Chapter 23

 

 

Just as Alex had predicted, sleep was elusive that morning. Within the span of three hours, she was jarred awake no less than five times by the dark immortals’ past sins. Vile and debase moments crept to the forefront of Alex’s consciousness, and she awoke in a sheer panic while her mind remained locked in the scenes.

Gaius held her and soothed her, using his aura, words, and touch to bring her back. And as each memory surfaced, he helped Alex direct the scribes within her mental Library to seal the new scrolls away. It was a painful lesson for Alex, but she knew then that she would use more caution in the future and allow her brethren a more active role in any combat they faced.

For five days, the immortal ladies worked with the rescued group without end, counseling, soothing, and loving each to help restore their faith in their fellow man. Many were still deeply afraid, and Alex knew that it would take a long time for them to be ready or willing to extend themselves to another, after their trust had been so viciously torn asunder. Other women who lived or visited the shelter became a great source of guidance and inspiration, and the Nephilim always translated their words, so they could understand the messages of hope that were being directed their way.

Elizabeth and the other counselors, worked diligently under Nathan and Gaius’ guidance to place each young lady back in her home town or city. They arranged the proper resources for the women, guaranteeing them shelter, food, and continued emotional support, if they chose to leave New York. Alex helped with the effort, so she could learn how to orchestrate such a large scale intervention and rescue in the future. Sadly, she knew she would be called on to do such work many, many more times.

Most of the young ladies expressed a profound desire to go home. The immortals’ vast network of transportation and camouflage provided them with the means to see their desire accomplished, without question or interference from human authorities. And seeing such good come from their endless and unfathomable resources, made Alex so very thankful that her soul had planned for this work millennia ago.

Alex began to take shifts with Sabina, Ahadi, and Tomoko, and after the fifth day, they all decided they could come home to rest collectively and leave the human counselors in charge for a while. Sabina drove them back to Fifth Avenue, and they made their way into the kitchen to eat an early dinner before they showered and called it a night. Food was prepared and consumed quickly, then Alex headed upstairs and under the hot, healing stream of water to let her muscles relax.

She knew Gaius would be home soon, so she climbed under the covers to wait for him. But Alex was deeply asleep when he entered the room a little over an hour later. He smiled when he saw her, and quietly went into the bathroom to shower before he joined her. When he pulled back the covers he saw that she had not dressed, only snuggled down amongst the sheets and his breath caught slightly.

He tried not to wake her, feeling her fatigue flowing through her aura. It was the first day he had left her side at the women’s shelter, and the rest they had claimed together there over the last week had been fitful at best. But when he settled himself next to her, Alex opened her eyes and sighed.

She scooted closer and snuggled against his side. Alex laid her head on his shoulder and then she looked up into his eyes. She told him she loved him softly and he leaned down to kiss her before he vowed his love in return. But as soon as he drew back, Gaius saw her desire deepen in her gaze and he shook his head faintly.

“Sweetheart, I can feel that you need your rest,” he said quietly.

“But I need you more,” she countered and pulled his lips back to hers.

Gaius hesitated for a moment, then drew her body to his and rolled her beneath him. Alex closed her eyes as his lips began to gently caress their way across and down her body. She ran her fingers through his hair and murmured his name.

He continued to whisper his love and devotion, and she did in turn, until they finally became one. And then both sought to show their love to one another with as much tenderness and gentleness as possible. It was truly what she needed most after feeling so much hurt and anguish for the last few days.

Afterwards, they fell asleep in one another’s embrace. Alex clung to him, even in her slumber, letting Gaius remain her safe place and harbor through whatever challenges their paths encountered.

 

Alex awoke the following morning to the feeling of her back being lightly caressed, and she burrowed her nose deeper into Gaius’ chest, hoping that she did not have to rise just yet. She felt his chest rumble from his hushed laughter and she smiled against his skin, but kept her eyes closed. They continued to linger there for a while longer, until finally Gaius moved his hand from her back into her hair and began to massage his way through the mass trying to rouse her.

Eventually, Alexandria leaned her head back and looked up into his eyes, smiling lazily.

He chuckled again and whispered, “Good morning.”

“Hmmm,” she murmured. “Good morning.”

“Are you ready to get up and shower with me, love?”

“I’m trying to be ready,” she smiled, and kissed the skin above his heart.

He continued to laugh lightly at her dilemma. But finally he rolled away, and then leaned over the bed and lifted her in his arms.

Alex did laugh with him then, as he carried her into their bathroom and set her on her feet while he started the hot water stream. Soon, he had her under the flow and he began to wash her as Alex giggled and told him she could complete the task. He just shook his head and smiled mischievously at her while he leisurely caressed her body with a lathered cloth. Alex offered him a cheeky grin in return.

Before long, both were bathed and dressed for the day. Gaius gathered her hand in his and led Alex over to the Whitney home for breakfast. She was growing accustomed to taking her meals there, due to the home’s larger dining room.

Alex noticed that Gaius glanced down at her several times as they made their way over and grinned the youthful smile she so loved. She just chuckled and grinned back at him, wondering what was on his mind, but not looking into his thoughts to glean understanding. He gently squeezed her fingers, then brought her hand up to his lips and lightly kissed her skin before they walked in to take their seats and eat.

Alex angled her head at him, now truly perplexed over his behavior. But she jumped from shock within the next breath, as she turned her face in the direction of her family who were loudly calling out, “Happy birthday!”

Her right hand quickly covered her mouth as she tried to stifle the startled yelp that almost escaped. Gaius released her hand so Alex could move forward into the outstretched arms of her mother and father, who had flown over a week earlier than Alex was expecting them in the hopes of surprising their daughter. Jameason stepped to their side next and took his turn hugging Alex tightly once her parents released her.

Alex was smiling with them, but she gasped again as her brothers moved from behind several immortals and came forward to secure their hugs. She knew then to look around for Emily and Helen, and found them walking towards her from the back of the room. She embraced them, then turned to shake her head at Gaius.

Wallace immediately noticed the expression on her face and Gaius’ face splitting grin. “Don’t tell me that you actually forgot your own birthday?” he asked her incredulously.

Alex glanced back at her brother and slowly nodded her head, confirming that it had indeed slipped her mind. His eyebrows rose while he laughed loudly.

“Well that’s not like you. What has you so distracted that could cause you to forget the special day?” he teased. But Wallace noticed her smile immediately disappear and he put an arm back around Alex’s shoulders. “Tell us what’s happened, Alex. I can see something of gravity has taken place since we last talked on the phone,” Wallace said, in a more sincere voice.

“Alright,” Alex sighed, and gestured for them to take a seat.

Once everyone was settled, she began to recount how they had rescued so many who were being forcibly held in deplorable and inhuman conditions within the warehouse. She tried not to dwell on the worst moments of the rescue, and instead described the incredible good that had come from the raid and how the women were now physically healed. She felt a slow smile begin to reappear on her lips, as she told her family of the Nephilim’s efforts to see any and all returned to their homes.

“I am so very proud you, Alex,” Lady Juliana said, as she took Alex’s left hand in her right. “I’m in absolute awe of my daughter.”

“I’m just the person my family taught me to be,” Alex said, and then shrugged her shoulders.

And to that statement, everyone within the large room nodded and began to laugh lightly.

“I cannot believe you’re all here,” Alex said in wonder.

“Well, why not?” Conner chuckled. “Didn’t you recently land a helicopter on my front lawn to do the same?”

“Yes, I suppose I did,” she said indulgently.

Alex let her eyes roam over the room, taking in the gentle and loving smiles on everyone’s face. As she had acknowledged to herself many times now: there was support at every turn. She glanced to her right and smiled at Gaius.

“Thank you for this,” she said softly, then leaned over and kissed him.

He cupped her face and held Alex to him for a moment, as light laughter continued to circulate around them. Then he released her, winking as he straightened in his seat.

The Groabans enjoyed a filling breakfast with the Nephilim, Jack, Elizabeth, and Lauren, talking about what good works had been accomplished over the last several weeks in New York. Alexandria, Gaius, and Jack wanted an update on Jameason’s well-being, as did all the immortals in the room.

“I can assure you, that I feel much stronger and more vibrant than I have in ages. In fact, I don’t recall feeling as energetic or healthy within the last thirty years, as I do now. Believe me, I know what a gift you all bestowed on me when you and the angels came to my rescue,” Jameason said, smiling down the table at Alex.

“We wouldn’t have had it any other way, Jameason,” Alex said quietly. “Wallace, Emily, why don’t you tell us about your honeymoon,” she said as she tried to steer her mind away from maudlin thoughts.

Alex silently sent her aura flowing over her sister-in-law when she noticed the intense blush on Emily’s skin. But Emily leaned into Wallace, and they began to recount their week and a half long trip to the Seychelles. It had been Alex and Gaius’ wedding gift to the two, to pay for the journey and stay at any location their hearts desired. And she was happy to hear that they had so enjoyed the time away together as they began their marriage.

After the meal, Gaius and Alex led her family on a tour of all three residences, and she learned that some of her brethren had volunteered to share rooms using inflatable beds, so her mortal family members each had a room of their own during the visit. Alex was greatly touched by their selflessness, and she sent her gratitude out on the currents of her aura.

They ended the tour in the library across from Alex and Gaius’ bedroom, and Gaius gestured to the sofas and chairs within the large, but cozy space. Alex patted the couch’s cushion on her left, and Jameason took it without further invitation. Her parents and Helen settled themselves on the sofa opposite Alex, while Gaius and her brothers moved chairs closer. They created an intimate circle before Gaius moved to take the cushion on Alex’s right.

Alex was still in awe of the surprise they had orchestrated, and she took just a moment to soak up the scene before her. She leaned into Gaius’ shoulder briefly, before he lifted his left arm and settled her against his side. He began to gently caress her arm with his palm and aura.

“You have to tell me how you all managed the time away from work. I still can’t believe you’re all here.” Alex shook her head slightly.

To that question, everyone began to laugh lightly, and it was Wallace who explained.

“It’s not as hard as you might think anymore, Alex. Once we all agreed to Gaius’ suggestion to move the visit up, a few of the Nephilim who’d formally guarded over us during the threat with Rangor, stepped in to employ their powers of suggestion. They helped us all take a few extra days off from work.”

Alex gasped and put a hand over her mouth in reaction to his statement.

“Don’t worry so much,” said Conner, laughing softly at her facial expression. “We’re happy to have the help. I don’t think I have to remind you, how very precious our time together is for the next two and a half years.”

Alex felt her eyes cloud at Conner’s words, and she rose from the sofa to hug her brother tightly before she reclaimed her seat. Gaius sent more of his aura flowing over Alex to reassure her. His power conveyed their happiness as well, as they all sought to truly surprise her.

She patted his knee as Lady Juliana began to recount how they had all been flown aboard the immortals’ helicopters or smaller planes into London. They then boarded a Nephilim Airbus, and were flown to New York by Titus and Evander. Alex had noticed them at breakfast, but had not talked with either immortal outside of the shared meal yet.

“Well, I have to know,” said Wallace, smirking at Gaius, “is Titus a close relative? Because it seems as though you two have a lot in common.”

Alex and Gaius laughed loudly at the question.

“No, Wallace, he’s not a relative. Titus is also of Roman decent, but several hundreds of years younger than I am,” Gaius chuckled, and shook his head at his brother-in-law.

“Trust me, Gaius is far more patient than Titus has ever learned to be,” Alex said, thinking to herself how like Iain, Titus could be at times from her vast store of memories. “Do you all need to sleep after such a long journey?” she asked, but they shook their heads.

“No. The plane’s sofas all let out to make beds and the chairs reclined, so we slept through the night as we flew across the Atlantic,” said Helen. “In fact, after that excursion, I never want to fly commercial again,” she added, chuckling at her own words.

“You never have to again, if you don’t want to,” Alex smiled. “We’ll all take good care of you through the years.”

“I like the sound of that offer,” smiled Conner, and Alex grinned back at him as their mother began to speak.

“If it’s alright with everyone, I propose we ride along with Alex and Gaius to whatever center or shelter they were planning to work in today. Then, perhaps, we can come home in the afternoon and rest briefly before we enjoy a birthday dinner with her,” suggested Lady Juliana.

“We would love nothing more, Mother,” Alex agreed. “I was actually planning on working at the center for military personnel today alongside Gaius and Jack, before I return to the women’s shelter tomorrow. I need to spend a day at a different center, just to have an emotional break. But it’s important to me to continue working with the thirty-four ladies. So, one day is all I’ll spend away from them,” she explained.

“I’m so glad those initial two ladies found their way to your shelter. What a remarkable occurrence for them, without a knowledge of the city or the language,” Lady Juliana mused.

“Yes, I agree,” Alex nodded. “I honestly think Ganymede had a little something to do with that, because he knew I was working at the shelter that day. He’s not said anything, but I have a feeling that they had an angel watching over them as they escaped.”

“I think your feeling is correct, sweetheart,” Gaius agreed sagely. “It wouldn’t be the first time he’s steered innocents in your direction.”

“Wow,” Helen breathed. “Just… Wow!”

“I know it’s a lot to take in, Helen,” Alex smiled sympathetically. “But we’re all real, I promise.”

“No, it’s not that I doubt you’re real, Alex. It’s just that one hears about angels and demons, but no one expects to meet one. Ever,” she said and shrugged. “I mean, look at you. When you keep all of your Light hidden away, you all look perfectly normal. How is anyone supposed to know when they meet a person, if they’re talking to a human or an angel?”

“Maybe you are not supposed to know, Helen,” Gaius answered her with an indulgent smile. “Perhaps humanity would be kinder to one another if they always had it in the back of their mind that a stranger was, in fact, an angel or one of the Lord’s emissaries. Perhaps the world would be a gentler place, if we all had that mindset.”

“You’re right, Gaius. It would be, without a doubt,” Helen agreed.

“And on that note, let’s all refresh ourselves and see the Nephilim at work for a change. I, for one, want to see my daughter and son-in-law in action, so to speak,” Lady Juliana said, and garnered another round of light laughter at her gentle command.

“Yes, Mother,” Alex smiled.

Lady Juliana stood then and soon everyone rose to follow her. While they were filing out of the room, Alex hung back and asked her brothers, Emily, and Helen to wait with her for just a moment. Gaius paused in the doorway to listen to what his wife was about to share.

Once their parents and Jameason were out of earshot, Alex tried to suppress her smile as she imparted a small bit of information she thought critical before everyone moved into their own room. She looked to her brothers first.

“Wallace, Conner, I should remind you that the Nephilim’s senses are far superior to those of mortals, thus our hearing is exceptionally keen.” She did chuckle then when she turned her eyes to Helen and then Emily. “I’m just cautioning you all to take care in what you might allow the others to overhear during your visit,” Alex advised them, and pressed her lips together to suppress her smile.

All three ladies blushed, but the men laughed loudly before they could restrain themselves.

“Thanks for the advice, Alex. Your point is understood and taken well under advisement, kiddo,” laughed Wallace, as he put an arm around Alex’s shoulders and drew her close.

Alex laughed with him, and leaned up to kiss Wallace’s cheek before she moved forward to take Gaius’ hand in hers. Gaius led her into their bedroom for a few moments before they began their day. She paused by the bed and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

“Oh, Gaius, thank you so much for bringing my family here. I don’t have the words to say how much I appreciate this surprise. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had!” she whispered against his heart.

“The day has just begun, sweetheart,” Gaius chuckled softly, and hugged her a little tighter. “There is more to come.”

He kissed the top of her head and laid his cheek against her hair. Alex smiled when she heard him inhale deeply, and then she drew in a breath too, just to savor the moment. Her mother wanted to see her in the field, and Alex couldn’t be happier to show her what it really meant to be a Nephilim.

 

Many of the immortals joined Alex and her family that day at the military center, and she constantly took notice of how much they all loved to interact with the Groabans and Jameason. It reminded Alex of the reverence and admiration she had witnessed directed towards her loved ones before her wedding to Gaius.

And Archimedes had since confided in her that all who attended the ceremony at Aeoferth Hall had made some comment or reflected on the high esteem and genuine respect held within the Nephilim’s hearts for the mortals who had loved, safeguarded, and shaped Alexandria into the person she was. Her family’s love had helped to sustain her until she could rejoin them, and not one among the immortals would ever forget that. It gave her such peace of mind and heart to know that there were many in the world who would always help her protect her family, no matter what challenges they faced in the future.

Throughout the morning, Alex, Gaius, and Jack led her family in the physical therapy rooms within the facility. Alex had worked with Justin many times, as well as a Marine named Lydia and an Army Sergeant named Keri. Like Justin, both ladies had lost a lower limb to roadside bombs and were working towards regaining their independence with artificial legs. Alex introduced the three to her family and watched as they shook hands.

“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you two, but you’ve got one tough, strong little sister,” Justin smiled, as he chatted with Wallace and Conner.

“Believe me, we know full well the strength that’s contained within her,” answered Conner, with obvious pride on his face.

“Justin, are you ready for our walk?” Alex asked, trying to redirect him.

“More than ready,” he laughed, and gave her a wide grin.

Alex rolled her eyes at him playfully. Then she sobered and began to help Justin secure his lightweight, carbon fiber legs while he continued to talk with her brothers.

“I have to say, if it weren’t for this center, I wouldn’t have my running legs. My insurance coverage didn’t want me upgrading to the higher-priced model, and I fought the red tape for quite a while. But now, I’m not too far away from taking a short jog around the block, I think,” Justin said, chuckling to himself.

“That’s remarkable, Justin,” Conner said in true respect and admiration.

“Alright, you. Quit stalling and get up.” Alex pretended to scold him, but only received his mischievous laughter in return for her empty rebuke.

“She likes me,” Justin said playfully to her brothers, before he stopped his banter and focused on the business at hand.

Each attempt and journey was a little more successful for him day by day, and Justin walked on the treadmill with her for a while before he moved over to a circuit taped on the floor around the room for small treks. Alex stayed right beside him, holding his one, remaining hand, rather than his chest as he worked towards maintaining his balance on his own. She whispered her praise and Justin squeezed her fingers as he continued along the path.

Afterwards, Alex lightly massaged the area where the artificial limbs joined the remaining part of his legs. She used her aura to take away the pain and tenderness that he experienced there. Emily and Helen sat beside them, chatting with them both.

“You know, this is the hardest part for me,” Justin said to the two ladies.

“Why, Justin? I would think the massage would feel good after the prosthetic limb comes off,” questioned Emily, honestly perplexed by his words.

“Oh no, Emily,” warned Alex. “Don’t encourage him.”

But Justin began to laugh in anticipation of his answer. He glanced conspiratorially at Emily and leaned a little closer to her.

“For the simple reason that I know I can’t let out the loud groan that’s always just on the edge of my lips when she works the soreness away. Because, you see, Gaius is constantly somewhere in the room with us. And I don’t think he wants to hear that come from me, while she’s working her magic,” he said in mock seriousness.

“You’re incorrigible,” Alex sighed. She shook her head at him, while he, Emily, and Helen laughed together. Her eyes drifted over to where Gaius was working with another young man, and he winked at her before he looked away.

Justin moved over to work with his prosthetic arm at another station next, and Alex brought Helen and Emily along to walk with Lydia and Keri. Eventually, Alex worked alongside her parents and Jameason where soldiers were honing their fine motor movements with artificial hands. Dexterity was imperative for their independence, and Alex smiled at her family as they helped each person they were partnered with.

Gaius let them know when it was time to move to the dining hall, and he and Alexandria showed them how they served the others first before they ate. Her family needed no further invitation and quickly filed into the line, helping to feed everyone who came into the room. Only when the guests were fed, did they prepare a portion for themselves and take a seat.

As they ate together, many of the soldiers began to talk with Alex’s family in an effort to learn more about them. She noticed that Nathan, Elizabeth, and Lauren all listened with rapt attention too, and Alex looked at Gaius to see if he was taking note of everyone’s focus on her loved ones. He winked at her and smiled in answer to her silent question.

The remainder of their afternoon was spent touring the center and helping in other capacities, but Alex did not bring her family to any of the therapy groups offered there. She felt that they had already shared in the knowledge and the grief of what she had faced in December and January, and because they were moving forward as a family, revisiting the sad memories would only dampen the happiness they were all currently experiencing. So, the rest of the day was spent lifting the spirits and addressing the physical needs of others.