Page 170 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“They all are. It’s actually a requirement at a certain age. You get used to The Brotherhood stuff the longer you’re around it. Everyone fucks everyone.” Aaron grinned. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she knows your dad.”

Justin swallowed. He knew Aaron had said it to lighten the mood, but the thought of Anna sleeping with his father made him sick. Maybe a future with her wasn’t as good an idea as he’d thought. It wasn’t her fault, but still... He took a long swig of his beer and glanced at Aaron. “You’re okay with all this?”

Aaron shrugged. “It’s the way it’s always been with her. When we were dating, I had to deal with it. Then she married my best friend.” He shrugged again. “Guess I’m just used to it.”

Justin shook his head. “I don’t know if I could share her.”

Aaron’s smile held a tinge of sadness. “It’s hard. I think, now that she’s here, she won’t have her duties anymore, and she might be able to have a normal relationship with a man. But Wilhelm will always be in her life.” He looked at Wilhelm thoughtfully. “Although I think if Anna found someone she really wanted to be with, he’d back off and take the father role again. He’s not pushy. He just adores her.”

“That’s obvious.” Justin watched the older man trace his fingers over her collarbone. Anna closed her eyes and parted her lips with a sigh. “Who wouldn’t?”

After a relaxing dinner, Anna and Wilhelm said good night to Justin and headed to Wilhelm’s bedroom. Justin was staying in the second bedroom of the suite.

“Why isn’t Kurt here?” Anna asked.

“An Immortal transported me here. They can only do that with Elders.” Wilhelm glanced down at her. “He is very sad that he could not be here, but sends his love.” He took her into his arms. “Did you learn what your new name is?”

Anna couldn’t stop the grin from appearing on her face as she nodded. “Justin said you picked it out.”

“Ja,” he smiled. “Kurt picked the last name. I picked the first name.”

“Katrina Engel,” she said softly and gazed up at him. “It makes me feel like I belong to you.”

He swept her hair back from her face. “You belong to me.” He brushed his lips against hers. “Always.” He slowly pulled her shirt off and stroked her bare back. “I have missed you...”

Chapter 94

Vlad walked into Alex’s room, interrupting his normal morning study of the Elder Tome. It had been nearly a month since Alex had seen him, and nearly four months since Vlad had hinted the escape needed to be delayed.

Anna had visited a few times, but she’d been incoherent and babbled about Devin and random things Alex hadn’t understood. He’d asked Vlad for an explanation, but all he would say was that she was entirely under Devin’s control and that Alex had to be patient.

Alex had moved beyond patience and had sunk into a deep depression. He’d spent more time staring at the book that morning than actually reading it. Why was he even still bothering to study?

“Anna is gone.”

Alex looked up. “What? What do you mean ‘gone’?”

Vlad’s face was inscrutable. “She ran away from Devin.”

Alex’s jaw dropped and he stared at Vlad, struggling to process the Elder’s words. “Ran away?” he repeated and jumped to his feet. “How? Is she safe? Where is she?” Questions shot through his head like a bullet ricocheting off steel plates.

“She had help. Yes, she is safe.” Vlad’s eyes softened. “She’s with friends.”

“Do you know where?”

Vlad didn’t answer, but strode to the window and looked out. “Our Spring Gathering is next week outside of Moscow.” He turned to look at Alex. “I, of course, must attend and will have to take much of my household with me.” He frowned. “The guards remaining are... not loyal to me.”

Alex’s heart pounded. Is this our opportunity to escape? “Oh?”

Vlad nodded. He looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated. “Have you explored much of the house?”

Alex shook his head. “Your father kept us on a tight leash.” He motioned to the book in his lap. “And I’ve been... busy.”

Vlad allowed a smile to breach his face. “I can imagine.” He turned back to the window. “My father liked to keep things he thought could be useful. He kept them in a locked storage room under the house.” He paused. “It has a door to a tunnel that leads outside the property.”

Alex’s heart pounded even harder. “Th-that’s interesting.” He did his best to keep his voice even, though he couldn’t keep a slight tremble out of it.

“Of course, the room is guarded, but only by one man sent here by... someone else.” He turned around. “Midnight snacks are tasty, aren’t they?”

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