Page 388 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Aaron’s mouth dropped open. “Why?”

“She is not a fit wife for an Elder. Did Alex tell you about Otto?”

“Your son that was born in November?”

Kurt nodded. “Except that he is not my son. He belongs to Alex.”

Aaron stopped dead in his tracks. Alex hadn’t told him any of that.

“She got pregnant and lied about me being the father. She also admitted...” Kurt scrunched his mouth. “Well, several disgusting matters. But she decided that the appropriate day to announce her transgressions was the day of Anna and Alex’s wedding. We have had problems for years, but this crossed the line. Vati gave me permission to seek a divorce. Otto will be well taken care of, but in Berlin. Not here.”

Aaron stared at Kurt for a long moment. He couldn’t think of anything to say except, “Wow.” He glanced at Anna. “Do you—I mean, with Anna... Does your dad want you and her to... be together?”

“He mentioned it, but we would never force her into a marriage. It would be a logical match, but she needs to recover first.” Kurt tucked a piece of hair that had blown across her face behind her ear.

Yes, she needed time to recover. She had become a mere echo of her former self. Her face was pale and lifeless, her eyes lacked their usual brightness. Witnessing her in such a state tore at Aaron’s heart, especially because he had spent the past few months with her when she was brimming with vitality and joy.

Kurt’s phone buzzed. “Excuse me.” He turned away and spoke in German.

Aaron pulled Anna into his arms and hugged her close. “I’m so sorry, Anna.” She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes.

Kurt cursed and turned back. “Devin is here.”

“Devin? Why?” Why on earth would he be here? To take Anna home? Aaron knew that as much as he wanted Anna back in San Francisco, she was much safer here. Far away from Devin.

“He is an Elder. He has a right to be at the service. Most of the world’s Elders will be there. And tonight as well.” Kurt shuddered. “He gives me the creeps.”

Aaron chuckled darkly. “He makes me want to become a murderer.”

Kurt’s smile was grim. “I know the feeling.”

They led Anna back to the house and into the salon where Devin waited.

Chapter 183

Devin looked up as Anna was brought into the room, flanked by Kurt and Aaron. They both gave him suspicious looks and appeared very defensive about the young woman who stood between them. He sighed inwardly. He was going to have to be careful while he was here. Anna was commanding a great deal of attention and he would have to be on his best behavior to get her back home.

He stood and walked to her. “Hello, Anna.”

She didn’t respond and he frowned.

“You have to touch her to get her attention,” Kurt said, kneeling beside her. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Anna. Devin is here.”

She turned her head and it took a moment for her eyes to focus on Kurt. She blinked several times and then looked at Devin. Her face remained impassive.

Devin looked at Kurt. “May I have some time with her?”

Kurt narrowed his eyes. “What are you going to do?”

Impudent son-of-a-bitch! “I just want to talk to her.”

“Good luck with that.” Kurt gently pushed Anna forward. “She only speaks to my father.”

Devin took her hand and led her to the couch. “Maybe I can help.”

Kurt and Aaron still stood in the doorway and Devin frowned and raised his brows. They both frowned back, but turned and walked out of the room.

“Anna,” Devin said.

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