Page 315 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“Wilhelm, I have come to you because your family is honorable and you are far enough away from California that you can keep my sweet girl safe.” He sighed. “The Elder from where I lived is–‍‍” He glanced at Sebastian. “He is not a good man, Wilhelm. He... he wants my daughter. I never imagined he would go so far as to get rid of me...”

“He caused your accident?”

“I do not know for certain, but I believe so. I fear for my daughter’s safety, though she will be with a close friend of the family, who is a good man.”

Wilhelm looked at Sebastian, who gave him a sad look.

Trevor took a deep breath. “The Elder is power-hungry and unlikely to use any type of restraint in gaining more. She is very special, full of love and warmth. If she were to choose to aid The Brotherhood, she would be a powerful asset, though I had envisioned a normal life for her.” He paused. “I know your family is honorable, opposing power-hungry Elders in the past. You are far enough away from home that she would be out of danger. If you are willing, I will tie my daughter’s heart to your eldest son, so that he can help her.”

“Alex?” Wilhelm loved his son, but he was immature, arrogant, and self-centered much of the time. The thought of him doing anything to a pretty girl except seducing her was laughable.

“Please, Wilhelm. Were you not similar when you were his age?”

The Immortal had a point. “What is her name? Where is she?”

The Immortal shook his head. “I cannot tell you that. She is a beautiful thing, with long brown hair and big green eyes. She looks exactly like her mother.” He smiled and then gave Wilhelm a pleading look. “Please, will you take me to your son? A son with an Elder-Mistress for a wife is a powerful man.”

“Are you sure you want to give my son such a thing? His heart is not faithful.”

“She is only twelve. He has time to mature, and she tends to soften anyone who spends time with her. If the Elder does as I am afraid he will, she will be brought to your son. She will go to Alex and be saved from a terrible fate. And the Elder will be stopped.” The Immortal swallowed. “I fear for her and her country.”

Wilhelm nodded in agreement and took the Immortal upstairs to where his twenty-year-old son lay in bed. The Immortal put his hand on Alex’s head and closed his eyes, murmuring in an unknown language. Alex groaned softly but didn’t wake.

When the Immortal was done, he turned to look at Wilhelm with grateful eyes. “I give my daughter to your son, Elder. Their hearts are tied, though not yet bound. He will know her when he sees her. I cannot offer more information than this. If you know too much, the others will grow suspicious.” He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them again. “I must go. Use discretion when telling your son what I have told you.”

The Immortal disappeared, and Wilhelm looked at his son. Alex, a hero? Perhaps his decision to train with the American military had been correct for more than one reason.

Shame coursed through Alex’s body as he recalled how he’d reacted to Vati’s story. Such arrogance. Such pride. Alex had accused Vati of hiding important information, but deep inside, he knew he wouldn’t have listened and done the right thing. Vati wasn’t wrong when he questioned Trevor’s choice of mates for his daughter.

He let out a long sigh and shook his head. He’d been dating Mina—against Vati’s wishes—and they’d eloped without telling anyone shortly after Trevor had gone to Vati. Oh, his rebellious youth! Countless mistakes haunted his heart, but a chance to amend the largest one had finally presented itself.

He was determined to be everything Anna wanted and needed from now on. He would not fail her again.

Alex followed Vati into the lower floors of the Schloss, where the Dirne lived. “Vati, why are we going down here?”

“You must choose which women will help you tonight.”

“Help me?”

“To arouse you.”

“Vati, I don’t want to have sex with anyone other than Anna.”

Vati smiled. “I appreciate that, Alex. And I’m glad.” He wagged his eyebrows. “But don’t worry. You’re not having sex. You cannot climax. The Dirne’s job is to arouse you. To make you ready for your piercings tonight and Anna tomorrow.”

Alex searched his father’s face, hoping he was joking, but his father was very serious. “I’m going to be teased all night?”

“Not all night. But you need to be as aroused as much as possible before you are pierced.”

Alex groaned. “Will I be able to have sex tomorrow?”

Vati laughed. “This has been done for hundreds of years, and I’m not aware of any man unable to consummate his marriage the next day.” He put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “I had the same doubts when I went through this. It will be okay, I promise. Now, choose.”

Alex looked around the room at women watching him with seductive smiles. “Is it better to choose ones who remind me of Anna, or who are the opposite of her?”

“Choose someone who you are attracted to. It will go better.”

Alex sighed and continued searching the hopeful faces. He only wanted Anna. But the more attracted he was to the girl, the faster it would go... hopefully. He finally settled on a blonde named Lea, and a brunette named Emily. They had a sweetness about them that reminded him of his beloved. He had briefly considered a redhead, but it reminded him too much of Kirsty.

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