Robert was up in a flash, ignoring the sting of Alexis’s blow. “Hold on luv,” he spoke quickly, lifting his hands up to fend off any further attacks. “Give me a moment to explain.”
Too coiled with anger to verbally respond, Alexis flew at Robert again, only to be held back by Robbie. The man took Alexis’s wrists in his powerful hands and gently held her at bay. The act did not harm Alexis in any way but the sight of Alexis screaming and yelling while being held back triggered a deep emotional response in Zander and he reacted impulsively.
“Leave her alone!” he shouted frantically, rushing into the fray.
“Alexandre!” Victoire cried out in a panic. He was still very fragile physically. To be accidentally knocked to the ground could easily hinder his recovery. Gia moved quickly, darting in front of Zander. “Slow down,” she instructed firmly. Rounding to face Robert, Robbie and a livid Alexis, she squared her shoulders. “And you two get your damn hands off of her!”
Hearing Zander’s panic and Gia’s commanding voice, Alexis calmed herself and mentally reasoned why she shouldn’t continue throttling Robert Scorpio right this very moment. Zander had been through a terrible ordeal, she needed to pull herself together and be a source of support for him.
Issuing Robert a scalding glare, she found a shaking Zander standing by Victoire a few feet away with Gia acting as a protective wall between him and the two WSB agents. “Zander,” she said, finding her voice thick with emotion. Offering him her best smile, she enveloped the young man in a strong hug, hanging onto him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re alright,” she whispered, stroking his hair gently.
“I knew you’d find me,” Zander replied softly. “I knew you wouldn’t stop.” Gia couldn’t stop smiling as Zander seemed to melt in the embrace.
Robert watched the reunion unfold and felt the overwhelming emotion whirl through him. He swallowed hard. It was like watching Robin and Anna. The connection was so palpable between Alexis and Zander and the resemblance was breathtaking. This was a moment 20 years in the making. He needed to handle it calmly and rationally, no matter how intensely his heart ached to join them.
“We’re taking you home,” Alexis said, turning to Gia. “Both of us are taking you back to Port Charles,” she promised him.
“We can’t.”
Zander’s reluctance was obvious. Alexis furrowed her brow. “What do you mean? We can get the charges cleared. Don’t be concerned about that.”
“He means it’s not safe. Helena set this whole nightmare in motion. Poisoning Stefan was just the tip of the iceberg,” Robbie said grimly. Alexis’s eyes widened in panic at the mention of Helena’s name. She looked to Robert for explanation. “Tell me everything,” she demanded. She was not going to be blindsided by his motives again.
Robert nodded once. He’d tell them everything.
“Let’s go inside.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
Helena frowned as she peered at the online photograph of the chandelier. “I don’t care for the electrical elements,” she noted. “You know how it irritates me to turn light switches on and off.”
“We can have the designer make one to your specifications. He’s eager to acquiesce to whatever decision you make,” Alec assured her. Of course, the fact that he had dropped the name Helena Cassadine on the grumpy craftsman had certainly been pivotal in the man’s ‘eagerness’ to make the changes Helena placed forward.
“I do like the design,” Helena allowed. “Montparnasse is quite a vibrant collection. The finish is to my liking and although I would prefer a 14 candelabra motif, 10 would certainly create a more intimate feel, which is exactly what I wish for.” Tapping her finely manicured nail against her chin thoughtfully, she silently deliberated on the decision. Alec leaned forward and moved the mouse to highlight another portion of the webpage. “Wouldn’t these accents be perfect for the covered walkway to the stables Madame?”
Helena’s gaze settled on the matching small lantern pendant picture and her lips thinned into a smile that Alec knew all too well.
Possession.
She wanted it. Her mind was made in an instant.
“I would like a dozen, at least, but I if I wish for more, I want them ready, clear?”
Alec nodded as he punched in the number on his cell phone. “The chandelier?”
“Take two.”
Satisfied with her most recent purchases, Helena settled in her seat as the vehicle lumbered on through the countryside. “We’ll stop when we arrive in town,” she informed the driver. “Now that we know everyone is gathering at the same place, there is no need to rush.”
“Are you certain?” Alec asked.
Helena nodded. “It seems much more satisfying to enter the equation once everyone has become well acquainted. Once Alexis learns about Zander and is able to enjoy her reunion with her formerly dead son, it would be so much more tragic to take him away from her once more.”
“And the others?”
Helena smiled possessively once more. “Oh, everyone will get a turn. I assure you of that.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
Once Victoire had everyone inside, she bustled about the kitchen, preparing tea. Christoph had slipped away, no doubt heading to the stables where Anais would be hiding out until the dust cleared. The group had gathered in the expansive living room. Gia and Alexis sat on the jet black leather couch, flanking Zander protectively while Robbie muttered on his cell phone at the other end of the room. Robert sat adjascent to the Port Charles three, trying to appear calm and collected, but Victoire knew better. So much had been built up to this moment.
Ignoring the demure refusals in the room, Victoire gave each a cup of her infamous mandarin tea, knowing that after a few sips, the jumble of nerves that bounced around each person in the room would calm enough to tell the tale.
Robbie clicked off his phone and turned to Gia and Zander “Let’s go,” he instructed.
“Pardon me?” Gia demanded.
“We’re giving them,” Robbie motioned to Alexis and Robert, “the moment they need. Trust me.”
Gia bristled at his dismissive tone. “Listen, I didn’t come all this way to take orders from YOU,” she shot back.
Zander’s gaze settled on Robert and while uneasy, sensed that Robbie was right. “It’s okay,” he insisted, giving her hand a squeeze. “Maybe Anais will give us a tour. She knows all the tricks to getting around this place undetected.”
Robbie rolled his eyes, knowing all too well how crafty Anais was. Horses were her second love. Mischief, her first.
Gia bit back a protest and relented, allowing Zander to lead her from the room. Zander glanced back at Alexis for a brief moment, silently vowing to not be gone for long. Robbie nodded curtly to Robert, and Victoire vanished just as quickly.
“What’s going on Robert?” Alexis finally asked. There had been a time when she trusted this man implicitly. She wondered if her faith in him had not being entirely foolish.
“You remember this place well, don’t you?” he started, his voice tentative. Alexis nodded sadly, her hand sweeping against her abdomen, still feeling the ache of years passed. “It was a hard time.”
“You might think I’m crazy, bringing you back.”
Alexis shook her head. “I won’t pretend that I understand anything you do but I have to know, why Zander?”
“He’s so important,” Robert whispered, his voice catching. “They all are. Nikolas. Anais. Robin. Kristina and Zander. All of them are targets.”
Alexis leaned forward and clasped her hands together, resting her forearms on her thighs. Exhaustion from the trip was apparent but she was now fully alert and the sharp mind she was well known for went quickly to work. “Stavros’s death. The eventual coup. Christoph, you, myself and Stefan. We were all part of it. She’s going after our children. She always said she would.”
“Yes.”
“What about Zander? He’s got nothing to do with it.” Her confusion was clear. She had not made the connection that Zander was also a child of the group.
Reaching his hands to hers, he gingerly laced them together, finding little resistance from her. Alexis watched him carefully, knowing that he needed the moment to share whatever information was standing on the tip of his tongue.
“Zander has everything to do with it.”
“How?”
Her reply was instant. Demanding to know. The desire to protect him was strong.
Robert gave a small, sad smile. So many lost years.
“He is our son.”
Alexis did not gasp as he had anticipated. She did not ask him the million questions that he had fired at Robbie when the news had left him thunderstruck. She gripped his hands tightly as a myriad of emotions washed over her face, before settling on one.
Hope.
She had believed him instantly.
“My boy? My baby boy?” She was breathless. “Zander is my son.”
Robert nodded once. Alexis stood, bolting up, her grip on Robert breaking free. “I need…” she muttered to herself, moving to where she had last seen her son.
Her son. The words warmed her heart in a way she had never thought possible again. Kristina had mended so much pain within her but the scar left by her first child’s murder had never healed. Now it would. She needed to be with him. To be with both of them. To have both her children in her arms.
“Wait!” Robert jumped in front of her as she barreled madly towards the door. Alexis resisted his barrier, crumpling in pain at his touch. “No!” she cried out, for the first time, finally able to express her anger and grief at being separated from Zander all those years ago. Finally allowed to let her rage speak. She ripped herself from Robert’s grasp and made a move for the doorway again. “I need him! I need to see him! Robert, I have to see him!” she implored, reaching past him as he held her back, flailing her arms into the empty hallway in front of her, reaching for Zander. Robert gripped her trembling frame tightly, agonizing at keeping her separated from her child. Blinking back tears, he fought to regain control of the situation. “Alexis. Alexis, wait. Alexis!” he finally shouted, his voice quivering with emotion. “You’ll frighten him! He’s been through so much already!”
“Zander’s never been frightened of me! Never!” she shouted back, her demeanor now bordering on wild. Robert would not be able to contain her for much longer and it wouldn’t be long before Gia and Zander returned to the villa.
“Alexis!”
The powerful but calming shadow lurked in the hallway before coming into focus. The moment caught Robert off guard for just a slight second, but it was more than Alexis needed to rush past him and straight into the arms of Stefan Cassadine.
*~*~*~*~*~*
“It’s very beautiful here,” Gia remarked after she and Zander had walked in silence for a bit. Robbie had dropped back substantially, but still kept both within sight. She inhaled deeply. “I love the smell of jasmine.”
“Jasmine was one of the first things I woke up to. Music and jasmine.” Zander replied. They came to a stop near a stone fence, where they took a seat next to each other. Gia took another look at him, marveling at the change in him. “What?” Zander asked, laughing nervously at her unwavering gaze, his throat suddenly dry. “You look good,” Gia observed, taking the time to really drink him in.
“For someone who was shot a few times a couple of weeks ago?” Zander joked. Humour was much easier when dealing with his near death experience. He’d barely had time to mourn his Father’s death when that night in the cottage came thundering towards him.
Gia nodded in all seriousness. “I mean, even before the shooting. You just look healthier and more relaxed.”
“That would be the magic of Victoire’s care and me lying on my ass for days on end,” Zander said wryly. Gia rolled her eyes but laughed in spite of herself. “Sounds like Alexis and I did all that rushing around for no reason.”
“I’m glad you’re here. Both of you. I mean it.” Zander shook off the humour for a moment and regarded Gia with the seriousness her trek deserved. “I can’t believe you did that for me.”
Gia’s expression visibly softened. “It’s what people do when they care so much.”
Zander studied her closely, noticing things about her that he hadn’t seen before, or perhaps had seen but hadn’t appreciated the way he should. Her smooth, flawless skin. Her mane of bright, sassy curls. The warmth of her brown eyes. Her full lips. How had he missed all this when they were briefly together? How had he ignored her giving spirit and generous heart. Her fierce devotion to him. Her friendship. He’d been so careless with it in the past.
But not anymore.
“I’m lucky to have you,” he said, taking her hands in his. Her skin tingled at his touch but before she could respond, the sound of a galloping steed came towards them. “Alexander!” Anais called out, slowing to a stop. Her chesnut coloured horse shook his head in disapproval, whining as she dismounted. “You are outside!” she exclaimed happily.
“Yeah, they finally let me out.” Zander reached up and gave the horse a gentle pat. “This is Gia, she’s a friend from home,” he introduced. “Gia, this is Anais. She’s Robbie’s niece and a general troublemaker,” he teased as Anais let out a laugh. Anais smiled shyly at Gia. “You came from America?”
Gia nodded. “We came with your Father.”
Anais reared back in surprise. “All of you?” That didn’t sound right to her.
Gia and Zander exchanged a look. “There were only three of us,” Gia said. Agitation filled Zander almost immediately. Something didn’t feel right.
Anais shook her head. “I see four trucks parked. You are mistaken.”
Her skin suddenly cooled at the idea of strangers at the villa, Gia took Zander’s hand. “Alexis.”
“You read my mind,” Zander muttered, frowning as they headed back to the villa. “Find your Father and stay low!” Zander called back to Anais, but, as usual, found she was already gone.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Stefan stood, stunned at the sight of Alexis so fraught and panicked. He had only ever seen her like this twice before.
The day she came to the island as a young girl.
And the day she learned her son had died.
His gaze ran cold as it connected with Robert’s helpless countenance. Alexis and Robert had always seemed nothing less than volatile. Even after a 20 year separation, they had fallen back into step without wasting a moment.
“Alexis,” he tried more calmly, his emerald orbs willing her to slow down. Alexis blinked once, clutching onto Stefan. Two tears cascaded in unison down each cheek and he brushed them away, unnerved by her state. “Tell me,” he murmured.
“My baby is alive,” she whispered before falling into his arms, feeling safe knowing that Stefan was here now. No one would keep her from her son again. “I have to see him. I need to see Zander.” It was not a request she made but a heartfelt declaration that Stefan would not even consider denying. “Then go to him. Kristina is safe with me,” he promised softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead before relinquishing his hold on her.
Alexis bolted from the room, leaving Stefan and Robert alone. The room was thick with hostile tension and Robert was not one to stay silent for long. “That wasn’t smart.”
Perhaps not, but after feeling so out of touch and without control, Stefan craved the notion of having some semblance of authority within his family. “I do not make it a habit of consulting you on family matters.”
“She’s a mess.” Robert’s remark was not meant to be cruel but Stefan felt the sting. “She’s a Mother, reunited with her child that she believed was dead. Such emotion is understandable,” he noted. “Yet you remain here.”
Robert bristled angrily. “I love my son.”
“Time will tell,” Stefan demurred. Robert clenched his fists, wanting nothing less than to throttle Stefan’s dismissive attitude. “Well, I haven’t lied to him about being his Father yet. If I need pointers, I certainly won’t consult you,” he hit back icily.
“Oh my God,” Dara groaned, coming into the room, as she pushed past Stefan and stood between the two men. “Here thirty seconds and things are swimmingly out of control. Where is Alexis? Christoph? Anais? Is there anyone here who knows where everyone is and has anyone bothered to do a security check in?” Hands on hips, she glared at Robert. “This is your operation, don’t engage in this,” she instructed with a wave of her hand, “pissing contest with Stefan. You have other priorities.”
Robert’s expression tightened, willing himself to keep his tongue in check. Dara was right, he had other matters to attend to.
Once Robert had left, Dara turned her attention to Stefan who stood stiffly near the impressive fireplace. “Nikolas is putting Kristina down for a nap but he wants to be briefed in a few minutes.”
Her words went unheard as Stefan placed his hands on the mantle, running his fingers along the handcrafted workmanship. The attention to detail and care gone into keeping it in top condition did not surprise him. He had sensed from the moment he stepped from the vehicle why this place had been so special to Alexis once. Warmth was everywhere, in the way the natural light created a glow in every appropriate place. The furniture of creams and wood added to the soothing nature of the villa. The fireplace was just a small example of what surely laid out in the entire home. Tranquility, pride, love and devotion. Despite the terrible night that marred the history of this place, the recovery had been remarkable. He did not sense the ugliness of the past, except in those who had lived it.
“It is a distinguished villa,” he said somberly. “She never would have left.”
“I know,” Dara replied softly, her hand resting on his back in a comforting gesture. Done without much thought, she had instinctively reached out to him. Stefan did not flinch at her touch.
“Who owns this property?” His question surprised Dara, but she answered it capably. “The WSB, although unofficially, it’s been Robert’s.”
Stefan furrowed his brow thoughtfully. “I wish to purchase it.”
“I’m not sure if that’s possible.”
Stefan shook his head, unsatisfied with that prospect. “An arrangement will be made.”
Dara sighed. She wasn’t going to argue about this. “Why don’t I talk with some of the higher ups about it?”
“That would be acceptable.”
“They’ll want something in exchange for it,” Dara warned him. When it came to the Cassadines, the WSB would not do things easily.
Stefan smiled at Dara’s caution. “Of course. I would not anticipate anything less.” Ever so slightly, he flexed his fingers. Control was easing back into his life.
He welcomed it with open arms.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Alexis rushed, running down the hallway, eagerly anticipating the moment she’d see Zander.
Her child. What would she say? How would she tell him? What about Robert? Would she tell him about his Father? Jumbled with emotions to match her stride, she burst out into the sun and quickly scanned the area, finding it deserted. Perhaps he went in another door?
“Alexis.”
Victoire came up behind her, calmly linking her arm with that of the woman she had cared for as a child and loved as her own. “Viens ici, ma belle,” she murmured, pulling Alexis further out the door.
“Victoire, I need to find Zander.” Alexis shook her head in frustration. She felt as though people were deliberately preventing her from being with Zander.
Victoire nodded to Alexis but nudged her towards a wooden bench that sat under a sprawling maple tree just beyond the stone path. “Oui, but you need to take a deep breath and be ready. Sit with me for a few minutes, he will still be here,” she said gently.
Trusting the woman she had known almost all her life, Alexis finally relented and allowed herself to be led to the bench. Victoire patted Alexis’s hand once they were seated. “So much has happened to all of you,” she said, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
Alexis swallowed hard, tears welling once again. “I know you saved him Victoire. I don’t know how to thank you for that. I just wish you’d told me sooner.” Her voice choked off and Victoire soothed Alexis as the tears fell and the sobs came, just as she had done when she was a child.
“I know you Alexis. You are strong and willful. Had you and Robert known, nothing would have kept you from Alexandre. I vowed that I would not say a word until he was as strong as his parents are. The only thing I regret is in the grave pain it caused you. For that, ma belle, I pray you, Robert and Alexandre will one day forgive me, but I knew what Helena had done to your Mère and how you had hidden Kristina away from her. I could not allow her to harm another you loved.”
Alexis wiped the tears from her face as Victoire rubbed her back, easing the tension and devastation of learning about Zander. Her old nanny had made a hard choice in a moment’s notice, risking her life to save another. Straightening her shoulders, she took in a deep breath, her resolve more firm now. “There’s nothing to forgive. You saved Zander’s life. For that, I will be indebted to you.”
“He’s just like you.” Victoire beamed at Alexis, her blue eyes twinkling. “He has his Father’s charm and swagger. He has your gentle spirit and ferocious bite.” She let out a gentle laugh. “He eats as terribly as you did when you were his age.”
Alexis allowed a smile. “All those cooking lessons you gave me were of no use. Popcorn is a major food group in my home.”
Victoire’s grin grew tenfold. “I suppose it is the same with your little one?”
Alexis ducked her head slightly, knowing that Kristina was becoming just as finicky in her eating habits as her Mother. “I’m trying but sometimes she just gives me a look that lets me know I have no chance of winning with her.”
Victoire nodded sagely, patting her hand on Alexis’s knee. “Come along, let’s go find your namesake.”
Alexis stilled at Victoire’s remark. “My namesake?”
Victoire cupped the side of Alexis’s face tenderly. “Of course. I named Alexandre after you, ma belle. I had to give him something of yours that would always stay with him.”
*~*~*~*~*~*
“God, this place is like a maze!” Zander ground out as he and Gia made another turn around a sharp corner into another hallway.
“I think we’ve been this way,” Gia remarked, pointing to a familiar looking painting on the wall. “Maybe we should go back.”
Zander shook his head vigorously. “Zander, we’re lost. We need to go back to the common area. We should find Victoire. She’d know where Alexis is.”
A door down the hall opened and without another word, Zander stalked towards it, ready to grill whomever emerged from it. It was the last person he wanted to see.
Nikolas.
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