Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance (21 page)

Lexington was breathing hard while Alexander had no interruption in the rise and fall of his chest. The air was still and silent around them as everyone waited for Alexander to speak.

“When you use your bow as you would a sword, you will not be able to disarm your attacker, my Brother. You will be the one disarmed,” Alexander said firmly. There was no hostility in his voice, only wisdom.

He bent down and offered his hand to Lexington, raising him to his feet with a few solid pats on the back. “However, if we did use swords, I would pity the fool that came into contact with you,” Alexander said and gave a reassuring grin.

When he turned around the Guardians knew that was the signal to resume their exercises. Alexander caught the familiar look from Xavier that showed he was impressed. He always was. Xavier respected Alexander for a lot of things, and his ability to teach combat skills was one of them.

After Alexander ran his hundred through a few more scenarios and drills he dismissed them. He then went to the armory room to report while Xavier waited for him outside.

When Alexander finally came striding out of the building Xavier fell in line with his long steps.

“Do you want to stop in at the hot baths? It’s been a while since I have had a workout like that. I think the Revolutionary War was the last time I’ve seen you go after some of us like that.” Xavier chuckled.

“No, I don’t have time. I’ve been gone long enough. It’s already been a day and I know Emily is wondering when I’m coming back.”

“Okay, that’s fine, I understand. But man, are you… what’s the word they use nowadays…whipped? Yeah, that’s it. You’re whipped, ha!” Xavier exclaimed.

“Why do you always insist on conversing with the current slang of the decade?” Alexander chided.

“I change with the times my friend. I blend in better that way, you should try it.”

“If what you mean is that I am willing to be at Emily’s beck and call and do whatever makes her happy, then yes I am, whatever you want to call it,” Alexander retorted.

“Well I’m going to stick around and enjoy one of the few pleasures that come from being in human form. I’m gonna relax in the hot baths, but I’ll see you tonight at the banquet right?”

“What? Since when are you coming to the banquet?” Alexander questioned.

“Hey, you said I could meet Emily, remember?” Xavier piped up.

Alexander shook his head with a slight smirk. He had to give his friend credit for being a persistent nag. But he loved him, which had to be the reason he couldn’t say no.

“Alright then. I’m not sure it’s the best time since I will technically be meeting her father for the first time, but if you want to be the party crasher then feel free. Just try not to draw too much attention to yourself.”

“Sounds good to me.” Xavier gave a slight wave and jogged off toward the bathhouse.

Alexander hastily made his way to the path that led back to the entrance into the Guardian Realm. As he passed by the building where the Governing Five often resided, he felt eyes watching him. He glanced up to the third story terrace. Aldara was staring at him. She gave him a smile and then moved her hand from her chest in a forward motion in the formal goodbye. Alexander paused, returned the gesture and then continued down the path.

As he made his way to the giant doors, Aldara’s words repeated in his mind. “A new dawn is approaching for us all.”

It Begins

Emily smoothed the slight wrinkle that had formed from sitting in her cocktail dress. She had chosen a simple crème colored gown that flowed gracefully all the way from her shoulders to her knees. The dress was layered with a delicate lace and topped with an embellished empire waistline. It fit well and Emily was anxious for Alexander to see her in it.

Another glance at the clock told Emily it was now seven thirty. She was growing a bit nervous. The banquet had started a half hour ago. Alexander said he would be able to attend and she trusted him, but at the same time she was wondering what would make him late. The cocktail portion of the evening was coming to a close; soon everyone would be seated for the first course of the meal.

Her father was in the corner discussing the stock market with a fellow financial advisor and fortunately for Emily, Rob was with them, at least for the moment. Emily swept the room once more but stopped her search when she saw Alexander entering through the double doors at the front of the hall.

He looked amazing in his dark pinstripe suit that seemed to be perfectly tailored to accentuate every contour created by his strong muscles. Underneath his jacket he wore a burgundy shirt; the color was a stark contrast to his green eyes. Emily thought she might melt then and there. He wore no tie leaving the top button open, revealing the massive girth of his neck. Looking at him, she began to think the dress she had chosen wasn’t as good as she originally thought.

It didn’t take Alexander long to make his way to the table where Emily was sitting. She stood up to greet him, and it took all of her self-control not to throw her arms around him and kiss him.

“Sorry I’m late. I had some things I had to take care of. I hope you weren’t worried.” Alexander gently grabbed her hand and gave it a delicate kiss on the top.

Emily felt like her knees might buckle. She wondered if she would ever get used to his charm. “No, don’t worry about it, I’m just so glad you’re here… you look great. The chameleon side of you has really good taste.” She let her eyes look him over one more time.

“Words cannot adequately describe how beautiful you look tonight… and every night,” Alexander said softly.

Just then Emily’s father arrived at the table with Rob a few paces behind. He must have spotted Alexander with Emily and known that this was whom she had invited. When he reached the table, her father extended his hand.

“You must be Alexander. I’m James Wallace, Emily’s father,” he said, giving a firm handshake.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wallace.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. And you can call me James. Alexander, I have to thank you for what you did for my Emily, I don’t think I will ever be able to repay you.”

“There is no need for recompense, sir. Just knowing Emily is safe is payment enough for me,” Alexander stated as he glanced at her.

“Well, thank you,” her father repeated, a bit misty-eyed this time. He noticed Rob waiting patiently by his side. “Where are my manners? This lad beside me is Rob, an intern of mine at the office. He’s become like a son to me.”

Rob stuck out his hand but the expression on his face revealed that he was less than pleased to see Alexander again.

“Actually, Alexander and I have already met,” Rob explained while giving a very brief handshake.

“You have?” James was surprised.

“At the charity concert, two weeks ago.” Rob nodded.

“I didn’t know that. Emily you didn’t tell me that.”

“I only saw Alexander briefly. I guess I just forgot to mention it.” Emily gave a mental sigh. She would never even come close to forgetting that night, but it was the only explanation she could come up with.

“I was there working and so our encounter was very short,” Alexander explained trying to back Emily’s answer.

“Working? At the concert? What is it that you do Alexander?” James asked.

Rob leaned in a bit closer. Apparently, his interest was now piqued.

“I was there guarding someone. I protect people who need my services,” Alexander stated without any hesitation.

“Well, that explains why the heroics must have come so easily for you,” James boomed.

“Heroics?” Rob said with a confused look.

“Yep, Alexander saved Emily from being mugged when she went to get her violin restored,” her father said, gesturing toward Alexander.

“That’s when we first met,” Emily included.

A server softly rang a set of chimes signaling that it was time for everyone to take their seats for dinner. Emily was glad for the interruption. Things were beginning to get a bit awkward with Rob. Alexander pulled Emily’s chair out for her and then took the seat to her right. Her father sat on her left with Rob on his other side.

The conversation throughout dinner was light. Her father mostly asked questions about what Alexander did and how he got interested in becoming a bodyguard. When it came to questions about family, Alexander gave a similar response to the one he had first given Emily, which seemed to satisfy her father.

After the final course of dinner was served, James excused himself to go handle the silent auction. Luckily, Rob offered to help. Emily could tell that Rob was not excited about Alexander’s presence, and did not like being around him. This left Emily and Alexander alone at the table, which pleased them both; now they could talk openly about things. But, before they could get more than a few words out there was another person at the table.

Emily wasn’t sure she saw him sit down. One minute there was an empty seat where her father was, and now someone she had never met occupied that chair.

He was a young man, she guessed to be about the same age as Alexander. He was strong looking but more streamlined and less bulky than Alexander. He had golden blonde hair that was long enough to pass his jaw line yet instead of it flowing loosely in its natural waves he wore it neatly tied back. His skin was light and creamy, completely flawless. His facial features seemed a bit stronger than Alexander’s, yet carried a familiar delicate element to them. Emily then noticed his green eyes. It wasn’t the same breathtaking shimmering green as Alexander’s, more of a smoky green, darker but still striking.

“You must be Xavier,” Emily said boldly. She was positive it was this friend Alexander had talked about. He had all the right features and the fact that he had appeared out of nowhere made her certain.

“Yes that would be me. How did you know?” Xavier asked, surprise lifting his features as he stuck out his hand.

“I’m familiar enough with this stuff now. I know what to look for; the green eyes and muscular physique are a dead giveaway.” Emily giggled as she stuck out her hand to shake his.

Xavier grabbed her hand and instead of shaking it, turned her palm down and quickly kissed the top.

“Xavier,” Alexander scolded.

“What?” Xavier said innocently. “You said we can’t affect humans in this form, and I’ve always wanted to do that.” He released his hold on her.

Emily gave a blushing laugh. “Its fine Alexander, he’s just being a gentleman.”

“He’s just afraid I’m going to steal you from him, I have always been the better-looking one, and he knows it.” Xavier winked.

Alexander interrupted. “I’m sorry Emily, I should formally introduce him. This is my delusional friend, Xavier,” he said with a dry tone, but Emily knew it was just playful teasing.

Emily now turned to Alexander. “It seems you’ve told him a lot about us.”

Alexander gave a sheepish grin. He knew she was specifically referencing their kiss. “Yes, well, I guess I left off part of the introduction. This is my delusional and very nosy friend.” Alexander gestured toward Xavier.

Giving a loud burst of laughter Xavier leaned in closer to Emily. “He’s telling the truth, I’m a horrible pest and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t keep anything from me. But that’s what friends are for, am I wrong?” he asked, emphasizing the last words in his sentence.

“It’s nice to meet you Xavier.” Emily smiled.

“I’m sorry,” Alexander apologized. “I told him tonight was not the best night, but aside from being a nag he is also very stubborn.”

“It’s okay, no worries. I wanted to meet him and I think the sooner the better. This has worked out perfectly.” Emily rubbed Alexander’s hands in assurance.

“Yeah, see! She wanted to meet me so relax.” Xavier leaned back in his chair, letting his legs extend out in a comfortable sprawl.

“
He certainly is less prim and proper than Alexander.
But fun, he seems like an awesome guy, I’m glad he’s watching over Daddy.”

“So, have you told Emily about everything that’s going on?” Xavier inquired.

Alexander shot him a stern look that silently told him to shut his mouth. But it was too late. Emily was already looking at him, with her ever-so-curious eyes.

“What does he mean? What’s going on?” Emily asked.

“Nothing, everything’s okay. Xavier is just being his troublesome self. You don’t need to worry about anything,” Alexander reassured.

“I think she has a right to know, Brother,” Xavier commented.

It was obvious that Alexander was not in the mood and was growing impatient with his friend. “I agree, I have no intentions of keeping anything from Emily. But, this is neither the time nor place,” Alexander hushed.

“What on earth is going on Alexander? If something has happened I want to know now, not in an hour or some time later, this is as good a place as any,” she demanded, sweeping her hand around.

“Thanks, friend.” Alexander shot Xavier another frustrated look. He turned to face Emily, enveloping her hands with his. “I was summoned back to the Guardian Realm because the Governing Five suspect that the Opposition is mobilizing its forces.” Alexander waited for Emily’s obvious response.

“What’s the Opposition?” she asked.

Alexander took a deep breath. “Do you remember when I told you that not everyone has a Guardian?”

“Yeah.” Emily nodded her head.

“Do you remember the reason why everyone doesn’t have a Guardian?” Alexander asked.

“Didn’t you say that when some people make too many bad choices, they reach a certain point where they’re no longer worthy of a Guardian? Protecting them would be like playing for the other team, right?”

“Exactly,” Alexander responded. “And to put it in your words that ‘other team’ is the Opposition.” He could see the confusion in Emily’s eyes but he continued without letting her interrupt. “You see everything has an opposite in this world. I guess you could say that the Opposition serves to oppose Guardians.”

Now Emily interceded. “Does the Opposition look like you guys?” Emily had a lot of questions brewing in her mind; she hadn’t even thought that there could be more unknown beings.