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.
“No, they work differently than we do. They are unseen beings, like us, although they cannot materialize into human form. They can only influence the human mind. Those people who choose to commit heinous and wrongful acts put themselves in a position to go unprotected by Guardians, and without us, these people become susceptible to the power of the Opposition.
“The Opposition works by getting inside the human mind and persuading people to make bad decisions. If a human continually gives into those promptings from the Opposition, pretty soon they’re no longer capable of having thoughts of their own. The Opposition basically owns their minds and can convince them to do whatever they wish. Often times when you hear stories of people being possessed, it is actually that the opposition has taken hold of their mind so deeply that it has unnatural effects.” Alexander paused to let all the new information sink in.
“How does the Opposition mobilize, as you said they were doing?” Emily’s mind now raced at the same speed it had when she first found out the truth about Alexander.
“Normally, the Opposition works separately. Sometimes they work together in massive numbers to focus their efforts on a concentrated group of people. In times of war, for example, when there are large amounts of people engaged in the same cause. The Opposition mobilizes so that they can influence those soldiers and leaders that will listen. Those under the Opposition’s power often feel no control or remorse over their own actions.”
“Is there a war coming then?” She still didn’t quite understand, and sensed that Alexander was not telling her everything.
He gave a long sigh, and looked around to make sure that everyone around them was still out of hearing range. “We aren’t sure yet why they gather, there has been no indication of war. We usually have a good idea when a major war is coming. Guardians are currently awaiting a revelation from The Seer concerning all of this.”
Emily caught a silent exchange between the two Guardians. The look Alexander gave Xavier was a silent signal that he was not to add any further information.
“Alexander, what aren’t you telling me? You said honesty is the best policy and that you would always be honest with me. Don’t go back on your word.” She searched for his eyes.
Alexander glanced up; he knew she was right. “The Governing Five seem to think that all this has something to do with what has happened between us… but I don’t think they are right. Besides, no one will know for sure until The Seer reveals more,” Alexander said, trying to play down the enormity of his words, as though he spoke of something as futile as the weather.
Emily was caught off guard with his statement and felt like she might faint. She realized now why Alexander had wanted to wait for a more secluded environment.
“We did this? How could we start a war? Why does what we’ve done matter? It doesn’t make sense.”
“I don’t understand how something we’ve done could cause such chaos,” Emily said wearily, looking down at her hands. She was beginning to feel a sense of guilt, like she was selfish wanting to be with Alexander. Perhaps her selfishness had somehow disrupted the universe. Now other humans and their lives were involved.
“Hey,” Alexander said, cupping his hand softly beneath her chin and raising her eyes to meet his. “I may not be certain of many things right now, but I can tell you with complete confidence that we’ve done nothing wrong, you’ve done nothing wrong. Our love is right; it is the most right thing in this world. Nothing will change that. I can feel it, and I know you can, too.” He then leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
His touch always brought warmth to her heart.
“As long as I have him it will be okay.”
“Yeah don’t worry Emily. Everything will be fine, it’s not like this is our first rodeo,” Xavier finally spoke up.
“So does this mean you’ll be gone more?” Emily was beginning to feel that selfishness creep in again. She wanted Alexander by her, he was hers and she was his and she could barely stand the thought of being apart.
“I don’t think so, at least not for now. I need to stay close to you. Not only because I am supposed to be but really because that is where I want to be,” Alexander said sweetly.
Emily’s attention was now drawn to an approaching figure. Rob looked slightly annoyed as he made his way to the table. She could see him size Xavier up and knew he would want to know whether she had invited more eligible bachelors.
“I see we have more guests.” Rob tried to sound polite.
“Hey there, I’m Xavier,” Xavier said enthusiastically as he stood up and stuck his hand out.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Rob.” Rob gave a firm but quick handshake. “More friends, Emily?” Rob said directing his attention to her.
“Well, uumm,” Emily stammered.
“He’s my friend, actually,” Alexander chimed in. “Xavier is covering for me so that I can have the night off. He just saw us here and came over to say hello.”
“Oh, I guess the more the merrier.” Rob forced the cheer in his statement.
Emily felt bad for Rob, she could tell he was quite uncomfortable and she knew that by now he had to be feeling like the odd man out. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, especially because he really was a sweet guy. She wondered if their first and only date was enough to get Rob’s hopes up concerning the two of them. Emily figured that probably qualified as leading him on. Guilt washed over her.
“Uh, Emily, your father wanted to talk to you, but he can’t get away from the auction table. He asked if I would come get you.”
“He really can’t get away, huh?” Emily knew very well that it was really just her father’s perception. The event planners didn’t need his help. He just thought they did.
“You know James. He thinks if he’s not overseeing things they’ll completely fall apart. Do you want me to tell him you can’t come right now?” Rob asked.
“No, no, that’s fine.” Emily stood up. “I’ll be right back.”
She weaved her way through the throngs of people to the back corner where her father was waiting.
The three men watched Emily vanish within the crowd. Leaving them all alone was a gamble on her part, but Xavier quickly took the reins and swiveled in his seat toward Rob.
“So Rob, how are the pickin’s on Wall Street, slim eh?” Xavier asked.
“Well, it’s a bear market for sure, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any accounts to manage. There is still a need to buy and sell stock; actually I suggest that now is the time to buy,” Rob responded, interest
ed that Xavier would bring up his line of work.
Alexander remained silent and let Xavier keep Rob entertained. He didn’t really care for Rob, and since their distaste for each other seemed to be mutual, he figured his insight would not be missed in the current conversation. He kept his focus in the direction that Emily had gone, growing more and more anxious with each passing minute.
Then as if the room disappeared and a new one was placed before him, Alexander was caught up in a vision.
He could not make out the environment or the surroundings, only faces. There were five men, all very rough-looking. One face did stand out to him though -a man with a large build who sported a dark bristly beard. The thick hair on his face was trimmed into a jagged design.
Alexander tried to focus his mind so that he could absorb more details, but could not make out the location. It was pitch black, with only a few overhead florescent lights. Alexander was perplexed; usually the location in his visions was unmistakable. Why would this one be different? Before he could get a clearer picture the vision was gone and the banquet hall was once again in his sight.
He could again hear the people conversing around him and his attention was snapped toward a burst of laughter from Rob and Xavier. Alexander’s friend looked over to meet his gaze; any hint of humor was quickly doused. Xavier knew what it was like to have a vision and could see the alarm on Alexander’s face.
“Well, it was good to meet you Rob. Maybe I’ll catch you again some time. I should get back to work,” Xavier said, extending his hand.
After Rob said his goodbye, Xavier walked off and was quickly out of sight.
Alexander used the awkward silence between him and Rob as opportunity to excuse himself.
“I think I need to visit the men’s room,” Alexander stated and then swiftly rose and disappeared in the crowd.
He found Xavier in a secluded corner. Locating him in the sea of people had not been hard. Guardians could sense one another, especially when they were friends as long as Alexander and Xavier.
Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance Page 17