Chapter 25

 

 

When morning dawned, Alex yawned heavily against Gaius’ chest. He was lightly stroking her back to wake her gently, but he smiled as he acknowledged he was still a bit tired, too.

“I’m sorry I kept us awake so much throughout the night,” he whispered, but she only laughed softly.

“You don’t hear me complaining, so you need not apologize. I need five more minutes though, Gaius,” she mumbled.

“You have it, love,” he whispered back, and smiled contentedly.

He continued to lovingly caress her shoulders, then a path down her spine, and heard her breathing change almost immediately. Gaius let her doze for another ten minutes, then he began to wake Alex again.

She resisted, but eventually his touch was too much of a pull and she resurfaced from her dreams. Alex kissed his chest and told him she was trying, only to hear his light laughter in response. She mumbled that he was a rascal and his laughter grew, but she kissed him again before she started to move away, headed for the shower.

She stumbled into the stall and his hands reached out quickly to catch her, pulling her against his body so she wouldn’t fall over. Alex kept her eyes closed while the water poured down over them, but eventually she willed them to open so she could wash her body. Gaius could not help the mischievous grin that spread across his face as he finished his bath then began to wash her hair, hoping to help Alex through her battle to wake. She yawned loudly while he turned her and rinsed the lather away, kissing her cheek as he did.

After many minutes they were clean, dry, and dressed. He took her hand in his and led her downstairs, then over to the neighboring home for breakfast. She quietly took her place next to where her parents were already seated, and leaned over to embrace her mother. Lady Juliana caught one glimpse of Alexandria’s eyes, and she had to purse her lips so she would not laugh aloud. Instead, she smoothed Alex’s hair back and kissed her cheek, before she helped her right herself in the chair.

Gaius took his seat to her right and placed his arm over the back of her chair, so he could still touch Alex in some way. She leaned back, craving the contact just as much as he. Alex continued to fight her fatigue as John offered a blessing and food was passed their way. She began to call on her aura, and soon she was beginning to feel alert and awake at last.

She looked across the table to see Rohan shaking his head at her and Alex arched an eyebrow in his direction, causing his laughter to come forth. Gaius began to chuckle with him, so she lightly swatted his chest.

“Stop it,” she scolded. “Both of you.”

“What’s funny?” Wallace asked, watching Alex’s blush spread.

Alex shook her head in denial. “Ignore them,” she said dryly, but it only made Rohan and Gaius laugh a little louder. Alex gave them both an exasperated look, and shook her head at their inability to rein it in.

Finally, after her plate was cleared, she took her place setting and Gaius’ and made her way down to the kitchen, happy to leave the teasing behind. Once they were loaded into a dishwasher, she went back upstairs to retrieve her parents’ and Jameason’s plates and utensils. Rohan took one look at her and began to laugh softly again, so she picked up the nearest napkin and tossed it at him as she left the room a second time. She could hear more laughter in her wake, but she ignored them all.

Alex went about cleaning the kitchen to help move them along faster. She and the other ladies were returning to the women’s shelter that day, and she wanted to depart as soon as the rest of the group was finished eating. It was not long before Alex felt auras moving in her direction, and she took the last few plates and flatware handed to her, and then started the dishwashers.

She and Sabina gathered the ladies in Alex’s family, and counseled them before they drove across the city to the shelter. Alexandria explained what they might hear and see, and that they would have to be very strong while working with the rescued souls. Sabina said that though they were getting better each day, their road to recovery was just beginning and it would take time, dedicated love, and counseling to help rebuild the trust they had lost.

Lady Juliana nodded her head once with conviction and asked Alexandria to lead the way. Alex smiled and then escorted them out to the SUVs. Gaius was only a few steps behind her, as he led the Groaban men to vehicles. They were to contribute at a homeless shelter that day alongside him and some of the other Nephilim.

“I love you,” Alex said, turning towards him when he reached her side. “I’ll see you later this evening, sweetheart.”

Gaius gathered her in his arms and kissed Alex deeply before he released her to drive. He heard her chuckle, but he held her for another moment and rested his forehead against hers before he found the willpower to release her. Alex kissed his cheek and then moved into the driver’s seat of the Escalade.

While she was navigating the traffic, she heard her mother begin to laugh softly. Alex glanced over in her direction and shook her head.

“Not you, too,” Alex sighed, as she finally began to laugh along.

“I’m happy, Alex, to see my daughter so fulfilled,” Lady Juliana said, and patted her hand.

“I can assure you, Mother, that I have never been so content in all my days. And I know I don’t have to remind you, that my soul has seen quite a few,” Alex said jokingly.

“Alexandria’s words are true, Lady Juliana,” Sabina interjected from the back row of the SUV. “Many of our kind have commented on the sheer joy radiating from Alex’s aura now, and it brings us all such peace in return.”

Alex glanced up in the rearview mirror to meet Sabina’s eyes. She winked, and then continued to concentrate on the traffic before her.

Soon, they were at the shelter, and Elizabeth came out to greet them. They made their way to the facility’s office first, and Alex asked for an update on the plans to return the majority of the young women to their homes.

“Ah, we’re now within days of taking the first group back over to Europe,” Elizabeth told Alex, as she pulled up the roster on her computer so they could see who was leaving first. “I know they’re relieved we’re so close to the flight out. Though, understandably, they are scared too. Scared to explain to their families what went on here. But the Nephilim in Europe will help with that effort as well.”

Elizabeth showed them the list of ladies who were scheduled to leave on the second flight out, saying that the four not on either list wanted to remain in New York for a while longer.

“It’s very encouraging news to see them headed for home so soon,” Alex smiled and gently rubbed Elizabeth’s arm.

“All of the young ladies will be given shelter if they need it, and counseling through one of the Nephilim’s centers in whatever country they call home. So they are not going to be alone in their recovery,” Alex stated, as she turned towards her mother, Emily, and Helen. They inclined their heads in understanding.

They left Elizabeth’s office and walked back to the large gathering room where most of the women were still resting. Alex’s aura surged of its own accord and bathed the room in peace, love, and comfort before she had ever opened the door. Once inside, Sabina and Alexandria moved forward to relieve Ahadi and Tomoko, and the immortal ladies hugged each other as they changed out the guard.

Throughout the day, all of the women had the opportunity to talk, cry, or pray with Alex and her loved ones. Whatever support the young ladies needed or wanted, they were given unconditionally. Alex and Sabina translated each woman’s words, and once they learned Lady Juliana was Alex’s mother, many wanted to tell her that it was her daughter who had broken the locks and opened the doors of their imprisonment.

After lunch, Alex and Sabina led those who wanted to participate in a large group session. Women from both continents came together and shared their stories. So much strength and camaraderie was shared amongst the ladies, and Alex kept her power heavy and thick across the shelter throughout the day. Only when Ahadi and Tomoko returned did Alex prepare to take her family from the center. They said goodnight to the ladies and to Elizabeth, and then began to make their way outside.

But as soon as Alex stepped out of the shelter’s doors, she felt the energy of dark immortals approaching. She felt the waves of malevolent intent drawing closer, and her focus changed instantaneously for the coming threat. She locked eyes with Sabina, as everything came into clear focus. All of her senses heightened and her power began to arc away from her body in heavy waves.

Alex knew what was about to happen, and it was the last place she wanted her mother, Emily or Helen. It was all of her worst nightmares made real, and there was not a thing she could do to stop it.

“Sabina, take my family inside and lock the doors, please,” Alex said in a calm and steady voice that belied her internal storm. She unsheathed her sword and heard it sing in her palm as it left its scabbard.

“Alex?” Lady Juliana asked, though Sabina shook her head.

“Not now, Juliana,” Sabina said determinedly. “You must all come with me. This instant,” she added.

Lady Juliana nodded, though she was hard pressed to take her eyes off Alex and the change that had overtaken her. Sabina immediately redirected them back within the building, far away from the entrance, while Alex blanketed the shelter completely in her aura. Alex commanded her power to protect and defend all of the innocents inside, and felt the shield thicken within the next breath. She could hear Sabina inside calling Gaius on her mobile, and Alex asked her aura to hide her away as she moved forward.

She sent her mind far and wide looking for the approaching danger, and she found three who were moving across rooftops two blocks over to the west. Alex willed the wind to lift her and she soared upwards without delay. She silently landed on the roof of the building next to the center, putting herself directly between the encroaching threat, and those whom she was sworn to defend. Alex asked her aura to reveal her to the dark ones who were so determined to cause pain and injury, because she wanted the children of the Fallen to know that they were going no further than where she stood.

Alex saw them as they bounded in her direction, and she asked the Lord to be with her and strengthen her for what was to come, knowing she could never fail as long as He was with her. She felt a substantial surge pass through her soul, and the Light was building both within her and across the shielding she had placed over the shelter.

Her confidence grew as they landed on the rooftop with her. Alex’s hands wrapped tightly against the hilt of her sword, and she lifted it ever so slightly as she angled her head at the three.

“Why ever have you all come to this particular place, at this time of day, I wonder?” Alex asked, as she studied their faces.

One she remembered as Garren spoke to her first, while he steadily inched forward.

“I do believe, Alexandria, that you have a few things which belong to us. And we intend to take them back,” Garren threatened, as he lowered his voice in a menacing tone.

Alex shook her head at him sadly, and pursed her lips in disgust.

“The women behind me are no more things than your human mothers were. And I think it’s time you all remembered that,” Alex compelled them, as her aura surged in their direction. And though she knew what it would cost her, she let her Light touch each of their bodies and minds, hoping to reach a dark one this time, before she had to end them.

She heard their screams as their hate and sins were turned inward, and she willed them to remember those who had given them life. As the scenes of torment and debauchery they had caused filtered through their minds, Alex witnessed it all with them, while her power stayed in contact with each of the three. She moved forward as her Light surged onward, driving them to their knees.

“It’s not pleasant to see and feel it all, is it? To remember the centuries of pain you caused and willed into being? But you don’t have to anymore if you’d consider, even for one moment, what a life outside the darkness might mean for you. Will you take His Light into your soul and repent, while you still have time?” Alex asked them slowly and deliberately.

“Go to Hell, you little imposter!” Austhen seethed at her, from his position on the left of their formation.

“Believe me, Austhen, Hell is not a place even you want to visit. Are you not willing to meet me half way?” she pressed.

“Oh, I’ll meet you, all right,” he retorted. “Lower this barrier between us, and then you’ll see that my blade can meet yours quite effectively. Or are you too afraid now that Gaius isn’t here for you to hide behind?”

Alex shook her head while she sent more Light forth. When none answered her that they were ready to embrace a different path, Alex readied herself for the worst. She stepped forward and swung her pure Inonya sword. She felled Austhen without further delay, then she turned to the next.

She asked again, and was told in no uncertain terms what she could do to herself by another named Laiyott. Alex narrowed her eyes and took the head of the second.

Alex came to a stop before Garren and watched him writhing under the pain and weight of his own misdeeds. Her aura swirled and undulated around his body, preventing him from rising or fleeing.

“I’m asking only this one final time, Garren. Are you ready to embrace the Light, and the side of all that is good and right? Leave the pain you caused these poor women behind? There is another way, you know?” Alex asked him with steel in her voice.

“Join you? I think not,” he sneered derisively. “Just you wait, little girl. Your time is coming. You think we’re the only ones who don’t want you here? You truly are in for a rude awakening!” he spat at her.

“What are you talking about?” Alex asked, not liking the self-assured tone he had used, as though he was privy to a great secret which she had no knowledge of. One that centered on her.

Garren laughed wholeheartedly, though he grimaced in the next instant as Alex’s Light began to singe his clothing and exposed skin.

“Did you honestly just ask me what’s coming your way?!” he shouted with renewed laughter. “How in the hell are you their leader, if you’re so incompetent and naive? You’re nothing but a shadow of what Arianna was!”

Alex searched his eyes as he sneered derisively at her.

“I have nothing to say to you, other than you’ll find out, sooner or later. You’ve got forever now, right? Well, so do we.” He smiled surreptitiously. “And we can be patient when the reward is great. Mark my words, child, you will be cut low. No one wants you here, and you will not find another amongst us as weak as old Kronis was. No one is going to take your hand, only your head.”

Alex narrowed her eyes in disgust then swung one last time, ending Garren where he knelt before her.

She stood there in shock for several minutes as she heard Garren’s taunts echoing through the halls within her mind. She had known that Rangor and his troops would not be the only dark ones she would have to battle throughout the centuries ahead. But Garren’s words sounded far too indicative of a looming threat, one that might come just as quickly as he and his cohorts had that day. Or, as he had also hinted, it might take years before said peril became real.

Either way, Alex had no illusions that the children of the Fallen cursed her return, for it was she who kept them at bay and curtailed their efforts. Her very existence was an affront to them, and she had just been reminded in no uncertain terms.

Alex breathed heavily and sent her mind out and across the city. She felt her consciousness dip, twist, and soar around and between buildings, and then it took flight across Central Park and to the water beyond. In a crowded, bustling metropolis of millions, she felt no more dark ones, and she breathed a deep sigh of relief. Alex pulled back then, knowing that the women behind her were truly safe and protected. And she was safe, at least for now.

She kept her shield in place and then looked down to see herself thickly covered in blood. Alex felt her legs begin to wobble, so she lowered herself down on one knee and began to pray. She looked to the heavens and prayed for forgiveness and the strength to bear it all.

She told the Lord she would never let His innocents come to harm on her watch, but she asked Him to fortify her heart as the grief began to come forth. Alexandria put her face in her hands and tried to let some of it work its way out there, before she had to face Gaius and her family. Though she knew there would still be more tears to come.

But many of the immortal men were not far away that day, working in other shelters or centers, and they were closer than Alex thought them to be. She was just gaining her feet and willing the bodies away, when Gaius, Rohan, Iain, Heath, and Elrick joined her atop the roof. She turned in their direction as Gaius’ hands locked onto her arms, checking to make sure she was uninjured and whole.

“Alex, talk to me now and tell me you’re alright,” he urged her.

Though she knew he could see the remnants of her tears, she smiled a little and patted his cheek tenderly. “I am, Gaius. They came for the women we rescued, not for me. I was only an impediment in their path.”

“Tell me, love,” he asked, wanting to hear it all.

Alex nodded and she quietly recounted to all five men what had happened, and who had come for the young women in the shelter. Alex looked into Gaius’ eyes as she gave her accounting, using him as her safe place.

“I’ve scanned the entire city of New York, and I feel no more children of the Fallen anywhere within the area. We’re safe,” she said, and exhaled loudly before Gaius gently pulled her into his arms.

“Iain, take my sword, please,” Alex quietly asked, and she felt it leave her fingers behind Gaius’ back.

She held to him tightly then and closed her eyes for a moment against Gaius’ heart, noting that it still was beating a little too fast from the scare he had endured. Her hands began to lovingly stroke his back and she allowed her aura to convey her safety and well-being to him.

“I know you’re safe now, sweetheart,” he whispered, and kissed the top of her head. He held her for several minutes before he slowly pulled away. “We need to leave the rooftop now, Alex,” Gaius prompted her. “Are you ready?”

Alex agreed, and she asked her aura to keep the blood on her skin, hair, and clothes, and that which had transferred onto Gaius, well hidden, so her family and the women in the shelter did not have to look upon it. She knew that it would be far too upsetting for them. Gaius noted what she was doing and kissed her forehead. He put his arm around her waist and held on to Alex, as they all lifted and made their way to the sidewalk in front of the shelter.

Rohan kept them all hidden away until their feet made contact with the concrete, and he released them only when his hand was on the front door. They entered then, and Alex was relieved to see no one at the front of the facility. She sensed the building, and saw that Sabina, Ahadi, and Tomoko had everyone secured in the large room where the thirty-four slept. Elrick and Heath began to move forward and they mentally called out to the immortal ladies that everything was alright now, and the threat well removed.

But Alexandria asked them to wait, and she moved forward instead so the women saw her first. She entered the communal room, and Lady Juliana ran in her direction immediately. Alex held out her hand when her mother came to a stop in front of her.

“Mother, we’ll hug one another once we’re back at home. After I shower, alright?” Alex asked very calmly. Her eyes bore into Lady Juliana’s, imploring her to understand why she could not take Alex into her arms just yet.

“I am so very proud of you,” Lady Juliana said fiercely, and nodded her understanding tightly. Alex nodded in return, then stepped to the side and told all of the women within that they were safe.

Unadulterated strength and gravitas radiated from her words as Alex repeated the message in the different languages of all those before her. She did not lie, as she told the women that the remainder of their captors had come, but that they were no more, and they would never have to fear them again.

Several of the young ladies began to cry, however Alex saw their smiles along with the tears and knew that they were silently rejoicing. Alex nodded once, and pressed her lips together for a moment before she spoke again.

“I am going to ask some of my male friends, who are just as strong as I am, to stand guard outside the shelter through the coming nights and days until you are all flown home. I promise that they will pose no threat, nor will they step foot inside this shelter if you do not want them that close,” Alex vowed.

The young lady, named Irina, who had been the first to approach Alex in the warehouse, stepped forward and spoke for those behind her.

“Alexandria, we all trust the women here who liberated us, completely. And if you, Sabina, Ahadi, and Tomoko trust the men, then so will we,” Irina said, and nodded her head to reaffirm her words.

Alex let her eyes roam over the group, and she saw the ready agreement on everyone’s face as they also nodded in her direction. Alex called aloud then for Gaius and the others to come in. She introduced first her husband, and then the other four men.

“Ladies,” Sabina stepped forward and said, “there are others in our group who might come to change out the guard, but you can rest assured, that one of the women you have worked with at this shelter will always introduce them. They will mainly stand guard at the doors, not come within. You are safe.”

Looking directly at the five immortal men, Irina spoke again, saying, “We thank you all for coming when we needed your protection. We can never let ourselves go back to those cages.”

“We only came as reinforcements. It was Alexandria who saved you this day,” said Iain, smiling down at Alex.

Irina extended her hand to Alex, and Alex quietly asked her if they could shake hands the next day. A look of understanding passed between the two, and they nodded at one another instead of making physical contact.

“Alex, go ahead home and clean up, and I’ll remain at the shelter with Ahadi and Tomoko. We’ll sleep here with the ladies tonight,” Sabina encouraged.

Alex kissed her cheek, then asked her mother, Helen, and Emily to come with her and Gaius as they drove to their house. They moved out of the room, and she took a moment to confer with Gaius and the other men about a rotation they could establish to make sure the women remained secure.

As they were planning, Nathan, Nassor, Titus, her brothers, Lord Errol, and Jameason came into the shelter and approached. Emily and Helen moved to the sides of her brothers and assured them that they were perfectly safe, and that no danger had come anywhere near them. Like Lady Juliana, her father walked directly towards Alex with the intention of taking her into his arms.

“No, Father,” said Alex, shaking her head and taking a step back. “Wait, if you will, until after I’ve had a shower.”

He angled his head for a moment, trying to decipher her meaning.

In a quieter voice, Alex said, “We’re hiding what comes from the field of battle right now. Wait if you can.” Alex nodded her head slowly in an effort to reassure him after her refusal.

She saw his jaw flex for a moment, and then he, too, nodded his understanding. Alex’s eyes traveled over to her brothers as both exhaled loudly after hearing her words.

Jack, Lauren, Nikolaj, Benen, Conleth, and Thomas arrived then, and she smiled at her brethren as they joined the group of power.

“Are you alright, Alex?” Jack asked her in a tight voice. She noticed his jaw flexing, too.

“I’m holding steady, Jack. All of the women within the shelter are safe, and at the moment, that is what’s most important.”

Jack searched her eyes before he nodded and gave his attention to Rohan.

Rohan quickly finalized a guard rotation with the men who had joined them, and then Gaius turned to Nathan.

“Nathan, can you work towards moving up the flight out, so the women can leave in two days’ time, rather than the scheduled four?” he asked.

“Sure, Gaius. I can absolutely do that,” Nathan quickly agreed.

“I’ll help fly them home, and then come back for the next group,” Titus volunteered. Nikolaj, Benen, and Thomas said that they would travel along for added protection until the women were handed over to the Nephilim in Europe who were going to assume responsibility for their care.

Alex shivered slightly and Gaius looked down at her. He moved his hand from her lower back and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing Alex in closer to his side. She quickly encircled his waist with her arm and anchored herself there.

When everyone was satisfied that they were well prepared to guard over the innocents within, Gaius told their brethren that he was going to take Alex home so they could both clean up. Those who were taking the second or third shifts in the watch came with them, and Alex gestured towards the door to get her family moving. She was starting to feel the incredible heartache encroaching, which comes after such moments, and Alex began to pray in earnest again that the Lord would fortify her within for what she had been called upon to do.

Alex’s parents and Jameason asked to ride with her, and they took the back seats, while Gaius helped Alex into the front. He quickly walked around and slid into the driver’s seat next to her. As soon as he merged with traffic, Gaius took Alex’s hand in his and did not let go until he was parking the Escalade in front of their residence. Gaius opened the back door so Lord Errol could step out and help Lady Juliana down, then he made his way back over to Alex’s door and took her hand in his once more.

She smiled slightly and squeezed his fingers, then let him lead her to where her family was standing on the sidewalk. When Alex was beside them, she quietly told them she needed a shower and then she could join them to talk. Alex noted that Jack was pulling up right behind them, with Lauren, her brothers, Emily, and Helen. They were all leaving their Escalade quickly and moving to join the conversation, just as two more SUVs bearing other immortals parked.

Alex willed her aura to continue to hold her steady while so many eyes searched hers. This, she thought, was not what she wanted her family exposed to. It was like throwing lambs directly into the lion’s jaws.

“Alexandria and Gaius, go ahead and bathe. We’ll meet you in your home’s living room, whenever you are ready. Take your time,” her mother said.

“Thank you, Mother,” Alex breathed, and then turned and walked with Gaius up the steps into their home.

Neither said a word as they entered their room and he shut the door behind them. She continued to hold on to his hand while they made their way across the bedroom and around the corner into the bathroom. Alex shut that door behind them too, feeling like the extra barrier would protect and insulate them somehow.

She turned towards Gaius then and stopped trying to wear the slight smile that she no longer felt she could sustain. Her bottom lip began to quiver and he gently cupped Alex’s face in his warm palms.

“I love you, sweetheart. I have you, and you are safe,” Gaius whispered.

Alex nodded as the first sob escaped and then she ceased her effort to hold the deluge back. Gaius pulled her into his arms and let Alex bury her head against his heart, gently stroking her back as she keened against him. They stayed in a tight embrace for many minutes, until she felt the surge of tears lessen. Alex lifted her head, and then met his lips with her own.

Gaius moved his hands up to smooth her tears away, and saw that he was only spreading the blood that still covered her face in many places.

“Alex, we need to shower and wash all of this away,” he said softly, as his eyes roamed over her face.

She nodded her understanding and relinquished her tight hold on his body. He stepped away long enough to start the warm water flowing, but quickly returned to stand before her.

“I want to take these soiled garments off of you. Will you let me, Alex?” he asked, and she quietly agreed. She started to help, but he stayed her hands with his. “No, love, let me do this for you.” Gaius could clearly sense her shock and initial stillness abating, and he knew Alex was just barely hanging on at the moment.

Alex watched him as he gently removed each article of her clothing and placed them in the bag which lined the trash bin in their bathroom. Her hands found the buttons on his shirt then, and she showed him the same care, taking all of it away and discarding it so that neither of them had to look upon the items again. He gathered her hand in his and stepped into the shower, smoothing both of his palms over Alex’s head and hair as he tilted her head back under the stream.

Alex closed her eyes as his aura began to pour over her, and she felt the tears come again. But she did not try to quell them or hide her grief; rather, she let him see what she was truly feeling. And it felt deeply cleansing to Alex, to bare her heart and soul before the one who would never judge her or turn away from her.

Nor did she apologize, as she had so many times before when the dark ones came. For Alex knew she could never back down, nor turn away from them when they came for innocents. Not on her watch could it be allowed to happen.

Gaius began to wash her hair, and she felt him complete the task three times before it was all removed from her tresses. Her tears lessened once more, and Alex opened her eyes to see him lathering a cloth. He moved her forward, out of the direct stream, and began to lovingly caress her body, all the while thoroughly removing any and all traces of the blood that had soaked through her garments and covered most of Alex’s skin.

He rinsed the cloth and reached for a new, pristine one, then repeated the whole process until she was completely clean. Though Gaius had far less blood on his skin and none in his hair, Alex asked him to lean forward so she could wash the silky, chestnut strands. He braced his hands on the wall on either side of her so she could better reach him. Alex took her time and let her aura surge over him as he had done for her, and she heard him sigh heavily. The right corner of her lips turned up and she sent another surge forward.

Gaius lifted his head and stared into her eyes, watching her intently. Alex released a third surge and she saw him slowly shake his head. A chuckle escaped her lips, and she knew not where it came from, but Alex did not try to stifle it either. Whatever needed to work its way out, came forth, as she completely let her guard down.

Her lips turned up a little more, but the smile fell away just as quickly as it had come, and she reached for the last clean cloth which hung in the shower. Gaius slowly straightened before her, while Alex lathered the cloth and began to clean his skin. Gently and thoroughly, she went over his body until none of the transfer remained.

When Alex knew they were both free of the gore, she stepped back into his embrace and laid her head against his heart, wrapping her arms firmly around Gaius’ waist. He kept her there for many minutes, gently stroking her skin under the warm water. She felt the side of his face resting against her wet hair and the tenderness of his touch comforted her heart and soul. Alex sighed heavily and whispered her thanks, feeling a few more tears come forth.

Gaius lifted his hand and turned off the water. He led her from the stall onto the plush bathmat to dry and warm her. Alex’s bottom lip began to quiver, and she was not sure if it was from the small chill she felt or her emotional response still working against her desire to remain calm within. But Gaius had her free of the moisture beaded across her skin quickly and he wrapped a robe around her, and then did the same for himself.

As he had previously when they battled children of the Fallen in New York, he quietly asked Alexandria to sit on the vanity seat, and he tenderly dried her hair as his fingers and aura passed through the mass over and over again. Alex closed her eyes and soaked up the calm and love he was transferring into her, drawing it deep into her soul. Silent tears leaked from the corners of her eyes, but she let them fall, all while she continued to pray for strength and courage.

Gaius turned off the hairdryer and moved to stand before her, gently pulling her to her feet. Alex asked him softly if she could please dry his, and he nodded, then switched places with her. After he took his seat, Alex sat on his lap facing him. She dried his hair, running her fingers through it over and over again as he had for her, massaging his scalp with each pass.

She frequently leaned in to meet his lips with hers, and she felt his hands on her lower back gently massaging her there. When she was sure she had it all dry, she set the hairdryer on the marble vanity behind her and leaned in to lay her head against Gaius’ shoulder. Alex’s arms encircled his neck and she closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply, still trying to draw their love and the stability that came from it into her heart, mind, and soul.

Gaius enfolded her in his strong arms and together, they cocooned one another for many minutes.

“I love you so very much, Gaius. Thank you for coming so quickly to the rooftop today when I needed you,” Alex whispered.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he said, squeezing her a little tighter to his chest, “I am only sorry that I didn’t get there faster.”

She felt another tiny chuckle come forth, but a small hitch in her breath followed it as she tried desperately not to see the three losing their heads from her blade.

“How did I handle such moments when my soul was here before?” Alex asked him, hoping that there was a better way through than what she was currently feeling.

“Alexandria, you are doing exactly as you did before. You are finding an anchor to hold yourself to what is good, honest, and true after such terrible moments. There were millennia when your soul had to do so on your own, but during the time you had Eben, and then once we were together, your soul never had to know that loneliness again. And I promise you, my love, that I will always be here for you, just as you will be for me. Together, we can weather any storm, Alex,” Gaius vowed to her.

She leaned back in his arms and rested a palm on his face.

“I never told you, but Ganymede spoke those very words to me the night before our wedding,” Alex confessed.

“Tell me now, Alex,” Gaius asked, as he raised an eyebrow in question.

“He came to give me advice, as my father and I were practicing our walk together that night. Ganymede was so happy, Gaius, and though my father offered to let him accompany us down the aisle, he declined and chose to watch the ceremony from his seat. Ganymede told me that you and I could make it through any challenge together, and he encouraged me to listen to your counsel and know peace for a while,” she said, as her fingers lightly stroked his skin and she gazed into his eyes.

In a more serious tone, Alex added, “Thank you, Gaius. For waiting for me, and for being my soul’s truest friend. I could not do this without you.”

“Can I kiss you, Alex?” Gaius whispered.

Rather than answer with words, she leaned forward as his palms cupped her cheeks and brought her lips to his.

He was gentle and undemanding in his touch and Alex sighed lightly, knowing that she could not handle more than just that minimal contact at the moment. She felt too raw still, and anything more would have caused her emotions to become even more scattered than they already were. Gaius lifted his lips then and lightly kissed her cheek, her eyelids, the tip of her nose, and her forehead before he rested the side of his face alongside hers and nuzzled Alex as they liked to do.

She kept her eyes closed and rested there for a few more moments, before she voiced what was truly weighing heavily on her heart and mind.

“Gaius, do you think my family will want to leave and curtail the contact they have with us, now that my mother, Emily, and Helen have been so close to the danger?” she whispered. She felt her tears begin to come again, and she tried to will them away, but they came all the same.

Gaius lifted his face from hers and cupped Alex’s cheeks once more in his warm palms. He began to tenderly stroke her tears away with his thumbs, and he slowly shook his head at her worry.

“Alexandria, in all the years I watched you from afar and in these last months as I have come to know the Groabans in person, I have never once witnessed anything even remotely resembling weakness, cowardice, or betrayal in their character. And to abandon their only daughter, because she was fighting to protect a building full of innocents from those determined to harm them, would most certainly display willful disloyalty and malice,” Gaius stated sincerely.

“Remember how your family stood by you after Rangor sent troops to the Manor House, Wallace’s flat, and Conner’s home? The danger was much closer to them in those moments than it was at the women’s shelter today, Alex. In fact, during those dark days, it was directly aimed at them,” he gently reminded her.

“And though I, Rohan, and the others were in the hallway while you initially addressed the women at the shelter, we all heard your mother tell you how very proud she was of you. Sweetheart, that was not the comment from someone ready to pack her bags and turn her back on her child.” Gaius nodded his encouragement as he spoke to her.

Tears were running unchecked down Alex’s face, but she pressed her lips together and nodded against his palms that she understood.

“I love you more than any other, and your mortal family loves you so very much as well,” he said softly, and kissed her lips lightly once more. “Would you like to go and be with them now? They are greatly concerned for you, and it would be good for you all to be together for a while.”

“Yes,” she breathed, and tried to call the tears back that still flowed. “But there’s more I need to say before we join them,” Alex added hesitantly.

Gaius watched the worry and even brief dread flash in her eyes. He lifted one his palms from her face and smoothed it over her hair. “Then talk to me, Alex. There is nothing that you cannot share with me,” he said softly.

“Garren said something before I took his head - something that I didn’t share when you first arrived. And I don’t know if he had specific information, or if he was just trying to scare me, but I need you to hear his words.”

Gaius nodded as Alex leaned forward and settled her forehead against his. She closed her eyes and mentally connected with him, letting Gaius see the entire event from the moment she had first sensed the three until he and their brethren joined her. When the memory was at an end, Alex drew away and stared into his eyes.

“I think, Alex, that Garren was using his last moments to lash out at you in the only way he could, through his words. You had him immobilized in your aura, and he knew he had not the strength to combat you. He was prophesying doom and death, but that is something we have come to expect from the enemy. They try to wound, wherever they find an opening. And for Garren, that was all he had with which to make you pause.”

“I know they don’t want me here, so that came as no surprise. But he sounded so smug and so sure, as if there was another wave of enemy soldiers just over the horizon, waiting to step forward and take his place.” Alex grimaced at the thought.

“But you said so yourself, that you scanned the entire city and found none. So too did I, Alex. I made sure that there was no looming threat as we stood there on that rooftop. Not to you or our mortal family.”

“No, they declared themselves immediately when they came face to face with you,” Gaius added with a shake of his head. “They said they wanted the women, and you just happened to be the one standing in their way. I don’t believe that anyone else dispatched them to come after you. They wanted their possessions, as they called the ladies, and they were greatly angered that the most powerful among us was there to deny them.”

“Okay,” she exhaled.

“We have stepped up the guard for now, Alex, and every one of our kind in the city has shifted into a defensive mindset. If others come, then we are well prepared for future threats. And, if we have to face the Fallen’s children, then we will do so together and eliminate whatever danger comes our way. Let Garren’s threats leave you for now, and try to reclaim a measure of peace in your heart and mind.”

“Thank you, Gaius, for being what I need in such moments as this. For being the voice of reason when the madness comes.”

“You are most welcome, my love,” he said in return, smoothing his thumbs across her face as he caught her tears. “Don’t you worry. The enemy will have to get through me to get to you.”

“Ugh, don’t say that! I don’t even want to think of such a thing happening,” she groaned, only to hear him chuckle softly.

“Come, Alex. Let us go to your family now, so you can hold them and they in turn can hold you,” he urged her gently.

Alex kissed his cheek and then moved off his lap. She waited until he had gained his feet, then took his hand in hers and led them over to the closet. She found her most comfortable old pair of jeans and one of Gaius’ long sleeved t-shirts. Alex slipped on her undergarments and then the top layer. While he was stepping into a pair of jeans, she turned to pick up her diamond earrings from the tray where she kept them and drew in a surprised breath.

Alex looked up just as Gaius moved closer and smiled lovingly down at her. He lifted her charm bracelet off of the tray, now fully assembled, and asked her which wrist she would like to wear it on. Alex felt her eyes cloud as she lifted her left arm, and he slowly placed it there. She shook her head as she looked down and ran her fingers across it.

“When did you put it together?” she whispered.

“I came home for lunch today, so I could assemble your gift. I hoped you would see it and be surprised when you came home this evening,” he said, and trailed his fingers down the side of her face.

A genuine smile graced her lips, and Alex nodded as she thanked him once more for his constant care and support.

“It is my pleasure and duty to take care of my wife.” He smiled in return, and leaned down to kiss her lightly.

They both chuckled softly from his words said so sincerely, but with a playful edge. He touched the end of her nose, then took her hand in his and led her downstairs to their home’s living room, where her family was waiting.