Chapter 56

 

 

“Gaius, will you zip my dress for me?” Alex asked, looking over her shoulder as he walked back into the bathroom.

Gaius said nothing, only stepped behind Alex and softly ran his palm over her back, then zipped the burgundy gown. He hooked the tiny clasp at the top and then lightly massaged her shoulders. He looked at her in the mirror and smiled.

“You look so beautiful, sweetheart. We need a better word, though, because beautiful does not come close to how I see you,” Gaius said and leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder.

“I agree,” Alex smiled, turning to face him. “I was going to tell you how beautiful and handsome you look in your tuxedo, but those words don’t really reflect what I feel when I look at you. Perhaps it’s best that I can tell you like this,” she murmured and raised her hand to cup his face.

Alex sent her aura into him, letting Gaius feel the true depth of her emotions and love for him. Gaius reciprocated, cupping her cheek and surging his power into her, so Alex knew and understood how very much he loved her. They stood for a few quiet moments and held one another gently, until Gaius lightly squeezed her skin and then let his hand fall away.

They walked into the bedroom together so he could put on his tie and slip into his tuxedo jacket. Alex stepped into her heels and then put on her diamond stud earrings. She slid the yellow diamond ring on her right hand, and then lifted her small clutch and matching wrap from the dresser. She turned back and smiled, as Gaius extended his hand to her. Alex walked to his side and nodded, then settled her palm in his.

“I can do this,” she whispered, still trying to infuse a last bit of strength into her heart and mind.

“We can do this, my love,” he gently corrected.

Alex smiled and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. We can.”

Gaius tucked Alex’s arm in the bend of his elbow, smoothing his hand momentarily over hers. They descended the stairs together, ready to see the night through.

Her mortal family and many immortals were already in the large foyer awaiting their arrival. Lord Errol extended his arms to Alex, and Gaius released her so she could step into her father’s embrace. He hugged her closely to his heart and rocked her slowly. When he drew away, Lord Errol held on to Alex’s arms for a moment, looking her over and smiling.

“Are you ready, Alexandria?” he asked, studying her eyes closely.

“Yes, Father, I am. Shall we?” Alex asked in return, trying to keep the mood light.

She saw his eyes narrow a bit and then he nodded his head twice in approval of the strength she was demonstrating. Alex kissed her father’s cheek and moved back over to Gaius’ side. They all began to take their leave and Alex was quite surprised to see Gaius’ new quantum silver Aston Martin sitting in the line of cars and SUVs in front of the Manor House. She looked up at him and Gaius answered her silent inquiry with a gentle smile.

“Conleth flew to Elysium early this morning and brought it down for us to use. He said he thought we might want it for an added bit of comfort, to help get through tonight,” Gaius quietly explained.

“That is so sweet,” she breathed. “I’ll thank him later tonight.”

Gaius held the passenger door open and helped Alex take her seat so she did not wrinkle her gown. Once she was settled, she saw him talking with Rohan for a moment, and then he joined her and started the car. They waited until the line of vehicles began to roll away, and Alex realized then that they were at the very center of the line, cushioned in front and back by all of their loved ones.

As they pulled up to Lenley Hall, one after another hired footmen came forward to open doors and drive vehicles to the large lawn the family always used as a parking lot for their grand occasions and gatherings. Alex remembered her brothers startling the footman who had stared at her a bit too long the previous year, and she shared the memory with Gaius while they were waiting for their turn to exit the car.

He chuckled and held her hand in his, smoothing his fingers over her skin. When Alex’s door was opened, Gaius effortlessly left his seat and moved around to her side. He took her hand in his after she was on her feet and led Alex up the estate’s steps to join her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law. Half of their immortal brethren were already in the Hall and the remainder were leaving their vehicles and approaching.

Alex said nothing, only stood as straight as she could and put a smile on her face. Gaius tucked her hand in the bend of his elbow again and held on to her as they moved forward and listened for her family to be announced. Alex willed her aura to strengthen her, and she felt it cocoon both Gaius and herself as they stepped over the threshold.

So many of her parents’ friends came forward to greet them, as they most often did, and a great many wanted to chat with the new spouses of the Groaban’s three children. Alex held tightly to Gaius’ arm while he smoothly chatted with one and all, never giving too much away, and effortlessly guiding them from one brief conversation to another. She could feel the auras of their brethren all around her and Alex drew strength from the sheer magnitude of power that radiated throughout the space.

When they reached the dance floor, Gaius smiled and asked her if she would like to take a turn with him. She knew that if he held her in his arms, it would greatly lift her spirits and bring her comfort, so Alex told him she needed to. He nodded with understanding and led her out amongst the couples who were already gliding along with the music.

They held to one another until Gaius saw Lord Errol signal that he wanted a dance with his daughter. Gaius whispered that he would not be far from her as he led her over to her father. Alex smiled and let him take her away from her husband for a time. She was given over to Wallace and then Conner when Lord Errol released her, and she talked quietly with them as they turned her around the dance floor. Alex knew that this was hard for all of them, and she tried to give them what comfort she could while still combating her own internal storm.

Conner brought her directly to Gaius’ side and placed her hand in his when their dance came to an end. The two men smiled at one another, but they glanced down at Alex when they heard her slight intake of breath. Henry was approaching, and she had just noticed his attention centered on the three of them.

“Alexandria, you look lovely tonight,” Henry said solicitously as he leaned in to lift her free hand and kiss the back of it.

“Hello, Henry. I’d like to introduce you to my husband, Gaius Marcus,” Alex said, quickly removing her hand from Henry’s. She noted that Conner was giving him a very stern look.

“Mr. Marcus, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I must admit though, I am at a disadvantage. I know nothing about you,” Henry stated, obviously delving for information.

“That is alright, Henry. I know nothing of you either.” Gaius smiled, watching Henry’s eyebrows rise in surprise.

“Well, Alexandria and I have known each other since we were children. We’ve been friends our whole lives,” Henry said with slight hesitation, as he glanced over at Alex.

“Not really,” said Conner dryly. “Our mothers are very good friends, but we have never truly gotten to know one another. You see, Gaius, we have acquaintances that we see once or twice a year at such functions as this, but that is the only time we have such contact. Henry has been such, his whole life. So tell me, Henry, how are your studies at university going?”

Alex had to press her lips together to stifle the smile that threatened to spread, as she watched Conner politely put Henry in his place. Henry stammered a bit as he began to recount his last semester and what he was endeavoring to accomplish in the upcoming session. Conner and Gaius listened patiently, staring intently down at the young man.

“Well, that sounds very interesting, Henry,” stated Gaius. “Now, if you will excuse us, I would like to dance with my wife.”

“Perhaps, she can save a dance for me?” Henry pressed, glancing back over at Alex.

“I’m sorry, young man. That won’t be possible tonight. I don’t really have a desire to let her far from my side,” Gaius said, and inclined his head slightly as he reached out and settled a palm on Alex’s lower back.

He led her away from Henry and drew her into his arms, swirling her into the pattern of couples still enjoying the music. Alex began to laugh lightly and Gaius followed suit.

“He’s a persistent lad, isn’t he?” Gaius chuckled.

“He is,” she sighed. “And it’s because I was trying to avoid him, that I wandered off from the crowd that night.”

After a few more minutes, Alex drew in a deep breath and said, “I think I’m ready, Gaius.”

She stared into his eyes and he slowly nodded. He led her around the dance floor a few more times before he guided them away from the throng. They had both agreed that when she felt prepared, they would walk back through that night. Alex was as ready as she was ever going to be to see it done. She took Gaius’ hand in hers and led him out to the large balcony, standing in the same spot she had exactly one year prior.

Gaius stepped behind Alex and wrapped his arms around her, then he lowered his head and rested his cheek against hers. She inhaled and connected with his mind as her eyes rolled closed. Alex let Gaius see, hear, and feel how she had moved away from the large gathering for a few minutes of privacy, and then turned and saw Henry looking for her.

She opened her eyes, as the memory continued, showing Gaius how she had inched along the balcony’s edge until she came to the hallway and heard the young lady call her. Gaius straightened to his full height and took Alex’s hand in his, retracing her steps. They walked down the corridor until they came to Lord Lenley’s personal office and study. Alex reached out and placed her palm against the door, feeling the barrier that had sealed her inside with Bertrand.

She looked up at Gaius, holding his hand tightly in hers, and exhaled heavily. Alex could feel the auras of all their brethren around them, and she knew her friends were sending their power in her direction to steady them both.

“I can do this. I know I can,” she said softly.

“Yes, Alex, you can. I’m right here, and you are not alone. When you’re ready, go in, sweetheart; but only when you’re ready,” Gaius said, standing resolutely by her.

Alex looked back at the door and reconnected with Gaius’ mind. She showed him the beginning of the memory as she turned the handle, and they walked into the study together. Alex could feel her feet taking the same steps she had that night and her hands started to shake as she approached the desk. Gaius wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steadying Alex as he witnessed her reaching the desk in the past and hearing the lock click into place behind her.

Tears began to form in Alex’s eyes, because she knew what was to come. She stood, placing a hand on the edge of the desk, tracing the wood with her fingers for a moment before she could find her voice.

“When I reached the desk, I realized the phone was dead. I took Lord Lenley’s letter opener in hand and the rest flowed so quickly. When I show you this, it’s going to happen so fast, Gaius, because Bertrand was so fast. And strong. Are you ready?” she whispered, crying softly.

Gaius turned her then and cupped Alex’s face in his palms. He smoothed her cheeks with his thumbs, and she noted that his eyes were already clouded with emotion too. Gaius lowered his forehead to hers and she felt his aura wash over her as he strengthened them both.

“Show me, Alex,” he quietly intoned.

She rolled her eyes shut and resumed the memory from the moment she reached Lord Lenley’s desk. Alex gasped slightly as she willfully relived each and every harrowing moment of Bertrand’s attack, in the same space where he had almost taken her life.

Alex remembered turning to face the half-demon, only to be thrown quickly to the floor causing all the air to rush from her lungs. She felt her arms pulled painfully above her, restricting her ability to fight back. She could feel Bertrand’s full weight on her, and his breath on her face as he leaned in and threatened to have a bit of fun with her. When his hand slapped her and he choked her, slamming her head into the hardwood until her skull cracked, Alex cried harder.

Gaius felt it all with her, as Bertrand lifted her and strangled her just off the ground; and then he saw Ganymede coming to rescue his daughter as the half-demon put her in front of him. When Alex went flying, Gaius’ heart felt as though a sword had pierced it. He watched her fall and her body break in multiple places. She was struggling for air, as she drowned from the internal bleeding, and then her father was healing her and taking the pain away. Then he heard her crying and begging the angel for answers as Ganymede willed her to sleep.

They opened their eyes and immediately Alex stepped into Gaius’ arms, resting her head against his heart. They were both crying, she harder than he, but their hearts were in their throats from the raw torment they had just relived together. Neither said anything for many minutes, as they just stood and held one another, trying to weather the storm.

Finally, Gaius found the strength to pull back slightly and he cupped Alex’s face in his warm palms again, turning her eyes towards his. There was so much pain reflected there, but there was also strength. He could see her mentally fighting against the images they had just witnessed, and he knew she would persevere.

“I made it through,” Alex breathed. “I made it through all of that, and that’s what I’m holding to. That, and the fact that I am with you because of what that horrible creature did to me. Something good came from all that pain,” Alex said, still crying in his hold.

“Yes, you did, Alexandria,” Gaius said slowly as he exhaled heavily. “Sweetheart, I am so, so very sorry you suffered through so much brutality. After seeing it all and feeling it all, I stand in complete wonder and admiration of you. So many would have run from everything, not wanting to know more or be a part of a world that could spawn such evil and violence. Yet you faced it head on, Alex, and look at your life now because of that bravery. I have never, ever witnessed one so strong,” he said vehemently and kissed her forehead.

They stared into each other’s eyes for a few more moments, and finally Alex nodded her head shakily at him. Gaius released her long enough to retrieve his handkerchief and then he began to gently clean her face, though tears continued to leak from her eyes. When he was finished, Alex took the cloth from his hand and began to wipe his tears away. He smiled tenderly as he watched her care for him, despite her distress.

Alex lowered the handkerchief and took one of Gaius’ hands in hers. She began to slowly walk around the office, taking in every facet of the restored space. The windows were replaced, all the furniture was whole, and the small table her body had landed on was no longer in the study. She inspected every part of the room and then paused at its center.

Alex released Gaius’ hand and gradually turned around in a complete circle. She memorized the study as it looked in that moment, so she could call the new image to her mind when she needed to counteract the old. Finally, she inhaled deeply and nodded her head.

“Would you tell Archimedes we’re ready for him to bring my family in now?” Alex whispered.

Gaius nodded in return and then mentally called out to their dear friend. Within just a few minutes, the Groabans and Jameason walked in, followed by Archimedes, John, Sabina, and Rohan. John had hidden Jameason under his aura and brought him in through the back of the large Hall. Her parents were the first to enter the office, and they walked directly to Alex and Gaius.

“Alex,” Lady Juliana said softly, taking her daughter into her arms.

They held one another for a few moments before she was passed to her father. When he released Alex, each of her brothers took a turn; and their holds lasted longer than their parents’ embraces had. Neither Wallace nor Conner tried to stop their emotion, and both shed silent tears as they held Alex to their hearts. Finally, Jameason enfolded her in a loving hug, wishing he could take all the pain away.

John, Archimedes, Rohan, Sabina, Helen, and Emily stood just off to the side, saying nothing, but giving what support they could through their close proximity.

When Jameason released Alex, she took Gaius’ handkerchief again and dried her face. Then, she turned back to look at the office.

“It looks much better in here, doesn’t it?” Alex asked her brothers.

“Yes, it does,” Wallace said solemnly. He walked over to the windows and looked at the repairs that had been made. Nothing looked as if it had ever been touched or damaged. He laid a hand on Lord Lenley’s desk, just as Alex had, then slowly returned to Conner and Alex’s side.

“I honestly never thought we’d come back in here,” Conner said, shaking his head. “Nor have I ever been so angry or so terrified in my life, as I was that night. For several horrifying moments, I was sure we had lost you, Alex.”

“I’ve never felt as afraid as I did that evening, either, Conner,” said Alex, taking his hand in hers. “Not even the night I faced Rangor compares to this in my mind and heart. By the time I faced the demon, I knew who and what I was, and I knew the Lord had given me so much power. But that night,” she sighed heavily, looking back around the office, “I only knew I wanted to live. And I could not imagine why one so strong and so fast seemed determined that I not.”

“But you did,” said Wallace, with an unexpected smile. “Knowing what injuries you sustained before Ganymede ever came to your side, it is no small wonder or miracle that you made it through. But you did, Alex, and I am so damned proud of you.” Wallace stopped speaking as emotion constricted his throat. He shook his head momentarily against the tidal wave that seemed poised to engulf him.

Gaius took a step closer to Wallace and placed a hand on his brother-in-law’s shoulder, sharing his aura to help Wallace in his moment of need. Wallace exhaled heavily and laughed slightly through his tears.

“Damn it! I said I wasn’t going to do this,” he sighed.

“I shed more tears than that when we came in here,” chuckled Gaius sadly. “It’s alright, brother. We hurt, when those we love most are hurting. Don’t we?”

“Yes, we do,” Wallace conceded.

“We do, indeed,” said Ganymede, appearing in the room with them.

“Ganymede,” Alex smiled tentatively, and released Conner’s hand to take her angelic father’s.

He pulled her into a hug and held Alex to his heart before he released her. The angel hugged Gaius next, then each soul in the room. Ganymede ended with Lord Errol and the two smiled warmly at one another.

“Thank you for calling me, this night,” he said to Lord Errol, Alex, and Gaius. “As this was a traumatic and life-changing event for you, so too was it for me. When I heard Alexandria’s call, my heart could not process what my mind was telling me was true. To see my child, so battered and broken, was a moment that will forever be seared within my memories.”

“My brothers and I had hidden Alexandria so well under our veil throughout her young life, and I could not understand how Bertrand had found her. It has been a question that plagued me, and so I sought answers in the world’s past, delving and searching until I learned,” he stated gravely.

“You’ve not told me this, Ganymede,” Alex said, looking up into her angelic father’s translucent blue eyes.

“No, it was not a topic I wanted to broach until I knew we were all here to do so together, in strength and numbers. I know you have tried to put all of this behind you. However, my search led me to the most astonishing of finds, as it was not through your aura or powers lying dormant that Bertrand found you, Alexandria. It was through this modern world’s media.”

“What?” frowned Wallace, turning to face Ganymede.

“Bertrand was in London, and he happened upon a newspaper that contained a society page a little over two years ago. There was a photo in the paper of a charity event, which Alexandria and Juliana attended together. They were smiling into the camera, side by side, and it was that photo that shocked and pulled Bertrand in.”

“He began to seek her out, because he knew that face. Bertrand always believed that Kronis had lied to them all, when he took credit for Arianna’s death at the insistence of his father. And Bertrand knew he finally had the proof he needed to unseat Kronis and challenge him,” Ganymede said gravely.

“A photo started all of this?” breathed Conner, shaking his head.

“Yes, a photo led him to Alexandria. Thus, we must learn from the past, so that there is no repeat in the future. In two years, when you document Alexandria’s passing, we will need to take great care to keep her far away from those who know her or might take a picture of her for many decades,” Ganymede stated.

“This world now seems so much smaller to the humans who dwell here. The technology that has been invented and established has allowed people to connect across oceans and continents, in ways that early humans could never possibly conceive of. It would only take one photo, posted in a public forum, for someone to ask how the Alexandria they knew to be deceased, was still walking the earth.”

Ganymede paused and looked around the room, letting his words sink in.

“The other immortal children are quite adept at living in the modern world and avoiding detection. Their knowledge and lessons already learned will only help you, Alexandria, as you move into this new phase of your life. However, there has never been another Nephilim returned, and never one with so many mortal ties,” he pointed out.

“You must take great care to work in places where you can remain hidden for a long, long while, daughter. Even if that means Aeoferth, Elysium, or some of the other immortal children’s dwellings become your location for extended spans of time. After a century, we will not have to be as careful as we must be initially. But we cannot let the world know, en mass, that the Nephilim exist. Never can that be allowed to transpire,” the angel stated solemnly.

“I understand, Father,” Alex said, nodding at him. “Gaius and I have actually begun to talk about this, quite a bit. We know that I will have to really disappear in two years, and Gaius has already started to plan for that. The fact that I can hide within my aura will help as I travel along with the others, so no one at an airport will see me. We are also going to seek out mission work in extremely remote and undeveloped areas for a long time. And yes, we’ll use our hidden residences, as well. We can do this.” Alex smiled a bit more than she had been able to earlier.

“Of that, I have no doubt, Alexandria,” praised Ganymede. “I have yet to see a challenge, which you have been unable to overcome or prevail above.”

“Thank you, Ganymede,” Alex said, patting his shoulder lightly. “Now, if it’s alright with all of you, I really, really want to leave this place behind. I think Gaius and I will go on home, and we’ll see you all back there whenever you’re finished here.”

“I’ve no desire to stay here anymore, either,” said Conner, looking over to Helen.

“I’m just here with you,” Helen chuckled, smiling at her new husband.

“Mother, Father, are you staying?” Wallace asked.

“I think we could all call it a night and retire a bit early this year,” Lord Errol smiled.

“Ganymede, would you like to meet us at the Manor and have a late night refreshment? I know Alex and the other immortals will be hungry once we return,” Lady Juliana offered and smiled over at her daughter.

“I would love that, Juliana. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Ganymede, would you invite Haniel, too?” Alex asked, not wanting Gaius’ father left out.

The angel turned and smiled broadly at Alex, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Yes, daughter. I will bring Haniel along, too,” he chuckled.

Alex looked back around the office one last time and then laced her fingers through Gaius’. They led the group through the door and down the corridor without looking back. Lord Errol took the lead as he thanked their host for a lovely evening and said their good-byes. Lord Lenley took a moment to clasp one of Alex’s hands between his as she passed by. He pressed his lips together in a firm line and she saw his jaw flex a few times before he could speak to her.

“Alexandria, thank you for coming tonight. I didn’t know if you would, or could after last year. I am so thankful, though, to see you here and whole before me. I’ve known you all your life, and the thought that you were hurt in my home, where you should have been perfectly safe, has kept me up many a night. How are you, dear?” Lord Lenley asked quietly, so that no other guests could overhear.

“I am doing very well, Lord Lenley. My family and I took a quick turn through your office tonight, just to lay the last of it all behind us, and I think it did us a lot of good. My husband, Gaius Marcus, was there with me, too. Have you met one another?” Alex asked, and when Lord Lenley answered that he had not, she took a moment to introduce the two.

“Lord Lenley, please do what we have, and give all of this over to the Lord. I am healed and in a much better place than I was that night, or even before that evening. Let it trouble you no longer,” Alex smiled and stepped forward to hug him.

“Thank you, Alexandria,” he whispered and kissed her cheek. His hands trembled slightly as he held her to him and she patted his back in reassurance.

They smiled at each other, then he released her and shook Gaius’ hand. Alex looked at Lord Lenley for a long, unbroken moment, sure that this was the last time she would ever attend the event or see him again. It brought slight tears to her eyes, but Alex chose to focus on her future with the Nephilim and not the sadness.

With every step she took down the stone steps, she thought of how good it felt to leave under her own power. To be able to walk out of that home, whole and unbroken. She drew in a deep breath and smiled to herself as she thought of what a change the last year had brought, and just how much stronger of spirit she really was now, with or without her Celestial powers.

She was a survivor, she told herself. Alex felt Ganymede’s aura flow over her, confirming her thoughts. She whispered her thanks to the angel as Gaius halted their progress at the base of the stairs to wait for their car. She quietly leaned in to his side and stepped closer into the shelter of his body when he draped an arm around her shoulders.

Her fellow immortals were coming through the doors, saying their good-byes right behind them, and soon they were all headed back to the Manor. Alex leaned her head back against the seat, listening to the purr of the sports car’s engine as Gaius drove them home. Slowly, she let her head roll to the side and she studied her husband’s profile. A smile began to creep across his lips as he saw her staring at him from the corner of his eye.

“Are you sure you’re mine, and I’m not just dreaming all of this?” Alex asked softly.

Gaius chuckled and nodded his head. “I am very real. As are you, wife.”

“Hmmm, I like that word,” she smiled.

“Not more than I do,” he teased.

“If you say so, husband,” Alex replied.

“Ah, now I see how you want to play,” he said, nodding his head in mock seriousness.

She giggled a little and then returned her eyes to the road. Alex said no more, only processed all they had witnessed, in an effort to purge the worst of the memory. She prayed that it was enough to leave it all behind for a time.

 

“Alex?” Gaius called her name softly.

She was sitting up in the bed, looking far away, and he knew where she was. He rested his palm on her back and traced slow circles across her skin. As his aura and mind called to her, Alex began to blink a bit more until, finally, she was able to turn her face towards his and look him in the eye.

“Ugh,” Alex groaned, and leaned her head forward until it hit his chest. “I can’t do this anymore, Gaius. I can’t sleep,” she breathed. It was the third time she had awakened trapped in a nightmare, and Alex was ready to concede that she was overwhelmed.

“Then let’s get up, Alex. We can nap tomorrow,” Gaius said, still gently caressing her back. “Is there something you want to do that would help?”

“Yes,” she said and lifted her head to look at him. “I want to hit something, and I want to hit it hard!”

Gaius’ eyebrows rose for a moment, and then he nodded. “Get dressed and get your sword, sweetheart,” he instructed her.

Alex did not need prompting twice, and she left the bed, stepping over Cara and Dudley. She quickly donned jeans, a turtleneck, and boots. She tied her hair atop her head, so it would not get in her way, and then she retrieved her sword where it rested alongside Gaius’ by the door. She lifted his as well, and when he finished stepping into his boots, he took the weapon and gathered her free hand in his.

They quietly went downstairs, through the mudroom door, and out onto the rear grounds of the property. Gaius led her a fair distance from the main house, until he thought they would have a bit of privacy. He stopped and hugged her to his heart for a moment, and then stepped back.

“Do not hold back tonight, Alex. Give me all you’ve got,” Gaius said as he lifted his sword to strike out at her.

Alex met his blade, stopping his downward strike, as the two swords sang against one another in the inky blackness. Alex’s aura immediately responded to her need and flew down the pure Inonya sword. Her power, arcing through and out of the metal, lit up the early morning darkness to any soul who could see beyond the veil. As she began to advance on him, their auras illuminated the sky.

When Gaius swiped out at her legs, Alex lifted off of the ground and rotated end over end, until her feet touched the earth again. But he was right there with her, and she began to strike his blade again and again, forcing Gaius to step back. With each strike leveled against him, Alex felt a little more in control, and she asked her aura to give her more. She closed her eyes then, using the future to see his movements, and she stayed in command of the sparring session he had so graciously offered.

In a final moment of supremacy, she hit Gaius’ blade with so much power and strength, that she lifted him off of the ground and he went flying. Alex opened her eyes when she saw him sailing through the air, and she wrapped his body in her aura, holding him within a protective cocoon. She asked her power to lower him gently to the ground, and she watched as her aura protected the one she loved more than any other.

Alex began to chuckle, despite her tumultuous emotions. She stepped forward to offer him her hand. He was shaking his head at her and laughing softly too. Gaius took her hand, but pulled quickly and caused Alex to lose her balance. She fell atop him and he wrapped his arms around her, matching his lips to hers. They both continued to laugh against one another, as each dropped their sword and held on to the other.

“I love you,” she whispered between kisses.

“As I love you, Alex,” he breathed, lifting his hands to her face and tilting it so he had better access to her neck and ear.

Alex sighed and closed her eyes, letting his touch take her away for a little while. Finally, he sighed too and pulled her head down onto his chest. Gaius kept his arms wrapped around her and felt her heart beating against his. She exhaled loudly and just rested there atop his warm body.

“Are you cold?” Alex asked after several minutes. She knew he was the one lying on the frozen ground, but he had not yet voiced a complaint.

“No. Are you?” Gaius asked lazily.

“Not while I’m on you,” she chuckled.

“Then stay right here,” he offered.

“Thank you, Gaius,” she whispered, patting his chest.

“You are most welcome, Alex,” he replied, hugging her a little tighter.

Neither said any more, nor moved, until Alex’s stomach grumbled loudly almost twenty minutes later. She had almost drifted back to sleep, and she groaned that her body needed nourishment yet again. She could feel Gaius laughing under her and she swatted his arm.

She yelped as he surprised her and rolled her over so quickly, that she found herself staring up into his eyes. He braced his weight on his elbows, but Gaius had her firmly trapped beneath him. He grinned mischievously as he lowered his head and slowly rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. Then he captured her lips with his and Alex held Gaius to her, loving the feel of him in her arms.

He played with her lips and skin for a while, until she heard him sigh heavily against her ear. Gaius lifted his head and smiled at her, trying to calm himself a bit. Alex could see the desire swimming in his eyes, and she cupped his face, gently smoothing her thumbs across his skin.

“I’ve never told you no before. But I need just a little more time and distance from what we just experienced at Lenley Hall, Gaius. Maybe later today or tonight…” she said, hating that the words were even on her lips.

Gaius brow creased significantly and he shook his head at her.

“Alex, don’t even think for an instant that I intend to become one with you so close to last night. It’s true, I want you every moment of every day, but I also love you enough to know and recognize when you are hurting. And my need to love, protect, and care for you, far outweighs my need to make love to you. We will make love again when you are ready, and not before,” he vowed adamantly.

“Thank you,” she whispered, feeling tears gather in her eyes. “I hate that I have to wait, but this time I just do. I don’t want to be in your arms and see him. And we just went through it all, in a way I’ve not since that night…,” she tried to explain, but Gaius lowered his head and kissed her lightly.

“Shhh, sweetheart. You do not have to explain. I saw and felt it all with you, and I do understand. I love you, and there are thousands of ways for me to show you what lies in my heart for you. Like this, for instance,” he said, and lowered his head to softly kiss her eyebrow.

“Or this,” he smiled, kissing her temple. “Or this,” Gaius teased, kissing her cheek. “Or this,” he breathed, as he kissed her chin.

He continued until he had Alex giggling again, and he smiled as he pressed his lips to the column of her throat. He whispered his love again and again, savoring the return of her laughter. When her stomach protested loudly once more, he lifted his head and playfully raised an eyebrow at Alex.

“Would you like something to eat, love?” he asked, already knowing the answer.

“No,” she sighed. “But my body does.”

“Well, let’s take care of that body. I happen to like it, quite a bit,” Gaius teased, and kissed her one last time before he stood and helped Alex to her feet.

They brushed the snow off of one another and began to walk towards the house, hand in hand. Alex leaned into Gaius’ side until they reached the mudroom’s door, and then he stepped forward to hold it open for her. They made their way quietly to the kitchen, only to find Rohan, Sabina, Heath, Ahadi, and Elrick in the room. Each was occupying a chair in front of the island, snacking and talking in low tones.

“Good morning,” Sabina greeted them, and rose from her seat to hug Alexandria.

“Good morning to you, too. What are you all doing up so early?” Alex asked.

“Well, we initially came to see if you needed any other sparring partners. But it looked as if you and Gaius had it covered there at the end, so we just came back in and waited for you,” smirked Rohan.

Undeterred by his teasing, Alex moved forward and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you, Rohan. I love you, too,” she smiled as he patted her back. She turned and thanked the others with a hug next.

“What are you hungry for?” asked Heath, guessing what had brought Alex and Gaius back into the house.

“Pancakes,” she smiled hopefully, and he inclined his head.

“Pancakes, coming up,” Heath played back as he left his seat to prepare a portion for her. Heath offered Gaius some, and he thanked Heath as he accepted.

Alex poured herself a glass of orange juice and sat at the island between Gaius and Sabina, smiling at her friends. Gaius took a sip of her juice, as he slowly started to caress her back, taking in the care their brethren were bestowing on them. It felt very good to be a part of such a loving and large family, he thought to himself. Especially, when their hearts needed it most.