Page 363 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“What?” he snapped, clearly wide awake and alert.

“I’m coming to the Spring Gathering.” It wasn’t a question.

The silence on the other end of the call surprised him. He’d expected a fair amount of bluster and refusals.

Instead, the Elder’s only response was, “Well. That’s going to make things very difficult. For you. Difficult for you. I can hardly imagine watching your wife service Brothers all weekend long.”

Was the man babbling? Alex had never witnessed the man lose his composure like even that brief stumble. He moved his phone away from his ear and squinted his eyes at it.

“Nevertheless,” he said after a long moment. “I’m coming.”

“Suit yourself,” Devin barked, though his voice was just a little too high pitched. The man was either furious... or frightened.

Mein Gott, Alex thought. What did Devin have planned for her if he wasn’t coming? All the more reason to stay as close to his bride as he possibly could.

Chapter 168

Two weeks before the Spring Gathering, on a Wednesday afternoon, Alex flung his phone across the room and watched it shatter against the unforgiving marble fireplace. With a shout of exasperation, he fell onto the couch, his hands running through his hair in utter frustration.

Why the hell did the Russian Elder have to call today? Why couldn’t it have waited for a few months, allowing him to enjoy a peaceful and uninterrupted time with Anna?

Desperation had driven him to the point of begging, but it hadn’t done any good. The Elder had called. He wanted Alex’s team. They had to go.

The timing of the job during the weekend of the Gathering had raised Alex’s suspicions initially. But after a few minutes, he realized one had nothing to do with the other. The target was in Russia and Alex knew the St. Petersburg Elder well. Their two families had a long history of friendship, and Vitaly had said Alex was the only one he trusted for such a critical mission.

A critical mission with the worst timing Alex could possibly imagine.

Alex stared out the window for a long time, trying to find a way out of his predicament. Anna would be heartbroken. And perhaps a little frightened, considering what had happened the last time he’d returned home from a job.

He and his team would stop in Frankfurt on the way home. It would take an extra day or two to get home, but he’d be out of Devin’s reach during his vulnerable decompression time. He’d relieve his stress at his father’s Manor and fly home the next day. Vati would call Anna when he arrived in Germany and let her know Alex was safe. Her mind would be eased and her body safe from him. Especially now that she was pregnant. He needed to be completely in his right mind before he came anywhere near her.

Aaron. Aaron could watch out for her while he was gone. And Travis. Alex was certain Travis would go to the Gathering on his behalf and keep an eye on her. He couldn’t do much to protect her, but he could make some phone calls if necessary.

Alex sighed, his frown deepening as he surveyed the pile of shattered glass and twisted metal on the floor next to the fireplace. The phones were designed to withstand a lot, but they weren’t meant to be thrown against marble fireplaces.

He picked up the broken phone, knowing it was beyond repair, and made his way downstairs to the theater room where Seth and Tony were playing video games.

“I need a new phone.” He dumped the pieces on the wooden coffee table in front of Seth.

Seth and Tony stared at the pile on the table for a long minute, then looked up at Alex.

Seth raised his eyebrow. “What happened?”

“I threw it against the fireplace.” Alex collapsed onto the couch and ran his fingers through his hair. “I got a call.”

“I thought you put out word we weren’t available,” Tony said.

“I did. It’s Vitaly. You know how he is.”

“It’s still cold in Russia,” Tony grumbled.

Alex chuckled. “Yes. It is.” He sighed and shook his head, staring up at the ceiling. “How am I going to tell Anna?”

“She’s not going to take it very well,” Seth said quietly.

“I know. It also means we can’t be at the Gathering next weekend.”

“I think I’d rather be in Russia than listen to Devin ramble on all weekend,” Tony said, shaking his head.

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