Page 154 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Alex glared at him.

“You told her to sleep after the ritual and she obeyed you. It’s like that, but... different.” Devin glanced at Anna. “But I don’t think that would work this time. It’s not just a simple obedience thing in this situation.” He looked at Alex. “Do you want me to try?”

Alex glanced down at Anna. “It won’t hurt her?”

“I don’t think so. It shouldn’t, but I haven’t tried it before.” Devin frowned. “It’s the only thing I can think of.”

“Do it.” Alex moved out of the way.

Aaron frowned. “Don’t I get a say in the matter? I’m her boyfriend.” Not that he really wanted to prevent it, he just didn’t like the others making decisions without his consideration.

Alex looked at him calmly. “No. I am her Master. Devin is her Master. We decide what’s best for her.”

Aaron’s jaw dropped and he narrowed his eyes. Alex had never spoken to him like that. The fucker! He was the one who’d encouraged him to ask Anna out, then he pulls the “Master” shit on him? He’d never wanted to hit Alex before, but he sure wanted to now.

Alex stood and groaned, and Devin took his place on the bed. “Anna...”

Anna opened her eyes and looked at Devin. They were so full of pain it made Aaron’s heart hurt even more than it already was.

“Baby, I’m going to put you to sleep. It should help, okay?”

Anna turned her head to look at Aaron. “Stay with me?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

Aaron took her hand again. “I won’t leave you.”

She looked back at Devin. “Yes, Devin.”

Devin put his hand on her forehead and closed his eyes. She winced at first, but after a few moments, her body relaxed and her breathing calmed. Devin removed his hand and watched her for a few minutes. She was asleep and somewhat peaceful.

Aaron breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been suffering for over an hour.

Devin stood. “She should be okay in a few hours at most. Hopefully sooner.” He looked at Alex. “Do you want me to take you back to the Manor? Your car is still there.”

Alex frowned. “No, thank you. I’ll have Seth and Tony pick me up and I’ll get my car later.”

Devin looked at Anna one more time, then glanced at Aaron. “It was nice to meet you, Aaron.”

“I can’t say the same thing about you, Devin. But thank you for putting her to sleep.”

A smile played at the man’s lips and then turned to Ian. “Shall we?”

Ian gave a small bow. “Yes, sir.”

Devin and Ian left the room, and the apartment door opened and shut a moment later.

Aaron turned to Alex and glared at him.

Alex’s eyes widened. “What?”

Aaron sneered. “I’m her Master. I decide what’s best for her? I didn’t think you could be such an ass, Alex.”

Alex sighed. “I’m sorry, Aaron. I have to maintain what little control of Anna I have when Devin is around or I’ll lose all of it.” He shook his head. “He already has a major advantage over me.” Alex ran his hand through his hair, winced, and stared at the floor. “I am so fucked, Aaron. I don’t know what to do.”

Alex’s admission surprised Aaron. Alex never showed weakness. His anger softened. “What do you mean?”

“I’m fighting an enemy I don’t understand. He doesn’t play by the rules.” Alex groaned and put his hands on the wall, head hung. “You’re not supposed to mess with the children of the Elders, but he chained me up and—‍” Alex stopped. When he spoke again, his voice was so low Aaron could barely hear him. “Fuck, Aaron. He made me rape three little girls.”

Aaron’s mouth dropped open. That was impossible. Alex would never do such a thing. “How is that possible? You would never...”

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