Immortal Reborn: Alexandria's Choice

Immortal Reborn

Book 2

Alexandria’s Choice

A Children of Angels Novel

Natalie D. Wilson

Copyright © 2013 Natalie D. Wilson

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1301901555

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATION

Following through with this dream has been both an intense and beautiful experience. There have been days when my husband, Will, has wondered if he still has a partner in the house, I’m sure, so engrossed in the world of the Nephilim have I become. But through it all, his unwavering and unconditional support has bolstered my spirit enough to give me the perseverance to see my dream made real. Will, I’ve said it before: I could not write Jack or Gaius’ characters if I did not already know that kind of love in my own life. Thank you for patiently standing by my side, through it all, sweetheart.

To my sweet mother, who has not had her daughter in her life much these last six months, thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and patience as well.

To Catherine, Danielle, and Nicole, thank you for your consistent encouragement, honest appraisal of the story, and for being my cheering squad. When I needed someone who loved my characters as much as I to talk to, you were always there with a text or kind word. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude, ladies.

And finally, to the readers who read the first novel, Immortal Reborn: Arianna’s Choice, and who emailed, texted, called, or just posted positive reviews telling me that you loved the first story and were ready for the next, I humbly say a huge Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope that this story will also touch you, and get you excited for the third novel which is on its way. So until then, enjoy dear friends!

"If I am not for myself,

Who will be for me?

If I am only for myself,

Then what am I?

And if not now,

When?"

Rabbi Hillel

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Cover design by Perry Elisabeth Design (perryelisabethdesign.blogspot.com)

Images (c) pius99 | canstockphoto.com, Ivan Mikhaylov | 123rf.com,

&Water Cascade by Michael Drummond

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Actual locations are referenced solely to lend realism to the story. No negative connotations to real locations are implied or suggested.

Chapter 1

Alexandria was ready to attempt something bold. She had awoken that morning feeling more like herself than she had in weeks. The deep fatigue that had plagued her body over the last week had finally lessened its grip on her, and she was ready for more than the perpetual rest she had been subjected to. Helping the Nephilim fight Kronis and his forces had saved them all, but it had depleted Alex’s physical reserves, and she had needed the last week to restore her energy.

Still, Alex had grown mentally tired of the inactivity of the last few days. This was the third morning after her return to Aeoferth Hall from her family’s home, where she had finally told them that she contained within her the oldest and most powerful immortal born of an angel and a human. She had been given the choice to retain her mortality or assume the mantle of immortality and guide, protect, and serve her fellow man throughout the ages to come. It was an awesome responsibility and a choice she was not taking lightly.

Once Alexandria was awake, she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She rose, showered, and dressed in warm riding clothes. She knew not to leave by way of her bedroom’s door. Jack or Gaius always heard her, and one of them would always take over the watch, smoothly handing her off one to another throughout the day so that she was never really alone. And alone time was what Alex craved.

She opened the doors to her balcony and walked out into the refreshing, cold air of a winter morning in Northumberland. Alex leaned against the railing and closed her eyes, thinking of how badly she wanted to ride Eimhir. She thought back to how she had watched many of the Nephilim there control the elements and gravity when they needed to. Alex began to imagine the air around her balcony coalescing in the same way her aura had when she last faced Kronis. If it were solid enough, it could hold her weight and take her down to the ground below.

Alexandria climbed atop the railing, felt the air with her toe and willed it to support her. It felt strangely springy under her foot. She knew that this was literally a complete leap of faith, and Alex breathed in deeply as she stepped off of the ledge and onto the air. It held. Alex did not really know how long she could sustain the portion of manipulated atmosphere from such a height, so she closed her eyes and imagined herself being gently lowered. She felt the air caress her back as it stood her on her two feet, and she stepped gracefully onto solid ground.

The successful attempt brought a broad smile to Alex’s lips, although she found that her knees were actually shaking from the experience. She began to run then as fast as her legs would carry her, feeling the increased speed that was now possible when she employed her newfound physical power. Alexandria called out to Reuben and Leaman, once she had located their auras at the stables, and mentally asked them to send Eimhir to her. As she neared the stables’ doors, the mare came running out and approached Alex.

Alexandria reached up and hugged the giant horse, patting her neck. Thank you for coming, Eimhir. Would you take me away for a little while? Alex mentally communicated to the animal. Eimhir pawed the ground in answer, and Alex used the air again to jump up and slide with grace onto the horse’s back. Eimhir had only been bridled, but Alex found that she quite liked riding without a saddle now.

She leaned down and looked into the steed’s soulful eye. Then let’s become the wind, you and I, Alex whispered.

Eimhir launched herself forward with no preamble. They thundered away from the stables, and Alex laughed aloud at the feeling of freedom as it spread throughout her body and mind. She had no specific destination in mind, so Alex spoke to Eimhir and asked the mare to go where she wanted.

They rode away from the castle, headed towards lower fields and jumped gates as they transitioned from one section to another. Alex allowed the horse to set the pace, but Eimhir showed no signs of tiring, so Alex let her go. Eventually, they circled around the estate’s perimeter, and Alex found that they were approaching the lake from the side where she had seen Kronis stand and watch his planned assault from a safe distance.

She asked Eimhir to take her to the spot, and the horse began to slow as they drew near. From that hill overlooking the lake, Alexandria could see the castle beyond the water, and some of the still-sleeping gardens and lawns. She could now understand why Kronis had chosen that specific spot to stand and watch the battle.

Alex slid down off of the horse’s back and walked around the area, not knowing what she was looking for, if anything, but feeling the need to inspect the ground where he stood. Here, she had brought her aura to a form and mentally communicated through it to Kronis. Alex closed her eyes and remembered their conversation, replaying the words he screamed at her again and again in her mind.

She felt like there was something she was failing to recognize or remember but nothing presented itself to her. Alex was deeply saddened by the internal pain and torment Kronis was in, and angry that he had dared to come after the people she loved. If he was so determined to kill them all, why then was she still trying to save him, Alex asked herself? It was the question she had been wrestling with for days, and she still had no good answer.

Ganymede had told Alex the Lord was pleased that she continued to reach out to Kronis, but how many more opportunities could she give him before he got too close to someone she loved and killed them to spite her, she wondered? He was angry enough to try, and she shivered at the thought of losing someone she held dear. Alex said a silent prayer to the Lord and to Ganymede, asking that they watch over her human family and friends. She asked that they help her guard over her newly discovered immortal family as well.

With her eyes still closed, Alex recognized the sound of approaching hoof beats. She searched with her aura and sensed the soul who was headed in her direction. She stayed as she was, in quiet meditation and reflection, until she heard the horse stop and its rider jump down.

Alex felt his hand gently caress her cheek, and when she opened her eyes, Gaius stood before her searching her face. She smiled up at him to reassure him that she was alright. Alex noticed that Gaius visibly relaxed once he sensed that her aura was at peace and saw that she was safe.

Alexandria, what are you doing up here alone? he asked quietly, stilling his fingers and cupping the side of her face.

I needed to be by myself for a little while. There’s no need to worry, Gaius. I just desired to have a little space to think, that’s all, Alex explained, still smiling and hoping that he would not take offense to the way she had skirted around his and Jack’s guard. She placed her hand on top of his and caressed Gaius’ skin, trying to soothe his worry away.

Gaius stepped closer so that they were almost touching.

Alex, you do not have to run from me or from Jack. If you need to go out riding or walk alone, you are free to do so. We just want to know where you are going, so we can better protect you if we have to. He angled his face and studied her for a moment, then smiled slightly.

We have been guarding you closely of late, haven’t we? Gaius asked as if making a shy confession to her.

Alex chuckled and slowly nodded.

Yes, and though I understand why, I just needed a little solitude. She turned and gestured back at the mare as she spoke. Eimhir was ready for some exercise as well, so it was good for both of us. I’m sorry if I worried you, Alex said, looking back up at Gaius’ face.

I am sorry, too, that I feel such a need to keep guard. I don’t want to see harm come to you, and it is very hard for me to put much distance between us, he confessed.

An image of Gaius in battle with the children of the Fallen came unbidden to Alex’s mind, and she shivered from head to toe at the thought of harm coming to him as well.

What is it, Alex? he asked, reading her emotions and feeling her fear.

You could have been killed when the dark immortals came, Gaius. Seeing you have to fight like that was truly frightening to me. Not because you were fighting, but because you could have been lost. I understand why you worry for me. I worry for you, too, she whispered.

Alex stepped forward and put her arms under Gaius’, moving into his embrace. She felt his chest pull in as he took a deep breath, so surprised was he by her unexpected touch. Gaius hesitated for a moment, and Alex could tell that he was trying to decide if he should reciprocate. Finally, she felt his arms slowly encircle her and caress her back and shoulders.

Gaius was so warm, and Alex felt so safe, that she decided not to immediately pull away from him. Alex closed her eyes and imagined, for just a moment, how it would feel to be with him through the centuries to come, loving one another and helping so many.

From the moment Alex had seen Gaius’ face in E-We’s vision, her aura had been pulling her towards him like a compass needle finds due north. Even when she was not in the room with him, Alex could feel Gaius close by and it would make her feel calmer – happier, even. Alex had been trying to avoid any physical contact with Gaius since they came back to Aeoferth Hall, hoping her brain could override her aura and memories of him and help her decide what to do about her future.

Sabina and Alex’s mother had advised her to listen to her heart. Alex had yet to really look deep in her heart to decide if her future lay with Gaius or Jack. Perhaps, she thought, because she was afraid of what she would discover it said and whom she would hurt.

But at that moment, in the here and now as Gaius liked to call it, their hold on one another felt right. He was not breaking the embrace either, so she stood and accepted the warmth and comfort he offered.

You are so warm, Alex whispered against his chest, and she felt his rumble of laughter under her cheek. She smiled up at him and propped her chin on his chest.

What? she asked, smiling still.

So are you, Alexandria, and soft, Gaius whispered, running his hands slowly up her back.

Her eyes widened at the feeling. It was as if she could read his thoughts without looking into his mind, knowing that Gaius wanted more but he was afraid to disrupt the gentle moment they were sharing.

Alex reached up and placed her hand on his cheek, and Gaius stared into her eyes while he took in her aura that was beginning to flow from her fingers in earnest. Applying very little pressure, Alex began to pull his face down to meet hers. Gaius searched her eyes, making sure that she wanted his touch, and Alex nodded her head slightly, giving him permission.

He sighed and closed his eyes, letting his lips meet hers. It was such a tender embrace that Alex held her breath trying to savor the moment. It was the first time she had actually initiated contact with Gaius, and she found herself swept away.

He continued his unhurried and gentle play, and she finally exhaled and drew a ragged breath back into her lungs. Gaius moved his hands up into Alex’s hair and began to caress her scalp as he kissed her lovingly. He was in no rush, and he savored each taste of her.

Alexandria decided to stop fighting so hard and really acknowledge what was happening between the two of them, there on the hill. What she felt at the moment was real and honest. It was filled with love and caring and kindness. It made her heart feel light, and her spirit feel free. It felt true.

It was Alex who asked for more. She placed both of her hands on either side of his face and began to seek more. He hesitated for only a moment, and then gave in to her silent demands. Gaius held Alex’s head tightly in his hands, and she felt as though she were melting into him. Alex trailed her hands down his chest and felt his heart beating rapidly under her fingers.

Their auras enfolded them in a cocoon as Gaius’ lips moved down Alex’s smooth neck and back up to her ear, sending shivers all over her body.

Oh, Alexandria, he whispered in her ear. I love you so. I know you cannot give me the words yet, but know that I love you with everything I am and everything I have, always.

She turned her face so she could look into his eyes, which were now smoldering. Alex ran her hands up into his hair and played with the silky strands.

I know Gaius, and in this moment, I am making an effort to allow myself to feel what I feel. I understand your feelings, and I am trying to acknowledge to myself that there is something here for us today, and perhaps in the future. I know you want more, but today I am attempting to let you in. I hope it is enough, she asked him, searching his face.

It is enough, Gaius said softly, running the fingers of one hand down her face, while the other held her lower back. He splayed his hand out on Alex’s back and pulled her into him again, not wanting the moment to end.

Alex surrendered and held onto Gaius’ arms, trusting him to know when to call an end to their embrace.

Gaius finally rested his forehead against hers and sighed the most contented sound Alex had heard come from his parted lips since she had traveled to Elysium to meet him. She smiled up at Gaius, and then moved her head and rested it on his chest once more. Alex listened to his heart as it tried to slow to its normal rhythm, and she watched as their auras swirled and danced around them.

Finally, Alex pulled away and touched Gaius’ cheek again, then took his hand in hers and walked him over to the spot she had been searching earlier. She looked down at the ground, and Gaius frowned, trying to discern what about the place had her attention so focused. Alex looked back up at him, hoping to explain what she was thinking.

Gaius, this is where Kronis stood, watching as his brethren attempted to slaughter us. He didn’t try to leave this hill, but it was his vantage point, and I can see now why he chose it. It was the perfect spot from which he could witness our destruction.

Gaius inhaled deeply, and his eyes hardened as he heard the name she had spoken aloud.

I know you don’t want me searching for Kronis, especially not so soon after his assault on everyone here at Aeoferth. But I feel like there is some piece of information just out of reach, and I want so desperately to find it and lay all of this to rest. I feel so frustrated because I know that the answers are in here, she said, holding the side of her head, and I just can’t get to them. There’s still too much being held back.

Alex narrowed her eyes and looked back at Aeoferth Hall, thinking of those within whom she now counted as her friends and family. She felt Gaius squeeze her hand, and he pulled her around to look at him. His eyes roamed her face, and Alex saw the look of worry that constantly shadowed his handsome face. He feared losing her, and she feared that she would not be able to act in time to save everyone there.

Alex took a deep breath and said, I understand that I shouldn’t endeavor to find the memory of Arianna’s death alone. I agree that it was too much for me the last time I attempted it. But I think we should try Archimedes’ suggestion and use multiple immortals’ auras so that I might try again.

Gaius was already shaking his head in denial before Alex could finish her last sentence.

No, he said, and she could feel the surge of power emanating from his aura with his swift denial. It is too soon, Alexandria. You barely made it back before, and you almost died a week ago defending all of us. You cannot, he implored.

Alex reached up and placed her hand on Gaius’ cheek, imploring him to hear her out. Gaius, look at me, she urged, even though he shook his head at her, silently pleading with her to stop.

I am not trying to hurt you. I am trying to save you and everyone else here. If I wait, if I hesitate, we could all fall in the next battle. And I would never forgive myself if I had it within me to stop what I started so long ago, and didn’t because I was worried about what might happen to me. This is bigger than me, and we both know it. Please see it from my perspective, she begged.

Gaius closed his eyes and said nothing for several moments. When he finally reopened them, tears clouded his sight, and Alex found that tears were pooling in her eyes as well, knowing that her words were causing him pain. She ran her hand through his hair, trying to offer Gaius her reassurance.

I feel like my soul is desperately searching for answers, Gaius. The only reason we even knew of Kronis’ attack was because I was searching in my sleep for him, subconsciously. If my mind can take flight when I am not commanding it to do so, then that tells me I have to pursue this while I am awake and connected to all of you. So that we can get at the answers, and I am not lost trying to come back.

Alex took his face in both of her hands and implored him to look into her eyes. "Gaius, I don’t want to be lost again. I am just as afraid of being killed as you are of losing me. I want to live, very much so. And this time, I don’t want Kronis forcing me to play to his advantage. I want us on offense this time. And I will fight with everything I have to stay here," she whispered, stressing her last three words.

I… Gaius broke off for a moment, trying to collect himself.

I do understand your words, Alex. They are logical and sound. But my heart… It cannot willingly see you in harm’s way again. The thought tears at me as though a beast is trying to rip me to shreds. I don’t know what to do, he admitted breathlessly, trying to hold in his emotions.

Alex continued to caress his face and use her aura to reach him. Since she had met him, Gaius had made no secret of his need to keep her from peril. Now she was proposing that they chase danger together, and every fiber of his being was rebelling.

I don’t either, Gaius. Not really. I am out of my depth, too. If I have discerned one thing over the last two weeks, though, it is that we truly are all stronger together. I know now that if I have all of you supporting me, I can come through this. I feel it as surely as I feel the ground under my feet.

She smiled at him encouragingly. "I am glad you came up here today. We needed to say this with no one else around because I know how much this hurts you. I want… no… I need your support. I think your aura is the only one that will hold onto me and call me back with enough love and conviction that we stand a chance. I want to do this with you, Gaius, not in spite of you, or behind your back."

You told me while we were in the helicopter traveling to my parents’ home to always be truthful with you, and I must, even when it is something neither of us wants to hear or say. Please tell me you understand, Alex said softly.

Gaius nodded slowly. "I do. Will you agree to wait a few more days, Alex? To give your body a little more time to recuperate, and me time to come to terms with this? If we really are going to try and delve deeply into your memories, then I want to call a few others here. We will need at least a dozen more Nephilim before I feel like we are prepared."

Alex was so relieved to hear his last statement. If Gaius could begin to form a strategy and plan towards it, she knew it would allow him to feel more in control. She still had her hands on his face, and when she began to pull them away, he lifted his palms and placed them on her hands, keeping her in contact with him.

Alexandria, I will try to find the strength to let you do this. Promise me that you will give me the time I need. Just a few more days, Gaius asked, gently applying pressure to Alex’s hands and sending his aura running up her arms.

She breathed in deeply and took his desire to keep her safe to heart.

Yes, Gaius. I will wait until you can call others here. I meant what I said; I have no desire to leave this world anytime soon. We will find a way through this, I know it, Alex said, smiling as she tried to send the faith and confidence she felt to him through her aura.

Together, he whispered and lowered his head to kiss her once more before he released her.

Gaius brought her body to his and held her tightly. Alex knew he needed the contact more to reassure himself than he was seeking to bring her pleasure. So, she held him in her arms too, willing her aura to calm and sustain him. Alex had to have Gaius’ cooperation to pull this off, and she wanted him to come out of it unscathed as well.

Alex stayed with Gaius, his chin resting on the top of her head, until she felt him pull back. He smiled slowly at her and brushed her hair back over her shoulders, letting his fingers travel slowly through the strands.

You are so beautiful and so brave, he whispered. I shall endeavor to be as brave as you, Alexandria.

Together. We’ll be brave, together, Alex said softly in return and kissed his lips gently one last time before leading them back over to where the horses stood. Rather than use her abilities, Alex allowed Gaius to hoist her up atop Eimhir, and she waited for him to gain his mount before they started a slow trek to the stables.

They took a meandering route back, and Alex would have stayed atop her horse all day if her stomach had not betrayed her and rumbled loudly enough for Gaius to hear. He looked over at her and shook his head slowly. He then turned his horse in the direction of the stables and asked Eimhir to pick up the pace.

Once Leaman had the two horses back in their stalls, Alex and Gaius made their way to the castle’s large kitchen so she could have a late breakfast. She was bent over, with her head in the refrigerator, when she heard Jack come in. Alex stood up and smiled at him around the door, and saw that he was frowning at her and shaking his head. Alex was sure that Jack was just as unhappy as Gaius had seemed over the fact that she had snuck out on her own. She turned back to her task of finding food and ignored his silent censure.

Alex found that once she had acknowledged to herself that she was hungry, she craved everything the kitchen had to offer. For the first time in days, she had expended a substantial amount of power and it had left her ravenous. While she was pulling items out, Alex saw Jack and Gaius taking stools at the large butcher block island and talking quietly with one another.

She turned her back, trying to ignore the conversation that was surely about her plan to find Arianna’s lost memory. Alex concentrated on making pancakes and bacon for herself. She found syrup and fruit spread and decided that they both looked good, so she added them to her tray. Alex continued to pour batter onto the griddle until she had a large stack before her, and then she buttered each one individually.

Once her bacon was finished cooking, she brought the steaming tray over to the island and sat across from them. Alex realized she had nothing to drink, so she stood to go after the juice when the room in front of her disappeared. Alex blinked in surprise and saw that she was still standing in the kitchen, but it was long ago when there were no modern appliances about. She remained motionless, listening to any sounds she could detect, trying to discern if there were other Nephilim about.

Alexandria tried sensing for their auras and realized that even with her mind and soul traveling, she could feel the others near her. She walked into the corridor and towards the large dining hall. There were two Nephilim in the cavernous space – Elrick and Benen. She paused right outside the room and listened to hear what they were saying.

I cannot believe what you are telling me! This is not true, it is not possible! Elrick protested through clenched teeth.

It is, my friend. I swear it, on my life. Arianna has fallen! gasped Benen.

Alex felt dread settle in her stomach, thick and heavy. She was hearing the dismay of two who had become so dear to her, and it was because of her death that they grieved.

How? How could such a thing come to pass? Elrick said, and Alex could hear the emotion boiling over in his words.

I do not know the details yet, only that Gaius is in a rage to find Kronis and take his head for this treachery. I have only just returned from Elysium, and he is inconsolable. Rohan is with him now, as is his father Haniel. I’m so sorry, my brother, cried Benen, and Alex heard the slap of Benen’s arms on Elrick’s back as he embraced his fellow Nephilim in shared sorrow.

Alex did not want to hear any more. She turned and walked slowly back to the kitchen and sat in a chair that was against the wall by one of the large fireplaces. She leaned forward and held her head in her hands, feeling so overwhelmed that the actions of Kronis had done so much damage.

She thought of how she had contemplated his pain when she faced Kronis through her aura. How many chances did the Lord give His children, she wondered? But Alex knew the answer. There was always hope for redemption.

Then Alex thought of Benen’s words about Gaius’ pain, and how she could still see that hurt reflected in his eyes, just as she had atop the hill earlier that morning. Alex felt her aura surge as she stood, vowing to herself that her story would not end the same way twice. Kronis, nor any other immortal child of a Fallen angel, would ever take her life again. Never, she swore to herself.

Alex felt the pull that meant she was heading back to her body in her own time. She closed her eyes, wanting to leave the sad memory far, far behind. When she opened her eyes, she was sitting in Gaius’ lap, and Jack was on the stool beside them, holding a soft ice pack to her brow.

Hey, said Jack, looking very relieved to see her looking back at them.

Hi, she replied. How long? Alex asked, knowing they understood her meaning.

Jack swiveled his wrist over and looked at his watch. Just about ten minutes. Wanna tell us about it? he asked gently.

Alex really did not, given that she was on Gaius’ lap, as she knew it was not something he would want to hear. But he sensed her reservation, and slightly shifted his arm behind her back so that her face was turned towards his.

Alexandria, you can tell us anything, Gaius said, hoping to coax it from her.

She drew in a deep breath and looked from Gaius to Jack before she began. Jack nodded, encouraging Alex to talk.

I was here in the kitchen one hundred and twenty-one years ago, and I heard Elrick and Benen talking about Arianna’s death, she said, shaking her head. This will not happen again. I will not let him take me this time, she vowed around the knot forming in her throat.

She felt Gaius’ hands tighten on her, and Jack was nodding silently in agreement to her declaration.

He’s not going to get anywhere near you, Alex, Jack said firmly. We’re going to make sure of it.

That’s not what I meant, Jack, she said, shifting her body so that she was sitting upright on Gaius’ lap. Alex reached out, taking the hand of each man. What I meant was, we’re going to find Kronis and stop him. But I won’t hide behind all of you. I am going to do my part, and together we’ll ferret him out of whatever hole he’s gone down. Kronis can either accept salvation or not, his choice. But we’re in this together, she said fervently, looking from Jack to Gaius.

She was so close to his face, and Alex nodded slightly to remind Gaius of their earlier promise. Together they could weather any storm. And the storm clouds were most assuredly gathering.

Alex finally received his tight nod. Gaius reached up and stroked her cheek, then helped Alex to stand and asked her to take his stool. He went about the task of reheating her food and getting juice for her, while Jack leaned forward and brushed Alex’s damp hair off of her brow.

Jack winked at her slowly and smiled, but Alex saw that it did not quite reach his eyes. He was just as apprehensive as Gaius, and she knew she was going to have her work cut out for her where these two were concerned. Alex took Jack’s hand back in hers and squeezed it, reassuring him that she was tougher than she appeared at the moment. He smiled at her again, and this time he appeared to relax slightly.

Alex made quick work of her breakfast and thanked Gaius for his help in preparing the meal a second time. He nodded, and she stood, holding on to the island to make sure her equilibrium was stable before she turned to leave.

Where are you heading? asked Jack, obviously ready to tag along and resume guard duty once again.

Alex assumed it must be his turn to escort her.

To the watercloset, if you must know, she whispered.

Jack laughed at her feigned embarrassment.

Okay, after that? he pressed, not relenting.

I thought I’d go find Benen and have a chat with him. That doable? Alex smiled at him, playing along with Jack’s gentle inquisition.

Sure, see you in a few minutes.

Jack smiled brightly at her, and Alex shook her head, leaving the two men behind.

Chapter 2

Alex headed straight upstairs to her bedroom. She changed out of her riding clothes and into a workout suit with a thick jacket, then put her hair up into a ponytail high on the back of her head. She sat on one of the leather chairs by her fireplace and reached out to Benen with her mind, asking him if he had time for a lesson with her that day.

She felt his immediate agreement and bade him to meet her on the roof with a bow and arrows. Alex sensed his surprise and chuckled to herself at his reaction. Having secured her trainer, she went to her door and found the door to Jack’s bedroom open. Alex crossed the hallway and leaned against the door frame, waiting for him to see her.

Jack was sitting on his bed, typing out a text on his phone. When he finally glanced up, he stopped and smiled at her choice of attire.

I see we’re going to be working up a sweat. Should I change, too? he asked, looking down at his button-up shirt and jeans.

Nope, you’ll be fine like you are. Who are you texting? Alex asked and then mentally kicked herself for barging into his privacy. She held up her hand, trying to retract the statement.

No, don’t tell me. She shook her head over her blunder. That’s none of my business. Forgive the intrusion.

Jack stood and placed the phone in his back pocket, then walked over until he was just inches from her. He smiled down at Alex and put his hands on her shoulders and slowly shook his head.

I think that constitutes as an apology, Miss Groaban. We’re gonna have to figure out some way to train you not to do that. Maybe every time you apologize, you’ll have to give me something. He smiled, his dimple appearing after his last statement to her.

Jack! Alex breathed out softly, trying to admonish his bold words.

What? I’m just talking about something small, something you wouldn’t miss, he said, shrugging at her.

Alex did not know what Jack was alluding to, but she was sure he had something mischievous in mind by the way he was almost laughing at her confusion.

"I’ll tell you what. I’ll think on it and get back to you. I’m sure I can think of something small if I really put my mind to it. Jack winked at Alex and released her shoulders, sliding his hands down her arms until he clasped Alex’s hands in his. Jack gave her a squeeze and then released one of her hands. Which direction?" he asked as they headed out into the hallway.

Now it was Alex’s turn to play with him. She smiled and said, The roof. You might want to go back and get your jacket, now that I think about it.

Jack’s eyebrows rose, and he released Alex’s hand to retrieve his leather jacket. She laughed at his surprised expression. When Jack rejoined her in the corridor, he took Alex’s hand in his again, and the two of them made their way to the top of Aeoferth Hall.

The wind was very strong at that height. Alex was glad that she had secured her hair, but it still whipped around her shoulders. She reached back and stuffed the long ponytail into her collar and nodded, satisfied that it would not get in her way for what she had in mind.

They were looking out over the rear gardens and lawns of the estate from their position atop the castle. Jack walked up to the edge and looked down, noting the distance to the ground, and then he put his hands