Page 318 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

His body cooled at the thought. A little.

“Alexander Johannes Kunzberg Herzog von Hessen, you desire to be married tomorrow,” Vati said in a solemn voice. “Is this true?”

He forced himself to concentrate on Vati’s words and answer. “Yes, it is true.”

“Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. Although in our current times marriage is a throwaway relationship, as an Elder, it is a sacred commitment. A permanent bond that cannot be dissolved by either party. Once you make your vows, there is no changing it. Do you accept this?”

“Yes.” His cock was throbbing even more now. The ring prevented his erection from dying. In fact, he would have sworn it was getting even larger. God, it hurt!

“You are a good man, Alex. I am proud to call you my son.” Vati’s eyes gleamed with emotion as he looked at Alex. He was one of the few people in the world who could look him in the eye without looking up. His voice softened. “You have been diligent, forsaking many things, to prepare for this day.”

Alex clenched his jaw, trying to remain stoic. He swallowed as his eyes watered. He knew his father loved him, but hearing him say in front of the Elders that he was proud to have him as his son meant the world to him. Especially considering how he’d failed in the past.

He bowed his head. “Thank you, Vati.”

Vati gave him a small smile. “Marrying an Elder-Mistress is not an easy path. She has duties to The Brotherhood like you do. Unfortunately, there is also another Master to be taken into consideration. A Master who does not value her as you do. He will do whatever he can to destroy your relationship. Are you prepared for this?”

“I am.”

“We, as your Elders, will support you in any way we can. We support your marriage and believe that this relationship is the proper one. We believe you are the one person in the world who can protect her, and ultimately free her. We will hold you accountable for her welfare. We charge you to do everything in your power to ensure her safety and see that she thrives under your care. We are still your Elders and you are still a Son. You must submit to our authority in your life and with your bride. Do you accept this condition?”

“I do.” Alex hoped this didn’t mean what he thought it meant.

“Are you willing to show your submission and demonstrate how far you will go to protect your future wife?”

“I am,” he said, trying very hard not to show his hesitation. Not that he was unwilling to show submission. He was just already hurting and didn’t need any more stimulation.

There were men he was attracted to and would fuck occasionally. He enjoyed a cock in his ass when he was in the mood. But he was so far beyond arousal that he didn’t know how much more he could take.

“Kneel on the floor at the end of the bed,” Vati said softly. “Put your hands on the footboard and prepare to show your submission.”

Fuck.

Edwin Reisig kneeled behind him a moment later. “Your erection and your release are for your bride tomorrow,” he said quietly as he put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Allowing yourself release tonight would be very selfish and make us doubt you are ready for marriage.”

Sweat beaded on his brow again and Alex tried to relax his ass as much as he could as the Elder pressed his cock into him.

“We will challenge you further than you think you can go tonight, Alex. You must take us all.”

Alex closed his eyes and thought of Anna as Edwin began moving. He groaned and strained against his release. He would be strong for Anna.

Anna opened her eyes and blinked in the bright light. She was... on a beach? With warm white sand between her toes and crystal-clear waters just a few feet away. Palm trees swayed in the cool breeze, under which patches of bright green grass grew. Down the beach stood some sort of white, three-sided pavilion, similar to what the Elders used at the Gathering in August.

The sheer beauty of what she saw took her breath away. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Something about the place felt familiar and made her feel comfortable, although she was certain she’d never been there before.

She wore a flowing white gown that fluttered gracefully in the wind. Sebastian wore white silk pants and a matching tunic adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery around the sleeves and neckline, reminiscent of the embellishments sewn into the Elder’s robes.

She inhaled and her lungs filled with the purest air she could imagine. “Where are we?”

“We just call it ‘The Beaches.’ It’s where we Immortals live.”

Anna’s heart pounded with fear. Would Kaveh be here?

“No. Kaveh is not here. I would not have brought you if he were.” He squeezed her hand and smiled at her. “You’re safe.”

He led her to the pavilion where three men—Immortals—sat on large pillows, talking. They smiled as Sebastian and Anna approached. One jumped to his feet and hurried toward them. He was tall and blond, like the rest of them, but there was something familiar...

“Daddy?” Anna’s heart pounded in her chest. Sebastian released her hand and she ran to him.

---