gaius captured her hand and raised it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles and then each fingertip as his eyes bore into hers.

“You’re doing that on purpose,” Alex said a little more breathlessly than she had intended.

“Doing what?” he asked innocently.

“Distracting me.”

“And is it working?” he played.

“You know it is,” she said as her lips finally pulled up into a smile.

“Hmmm, I love you,” he said sincerely, losing all pretense of jesting.

“And I love you,” she replied. Alex cupped his cheek and pulled him back down for another kiss. She kept him there a bit longer before they joined the others.

 

When they entered the large open-air den, Alex saw some of the immortals seated on sofas and chairs chatting, others playing card games around tables, and a few reading to themselves. But everyone remained in the same space, soaking up the love and camaraderie. She smiled and looked up into Gaius’ eyes, and he winked at her in answer to her observation.

He brought Alex over to a cluster of sofas where Sabina, Ahadi, John, Archimedes, and Rohan were talking and asked her to sit on the floor in front of him. Gaius handed her a large pillow and then took his place behind her, positioning Alex between his legs. He slowly started to massage her shoulders and back as they joined the conversation, still hoping to ease any lingering tension she felt.

Almost twenty minutes later, Alex felt as though she was made of warm, molten metal after having his aura pour over her muscles so continuously. She leaned her head back to look up into his eyes and told him to swap places with her. He inclined his head and did as she asked.

She had him settled before her quickly, and sent her aura traveling deep into his back. Alex felt him mentally calling her, and she removed her internal armor to hear him whisper that he was having a difficult time not groaning aloud. Alex chuckled under her breath and continued to relax him.

 

They remained at sea an additional day, and Alex let any reservations or guilt leave her, so that each and every moment spent with her immortal family was not overshadowed by negative thoughts or emotions. She and Gaius played on a jetski for a while with a group, then swam in the sea. They climbed the yacht’s ladder and then spent time eating and swimming in the pool with the others.

She fell asleep in his arms late that afternoon on a wide lounger. Gaius held her to his side and lowered his voice, so he would not wake Alex while she rested. Soon, the contentment flowing off of her aura called to his, and he felt himself drift off too. Their friends quickly noticed the sleeping pair. Everyone found a smile on their lips, as each acknowledged that two whom they loved so much, were happy and at peace after all they had been through.

No one disturbed them until it was time for dinner, and then it was Sabina who gently called to their minds to rouse them.

Gaius stirred first, and looked around to find that they were alone and night had descended while they slumbered together. He smiled and began to trail his fingers through Alex’s hair, as he liked to do, and soon she stretched and opened her eyes. He brushed his lips across hers and told Alex it was time for their evening meal, as she leaned in to prolong the kiss. She felt him smile against her lips, but he did not pull away until she raised her head.

They left the lounger and slid on a top layer of clothing over their swimsuits before they made their way inside. Alex led their blessing that night, and she spoke of how very humbled and grateful she was for all her many blessings. And of her thankfulness for her large, extended family which the Lord had brought into her life.

 

They remained on the Fuga for several hours after dinner, continuing their time with the others. Alex remembered her thoughts months ago at Aeoferth, regarding her interactions with the Nephilim, and Gaius’ words the night before. The immortals were a part of her mission work as well, and she could clearly feel their auras reaching towards her to make contact, as though they did not want her far from their side that evening.

So when Iain, Elrick, and Nikolaj invited her into a card game, Alex agreed to join them. She soon realized it was a game that she had no experience with, but they each reassured Alex they would help her learn. She shrugged and decided to try. Before long, it was she who was in charge of the table.

“I’m just thankful we’re playing without chips,” chuckled Iain, as he scrubbed his hand through his thick, blonde hair. “Because I swear, Alex, you would own our houses.”

Alex laughed loudly at his inflated comment and patted Iain’s hand.

“No, Alex, I assure you, you’re holding your own very well. Iain is quite right, lass,” said Elrick, shaking his head at the clear advantage she had gained.

“Are you sure you’ve never played this before?” Nikolaj asked in disbelief.

“No, never,” Alex chuckled.

“Good grief,” Nikolaj sighed, and then looked to Elrick. “I fold.”

“Me too,” Iain grinned and placed his cards on the table.

“Elrick?” Alex asked, but he also shook his head and tossed his cards down.

“Well, that was fun, right?” Alex asked a little too brightly.

The three men met her hopeful expression with level stares, but their attempt to look serious only made Alex bellow with laughter. Soon they had all dissolved into laughter, drawing the focus of everyone within the room. Alex sighed as she pushed away from the table and then rose. But not before she playfully ruffled Iain’s hair.

When it was clear the game was at an end, Benen strode over to take her place. Alex thanked them for the lesson, and then moved to sit on Gaius’ lap where he sat reclining in a chair. She remained there the rest of the evening until it was time for them to go back to their sailboat and sleep. They bid everyone goodnight and boarded a small dinghy.

Once aboard, Alex told Gaius she wanted a shower before she slept and he came with her to wash her back and hair. Alex sighed as his aura danced across her scalp, then she did the same for him before they washed their bodies. She leaned into his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist as the soothing warm water cascaded over her. It was a luxurious feeling, Alex thought, to soak up the warmth from both sources.

Gaius eventually turned the water stream off and led them out of the shower. He gathered her hand in his when he knew they were both dry and ready to sleep, and then pulled her under the sheets with him. Alex snuggled next to his side and let the rhythm of the sea and his heartbeat lull her.

She was almost asleep when she felt him turn and match his lips to hers. She ran her hands into his hair and held Gaius to her, happy to delay their sleep for a while longer.

 

They moved all of their boats south and then west the following morning, and then transferred the additional vessels to the marina. Gaius told Alex that Evander was actually coming to pilot the Fuga to Italy where he and another group of Nephilim were going to take it out into the Mediterranean Sea for a few weeks.

She was so glad to hear that one who had guarded over her human family during the tumultuous days at the beginning of the year was going to enjoy the yacht. Alex smiled as she told him she was happy to hear the plan. And he was pleased to hear that she was making her peace with their material possessions, and no longer focusing on the perceived excess of it all.