Page 128 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“You don’t interfere with another Elder’s Schloss!”

“They were at Jack’s house, not the Schloss.”

Vati growled. “By Devin’s order, no doubt.” Vati paused. “But, again, it doesn’t matter. They are Devin’s property. You had no right to take them and bring them here. If Devin finds out, I will be in an immense amount of trouble.”

“You? I’m the one who did it.”

“And I am your Elder!” Vati was silent for a long moment, then sighed. “You performed this act using your men, correct?”

“Of course.”

“That places your misdeeds in the category of your secondary duties in The Brotherhood.”

Alex’s stomach churned and he rolled onto his back, staring up at the shadows of trees dancing on his ceiling.

“If you had done it yourself, I might have been able to persuade the others that it was an Elder-Son misbehaving. But as it stands, I cannot do that.”

“Please don’t punish my men, Vati. They only did as ordered.”

“If that is what you wish.”

“Yes, Vati.”

There was another pause. “You need to come home for the trial.”

Alex sucked in a shaky breath. “Will I be executed?”

“It’s not up to me. Disobedience is severe, Alex. You know this.”

What would happen to Anna if they convicted him? “Vati, please... I was trying to save them.” Tears filled his eyes. “I saw them and all I could see was Anna in their place.”

Vati’s tone softened. “I understand, son. What you did was admirable, and the right thing to do. I doubt the others will call for such an extreme punishment. If you had killed Jack or Devin, it would have been different.”

Alex let out a long breath as relief spread through his body.

“You still need to come home, though. Immediately.”

“What about Anna?”

“Did Aaron ask her out?”

“Yes.”

“Then trust your friend to take care of her.”

“Yes, Vati.” The call ended and Alex stared up at the ceiling before sitting up and resting his head in his hands. He knew he’d done wrong, but to have done nothing would have been worse than the punishment to come.

Chapter 52

Anna woke in the comforting arms of a man. He held her gently, as if she were precious. Who was she with?

Slowly, she opened her eyes and smiled when she saw Aaron’s face.

He grinned when he saw her looking at him. “Hi.”

“Hi.” She reached up and stroked his cheek, then traced his cheekbone forward from his ear down to his lips. Her index finger ran across his bottom lip, then down his chin and neck and across his chest.

He shivered at her touch, and his pupils dilated. When her fingers moved sideways to his nipple, he hissed and she traced around the dark pink skin, causing the nub to harden instantly.

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