Page 87 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

“And an Immortal approved of it and helped him.”

“You?”

“No. I was helping you. One of the American Immortals helped Devin.”

Alex sighed and slumped back against his car. “So there’s no hope.”

“There is always hope.” Sebastian leaned on the car beside Alex. “There have been many cruel Elders over the course of time and each country has a right to govern as they wish, with cruelty or kindness. I would have hoped that humans had finally learned that governing with cruelty is ineffective, but there seems to be one in every generation that thinks he knows better than the collective wisdom.”

“So I’m stuck in San Francisco?”

“For now. If your bond becomes stronger, then things may change.”

“How do I strengthen our bond?”

The Immortal hesitated. “Build a relationship with her.”

Alex nodded. He’d planned on doing that already.

Sebastian pushed away from the car and gave a nod. “I will see you soon.” He stepped back.

“Sebastian?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.”

Sebastian gave another nod. “I have spent enough time with humans to know Devin is up to no good.” He pressed his lips together. “It will be challenging to persuade the others, but I will continue trying.” He smiled and disappeared in a flash of golden light.

Alex sighed and walked into his house, wishing with all his might someone would take out Devin just because he was an asshole.

Vati put his book down as Alex walked into the living room. “Is Anna alright?” he asked in German.

Alex nodded and responded in the same language. “Devin will bring her back here this evening.”

“Good. I’d like to see her before we leave in the morning.”

“Devin and I negotiated. He will allow her to live in the apartment.”

“Good.” Vati nodded. “I hated the idea of her being in that Manor all the time. It’s not right.”

Grief hit Alex hard in the heart and he hung his head. “I know, Vati.”

“I wasn’t criticizing.” Vati walked over and put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “You’ve prevented Devin from taking her completely. I will be sure to thank Sebastian when I see him.”

“He was just here.” Alex told him of the conversation he’d just had with the Immortal. “He said he won’t get into trouble, but what if someone finds out?”

“Whatever Immortal is helping Devin would be the only one who would know that he helped you. And if he said something, I imagine the other Immortal would be in even more trouble for helping Devin gain access to that ancient, forbidden knowledge. I believe Sebastian is safe.”

Alex sighed in relief.

“Alex?” Kurt walked into the room and looked around. “I thought you were bringing Anna home with you.”

“She’ll be here tonight.”

“Good. I wanted to see her before we leave.”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “You mean you wanted to sleep with her again.”

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