Chapter 31

 

 

The four ladies worked companionably to warm and prepare several platters of snacks and drinks. Alex volunteered to carry the heaviest trays upstairs, knowing she was much stronger than they. She headed back downstairs for the last tray, while Elizabeth and the others helped to spread the fare out on small tables within the den. Alex entered the kitchen and lifted the platter, but a whimpering sound caught her attention and she paused.

Alex walked over to the kitchen’s door, which led out to a stoop. She listened again and heard the distressed sound through the rain, as it continued to patter down heavily on the concrete. She slowly opened the door and found a small puppy with matted fur huddled on the doorstep, trying to find relief from the cold downpour. Alex immediately knelt and scooped it up, bringing it inside with her. She looked the tiny animal over and felt it shaking terribly in her hands from its fright and obvious chill.

Alex quickly took the puppy down the hall to the laundry room. She found a towel and wrapped the animal in it, gently trying to warm it as she started looking it over for signs of injury or illness. Alex saw that the puppy was a female and she searched within her body, finding no ailment which might threaten her. She began to talk to her, promising her that she was safe and that no one there would harm her.

The laundry room offered several large, deep sinks and Alex moved over to plug one. She began a warm flow of water and soon she had the puppy in the impromptu bath. She continued to talk to her and send a light amount of aura over the little one while she gently scrubbed her clean and warmed her. The puppy’s cries stopped and she looked up with large, trusting eyes as Alex tended to her.

When she was sure the animal was in better shape than when she found her, Alex rinsed her short, light brown fur and pulled her from the bath. She placed her on a counter and used another towel to thoroughly dry her. Alex’s fingers and aura traveled over the canine again and again, and she knew that the animal trusted her enough now to not run from her, but remain by her side.

She turned to find Gaius leaning against the doorframe, with his arms crossed over his chest and one ankle resting over the other.

“Are you suppressing your aura again?” Alex asked him teasingly.

He nodded slowly, then unfolded himself from his relaxed pose to walk over to her. He cupped her face in his hand and let his thumb slowly travel across her skin.

“Who is your new friend?” he asked, as his eyes danced with merriment and delight.

“I found her outside on the stoop, Gaius. She was shivering from the cold and rain, and whimpering for someone to rescue her. I just couldn’t leave her out there to suffer; so I brought her inside to warm her and check her over. I was just about to walk back to the kitchen and find food for her,” she explained.

Alex turned her face into Gaius’ palm and kissed his skin before she looked back up at him and smiled. He lightly squeezed her face and smiled in return.

“I love you so very much,” he whispered, letting his eyes roam over her face.

Alex chuckled and echoed the words. He looked down then and smoothed his hand over the puppy’s head, and she immediately began to lick his fingers. They both grinned over the animal’s trust and playfulness.

“It does seem she’s ready for something to eat. Come, love. I’ll help you feed her,” he offered, and placed a hand on Alex’s lower back to lead her into the kitchen.

He went about warming a dish of food and milk for the animal while Alex held her against her chest and talked to her. The puppy began to lick Alex’s face in earnest. She chuckled and promised her food was on the way. She snuggled the dog until Gaius placed the two bowls on the floor, and then she knelt down and sat beside her while she ate.

Alex continued to flow her aura over the animal as she instructed her to eat slowly and not inhale the offering before her. With each bite the puppy’s eyes watched Alex, and she slowed her consumption as Alex asked. Gaius leaned against the counter and watched the two, still with a loving smile playing on his lips.

Rohan came into the kitchen then to find the missing tray of food and drinks, and took in what was transpiring. He grinned at Gaius and walked over to stand beside them.

“Where did you find the pup?” he asked.

Alex told him of the distressed animal’s plea to be brought in out of the cold.

“Well, bring the dog upstairs, so you can eat with your family,” he said, smirking at her a bit.

“Okay,” she smiled. Alex stood, then gathered the little one in her arms.

Gaius walked upstairs by her side and Rohan lifted the tray for her. Alex was crooning to the puppy as she made her way into the den, and their entrance drew immediate attention from the ladies closest to her.

“Alex, where in the world did you find a dog?” her mother asked, as she rose from her seat.

She related the story again, and the puppy set about licking each person who reached out to touch her. Alex put her on the floor, and she made her way around the room sniffing and looking at the new environment she found herself in.

After the puppy had made one complete journey around the spacious area, she came back over to where Alex had placed herself on the floor between Gaius’ legs. He was passing Alex food from the table on the sofa’s right with one hand and gently smoothing her hair back with his other palm. The puppy moved into the space between Alex’s crossed legs and made a bed for herself there. Alex stroked her gently and the little one closed her eyes and drifted off, feeling safe and cared for.

After almost thirty minutes of the relaxing sensation of petting the puppy, Alex began to nod. Gaius quietly told her to join him on the sofa and lay her head in his lap so she could nap. Alex stood and brought the sleeping dog with her, laying it along her chest and keeping her arms anchored around the puppy. Within minutes Alex was asleep too, and Gaius slowly ran his hand over her hair as he gazed down at the tender sight before him.

He noticed a quiet hush fall over the room, and he looked up to find everyone watching them for a moment. He smiled and then returned his gaze to Alex and her new friend, whom he suspected would be with them for quite a while. They remained that way for over an hour, until a loud cheer from those watching the football match pulled Alex from her slumber.

She opened her eyes and stretched when she felt the puppy starting to move. Her eyes met Gaius’ and Alex smiled leisurely.

“I need to take her outside for a few minutes, I think,” Alex said, running her hands over the little one’s fur.

“I’ll come, too,” he said softly, and winked down at her.

They walked over to their home’s private courtyard, and Alex waited for Gaius to retrieve a large umbrella before they stepped outside. He held it over them while the puppy went quickly about taking care of her needs, and then he guided them inside under the cover.

Alex dried her off, and laughed as she barked and tried to chew on her fingers while she completed the task. Gaius warmed more food for her from their kitchen, and they watched her eat as Alex leaned against his side.

“Perhaps, you might consider a name for her?” he suggested.

Alex angled her head while she studied the puppy.

“I think I’ll call her Cara,” Alex finally said.

“I like it. It’s a good choice,” he nodded, and smoothed a bit of her hair back as he gazed down at her.

She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Does naming her mean that I can keep her?” Alex asked playfully.

“I don’t mind, sweetheart,” he chuckled.

She beamed at his ready acceptance of the new addition and leaned up to kiss him in thanks. Gaius cupped her face in his hands and began to kiss her a little more deeply, and he felt her move a bit closer to him. They clung to one another until Cara voiced her presence.

Alex looked over her shoulder and saw that Cara stood behind them with her head thrown back as she howled. They both laughed at her need for immediate attention, and then Alex turned to scoop the puppy back in her arms.

 

When they returned to the den, they found their family and friends right where they had left them. A few were preparing to walk over and cook lunch and Alex volunteered to help, but found herself denied. Instead, Nathan encouraged her to remain with her family.

Conner came over to sit beside Alex and Gaius on the sofa, and he began to pet the rescued dog in her lap. “I know you’re keeping the puppy,” he said, and smiled indulgently at Alex. “I’m wondering what her name is.”

“You know me so well,” Alex said, as she leaned into his side and watched as he winked at her. “I’ve decided on Cara. The name means ‘beloved’ in Italian, and ‘friend’ in Gaelic. I’m sure Cara will be both of those things.”

“You are one lucky little creature to have found your way to Alex’s door,” Conner said, as he smoothed his hand over Cara’s head. She began to lick his fingers and Alex smiled over her liveliness.

During lunch Alex began to teach her how to sit patiently by while they dined. Cara tried to sit still for a few minutes, but soon she began to roam around the room hoping for scraps from the table. Gaius asked everyone not to feed her, so they could teach Cara good habits from the start. Eventually, she gave up and stretched out at Alex’s feet, looking up at her, but begging no more. Alex gently patted Cara’s head and praised her.

Late in the afternoon, Alex began a discussion with Gaius, Heath, and Nathan about Nephilim shelters offered for abused boys and men. She told them about the thoughts she’d had while she sat sharing her aura with the rescued ladies. Gaius confirmed that they did have such places in other cities and countries around the globe, but currently there was not a shelter specifically for men in New York. He could easily tell where Alex’s mind was leading her, and Gaius smiled as he waited to hear her words.

“Is it possible to begin working towards opening such a shelter here in the city?” she asked, and looked towards Nathan to get his opinion too.

“It is most assuredly possible,” Nathan said and smiled tenderly at her. “We own several properties which we’ve not yet developed, and we could look over the offerings and work out a construction plan to ready such a facility.”

“So it’s something we could actually work on now?” Alex asked, surprised that it could become a reality so quickly.

“Of course, love,” nodded Gaius. “We all know how to build whatever structures are needed for our work to continue. Think back to the shelters we constructed while in Darfur,” he reminded her.

Alex smiled in return and took Gaius’ hand in hers, squeezing his fingers and letting her aura convey her thankfulness.

John moved over to sit near them and he joined their conversation, telling Alexandria of such a shelter he had helped to open in South America several years earlier. She listened to his advice and the knowledge he had gleaned from the experience. He offered to help Nathan with the new facility and Nathan conveyed his thanks, telling John how good it felt to have more Nephilim in the city with him for a time.

Iain turned away from the television and volunteered to take Cara back outside for a brief time in the courtyard, and Alex handed her over to him. She could hear Iain talking to the puppy as he left the room and Alex chuckled softly, shaking her head in wonder at the loving and supportive network of friends who were now a part of her life. She was no longer alone and there was help and camaraderie all around her.

 

At dinner that evening, Alex listened to her brothers talking and joking with one another with a loving smile playing on her lips. Their witty banter gave her an idea as she watched them savor their time together. She mentally connected with Gaius and began to detail her thoughts, and she heard his agreement to help her see the burgeoning plan through.

Alex looked diagonally across the table to Jack and Lauren, and she asked Jack if she could use his phone, because hers was still up in her bedroom. He handed it to her and Alex quickly scrolled through it until she found what she needed. She thanked Jack, then handed the mobile back to his outstretched hand. Alex could tell that he thought nothing of her request, and he slipped it back into his pocket as he continued his conversation with Elrick.

She sent her mental ribbon flowing towards Nathan next and brought him into the loop. He immediately agreed to help her. Alex bit her lower lip so she would not chuckle aloud while they silently planned in the middle of the large gathering. Only when Cara began insisting to go outside, did Alex stop her mental conversation with Gaius and Nathan and leave the table.

Gaius came with her and they sat on a bench while the puppy played around the area. He wrapped his arm around Alex’s shoulders and she leaned into his side, softly humming from the deep contentment she felt.

“What are you thinking?” he asked her quietly. He pressed his lips to her temple and kept them there.

“I’m thinking about how much I love you, Gaius. About how happy I am with you, here, in this moment. And,” she said as she turned her eyes towards his, “how very grateful I am that my family is with us. Not just physically here for this visit, but that they’re alive and well. When Garren and his cohorts arrived at the shelter, my heart plummeted knowing my mother, Emily, and Helen were right behind me. It was all of my worst fears made real in that one moment – that my family would come so close to a dark immortal. And then when we realized Conner had cancer throughout his body…”

“Shhh, I know,” he said tenderly and smoothed his palm over her hair. He brought it down to cup her face and he held Alex while he nodded his understanding. “I’ve thought the same thing. What should have been a relaxed and uneventful visit has turned into anything but that. Yet still, you and your family have come through the challenges with grace and strength, Alex. And I’m so proud of the inner strength you’ve shown, for I know it has not been easy to shoulder.”

“But I’m not shouldering it alone,” she smiled. “If I’ve learned nothing else, it’s that you’re with me through thick and thin. You ground me, Gaius, and complete me in every way.”

“Ah, Alexandria, you do the same for me. I am more happy and content than I’ll ever have the words to say,” he confessed, as he smiled down at her. “Thank you for coming back into my life, and for being my wife,” he said softly.

Alex felt her eyes cloud at the tender words he was sharing with her.

“I will always be yours, Gaius. And I will always be by your side, sweetheart. Forever,” Alex vowed and cupped his face, then leaned up to kiss him.

Their lips lightly stayed connected for several minutes, while they savored the gentle contact. Gaius moved his face alongside hers and nuzzled her, staying close for a few more moments. They sighed in unison, and then chuckled against one another. He moved his lips to her neck then and she shivered.

“I love your touch there,” she confessed.

“I can tell that you do,” Gaius playfully told her, and she felt his lips pull up into a smile as he continued to slowly tease her skin.

Only when Cara returned to them did they draw away from one another. She lifted Cara and placed the puppy on her lap, smoothing her hands over the little one’s head.

“Is it wise to keep her inside through the night? She’s not housebroken yet,” Alex said, studying Cara’s face intently.

“We have enjoyed the company of many dogs throughout your soul’s previous life, Alex. And it is far easier for a Nephilim to train a puppy than a mortal.” The right corner of his lips turned up as he reached out to gently stroke the dog’s head. “We should start tonight if we truly intend to keep her, because it will be best for her to learn our routines from the beginning.”

“I really want to keep her, Gaius. So I suppose she’s coming indoors with us,” Alex smiled, as she gently massaged Cara’s scalp.

“Indoors, it is,” he whispered and lowered his lips back to hers.

 

After a few more hours spent in the large den next door with their loved ones, Alex and Gaius took Cara out one last time and then brought her into their bedroom. Gaius walked up three floors and retrieved an extra pillow from a linen closet. He was slipping it into a cotton cover when Alex poked her head out of the bathroom. She finished brushing her teeth, and then asked the puppy to follow her.

Gaius sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace and called Cara over to his side. Alex smiled tenderly as she saw the dog’s desire to play, but soon Gaius’ aura had her calm and attentive. He looked directly into Cara’s eyes as he explained what he expected of her.

“Cara, if you should need to go outside during the night, you are to come to my side of the bed and wake me. This pillow is your bed for the night, and you are to remain on it while you sleep. Come over here, and lie on it for me,” he coaxed. His fingers gently traveled across her little body while she moved atop the pillow and stretched out to rest as he had asked her to.

Soon, he rose and moved over to the bathroom’s doorway by Alex’s side to look back at the sleeping animal.

“I am in absolute awe,” Alex whispered.

“It’s no different than playing with leopards or tigers,” he responded, and tucked Alex’s hair behind her ear. His youthful smile spread across his face, and he leaned down to kiss her before he moved past her into the bathroom to prepare for bed.

Alex watched Cara as she went about turning out lights and pulling the comforter back. Still the animal slept while Alex climbed atop the bed and settled herself under the covers. She rolled over closer to Gaius’ side of the bed and soon he was there and enveloping her in his arms. She whispered her love and he noticed the shy tone in her voice.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, as his hand started to play with her hair and he gazed into her eyes.

“Will we be able to make love with Cara in the room, without her sounding the alert to the whole household?” she asked, blushing slightly.

He chuckled, then matched his lips to hers.

“It’s all part of the training, love,” Gaius whispered, as he started to work Alex’s sleeping gown off of her shoulders.

She could not help but chuckle along with him.

 

The following day was the last day for the Groabans’ surprise trip to New York. Alex and Gaius offered them their choice in activities for the day during breakfast. Gaius told them they could take in sights, work in shelters, visit at home, or even go by a zoo if that was what they wanted. Alex saw the immediate interest from his last suggestion in Wallace’s eyes, but each person took a moment to mull over their choices before Lady Juliana spoke. She gazed at her sons and their partners before she shared her wish.

“I may not speak for everyone here, but the time we’ve spent together in mission work has been very meaningful to me. Perhaps, we might continue that today?” she asked, waiting for her family’s response.

“That’s what I most wanted to do, too, Mother,” said Conner, answering first.

“I agree. It’s what I was hoping we would do, as well,” Emily echoed the desire.

“It sounds like we have a plan. Where would you like to volunteer today, dear?” Lord Errol asked his wife, as he gathered her hand in his.

“Could we divide our day, and work in a homeless shelter in the morning and the center for soldiers in the afternoon?” Lady Juliana asked Alexandria.

“We most certainly can. It sounds like a very good use of our time,” she answered and lightly rubbed her mother’s back. “I’m glad you picked the two locations, Mother, because I’m sure Justin is waiting for me to massage his legs again.” Alex bit her lower lip to suppress the laughter threatening to spill forth from her admission.

“Yes, and I now understand why. And I am solidly in approval of Justin asking for more,” Wallace smirked at her, and everyone in the room lightly laughed with the two siblings.

 

Their morning was spent at the same homeless shelter Alex frequently worked in. She led her family into the tutoring room, and soon they were all paired with someone who was working on a specific skill or study program. To her surprise, Alex saw Gilbert there reading along with the literacy software which he had struggled with previously. He rose when he saw her come in and immediately hugged her. Alex chuckled and patted his arm, then she stepped back and introduced Gilbert to her parents.

He shook their hands and told them proudly that their daughter had helped him overcome a learning disability that had held him back throughout his entire life. But now that the struggle was removed, he said that he was learning quickly and hoped to earn his high school equivalency diploma within the next year. Gilbert professed how grateful he was that someone had cared enough to take the time to stop and really help him.

Her parents thanked him for sharing his story and Lord Errol asked Gilbert if he might sit and work with him for a while. Gilbert nodded his agreement and the two men took chairs side by side. Lady Juliana patted Alex’s cheek and then they also found someone whom they could assist for a time.

Cara stayed close to Alexandria throughout her time in the study room, never straying far from where she sat and assisted others. Gaius had suggested taking her along that morning, rather than leaving her alone in the courtyard. He reminded Alex that animals were often an integral part of mission work, helping to break through the proverbial ice with many wounded or scarred souls. Gaius thought Cara could be trained to work alongside them, and Alex warmed quickly to the idea.

When they all moved to the large commons room, Alex immediately saw Cara’s influence on full display. Many who looked downtrodden and dispirited reached out to touch her head or pat her back as she sniffed her way around the room. Alex said hello to a family she had connected with during an earlier visit and inquired about their infant’s struggle with colic. The young mother handed her daughter over to Alex, telling her that the baby had not shown any further symptoms since Alex had held her and massaged her chest.

Conner heard their conversation and came to stand by his sister, smiling down at Alex. He introduced himself and shook the lady’s hand, and told her he was glad to hear that her daughter was feeling better.

“Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it. The doctor I took her to had no good plan to stop Jena’s constant cries and distress. But it only took one massage session with Alexandria to ease her suffering. There’s no struggle for Jena now,” the young mother confessed.

Alex continued to pat the infant’s back as she held Jena against her shoulder. She grinned at Conner, knowing what he was thinking.

“Conner, why don’t you come with me to the clinic before lunch?” Alex suggested. “That’s where I work with others who are struggling with various ailments or physical issues.” She gently placed little Jena in her mother’s arms, and then turned back to her brother.

“I would love to. Show me more of the good you’re helping to bring about, Alex,” Conner encouraged her. He called to Helen to come with them.

Alex softly called Cara, and the puppy turned and walked by her side towards the back of the shelter. Alex let her go outside briefly, and then they made their way to the clinic.

Helen and Conner initially sat by and listened to Alex work with individuals who came in for assistance, but soon they were put to work charting the care throughout each person’s consultation. Before long, Wallace and Emily drifted back to where they were and offered their services, too. Alex smiled at her siblings and encouraged their participation.

Cara lay on the floor and seemed engrossed in what Alex was saying with each new face that walked through the door; and she would occasionally get up to sniff or be touched by an unfamiliar person who had come in search of help.

Almost an hour later, a young man came into the room and introduced himself as Stewart. Alex immediately recognized that he was struggling with a substance abuse issue of some kind, by the look in his eyes and the slight tremor of his hands. It was something she had encountered before during the past year, and she knew his battle was an intense one.

“Stewart, come and sit with us. We’re all here to help you in any way we can. Please remember that our conversation is confidential, and you can say anything to us without fear of prosecution, persecution, or judgment,” Alex said, seeking to encourage and reassure him.

He nodded his head and looked away as his leg began to jump nervously. Cara started to stand, but Alex held her hand out and silently commanded her to stay where she was. Cara obeyed immediately, and sank back down to her stomach on the cool tile floor.

“It’s okay,” Alex murmured softly. “Take your time.”

Stewart drew in a shaky breath and swallowed hard.

“I came to the shelter two nights ago to get out of the cooler air, because I really have nowhere else to go,” he said in a halting voice, while his eyes looked around the room. He cleared his throat and finally met Alex’s eyes, saying, “I was wondering, if you might have something here in the clinic that could help me… take the edge off?”

Alex’s lips lightly pressed together and she slid the rolling stool she was on over, placing herself directly in front of him. She held her open palms out and waited for Stewart to take them. He looked at her for a moment, and then his eyes flickered over to Wallace and Conner. Stewart saw both men slightly incline their heads that he should take her outstretched hands, and slowly he slid his palms into hers.

Alex gradually unfurled her ribbon and she connected with his mind so she could truly see what Stewart was fighting against. Her palms began to warm against his as her aura spread across their hands and up his arms. Her voice came out in a loving and comforting tone, as she calmly instructed him.

“Stewart, tell me what is really plaguing your heart, mind, and body.”

Alex could feel their mental connection pulling him in, and the truth was just on his lips waiting for him to utter it aloud. His eyes locked on to hers and he exhaled heavily.

“I’m a…” He swallowed and then pushed out his words. “I’m a heroin addict… and I really need some more. But I don’t have any money left to buy a supply, and I can’t stomach what I have to do to get the funds any longer.”

More of Alex’s aura surged of its own accord in response to his confession and she watched it coat his entire body. Alex slowly nodded her head as she smiled tenderly at him.

“I understand that you are in great pain, Stewart, both physically and emotionally. I promise that I can help your physical pain, but you will have to be the one to search within yourself to get at the real reason why you tried the deadly substance in the first place. Was it, perhaps, to dull the pain of a different sort?” she asked quietly.

Tears began to stream down his face as she rose and stood before him. Alex released one of his hands and cupped Stewart’s cheek, still staring into his eyes. She asked her aura to travel deep within his body and help to eliminate the cravings Stewart was fighting against. Alex willed her power to suppress any future desire he might have to alter his consciousness or physical state with a foreign substance.

Her Light raced along his veins and arteries, chasing the fire and drugs away. He gasped and clutched at her arm, his eyes wide as they searched hers.

“Stewart, you will no longer have a need for heroin or any other drug, because your request for help has been heard.” She smiled encouragingly at him and they both nodded their heads together.

He began to cry in earnest then, and Alex stepped closer and enfolded him in a hug while she sent a solid flow of her aura cascading over him. As the surge connected with Stewart completely, she saw what he was running from and the terrible home environment he had grown up in. His father was a drug addict too, and the cycle had continued despite Stewart’s initial hope to escape it all. He had suffered so much as a little boy, and she could see the sheer terror that lived in his eyes as he looked to his father for love and stability.

And in that moment, Stewart reminded her so very much of Kronis that it tore at her heart. She pulled back enough to cup Stewart’s face in her hands and she gazed into his wounded eyes.

“Listen to me very carefully, Stewart. Just because others in your life have chosen a path of destruction and pain, it does not also condemn you to tread the same road. You have your own mind and your own free will; and your destiny is one of your own choosing,” Alex whispered fervently.

“You have this shelter to call home as of today, and you can work with the tutors here to secure an education. There is no reason now for you not to succeed, and I expect you to,” she firmly told him.

He whispered his thanks as sobs racked his frail body. Stewart pulled her back against him and lowered his forehead to her shoulder. Alex closed her eyes and saw Kronis on the cliff before her, crying out in pain and recognition of how far he had gone astray, and she felt tears come to her eyes, too. The memory was so tangible, and she heard Kronis’ sobs echo in her mind as they sank to their knees and began to pray together.

Then she saw him lying in her arms with his heart destroyed by his own father, because he had given his life in exchange for hers at the last possible second. She asked the Lord to be with Kronis wherever he was resting at the moment, and she tried to release the sadness that was threatening to engulf her. Finally, she pulled back a little and smoothed Stewart’s face again.

“Don’t dare trade your life away, Stewart, because of the mistakes of others,” she pleaded in an urgent whisper. “Fight with everything you have and overcome this. I have faith in you, that you can.”

“I want to,” he gasped, as the last of his sobs escaped his tired and weakened body. “God, I want to be clean so bad!”

“You are clean now,” Alex smiled and nodded through her own tears. “Tell me how you feel physically.”

“I feel lighter than I have in years,” Stewart laughed slightly through his emotion. “And the fire that’s been constantly burning its way through my body is gone. I don’t know what you did, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“It was all the Lord, Stewart, and through Him all things are possible,” she breathed.

“Why don’t you go and have lunch, and then I expect you to nap for a while. You have suffered greatly, and it is time to take care of the one body the Lord gave you,” Alex said, and patted his cheek. “When you wake, perhaps you’ll talk to one of the shelter’s counselors and begin to think about what you want most for your future, so that it can become a reality.”

Alex stepped back and pulled him to his feet. She watched as Stewart held a hand to his head as a slight wave of vertigo passed. He hugged her one last time before he nodded at her brothers, Emily, and Helen and left the room.

She sat back down on the stool and studied her fingers before she could look at her family. Alex inhaled deeply, asking her aura to help give her strength. Wallace rose and came to smooth a hand over her hair. Yet still, she took a few seconds to try and quell the heartache that felt as though it was constricting her throat.

“Alexandria,” he called her name softly, and she finally looked up at him.

She saw his eyes tighten in recognition of her sorrow. Wallace pulled her to her feet and enveloped her in a gentle hug, and that was all it took for her tears to return in earnest. Alex cried softly against his shoulder as he slowly rocked her and placed his lips against her hair. She felt Gaius’ aura and heard the door open as he entered the room, but she stayed in her brother’s arms for another minute as he sheltered her.

She heard Cara whine, and Alex leaned back enough to look down at her. Alex chuckled slightly and told the puppy she was okay, and then looked back up at Wallace before her eyes drifted over to Gaius. She saw the same look of concern there that her family was displaying, and she raised a hand to smooth her tears away.

“I’m fine, everyone. Really, I am. It’s just that when my aura truly connected with Stewart, and I saw all of the abuse and misery he had suffered through, I also saw Kronis. And it was just too much sadness in the moment. Too many lives stolen away and destroyed,” she trailed off in regret.

“I am so sorry that you have to witness such scenes, in order to help save others,” Wallace said softly, and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“Me, too,” she said sadly. But she tried to hold herself a little taller and focus on the good, not the memories which threatened to overshadow the miracle that had just taken place.

“Honestly, though, it’s because I can see it all, that I know how to better help souls like Stewart who seem to have lost their way. In truth, it gives my aura direction, and I need that. But, at times, it just hurts too much,” she admitted.

Gaius stepped forward and touched the back of her head, letting his aura cascade over Alex to bring her comfort. She smiled tenderly at his effort to soothe her.

“Thank you, sweetheart. I love you, too,” she whispered.

Wallace released her, but slowly rubbed his hands up and down her arms for a moment before he gave her over to Gaius. She looked over at Conner, Emily, and Helen and smiled slightly in their direction.

“Thank you all for letting me get through the emotion here, in private, before we walk to the kitchen to serve lunch,” Alex sniffled.

They moved forward and Emily gathered her close for a hug first.

“Alex, we expect you to let your guard down when you’re among family. We are in your court completely, and whatever you’re feeling or dealing with should never be held back from us for any reason,” Emily said tenderly.

Alex chuckled slightly as Helen’s hand came to rest on her arm, and she shook her head in Alex’s direction. “It cannot be good for you to hold the constant onslaught of such images in. And we hope you will always confide in us,” Helen encouraged.

“Thank you, both. Your words mean a great deal to me; more than you may ever know,” Alex said sincerely. She hugged both ladies again before she straightened and used her sleeve to wipe her tears away.

Conner pursed his lips and withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket. “Hey, look up at me, sweetie,” he said tenderly. She did laugh softly then as he winked at her and grinned while he gently cleaned her face.

“I love you, too,” Alex said quietly.

“And it’s returned a hundred fold,” Conner grinned, before he leaned down and kissed her temple. “We’ve got you. Always, Alex.”

By then, Cara had waited to be included in the conversation long enough, and she finally began to bark to get everyone’s attention. Wallace bent down and scooped her up, holding Cara against his chest as she attempted to lick his chin, neck, and fingers. He held her away from his body and angled his head.

“Alex, you need to feed your dog,” he said dryly.

They all laughed at his empty command.

“Come on. It’s time to make our way to the kitchen anyway and help out with lunch. I’ll take care of Cara there, too,” she chuckled.

Wallace handed her over to Alex, and she stepped closer to Gaius’ side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and continued to send his aura over her as they all made their way to the shelter’s large kitchen. Her parents and Jameason were already there contributing. The three other staff members, who were responsible for cooking the large quantities of food needed to feed so many, were efficiently putting the extra hands to good service.

When their parents looked up to welcome them, they immediately took note of Alexandria’s red and swollen eyes. Her mother dried her hands and came to stand before her. She initially said nothing, only studied Alex’s face for a moment. Then she gathered Cara gently in her hands and handed the puppy back to Wallace.

Lady Juliana pulled Alex into her arms, and Gaius released his hold on her. He smiled tenderly at the constant care and affection he saw flowing from his mother-in-law in waves.

She whispered into Alex’s ear that she loved her. Alex nodded against her mother’s face, echoing the words.

“I’m better now,” Alex whispered, then turned to kiss her mother’s cheek.

Lady Juliana pulled back enough to cup her face in her hands as she asked, “Alex, do you want to talk about anything?”

“Let’s talk when we’re at home for the evening, and our conversation can remain private,” she answered.

Lord Errol moved to their side and he smoothed Alex’s hair back. He did not offer any words, only looked knowingly into her eyes. Alex could feel the strength he was sending her through their shared gaze. So, she stood a little taller and nodded her head at him. He winked at her, and Alex felt a chuckle escape her lips.

“Thank you, Father and Mother,” she said, as she inhaled deeply. “What can we do to help with the food’s preparation?”

Nathan walked over, also taking note of Alex’s eyes, and directed each new arrival to a specific task. Gaius stayed beside Alex, and he helped her prepare a small portion for Cara to eat before they began to place ears of steamed corn on a tray that would be carried out to the serving line. The task gave her thoughts something else to focus on, and she was grateful for it.

Alex leaned against Gaius frequently too, so her mind did not slide back to her memories of Kronis again. She asked the Lord that Stewart, and the gift of his renewal, be placed at the forefront of her thoughts. And she began to make Stewart’s healing a point of encouragement and solace within her heart, using the good to outweigh the bad.

For if Kronis had to lose his life, so that she might continue to live, Alex was determined to make it a life that would warrant such a sacrifice.