Page 332 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Anna stared at the red carpet beneath her nose, unable to understand the conversation happening above her in German. However, a few moments later, Sebastian’s touch prompted her to sit up. He took her hand, helping her to stand, and gently placed it into Alex’s outstretched one. When she looked up at her new husband, the love she saw in his eyes overwhelmed her heart.

Wilhelm said something in German, and Alex took both of Anna’s hands as he turned to face her. He pulled her gently and Anna turned to face him. Another Elder spoke for a few minutes and Alex nodded. Yet another one did the same thing, and Alex nodded again. Alex then spoke to Anna in German. It sounded like it might be a vow, but Anna had no way of knowing. I really need to learn German.

“Anna.” Wilhelm spoke in English. “Alex has vowed to love and cherish you, to protect you from harm, and to use your gifts in a manner that is both respectful and acceptable to you. Do you accept him wholeheartedly as your husband and Master?”

Anna bit her lip, then smiled up at Alex. “I do.”

Alex grinned.

“Anna, please kneel at your husband’s feet.”

Anna obeyed. The other Elders who hadn’t spoken yet all spoke, one after the other, with Alex responding in between, and then Wilhelm spoke again.

“Stand, Anna, and receive the gift your husband offers you.”

Anna stood and Alex showed her a necklace like the one that Devin had given her as her mark, but the outside ring was made of black diamonds instead of white. She smiled, not knowing if she was allowed to speak.

“This will tell those in die Bruderschaft that you are my wife. And if they hurt you, I will kill them.” Alex’s eyes were full of determination at the last words and Anna knew he was sincere. He would protect her with his life. He fastened the necklace around her neck.

Alex turned her to face his father, who held out a gold bracelet. “Anna, receive the mark of our family, binding you to us as long as you live.” He fastened the bracelet around Anna’s wrist. At the center of the bracelet was a large gold seal engraved with the Kunzberg family coat of arms she recognized from Alex and Wilhelm’s rings.

Wilhelm kissed her cheek, then backed up to stand in line with the other Elders.

“We, as Ältestenrat of Deutschland, do confirm the marriage between Ältere-Sohn Alexander Johannes Kunzberg Herzog von Hessen and Ältere-Mätresse Anna Lee Perkins. You are now bound by the laws of Deutschland and the laws of die Bruderschaft. You are bound for life and nothing except death can destroy your union. Alex, you may take possession of your wife.”

Anna expected Alex to kiss her, but instead, he led her over to the pile of furs and blankets in front of the fireplace. Were they going to have sex in front of the Elders?

Alex kneeled and pulled some of the blankets back, then pulled Anna down to kneel beside him. He looked at her with such love in his eyes, her own filled with tears.

He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I love you, Anna. My bride and my wife. Bound together by love and commitment.” He slowly brought his lips to hers, slanting his mouth against hers. His lips were gentle, but she could feel the hunger in his kiss.

She hesitantly slid her hands up his chest over the soft linen of his robe. Was she allowed to touch him? He didn’t stop her. His chest and shoulder muscles rippled under her touch. She pressed her lips harder against his and he groaned.

“O, mein Schatzi,” he murmured against her lips. His hands slid down her back to loosen the ties of her dress, and then pulled it up over her head and tossed it aside.

Anna looked up into his eyes and bit her lip. Would he think her fat? He looked down at her breasts and she saw a smile tugging at his lips. He looked back up at her eyes and kissed her again, placing his hand on her back and laying her down gently on the soft furs.

“Alex...” She looked across the room where the Elders stood, facing away and talking softly.

“We must consummate our marriage before we leave.” He lay above her, resting his weight on his elbows and nuzzling her nose with his. “To make you mine.”

“Oh.” At least the Elders weren’t watching.

He kissed her again, his lips caressing hers, then gently probed until she parted her lips for his tongue. His tongue stroked hers until she moaned. Her body awakened as it only did for Alex. Her breasts ached for his touch, her pussy swelled and dampened in preparation for accepting him into her body. He teased her mouth, thrusting his tongue in and out. She writhed beneath him, wanting his cock inside of her. He groaned when she pressed her hips against his erection, though it sounded more a groan of pain rather than passion.

She cupped his cheek. “Are you in pain?”

Alex gave a sheepish shrug. “A little. They... last night was rather uncomfortable. I was teased and tormented, but not allowed any release. I’m afraid I might hurt you, Anna, and that is the last thing I want to do. I want to take this slowly.”

Anna shook her head. “If you’re uncomfortable, let’s go faster. I want you. More than anyone else I’ve ever desired. I don’t want you to be in pain.” She smiled. “Besides, we’ll have lots of time to take things slow later, right?” She wanted nothing more than to make him happy. She was safe now. The least she could do was relieve his suffering.

He kissed her deeply. “I don’t want to until you’re ready. I’m... uh... larger than normal.”

Anna’s eyes widened. “Is that possible?” Alex was plenty big enough already. It was hard to imagine him being any larger.

“Apparently.” He kissed her cheek. “But I think you’ve grown as well.” He kissed her erect nipples and looked up at her.

She opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.

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