Page 283 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“I can imagine. Did Kurt tell you he is coming out for the gala?”

Anna bit back a sigh. “I haven’t spoken to him since you two were here.”

“Ah. Well, he will be there.”

“Okay.” She really didn’t care, except that she’d have to spend time with him, and she wasn’t looking forward to that. “Is that all?”

“Nein. There—‍” Wilhelm paused. “There was another shooting this morning.”

Anna stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “Another one? Who?”

“Joel.”

“Marcus’ son? From Chicago?”

“Ja.”

Anna couldn’t say she was sad about the news. She had no fond feelings for the man. “Was it... the same as last time?”

“We believe so.”

“Oh, Wilhelm. Why . . . why is this happening?”

“Perhaps someone is taking advantage of Devin’s weakening power in your absence.”

“Will he come here? Devin, I mean.”

“I do not believe so. If he does, Tom will be in touch with you. Chicago is far enough away for you to be safe.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

Aaron looked at her curiously as she put her phone in her pocket. “What happened?”

“Do you know who Marcus is?” She glanced at Stef, hoping Aaron would understand her vagueness.

“Chicago?”

Anna nodded. “His son was killed this morning.”

“Holy shit.” He grinned. “Maybe they’ll take out Devin and you’ll be free.”

A smile tugged at her mouth. “That’d be nice.”

Devin stared in disbelief at Tom. “You’re kidding, right?”

Tom shook his head. “I was just a few feet behind him when it happened.”

Another Elder killed. This time, Marcus. The same way Chris and Connor had been. “What the fuck is going on? Who the hell is trying to take out the American Elders?” It was forbidden to take out Elders without a good reason, and only an Elder could order it. None of the American Elders would dare try, so was a foreign Elder trying to take over the country?

He didn’t want to think about the idea that he might be on that kill list. But no one would dare try to kill him... would they? It hadn’t worked when Wilhelm tried. Would he be so lucky again?

He’d borrowed Irina, the Russian Elder-Mistress, at Connor’s funeral, and was able to gain some of his powers back. It wasn’t the same as having it from Anna, but it was enough to help him. He’d had a firm discussion with the president earlier in the month.

But the ability to recharge without Anna didn’t ease his mind. He was mortal and growing more so every day Anna was missing.

Chapter 142

On Saturday night, Anna found herself seated at the Russian Tea Room alongside Aaron, Cameron, and Stefanie. Despite the elegant surroundings and ambiance, her heart ached. Alex’s absence weighed heavily on her, a piercing emptiness more pronounced than she had felt in a while, though she couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason.

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