Page 229 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Her thoughts were jumbled and confused as she stood beneath the hot water in the shower. The Immortals had said whoever wanted to be Chairman would have to kill her. Had Devin really killed her? He must have. Kaveh had called him “Chairman,” whatever that meant, so he must have done what he needed to do. But how was she alive now? Had Kaveh done it? Immortals could obviously heal. Could they bring the dead back to life?

Devin—the Master who claimed to love her—had killed her in order to become the Chairman. He clearly didn’t care for her as she’d thought. She was a tool to be used however he wanted to. As she was with all men.

Except Aaron. And Kurt and Wilhelm. Maybe even Alex. He might not like her anymore, nor care to have her around, but he’d never used her like Devin did. Anna closed her eyes and sank to her knees, a sudden wave of loneliness washing over her. She wanted to go home and sleep in her own bed in her own apartment. She couldn’t help but wonder what other horrors would unfold during the upcoming weekend. The Gathering had yet to begin, and she was already exhausted.

Anna stayed in the shower long as she dared, then wrapped a robe around herself and walked out into the living room. And froze.

The Elders were dispersed throughout the room, each with at least one woman. Devin had two at his feet, both attending to his rigid cock.

She stared for a moment, then sighed, not really sure how she felt about seeing him with other women. Of course it happened. Strangely, she just felt numb about the whole thing.

“Anna.”

Anna met Devin’s gaze. He tilted his head and offered a small smile. The girls sat by him, watching her. She shifted on her feet, waiting for Devin’s next command.

He held out his hand to her and she crossed the room and stepped over the naked girls. Devin pulled her into his lap. “How are you feeling, Baby? I was worried about you.”

Anna sat straight in his lap and twisted her fingers around themselves. “I’m fine, Master,” she whispered. She doubted he had been worried about her at all. She clenched her teeth, not wanting to cry anymore.

“Oh, Baby.” He pulled her head to his shoulder. “I’m so sorry I hurt you. You know I have to do things sometimes that I don’t want to do, right?”

Anna didn’t answer. Did he really not want to hurt her? If not, why did he look like he enjoyed it? Why did he do it so often?

“Anna? You know that, right?”

Devin watched Anna stare at her hands and frowned. She knew better than to give him a dishonest answer. But to not answer him at all?

Once again, he wondered if it was such a wise idea to let her live outside the Manor. She was becoming far too independent. On the other hand, he couldn’t deny she was flourishing. Her newfound happiness with dancing had made her even more captivating than she’d been before.

He sighed. It took so much effort to keep a woman happy. He’d given up trying with Sandy long ago.

But Anna... She was different. It took very little to make her happy. A single kind word kept her going all day. Maybe he should send her home. Avoid the trauma of the rest of the weekend.

No. He had spent too much time planning the weekend down to the tiniest detail, and Anna was a crucial part of those plans. But showing her a small measure of kindness might prove beneficial in some way. “Anna, look at me.”

She did, her eyes accusatory.

Devin bit back a frown. “Why don’t you get dressed and go spend the night with Tyler and Tommy?” Kelly and Jessica, sitting at his feet, would certainly keep him occupied for the evening.

She glanced at the girls at his feet, then at her hands. “Yes, Master,” she said softly and stood.

“They’re down the hall. Room 412.”

“Yes, Master.” She turned and padded silently into the bedroom. A few minutes later, she emerged, dressed, and walked out of the room without looking at him.

He hoped being with some boys her own age would cheer her up. Tyler and Tommy both adored her.

Anna knocked on the door of room 412. Tyler answered a few moments later, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants. He raised his eyebrows. “Hey. What are you doing here?” He poked his head out of the doorway and looked around.

“Your dad said I should come spend the night with you and Tommy.” She swallowed, hoping they didn’t have girls with them already.

Tyler’s face broke into a grin. “Really?”

Anna nodded.

“Cool!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. “Look what my dad sent over.” He laughed as he led her into a small living area.

Tommy stood and gave her a warm smile. “Hi, Anna.”

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