Chapter 55

 

 

December progressed with much fellowship, love, and joy for all those who converged on Oxford. The Monday after Conner and Helen’s wedding, the Nephilim left London and settled into the multiple residences which Jameason and Archimedes had secured for the season. Quite a few were able to reside at the Manor House in the stately home’s extra bedrooms, but regardless of where they slept at night, most of the immortals spent their days at the Groaban’s abode.

Cara traveled to Oxford in a Rover with Sabina and several others, because Gaius and Alex brought their Ducati along for the month. Gaius planned to use the time to teach her how to operate the powerful bike. And Elrick had ridden beside them on his motorcycle, so that there were two at the Manor for anyone who wanted to take a quick spin.

When they roared into the estate’s drive, Lord Errol, Lady Juliana, and Jameason came out to greet them. They had traveled home the day before to see to the last minute details before their daughter and her new extended family arrived. Alex saw a distinct moment of pause for her parents and guardian, and she chuckled as she took her helmet off. She held on to Gaius while she stepped off of the motorcycle, but she quickly moved into their arms.

Alex and her brethren helped Lady Juliana with each stage of the decorations she planned to use around the property. And Alexandria could only laugh when she realized how ambitious her mother’s plans had become, once Lady Juliana knew she would have so many hands to assist her. Yet not one soul offered complaint or refused, as all seemed to want to care for Alex’s mother just as much as she did.

During the three weeks leading up to Christmas, the immortals used their abilities, talents, and gifts through the multiple charities Lady Juliana and Lord Errol were affiliated with in Oxford and the surrounding area. They volunteered their time to visit elderly shut-ins who needed small home repairs and hot meals provided, worked at a soup kitchen to feed those who were hungry, visited the local hospital’s children’s ward to take Christmas presents to little ones who were ill, and healed many during those visits.

Alex loved spending time in the nursery, volunteering to sit and rock the littlest patients. She used her aura to strengthen and heal them, so they had a fighting chance in the world. Gaius was always right by her side, holding a little one as well and sharing his aura.

Throughout those weeks, Alex repeatedly thanked her parents for giving them a way to still make a difference while she enjoyed time with her family. It was all part of finding a balance, and Alex was grateful she had the support of so many as she found her way.

 

The fourth Saturday of the month was Christmas Eve, and Wallace, Emily, Conner, and Helen arrived by lunchtime to join the festivities. They were welcomed home by so many, and Alex looked on in quiet appreciation at the love and camaraderie between them all. It made her feel most humble and moved her deeply.

Everyone wanted to know how Conner and Helen had enjoyed their honeymoon in Australia, and the two took seats in the large den to recount the journey. As they had for Wallace and Emily, Alex and Gaius paid for the trip as their wedding gift to the couple. Alex smiled as she heard of the excursions they enjoyed, as Helen and Conner explored aboriginal cave paintings and soaked up the area’s history while they began their marriage.

The large gathering ate dinner at the multiple tables which had been set up around the Manor House to accommodate so many, but Alex and Gaius ate in the main dining room with the Groabans, Jameason, and those immortals who could fit at the table. Alex kept her hand on Gaius’ leg under the table, needing his aura close. He eventually intertwined his fingers through hers, gently massaging her and sharing his power with each pass.

As the holiday drew closer, so too had Alex become increasingly introspective about the changes that had occurred in her life throughout the past year. So much good and so many blessings had been gifted to her, but there was great pain that had set it all in motion. As the anniversary of that day drew closer, Alex began to wish she had not agreed to attend the ball at Lord Lenley’s estate.

After dinner, Gaius volunteered Alex and himself to walk all four dogs. They donned wellies, jackets, and scarves, and walked out to the rear lawn and gardens. They looked on as Dudley, Dutch, Buddy, and Cara romped and played together. Gaius wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led Alex down a path, in no hurry to reach any particular destination along the slow journey through the white landscape.

After a while, Alex paused at a familiar place and looked up into Gaius’ eyes. He stopped walking and looked down, waiting for her to talk when she was ready.

“It all began right here,” Alex said softly. “On Christmas Day, Conner and I came outside to walk the dogs after night had fallen, and he stepped away to take a call on his mobile. I continued on for a bit, and that’s when I heard a terrifying sound that froze me to the spot. The chittering increased, but somehow I managed to break free and started to back away. The labs came running to bark at the source, and I called them to me until we made it to Conner. He guided me inside, because I wouldn’t take my eyes off of the place from which the sound emanated.”

“I know now that it was Bertrand; though I don’t know if he intended to attack me here that night and then take me with him to the dark immortals’ council, or if he was just laying the groundwork of fear and trepidation that they seem to so delight in. Maybe he was just playing with his prey,” she sighed, looking back to the hedges where he had taken cover.

Gaius turned completely towards her then and locked his arms behind Alex. He studied her face when she looked up at him, and she smiled briefly as she placed her hands on his chest. Alex connected with his mind and took him back through the memory, letting him see, hear, and feel it all with her. She heard his sharp intake of breath when Gaius heard Bertrand try to exert his will over her, and root her to the place where she stood before him.

Alex inhaled, and then nodded sadly before she went on.

“But I also know, that my life is exponentially better today than it was that day a year ago. I know my purpose now, and I know true love and companionship in my soul mate’s arms every day. I know Ganymede again, and he no longer is a father without a child. And I know our brethren, and they have their leader restored. All because a very lost and misguided soul sought to hurt me.”

“Ganymede told me in the courtyard of our Mayfair home when we were searching for Rangor, that I would have to take the bad with the good, as all souls must. It is because of that terrible, violent, and horrifying incident that I am where I’m supposed to be today. When we go back to Lord Lenley’s the day after tomorrow, I have to hold to that Gaius. Because just the thought of walking in that house is terrifying me right now. More so, even, than facing Rangor,” Alex confessed.

“I’ve worked so hard this year to block out the images of Bertrand hurting me and his hands on me, but I won’t be able to do that there, I know. I am so glad you are going to be by my side, because I will need your strength and comfort to get through the evening. Though I am sorry that you will have to feel my pain and fear as we go back into the office, and go through the memory to face this demon together,” she breathed, feeling tears gather in her eyes.

Gaius’ lips settled into a firm line and he raised a hand to smooth her tears away. He slowly shook his head and then cleared the emotion in his own throat to speak to her.

“Alexandria, there is no place I would rather be than by your side as we seek to exorcise this demon. For that is what he was. Yes, you’ve worked incredibly hard this year to seal the memories of Bertrand away. And I have been so very proud of how far you’ve come, as you moved forward and away from that traumatic night. And yes,” he sighed heavily, “being there will bring it all viscerally back, I know.”

“We are going to face this challenge, like all others we have come through, sweetheart. Together, in strength and numbers, we will get through this. It is no coincidence that there are so many Nephilim in Oxford right now. Every one of our brethren knows what happened that night, and they know what you are about to face.”

“You and I will not walk in there alone, Alex. John used his powers of persuasion and secured an invitation for all the immortals, and we will be surrounded by our brethren and their auras. I promise you, I will not leave your side, not for a moment,” Gaius vowed, gently tracing her cheek with his fingers.

“I know,” Alex chuckled slightly. “You have to stay by my side, or Henry will try to steal a waltz or two. And Evelyn is sure to head straight for you. I’m not entirely certain, but I think my cousin wants to get her hands on my husband.” Alex smirked up at Gaius, and they both began to laugh in earnest from her jest.

“Oh, Alex,” he sighed, and drew her against his chest, slowly rocking her next to his heart. “I love that you are able to laugh, even during the darkest of moments, my love. I think it keeps us going at times.”

“I’m serious,” she mumbled against his jacket. “She really has issues.”

“I love you, Alexandria,” Gaius chuckled and kissed her hair. “You need not worry, because Iain and Elrick will keep your cousin away from me. And I will keep Henry away from you.”

Alex laughed as she pulled Gaius closer and hugged him tightly. They stayed in one another’s arms for several more minutes until Dudley returned with a large stick and dropped it at their feet. Gaius looked down and laughed slightly, shaking his head. He released Alex and took up time with the loyal Labrador, while Alex tossed a smaller stick for Cara. After a while, the activity helped to calm Alexandria further, so she could try to sleep without seeing the face she dreaded when she dreamed.

 

Christmas morning was unlike any other that Alexandria had ever experienced in her twenty-two years. Lady Juliana and Lord Errol insisted that all of the immortals come for the family’s traditional exchange of gifts and full course breakfast. Though Archimedes and John had adamantly stated no gifts were to be given to the immortals, Alex’s parents had politely ignored that desire.

Lady Juliana and Jameason had worked with Heath and Sabina to learn what each immortal’s favorite dessert or pastry was, and then prepared a homemade tin or basket for them all. When Alex had discovered what her mother’s plan was, she and Gaius stepped into the baking line the week before Christmas to help prepare all that Lady Juliana wanted to give to the Nephilim. Her mother completed each gift with a hand-written card, thanking them for their great care and love, and for welcoming the Groabans into their hearts.

As each Nephilim, Ganymede, and Haniel were handed their gift, Lady Juliana hugged or patted their shoulders. Alex saw so much emotion in everyone’s eyes during the exchange, that her aura responded and traveled around the den, touching the hearts of all it came near. They smiled and many nodded their heads in silent recognition of her desire to comfort them.

Archimedes encouraged the Groabans, Alex, Gaius, and Jameason to exchange their gifts next, and Wallace moved forward to begin handing presents from under the tree to all within his family. Alex and Gaius smiled over the presents that her family gave them, and watched with delight when the Groabans and Jameason seemed touched by the purchases Alex and Gaius had given them in turn.

Like her mother, Alex had ignored the requests of her brethren. She handed each immortal a small gift that she and Gaius had selected for them either from Cold Spring or New York. Many gifts were handmade by people who Alex had come to know through the Nephilim’s centers and shelters.

There were volumes of poetry, short stories, hand-crafted jewelry, and even small paintings created by those they had touched and healed. As the immortals saw the offerings, they recognized the signatures of the authors or artists, connecting the names with faces they knew well. Alex’s aura continued to circulate amongst her brethren, steadying them as they took in the good that they had helped to bring about.

Gaius stood and retrieved Alex’s stocking, and then handed it to her. She had thought that her family would not fill the stockings that season, because most in the large gathering did not have a stocking of their own. Her brow furrowed slightly, but she slid her hand inside to find two small boxes.

She pulled the first out and instantly recognized it as Tiffany’s signature blue box. Slowly, she opened it and saw another package inside. It was a silver and enamel charm in the shape of a blue, Tiffany gift box. Alex looked up at Gaius and saw his tender smile.

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I thought this would be appropriate, because you are my gift, each and every day,” he said and leaned in to lightly kiss her.

“Gaius, this is perfect. Thank you,” she said softly, and saw Ganymede and Haniel smile approvingly.

“You are most welcome. I believe there is one more gift waiting for you in the stocking,” he prompted, and Alex removed the last box.

She noted the smiles on everyone’s face, and knew they were privy to the secret contained within the last package. Alex lifted the unadorned, maroon box and shook it slightly. There was no sound produced by the motion, so she slid the lid off and found a smaller hinged case inside.

There was a tiny tag attached to the top, and Alex pulled the case free, then turned the card over. It simply read, “From Mathew, and your new friends.” Alex opened the box and gasped loudly. She looked up at Gaius in true surprise and then began to shake her head in denial. But he clasp her hand and nodded.

“Gaius, what is this? This is not for me,” she murmured, not entirely sure what was going on.

“It is for you, Alex. Specifically at the request of Mathew. He and the others we liberated were told that we were selling the stones from the mine, and creating accounts for them all. You were there when we gave them that good news. But Mathew pulled Rohan and me to the side the night before we left, and asked that we create a gift for you out of a specific stone he knew we would find in the lot,” Gaius explained, but Alex interrupted him.

“No, I cannot accept this, Gaius. This is for them. I have too much,” she breathed, shaking her head again as she tried to hand the box back to him.

“Alex, listen to me, sweetheart,” Gaius said, taking her hand in between his. “Mathew told us that the moment you stepped towards him and touched him, he was filled with the most calming, loving feeling he had ever experienced. He felt your aura flowing over him, though he could not see it. Mathew told us, it was like the sun filling him, and he knew that the Lord had finally heard his prayers and brought about the liberation of himself and hundreds of others.”

Gaius continued to smooth her hand in between his, trying to help Alex see what was in Mathew’s heart.

“He asked us to find one yellow diamond, because occasionally the mine yielded the prized stone. And Mathew specifically asked that a ring be fashioned for you, so that each time it moved in the sunlight, you would see a reminder of what he felt within his heart. Just as all the souls there did that day, when your aura overtook them. We had it appraised, and we used money from our own accounts to pay for it, Alex. Mathew has his request filled, and the rescued souls lost nothing. I promise,” Gaius smiled, seeing her eyes soften a bit at his last statement.

Alex bit her bottom lip and looked around at all of her loved ones who were smiling broadly at her. Archimedes nodded and she saw how very proud of her he looked. Her eyes turned next towards her mortal family, and she saw the same look of love and adoration shining in their eyes that she saw reflected in the Nephilim’s. Finally, Alex’s eyes settled on Ganymede and he also nodded his approval.

“So, try it on. Let’s see if it fits,” said Wallace, coming to sit on the cushion to her left.

Alex chuckled and smirked at him, then removed the diamond ring from the cushioned box. She slipped the silver Claddagh ring she still wore off of her right ring finger and placed it in the maroon box. Gaius took the new ring from her and slid it on in place of the other, smiling as he gazed at it.

“It’s beautiful, truly it is. I will have to write Mathew and thank him for this,” Alex said, nodding her head.

“I would say so,” grinned her brother. “I have never beheld a flawless, yellow diamond of this size and with this amount of clarity. Ever.”

“Did you help to create this?” she asked Wallace.

“No, Gaius designed it and had it made for you. The center stone is a little over five carats, and there are tiny white diamonds around the gallery and along the platinum band. The jeweler who fashioned it told us that he could find not one flaw in the yellow diamond. Extremely uncommon and rarely, if ever, found. I think Mathew and your husband did well,” Wallace praised, and smiled at Gaius.

“I think so, too,” Alex grinned and leaned over to kiss her husband. “Thank you, Gaius. And thank you all for making sure Mathew didn’t lose anything by creating this. That makes it easier to accept,” she said, looking around the room.

Alex looked back at Gaius and handed him the gift she still had sitting on the sofa, between her leg and Wallace’s.

“And this is for you. Though I have to admit, that it’s kind of for me and all the others here as well. Merry Christmas, Gaius,” Alex smiled and handed him the box.

Gaius played her game and shook the small box, hearing a distinct rattle coming from within. He grinned and opened it to find a key inside. His brow furrowed slightly as he rolled it in his hand and saw the engraved silver keychain attached to it. His eyes returned to Alex, only to see her grinning cheekily.

“Well, we always share everything we have with those we love, so others will get to use this, too. Come on, it’s sitting outside,” Alex said, and pulled him to his feet.

She led Gaius out of the front door, to where Elrick had just parked a brand new Ducati 1199 Panigale, solid red superbike. Elrick was grinning widely too, humored by the rare speechless moment Gaius was experiencing.

“You’ve taught me how to operate the one you already owned. So I thought, perhaps, I could have the old one and you could have this one, so we could ride side by side occasionally. Though you’ll have to wait for me, because this one can travel over 350 kilometers per hour. I just didn’t think you’d want to ride on that tiny little pillion seat that I have to sit on behind you when we ride together,” Alex chuckled.

Gaius scrubbed his hand through his thick hair and looked from Alex to Elrick.

“Oh, come on!” laughed Elrick. “You’ve got to take this thing out. I swear, it walks off and leaves the others behind. Even on one wheel, it is incredible.”

Alex raised an eyebrow at their friend, and Elrick laughed louder as he blushed a bit after his admission that he had already played on it. Gaius finally chuckled with him, shaking his head and inhaling as he walked over to the motorcycle. He took the helmet Elrick offered him and slid it on. Sabina walked over and handed Alex one too, winking at her.

“Mother, Father, don’t watch this,” Alex smiled at her parents.

“Alexandria, we understand that you will be playing with a Chinook helicopter on New Year’s. So I think we can see you on a motorcycle,” said Lord Errol indulgently.

“Maybe you can, but I don’t know if I can see this,” breathed Conner.

“They’ll be fine,” grinned Iain, slapping Conner’s shoulder lightly. “Just wait until you see her take on about seven of us, with only her sword and a horse.”

Conner blanched slightly as he glanced at Iain, but Iain just continued to display a heart-stopping grin. Alex slid her helmet on and zipped her jacket. She waited for Gaius to take his place and then she sat on the platform behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and patting him lightly. He took a moment to pat her in return and then he started the bike.

There was an incredible rumble of power as Gaius twisted the throttle, getting a feel for the amount he could employ. Alex knew what he was about to do, and she held on tightly as Gaius gave the new Ducati a substantial amount of throttle. It lurched forward and sped out of the family’s drive.

Alex squealed over the exhilarating feeling of flying over the lane. They soared into the street and Alex immediately hid them under her aura, so Gaius could travel as fast he wanted without detection. She heard his laughter as he gave the bike full power, and she laughed in response to the happiness she felt rolling off of him in waves.

Gaius began to weave in and out of traffic, playing and reveling in the feel of the motorcycle. Alex watched him with delight and she whispered into his mind that she loved him so. In response to her declaration, he told her aloud to hold on and raised the bike up on one wheel, using his aura to support and balance them. When he set them back down, Alex asked him to teach her that trick next. Gaius only laughed louder and pushed the bike faster.

 

When they returned to the Manor House an hour later, many came out to inspect the bike. Gaius handed the key and his helmet over to Iain, letting him be the next to take it out. He hugged Alex and thanked her for the gift. She grinned, so happy inside that he liked her choice. She whispered into his mind that they had a little time before they needed to shower and change for dinner, knowing her extended mortal family was coming for the evenings’ festivities.

Gaius said nothing, only looked down at her for a moment. His eyes narrowed slightly, then he gathered her hand in his and led her inside and upstairs to their bedroom. Alex giggled as he closed the door, but Gaius swept her into his arms without delay and her laughter subsided for a time.