Chapter 26

 

 

Gaius opened the door to the large den, and let Alex walk in front of him. She saw everyone stand without delay and move to embrace her. Her parents held her first, and Alex saw such a fierce look of pride and determination in her mother’s eyes, that it called to her own resolve and internal strength.

“Thank you, Father and Mother, for still standing by my side through it all. I don’t have the words to tell you how much I appreciate all of your love and support,” Alex said humbly, as she leaned into her mother’s arms.

Lady Juliana pulled away and smoothed Alex’s hair back. She cupped her face and gazed intently into her daughter’s eyes. Lady Juliana could sense Alex’s fears and reservations, and she began to shake her head.

“Alex, you will never have to fear losing our support when you’re defending those who are so in need or weaker than yourself. We are in total solidarity with you, no matter what comes your way, dear. While we all waited inside with Sabina, Ahadi, Tomoko, and the women at the shelter, a calm and peace descended over the entire assembly. It removed all of our fears,” said Lady Juliana, smiling tenderly.

“Sabina turned to us and explained that the moment we all felt that calm flow through us, was the instant your aura enveloped the entire building in a protective cocoon. We knew we were safe, so we prayed for you, sweetheart. We all love you very much, Alexandria, and we support you in all things and in all ways. Don’t you ever doubt it,” she reassured her, as she kissed Alex’s cheek and stroked her hair again.

A few more tears came unbidden as Alex nodded in her mother’s hold. Lord Errol gathered her against his heart next, unable to wait any longer to hold Alex.

“Alex, listen to your mother, for everything she’s told you is true. We are very proud of you, and I honestly don’t have the words to say how sorry I am that there’ll be such days as this, where you will have to stand between innocents and those who would abuse them so sorely. But even I must concede, that if ever the Lord created souls who could stop evil from encroaching, it is most certainly you, Alexandria, and your fellow immortals,” Lord Errol said solemnly.

He kissed the top of her head and gently rocked her for a few more moments before he released her to Wallace. Alexandria noticed that her mother had moved over to hug Gaius to her side and she was gently stroking his back as her brother hugged her tightly.

“Thank you for keeping my wife safe and protecting her so well, Alex,” Wallace said in an uncharacteristically sincere tone.

Alex pressed her lips together and nodded, staring up into his eyes.

Wallace kissed her cheek, then said, “Now, tell us how you really are, and not just the answer you think we all want to hear.”

“I’m still holding steady at the moment. But I’m trying hard not to see what transpired on that rooftop in my mind,” Alex said honestly.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked, angling his head at her, but she shook hers in denial.

“Maybe in a few days, Wallace, but I’d rather not go back through it all just yet,” Alex breathed.

He, too, cupped her face and whispered his love before Conner stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.

When she saw the light sheen of moisture in Conner’s eyes, it was almost her undoing. Each time she had called her family throughout the days she had battled Rangor and those he had sent for her, Alex could always hear Conner fighting his way through his emotions on the other end of the line. Now she was seeing it in person, and it was hard for them both. Her eyes clouded and they hugged one another again.

“I’m so honored to call you my sister,” Conner said sincerely. “And I also thank you for keeping Helen safe and sound through it all.”

“I’m sorry they were so close to the danger, Conner. Just so sorry,” she whispered, but he leaned back quickly and shook his head at her.

“Hey, now. Don’t you even think about apologizing or, worse, pulling away from us out of some misguided sense that you’ll be protecting us,” Conner said, as he narrowed his eyes at her.

“Alex, we could all get mugged on the street or caught up in a bank robbery, just as easily as being harmed while working at a shelter trying to help others. We could fall down a flight of stairs, or have an automobile accident coming home from work and fatally injure ourselves. There is no safe place where you can try to hide us away, where peril doesn’t exist,” Conner said in a tight voice, sensing her desire to draw away from them.

“I understand,” Alex said in a quiet voice, as Wallace stepped back to her side with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Oh… I know that look,” Wallace said in a low tone. “You’d better listen to Conner, Alex, and I mean it. Don’t you even think about pushing us away or shutting us out. And don’t go silent and give us that false smile either,” he added, leveling a stern look at her.

Her mind flashed back to the day Rohan had used the exact same stance with her, when he thought she was pondering how they might all use her as bait to draw Rangor out. And just as she did that day, her laughter bubbled up before Alex could stop it. They both looked at her as though she had lost her mind momentarily. She put her hand over her lips, but she continued to chuckle.

She held up her other hand to plead for mercy and shook her head trying to rein it in, but there was no stopping it, as her laughter began to peal forth in a loud torrent. Alex saw her brothers’ expressions soften a little as she bit her lower lip, desperate now to stop the laughter. Finally, she saw Wallace begin to scrub his hand through his thick hair and she heard him chuckle too. But Conner let out a frustrated groan and pulled Alex back into his arms.

“Gaius, what are we going to do with her?” Conner questioned, clearly exasperated.

“You should keep doing what you’re doing, as it appears to be working quite well, I think,” Gaius said, through his own light laughter.

“I love you guys,” Alex said, and chuckled a little more. “Leave it to the two of you to bully me into complying.”

Conner kissed the top of her head and found a smile on his lips despite it all. “We love you, Alex, more than words could say,” he replied softly. “And if bullying you means that we still have you in our lives, then know we can be far more stubborn than you.”

“Every day of the week,” Wallace chimed in.

Before Conner released Alex, he held her away from him and kept his hands locked on her arms so he could look directly into her eyes.

“Alex, I meant what I said. You are never, ever to shut us out or push us away for any reason. We expect to know everything there is to know about your life, the good and the bad. Promise me, now,” he insisted, watching her eyes carefully.

“I promise, guys, that you will always be a part of my life. And, no, I never want to shut you out. I just want you safe. But I understand what you’re saying Conner, I do. I won’t keep secrets from you, not anymore. And I won’t close the door on us as a family; not now, not ever,” she vowed.

Alex’s eyes drifted over to Jack, where he stood off to the side. His arms were folded across his chest too, and he nodded once firmly at her to echo Conner’s words. She remembered the day Jack had tried to stop her from firing him and pushing him away forever, while they were in his London flat. She smiled tenderly at him, and nodded back in understanding of his unspoken message.

Helen and Emily moved to her side and took her from Conner so they could each embrace her.

“I’m very sorry, Alex, that you had to face such danger and bear the aftermath in order to keep us all safe. But I am so humbled and grateful to have seen the Lord at work before my eyes in such a real and tangible way. When your Light cocooned us… Well, the feeling was simply beautiful,” Emily said sincerely.

“I agree. I’ve never felt so much faith in my heart in all my days, Alex. And I’m sure the women at the shelter felt it too,” Helen said, echoing Emily’s thoughts.

Alex thanked them for their words as Jameason stepped forward to hold her. They gazed at one another for a moment, needing no words, and then she was held securely against his heart. Alex listened for the steady rhythm that her power had helped to protect and sustain.

She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. Alex silently thanked the Lord for entrusting her with so much of His Light. It was an unfathomable gift, and she told Him how very hopeful she was that she would always be the vessel He needed her to be. Even when the personal cost was great.

While she was in Jameason’s embrace, Alex’s stomach began to grumble loudly and she realized how acute and intense her hunger had become. She heard light laughter around her as she stepped back and looked up into Jameason’s knowing smile.

“Why don’t you come downstairs to the kitchen with me, my dear? We’ll put together a filling snack for you and for Gaius. I’m sure a little comfort food would be just the thing right now,” Jameason said indulgently.

“I’d like that very much, Jameason,” Alex said sincerely.

Jameason brought her to Gaius’ side and placed her hand in her husband’s. They all followed along behind Jameason; but when they entered the room, they found Heath, Nassor, and Benen there putting the finishing touches on dinner. Jameason looked surprised, but his expression soon gave way to an appreciative smile.

“Sorry we started without you, Jameason,” Benen chuckled.

Heath grinned as he stepped forward and handed Alex a large glass of orange juice and a warm roll. “Here, start with this, sweetie.”

“Thank you, Heath. For knowing just what I need.” She smiled and kissed his cheek.

“No problem. We’ve got you covered, Alex. Why don’t you all go on back upstairs? We’ll be saying grace and eating in just a few minutes,” he said, as he lightly kissed her cheek in return.

Everyone moved up to the dining room, and Alex noted that they were eating in her house and not the larger home next door. There were fewer immortals there that night, because many were still on the first watch around the women’s shelter, so those who were home had congregated closest to where Alexandria and Gaius were. She understood immediately that they were seeking to support her and share their auras with her if need be. It warmed Alex’s heart greatly to feel and see their love so clearly on display.

Once all were seated, Alex asked Gaius to say grace and she held his hand as he blessed the meal, their family, and fellowship. He spoke of his gratefulness that his wife was with them all safely once more, and through the Lord’s trust and gifts many were protected and spared further torment. He concluded with his prayer that their brethren on watch would remain safe throughout the night while they were away from home. He gently squeezed Alex’s hand before they all raised their heads and began to eat.

Alex did not hold back at dinner, but ate until she felt no more discomfort from her body begging for additional fuel. Gaius made sure she had taken her fill while their friends circulated many humorous stories in an attempt to lighten her spirits. Both Wallace and Conner glanced at Alex’s plate throughout the meal, noting just how much she consumed, though neither said a word about her voracious appetite.

Alex propped her elbows on the table when she was finished and rested her chin against her palms. She pulled the sleeves of Gaius’ shirt over her hands, and she inhaled his scent as she listened to her friends and family talk around her. She could feel Gaius’ hand gently caressing her back and his aura traveling into her, and the sensations began to make her drowsy.

Though she fought the pull, Alex fell asleep sitting up at the table. At first, no one realized she had drifted off except Gaius. He continued to make slow sweeping passes across her back, hoping to keep Alex calm and relaxed. Jack and Wallace took note of her slumber soon thereafter though, and Gaius smiled briefly at them before he turned his eyes back down to watch her.

But the events of the day called to her mind while she slumbered and Alex gasped as she sat up abruptly, looking into the frightening scenes. Gaius cupped her face in his hands and turned her towards him.

“Shhh, Alex, I have you,” he gently explained. “You are home and completely safe, as are we all. Breathe and relax, sweetheart.”

He had been afraid that she might have to travel this road again for a little while, and it looked as though his fears were being made real.

Alex exhaled deeply and nodded her understanding, then leaned forward for a brief kiss before she relaxed against his side. She was still so sleepy, that she closed her eyes and drifted off again without delay. He gently stroked her arm as he held her.

Gaius looked over her head at her parents and offered them a slight smile. He could see the stark apprehension in their eyes and he knew sadly there would be more such episodes coming which they would witness. He laid his cheek against her head, and mentally asked Archimedes and John to continue with the story they had been telling before she woke. Soon, conversation was flowing around them again.

He kept his aura densely covering her so that Alex might know a little peace while she rested. And in the hopes of keeping the nightmares at bay. Eventually, though, he lifted his head and lightly kissed her hair.

“I am going to take Alex to the library for a little while. Come join us, if you would like,” Gaius quietly invited everyone. He began to carefully rouse Alex, mentally calling her from her dreams.

“Alex, wake for me now, love,” he intoned privately to her through their connection. “We are all going to one of your favorite rooms. Come back, sweetheart, and read some poetry with me in the library.”

He felt her stir against him, and Gaius smiled as he watched Alex wake. She tilted her head back and smiled in return. He leaned down and tenderly kissed her lips and then asked her to walk with him. She nodded and he stood, then pulled her chair out and gathered her hand in his.

Alex glanced back over her shoulder and her mother immediately took note of her look of concern.

“We’re coming too, dear. I have no desire to be too far away from you either,” Lady Juliana said, as she reached out to lightly caress Alex’s shoulder.

“Good,” Alex smiled gratefully. She squeezed Gaius’ fingers and let him lead her up one level to their floor.

Her family followed them in, along with Jack and Lauren initially. Everyone took a comfortable chair or place on one of the sofas within the beautifully paneled room. But in the end, most of the immortals who were still at the three houses found their way in. And once each had carried in a heavy chair from another room, the library actually became a bit crowded.

Alex knew that the other two homes were slightly bigger and offered more communal gathering spaces, so she asked everyone if they would rather move over to one of the other house’s dens.

Archimedes laughed softly and shook his head. “Alex, it is good to be so close to one another on such a night as this one, dear. We are right where we want to be.” He smiled indulgently at her and then looked back down at the book he was reading.

“Alright,” Alex chuckled, as she accepted the assembly would not be moved.

 

Light conversation flowed around the room as many read, played cards in the corner, filtered through the Internet on laptops, or just chatted with one another. Alex’s mother sat on the same sofa as Gaius and Alex, and she frequently reached out to touch her daughter’s hand or leg while she talked with Emily and Helen. Alex just leaned into Gaius’ side and mentally listened to him read poetry to her. It was one of the most relaxing moments she could remember enjoying in quite some time.

The warmth of his body and the steady cadence of his voice in her mind, eventually lulled Alex to deep sleep. Gaius noticed her breathing change and he stopped reading privately to her. He closed the book he had and turned his eyes to watch her slumber against him. Lady Juliana noted Alex resting too, and she decided to use the opportunity to talk with him.

“Gaius,” she whispered, to draw his attention to her for a moment.

He looked up, but kept his arm around Alex so she remained comfortably anchored against his side.

“When you all fought Rangor and his henchmen at the beginning of the year, Alex always called to relate what transpired in each skirmish, but she never delved too heavily into her nightmares and flashbacks with us. Rather, she only stated that they occurred. After what I saw at the dinner table, I need to know how Alexandria coped with the aftermath.”

“How did she handle this in the immediate hours and days following the violence, when she was away from us, Gaius?” she asked quietly. “I want to know how we can help her. How I can help her,” Lady Juliana added, hoping that she could ease the fright she had witnessed in Alex’s eyes at the table.

Gaius drew in a deep breath and then answered her truthfully. “Mother Groaban, what you witnessed tonight is to be expected. For you see, it is, in fact, always worst in the hours and days immediately following the type of hand-to-hand combat which Alexandria was engaged in today,” he said, and then paused as he hesitated briefly.

“No, Gaius, don’t hold back. I need to hear the truth. This is my daughter we’re talking about. So please, tell me,” Lady Juliana quietly insisted.

Gaius nodded slowly and continued. “Alex has varying ways of dealing with the enemy when they pose a threat to innocents or to us. And she did, actually, use her aura to burn the dark immortals we faced in the warehouse days ago, completely away, so that I and the other men would be spared the pain of having to end them. It caused her many unpleasant nightmares and flashbacks in the days and nights leading up to your visit; and since then, she has learned that such a tactic should not be her first choice when facing dark ones.”

“Thankfully, the battle on the rooftop today did not reach such a point for her. Yet still, she had to be the one to physically end the three who were coming for the women in the shelter,” Gaius said regretfully.

“With her sword this time, and not her aura?” Lady Juliana asked.

“No, she used both; though it was her sword which claimed their lives. But what is most remarkable, is the fact that Alex offered the three the chance to repent and know forgiveness again and again, before she had to make the decision to end their lives. Even as they came for her and all those behind her. It is something I, and the others here, have witnessed her do time and again now. For it is His Light within her reaching out, even in the face of such hostility and violence.”

Gaius went on to explain the hardest truth which Lady Juliana would hear from his lips. And though he wanted to spare her the sadness, he knew, as a mother, it was her right to know all that affected her child.

“There is no easy way to say this, Mother Groaban, but I will share it with you nonetheless. The amount of power and Light the Lord placed within Alexandria this time, far eclipses anything her soul channeled before. And it not only enables her to work great miracles and bring love, peace, and healing to bear, but it also allows her to stop evil in its tracks.”

“When her vast Light touches a child of the Fallen, she now feels the full weight of the evil they so delight in and the atrocities they committed throughout the ages. Her aura absorbs it all. And whatever scenes play through their minds, as the Lord’s Light forces them to face their past sins and transgressions, also filter through Alex’s consciousness,” Gaius said gravely.

Lady Juliana drew in a deep breath, and then put her hand over her mouth while her eyes filled with tears. She saw Gaius press his lips together in a firm line, but she did not want him to give her only half of the truth, now that she was hearing it at last.

“Gaius, please continue. I want to hear it all,” she said through the emotion in her throat, as she nodded tightly at him.

“Very well. It is not just the actual deaths that Alex has to deal with, it is also every sin and wrongdoing that the dark immortals committed before they lost their lives. And it is, indeed, a very heavy burden to bear,” he said softly.

“I was not aware of this during our fight with Rangor, for Alex never mentioned what was happening. But one night, after we returned home from our honeymoon, she traveled through a particularly powerful nightmare regarding Hauras. He was one of the two dark immortals Alex felled in the New York bookshop, and he was also one of the first that she deliberately touched with her aura. Her Light stayed in contact with him for several minutes as she tried to extract Kronis and Rangor’s locations.”

“I asked Alex that night to share what she was seeing in the nightmare, so we could work through it together. And as she talked, I came to realize she was viewing an event that she never had access to in her current lifetime. It was related to a violent episode Hauras had orchestrated centuries ago, and she was seeing and feeling it all,” he sighed.

“Oh, Gaius,” Lady Juliana breathed in dismay.

“I know,” he said somberly. “To answer your earlier question: Alex will most often sleep for a few hours peacefully, but then she’ll wake trapped in a scene from either the moment the dark one died, or from feeling the pain of an atrocity they committed sometime during their existence as she witnesses it.”

“After she faced Rangor, some of the vile images and words he sent into her mind came back with a vengeance. But we worked together to successfully seal those away within her consciousness, so she no longer has to look upon them. And, from time to time after that final battle, she did cry out for Kronis in her sleep, hoping to save him still,” Gaius admitted.

He lifted his arm draped over Alex, and gently touched his mother-in-law. He sent his aura flowing over her to help Lady Juliana bear the sad news he was imparting, and also in an effort to give her hope.

“Most likely, you will see very little of the aftermath, because it will occur during the night. Alex will employ her aura during the day to keep her strong and focused while she’s around others. And I always keep my aura thickly blanketing her as she slumbers, in the hopes of bringing her as much peace as I can in the hours after such violence,” he explained.

“So, you should all expect her guard to be raised a little more for a while, and know that Alex will not want anyone to walk up behind her and touch her without her knowing you’re there. For the immortals, it’s not such an issue, because she can feel our auras coming. But for any mortal, you will need to let Alex know you’re approaching her and not surprise her.”

“All of the centers and shelters we have access to in New York will most likely be a blessing to Alex at this time, because they will give her a concentration and focus for her days. The good she will bring about will help her mind bear it all a bit more,” Gaius explained, as his smile grew slightly.

Lady Juliana lifted her hand and placed it over Gaius’ palm, where it still rested on her shoulder.

“Thank you for your honesty, Gaius. I always want you to tell me the truth, no matter how difficult it is to impart,” she said, staring into his eyes.

“Yes,” Lord Errol said gravely. His simple word was the first he had uttered since Juliana and Gaius had begun their conversation. “We both need your honesty and Alex’s at every turn. Always share it all with us, son.”

“I promise you, I always will,” Gaius vowed, and inclined his head.

Lady Juliana slowly shook hers as she looked at Alexandria for a moment, and then back up into his eyes. “I’m so grateful that you are by her side, and there for Alex in all of her moments. Good and bad.”

He smiled tenderly, and she watched Gaius’ eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Ah, of that you need never worry or fear. I will always be here for Alex, and together we will make it through whatever comes our way. You know, you have one brave, tenacious, and strong daughter. And though the coming days might be challenging for her in private, she will persevere,” he said affectionately.

“But if I may ask,” Gaius added, as he looked from Lord Errol to Lady Juliana, “please do not treat Alexandria differently or act as though you’re looking for her to fall apart. She would note the change in your behavior and it would cause her concern. Just keep loving her and talk to her when she’s ready to share whatever she feels compelled to divulge, and that will be what Alex needs most from her family. She likes hugs and laughter a lot too; but I’m sure you know this,” he said, and gave her his youthful smile.

Lady Juliana chuckled and he did in turn. She patted his hand again before she let hers fall back to her lap. Gaius looked around the room then, and saw that every soul within the library had paused in whatever they were doing, to take in the full conversation between himself and Alex’s mother. He smiled briefly and thanked everyone for their love and support, and received their silent nods and softly spoken words of acknowledgment.

Gaius looked back at Lady Juliana and addressed her again.

“I am going to take Alexandria on to bed, because I’m sure we will be up at least once during the night. I want her to get as much rest as she can before she goes back to the women’s shelter in the morning.”

“Go ahead, and know that I love you both so very much,” she said affectionately.

“And I love you very much, also. It’s nice to have a mother again who wants to watch over us so well,” Gaius said, and smiled once more.

He saw fresh tears come into Lady Juliana’s eyes while she pressed her lips together to stem the flow. He patted her shoulder lightly twice, then worked his way out from under Alex and lifted her gently in his arms. Wallace rose to help Gaius open their bedroom door and then shut it behind them. The two men met one another’s eyes for a moment, and Wallace quietly voiced his own thanks before leaving them to the privacy of their room.

Gaius carried Alex to her side of the bed and laid her there, then began to take her shoes and socks off. When he reached for the button of her jeans, her eyes came open and found his.

“What are you doing?” she asked him quietly.

He noticed the teasing lilt to her voice and he shook his head. “What does it look like I’m doing?” he retorted in the same playful tone, eliciting a chuckle from her.

“It’s time to get ready for bed, love,” he whispered.

Alex slowly sat up and scooted closer to him. She placed her palm on the side of his face and soothingly stroked the skin there. They gazed at one another for a few moments and then Alex leaned in and, ever so lightly, kissed him. As before, she did not seek more, just held Gaius to her for comfort and gentle affection. When she pulled back she whispered her love and thanks for his care again, and he leaned forward to rub the tip of his nose against hers before he kissed Alex a second time.

He stood then and helped her to her feet, so she could go into the bathroom and prepare for bed. Soon, they were both ready, and Alex decided to sleep in his t-shirt that she had been wearing for added comfort. She snuggled into his shoulder and Gaius lifted his right arm so she could completely mold her body to his side. Alex sighed as her fingers began to trace light circles across the skin on his chest.

“I hope that I don’t have many nightmares tonight that wake us,” she whispered.

“If they come, know that I am right here by your side, and you are not alone. Remember to use your aura to push back whatever comes into your mind, sweetheart, and that you’re safe in my arms. Always,” Gaius promised her softly, as he began to stroke her hair.

“I love you so,” she said, as she yawned. Alex kissed his chest, and then closed her eyes.

“And I love you that much and more,” he whispered. “Try to relax and sleep if you can.”

As his aura imparted peace and tranquility to hers, Alex let go and drifted back under. Gaius thanked the Lord for fortifying her that day and for imbuing her with enough Light and power to always keep evil at bay. He asked their angelic fathers to guard over them as they rested, and then he too let go.