Chapter 40

 

 

After dinner that night, Elizabeth asked Alex if she would come inside and help her as she cleaned the kitchen. Alex rose to accompany her, and noticed a look pass between Gaius and Nathan as the two ladies walked away. Alex could sense at once that Elizabeth needed to talk about something of significance, so she smiled and began the conversation.

“Elizabeth, you know that you can say anything to me. Please, unburden your mind and tell me what’s troubling you,” Alex gently coaxed her.

Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and then chuckled despite herself. She gestured for Alex to take a seat beside her at the kitchen island, and Alex moved into a chair next to her friend. Still, Elizabeth hesitated, so Alex took one of her hands. Elizabeth smiled and finally began to share her thoughts with Alexandria.

“Alex, Nathan told me about the upcoming trip into the Congo, and we both know that you’re hesitating to let him accompany all of you. We both feel your reluctance to assign him a role is because he’s married, and that perhaps you don’t want him in a possibly dangerous situation where he might come to harm or leave me a widow. I’ll confess that when I first learned of the mission, it gave me pause and I had reservations about letting Nathan go, too,” Elizabeth said, slightly biting her lower lip.

“But,” she qualified, “I have all faith in the Nephilim’s abilities. And because those powers come from the Lord, and my faith in Him is unwavering and resolute, I have to believe that you cannot fail in whatever situation He is calling us into. I also have faith in you, Alexandria, and the all-encompassing Light that I know God has placed within you,” Elizabeth quietly stated.

“Surely, it will be enough to see all of you through. Even my Nathan,” she breathed.

Alex leaned forward and took Elizabeth in her arms, silently rocking her as Elizabeth’s emotions got the better of her. She cried briefly, and Alex smoothed her hair.

“It’s okay, Elizabeth. It will all work out. And you’re right, there is no reason to fear,” Alex encouraged her.

Alex felt Gaius and Nathan’s auras approaching, and she released Elizabeth so they could look up into their husbands’ faces. Both men came to stand beside their partners, and Nathan glanced worryingly down at Elizabeth’s moist eyes.

But Alex set about redirecting the emotion she felt flowing around them. She looked up at Nathan and smiled gently at him.

“Nathan, do you truly want to accompany us into Africa?” Alex asked. She did not have to wait long for an answer.

“I do, Alex. More than my words can say.” He gently smoothed Elizabeth’s hair back as he spoke. “I have prayed about the mission, and it is weighing heavily on my heart to go and ease the people’s burden and oppression. I feel led to use my abilities to aid in their rescue.”

She looked to Gaius next and reached for his hand. Alex studied their joined palms for a moment, and then looked back at Nathan.

“I can no more deny you than I can my own husband. And if you feel that the Lord is leading you to join us, then we are glad to have you along. But,” she paused, and leveled a pointed stare at him, “you have to agree to stay under the protection of my aura, so that I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can bring you back home to your wife, safe and sound.”

They all chuckled at Alex’s command.

“I will follow your orders completely and without hesitation,” Nathan grinned. But he sobered quickly and his expression became very sincere. “Thank you, Alex. This means so much to me.”

Alex glanced up to see Jack and Lauren coming in and she had to take a deep breath, for she knew where the conversation was about to head.

“Mind if we join you?” Jack asked, and Gaius motioned them forward.

Lauren looked intently at her sister’s face, noting the tears that still lingered on her skin. Elizabeth waved her hand to dismiss them though.

“I’m fine, Lauren. We were just talking about the upcoming mission to Africa. It’s official; Nathan is going now. And that is a very good thing.”

Jack’s eyes turned down to Alex and they stared at one another for a few moments. He smiled slightly.

“I have a feeling that I’m not going where you’re headed this time, am I?” he asked quietly.

Gaius placed a hand on Jack’s shoulder and shook his head slowly. “Not this time, brother,” he answered gently. Jack studied his eyes and he finally nodded his acceptance.

Alex released Gaius’ hand and she stood to hug Jack.

“Jack, do you recall what you asked Rohan when he was trying to set up the demonstration with modern weaponry for me?” She pulled back, but kept her hands on Jack’s arms as she waited for him to replay that day in his mind. “You wanted to know what would happen to the bullets they deflected, and if they might possibly travel in my direction.”

“I remember, Alex,” Jack nodded.

“I love you just as much as I do Wallace and Conner, and I will never, ever willingly place you in danger, ever again. I welcome your input and skill in planning such missions, but I refuse to jeopardize your health, safety, or future with the lovely young lady standing to your immediate right,” Alex vowed, and smiled up at him.

Everyone found a small laugh over her words, and Alex smiled at Lauren before she looked back to Jack.

“You will always be one of my best friends, and forever be a part of my confidence. I have no secrets from you, Jack, nor will I ever shut you out. But, there will just be some places that you can no longer venture into with us. Not and remain whole,” she qualified.

“And your protection and security are just as important to me, as the need to travel to the Congo and rescue those who must have their burden lifted. It is all a part of what I am committed to do. I love you so, Jackson Campbell. And I want you safe, always,” Alex whispered, and pulled Jack in for another hug.

Jack squeezed her tightly and they quietly held on to each other for a few moments.

“I understand, Alex. I do,” he said. Jack chuckled slightly as they pulled away from one another, and he held onto her arms. “You do make for a pretty good student, you know?” Alex angled her head at him, but Jack grinned and tapped the end of her nose with his index finger. “You’re the guard and protector now, Alexandria,” he praised.

“Only sometimes,” she smiled. “It’s still nice to have such tall, handsome gentlemen around to rescue me on the dance floor, or help to carry heavy trays about.”

Alex stepped back to Gaius’ side as they all shared a laugh. He encircled her shoulders with his arm, and she wrapped an arm around his waist and then pulled him a little closer. As she had acknowledged earlier in the year, it was all really going to work out, and she sent a silent thanks to the Lord and Ganymede for helping to pave the path she was treading.

They all went about cleaning the kitchen then, and Nathan asked for more information about when they were going and specifics that he had yet to be included in. Gaius and Alex gave him a complete accounting, and Jack contributed what he could. Elizabeth hugged Alex twice more, thanking her each time for letting Nathan be with them on their journey.

Alex realized that, had she displayed more faith in their abilities, she might not have shown such reservation with Nathan initially. And that, she conceded, was not the mindset which the Nephilim’s leader should demonstrate. Alex recognized it was yet another facet of stepping into the role she now occupied, and it was a role she still needed practice fulfilling.

 

Once they were home and settled for the night, Alex rolled to her side and snuggled into Gaius’ chest. He began to gently caress her back while her fingers trailed across his skin.

“Thank you for your support today, when I wanted to walk back into the bookshop,” she whispered.

“You are most welcome, my love,” he said and kissed her hair. “I am here for you always, through the good and the bad.”

Alex leaned back enough to meet his eyes, and she nibbled her lower lip before she spoke. “Gaius, I have a concern that I’ve yet to voice in our planning meetings. And I know it will probably seem like part of the bad moments to you, but I am a little worried,” she sighed.

“Tell me.” Gaius continued to stroke her hair as he watched her countenance.

“I know there will be many weapons and live rounds at the mine, which we’ll have to contend with. And I understand my aura can completely protect us all. But, I have only once had a bullet fired at me, and it nearly killed me that day. Wouldn’t it be wise to allow me to practice before we leave for Africa?” she whispered. Alex studied his eyes as she awaited his words.

Gaius smiled briefly and nodded against his pillow. “I have actually been waiting for you to bring it up, because I knew it was an issue that would give you pause. And you can never pause on the field of battle, Alex. It is, in fact, necessary for you to have the skill mastered before you attempt what we are all about to undertake. We’ll practice after Jack’s family leaves New York,” he said, and then leaned in to lightly kiss her lips.

He noticed the mischievous glint in Alex’s eyes immediately, and waited to hear what she was about to say. She moved her hands off of his chest to his waist and began to pull him closer.

Slowly, she started to kiss him again as she whispered into his mind, “Hmmm, I like it when we practice together.”

Gaius laughed softly and whispered, “Come here.”

 

The following day was the last in the long weekend Alex had planned for Jack’s family and friends to visit with him. After a brief discussion during breakfast, it was finally decided that they would enjoy Central Park for a while and then relax together at home. After dinner, they would attend the concert Alex and Gaius had purchased tickets for. Iain was quick to let everyone know about several sports matches that would be televised throughout the day, and it helped to solidify the plan to spend a little time indoors in the afternoon.

As they strolled in the park, Cara sniffed each blade of grass and leaf that had fallen along the path they all tread. Brenda and Shelby strolled alongside Alex and Gaius, and both ladies commented on how much they had enjoyed the trip.

“You are all welcome to visit anytime. All you have to do is call me or Jack, and a plane will be sent to retrieve you,” Alex reminded them.

Brenda patted Alex’s shoulder and smiled. “Thank you for taking such good care of my son, Alex. It means so much to his family that he can now contribute to the welfare of others as he loves to do, but stay safe at the same time. I’ve often wished Jack was not overseas, but closer to us all.”

Alex gave her a smile and nodded her understanding. She thought back to their conversation at Nathan’s house, and how reassured she felt knowing Jack was indeed safe.

They paused on a large expanse of lawn, and Alex learned that Elrick had brought along a football - an American football - in honor of their guests. He offered the young men in Jack’s party the opportunity to participate in a friendly game, and was immediately met with agreement from all. Gaius leaned down to kiss Alex and gave her a wide grin. He shrugged his jacket off and asked her to keep it for him as he moved forward to have a little fun with their guests.

Sabina and Ahadi had known of the potential game beforehand, and brought several blankets along. The ladies and older guests moved to take a seat and watch the revelry. But Ahadi stood and walked over, offering herself to whichever team wanted her. Alex and Sabina laughed as Jack’s friends spoke out a little too quickly and made Ahadi a part of their team.

As they had while in India, the immortals made their effort look convincing and believable. Even Jack had to angle his head at them a few times, knowing that they could do so much better. But throughout the match, the mortals stayed slightly in the lead.

Alex settled herself between Sabina and Elizabeth, and eventually Cara moved onto her lap to lie down. She began to lightly stroke the puppy as she listened to the ladies around her talking, but her attention was firmly focused on the sight before her. Though all of the men playing were in their prime, Gaius held her attention like no other and Alex watched him intently. A smile graced her lips, while she took in the view.

After one successful pass for the immortal team, he happened to glance back her way and noticed the look on Alex’s face as she studied him. Gaius chuckled aloud and bowed in her direction before he returned his attention to the game. Alex saw Rohan look her way and shake his head, and she giggled.

Alex connected with Gaius’ mind and silently praised his efforts, though she couldn’t help but tease him a bit. “You know, husband, it really is a shame that your team just cannot seem to take the lead in this game,” she whispered through their connection. “Such a pity that you’re going to lose.”

He did not look back at her, but she heard him laugh loudly, causing everyone around him to look back at her, knowing Alex had said something that they were not privy to. His eyes were still looking ahead when he mentally said, “Soon,” to her, and then she had to laugh loudly in turn.

Eventually, Lauren and Elizabeth began to talk with Alex. And when Lauren mentioned Africa, Alex noted that Jack’s mother turned in their direction to hear what was being said. Alex slightly shook her head at Lauren, and Elizabeth patted her hand to let her know that they could not discuss the topic with so many others around.

Lauren blushed terribly, but Alex redirected her thoughts to the Thanksgiving dinner preparations that were underway at all their shelters and centers. Alex understood that this was an important tradition for the shelters in the United States, and she was looking forward to helping with the effort after they returned from Africa. It was a bright and hopeful point on their upcoming itinerary.

After the game ended, and Jack’s team had won, they all moved forward to take a place on one of the blankets and quilts with those who had watched the match. Gaius stretched out and reclined next to Alex, propping himself up on one elbow. She smiled down at his relaxed profile and leaned in to kiss his lips. She murmured her love, as did he, before she kissed his forehead and then straightened.

“You’ll have to show me how to throw a football sometime soon,” Alex playfully teased.

“I promise I will, when we’re home for New Year’s,” he smiled, then slid his hand over her knee and let it rest there.

Alex chuckled and returned to petting Cara, as she soaked up the harmony flowing around her. She quietly noted that Logan was trying hard to impress Sabina as he took his place next to her and began to chat away. Branden claimed a spot on Ahadi’s left, while Carter stretched out alongside Tomoko.

Sabina glanced away from Logan and met Alex’s eye. She pursed her lips and tried not to laugh at the look Alex was leveling at her. She could feel Alex’s aura slowly seeping into her mental shield and she allowed her entrance.

“Yes?” Sabina asked dryly.

“What are you doing?” Alex played back.

“Talking. Isn’t is obvious?”

“Hmmm,” Alex murmured. “It would seem from the blush on Logan’s neck that talking is something altogether different in his book than it is in yours.”

“I like to talk,” Sabina chuckled. “And so does this sweet boy, apparently.”

“Well…,” Alex sighed through their connection, “just know that Rohan, Titus, and Elrick are watching those young Marines closely.”

Sabina coughed aloud and tried to stifle her laughter, but it bubbled forth regardless of her intent. Logan gently patted her back between her shoulder blades, and bent closer to make sure she was alright. That motion only compelled Rohan to roll his eyes and scowl. And that made Alex laugh aloud.

“What is going on between you two?” Gaius smirked and cut his eyes over to Sabina.

“Oh, we’re just talking,” Alex said aloud. Of course Sabina heard her and that set off another mixture of laughter and coughing for them both.

Finally Sabina looked over her shoulder and mouthed, “Stop!” to Alex. Alex nodded dutifully and ceased her teasing. She glanced back down at Gaius and saw him smiling lazily at her. She began to trail her fingers through his thick chestnut hair, and watched him close his eyes in utter contentment as she caressed him.

While she ran her fingers through his hair, she focused on the scenery before her. The trees were aglow in their full autumn splendor, and Alex repeatedly inhaled deeply as she tried to capture each and every minute detail of the scene before her. Everyone was at peace and safe, and it was truly all she really needed or wanted.

And, she told herself, if she only had a little over two years to enjoy the park for decades to come, then she was glad she was allowed to have this time and savor it with the souls around her. It would make the memories that much sweeter to call back to her mind, once these moments had slipped away and those who were mortal were no longer with them.

 

After lunch everyone gathered in the neighboring home’s large den, and Alex enjoyed the conversations she had with Jack’s grandparents. His grandfather in particular, kept up a steady flow of dialog, as he shared tales of his past exploits, travels, and adventures.

Alex noticed Jack glance back at them several times. She could tell from the look on his face that he wanted to apologize. Alex, however, did not feel that his grandfather was monopolizing her time at all. She liked the man’s stories, and knew she had to put Jack at ease.

Alex mentally connected with him, and whispered into his mind. “Don’t fret so, Jack. Your grandfather is so much fun to talk with, and I’m happy to share these moments with your family. I know that I have less than three years now, and I want to enjoy a few mortal connections during this time, if I can.”

Jack paused in his conversation with Mike and turned to look directly into Alex’s face. They held one another’s gaze for a moment, and she nodded at him as slight tears filled her eyes. She saw his jaw flex twice before Jack inhaled and nodded back at her. Alex turned her gaze back to Jack’s grandfather then and continued to listen to the story he was telling, determined to hold on to the good.

 

After one particularly long game on the television, Gaius told everyone that they had an hour and a half before they would need to leave for dinner and the concert.

“Can we know who we’re going to see?” Jack asked him.

“Of course. We have tickets for everyone to see and hear, Liz Longley,” Gaius answered.

“I’ve never heard of her,” Jack said, and many in the room stated that they had not either.

But Gaius’ wide smile encouraged them to give her music a try. He sighed and said, “Ah, but she has the voice of an angel. Trust me, you will all love her.”

His comment drew light laughter from many immortals, and no one in the room turned down his invitation to go.

“Well, if you think she sounds angelic, that’s all I need to hear to convince me,” Jack smirked.

“As I said, Jack: trust me,” Gaius grinned in return.

Alex had been delighted to learn of a venue where Liz was performing, when they were planning the surprise for Jack. She and Gaius had not been able to use the tickets he had first purchased to one of her shows when they were in New York in January, and Alex had regretted that it had been a missed opportunity. So for Jack’s birthday gathering, they had purchased enough tickets for their large party in the hopes of sharing her music with them all.

“Do we need to dress according to the venue, Gaius?” Walton asked.

Gaius smiled and shook his head. “No, sir. The setting is a relaxed one, so whatever you are comfortable in is fine.”

Slowly, the room began to empty of people and Alex took Cara to the courtyard for a few minutes before she climbed the stairs to their bedroom. She paused as she entered and watched Gaius for a moment while he looked through his clothes. When he felt her eyes on him, he turned in her direction and they silently gazed at one another.

Alex moved forward and wrapped her arms under his, hugging him tightly to her body. “Thank you for this weekend, Gaius,” she whispered. “I know it was for Jack, but somehow it’s for me as well. I worry sometimes when there is no cause, and I can see now that Jack’s going to be just fine when we leave New York. He’s going to be fine,” she said again, as if repeating the words would convince her heart of what her mind had come to accept.

Gaius hugged her a little closer to his heart. “He will be alright, Alex. And just think, now he’ll not only have Lauren by his side, but he’ll have Nathan as a brother-in-law and Elizabeth as a new sister. His family is growing, just as yours has and mine. This year has brought many wonderful changes for us all.”

“Yes, it has,” she smiled and snuggled a bit closer.

They held one another for several quiet minutes, just taking in all that the Lord had blessed them with. Through all the danger Rangor posed, and her body’s struggle leading up to her transition, they had found one another and been made stronger. And now the reward was all the more precious, for they knew what a gift they had been given.