Page 352 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Devin’s heart pounded in his chest. What the fuck was going on? He was responding to her like other men—weak men—responded to her. He was losing himself in her soft green eyes.

Tearing his gaze away, he shook his head. No! He had to stay in control. He would not allow himself to be manipulated by her.

But he couldn’t deny the power of a truly content Elder-Mistress. Fuck!

She walked to Alex, gazing at him with total love and devotion. Alex looked at her the same way. They had connected. They had bonded. More than just at the ceremony at the Manor. Their souls had merged. Fuck!

She settled onto the couch under Alex’s arm, her legs curled up beneath her. She reached for her soda and then leaned her head against his chest. Alex kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. She smiled and nodded, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at her husband.

Devin finished his scotch in one gulp. Fuck.

Alex smiled as Devin struggled against Anna’s newfound confidence. His pupils dilated and a rapid pulse throbbed in his neck. Anna was no longer the fearful slave that had left San Francisco less than two weeks ago, and Devin knew it. She had become the beautiful Half-Immortal she was always meant to be.

Alex sighed silently. Anna was safe and would remain so. “So, Devin, what can I do for you?”

Devin dragged his eyes away from Anna and narrowed his eyes at Alex. “As I said before, I wanted to be sure Anna had returned home safe and sound.”

Alex smiled. “You can see that she did. Very safe.”

The Elder jutted his jaw to the side. “We need to discuss her duties and obligations considering her new... position.”

Of course they did. They’d done it after the bonding ritual, and it was time to renegotiate. Alex had the advantage this time. He put his glass down on the side table and smiled. “Yes, I suppose that is true.”

“I want her at the Friday night Gatherings.”

Alex appreciated him getting straight to the point. The sooner they were done, the sooner he could take Anna upstairs and make love to her. “When she is there, you—and everyone else—will treat her with dignity and respect. You will not hurt her, nor allow anyone else to hurt her.”

Devin glared, but Alex knew he had no choice in the matter. “Fine,” he spat.

“If she sits at your feet, you will give her something comfortable to sit on, not on the hard floor.”

Devin’s brows shot up.

“Elder-Mistresses are not slaves. They are not inferior. You will treat her accordingly.” And as her pregnancy progressed, she would be very uncomfortable on the floor. Did Devin know she was pregnant?

“I won’t give her a chair.”

“A large cushion would suffice.”

“Fine. I still have social obligations that I need her for.”

Alex knew this would be a difficult issue. “I’m sure there are... discreet places you could take her for a meeting where her reputation would not come into question.”

Devin didn’t respond at first. “There are. But what about social gatherings? I do much work there as well.”

Alex raised his eyebrows. “Then I suppose you should make sure I am on that invitation list. You will not take her out as your date or mistress. As her husband, I will not allow it.”

Devin glared at him and set his jaw. “You’re taking away her usefulness to me.”

“I’m ensuring she’s treated respectfully. I don’t want her coming home battered and bruised.”

Devin huffed. “Fine. I’ll make sure you are on the list. It shouldn’t be difficult. You’re a respected member of society.”

Alex grinned. “Thank you.”

“She still has to obey me,” Devin snapped.

“Yes, but I can prevent her obedience to certain things that I won’t allow. I won’t allow you to command her to do something that will hurt her.” Alex leaned forward. “And you best keep that bastard Zach—and his kind—away from her.”

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