Page 354 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Chapter 176

When Anna could finally move more than a few inches at a time, Devin commanded her to clean up and join him and the other Elders for dinner. After a hot shower, Anna shakily emerged from the bedroom dressed in the black slinky dress Devin had provided for her.

With three Elders recently assassinated, there were three new men she hadn’t met. Chad Diaz was Connor’s second oldest son. Jonathan Reece was Marcus’ second oldest son, though he had an older sister between him and Joel. Anna could tell who Noah, Oscar’s younger son, was the moment she saw him: his eyes were wide and filled with grief.

Brandon was just walking into the hotel suite as she settled on the floor next to the couch where Devin sat. His eyes widened and he stumbled, causing his son, Ethan, to run into him. Ethan, according to Devin and Tom’s earlier conversation, had just received his piercings at the recent Summer Gathering.

Brandon recovered quickly and smiled at Devin. “You found her?”

Devin put his hand on Anna’s head. “Yes, she hid in Paris for a while and then returned to New York.” Devin stroked her hair and then pulled it, bringing her head up. “A pleasant treat for the evening, I think?”

Brandon nodded. “I would have to agree.”

The Elders, their Sons, and Devin and Anna ate together at the large table in the suite. Conversation was subdued, though Devin asked many questions of the newly pierced Elders, including Noah. Anna wondered if the new Elders were as cruel as their fathers and brothers.

Wilhelm was in his hotel room with Kurt, eating dinner, when someone knocked on the door.

Edwin Reisig stood there, looking rather sober. “Do you have a moment?”

Wilhelm nodded and stepped back, allowing the Bavarian Elder to enter. Once the door was closed, Edwin made a motion with his hands, making Wilhelm assume he was putting a shield over the room. That brought his blood pressure a bit higher than it had been.

“I received a call from Simon a few minutes ago. Have you heard from Alex?”

Wilhelm shook his head.

“Anna’s been taken. By Devin.”

Kurt gasped from across the room and Wilhelm grabbed hold of the wall. “Oh, God. Is she alright?”

“There’s no way to know until Sunday. We can’t go barging into Devin’s room. How would we explain that we knew?”

Wilhelm stumbled over to the couch and sat down heavily. Kurt’s face was pale and Wilhelm was certain his was the same.

Edwin sat down across from him. “Is there anyone you can call to find out more information?”

Wilhelm shook his head. “If I call Tom, Devin would know.”

Edwin looked thoughtful. “What about the Elder with the son that helped? Brandon?”

“I can’t call him.”

“No, but you could call his son.”

Wilhelm gave Edwin a grateful smile. He was thankful to have a level-headed friend at that moment. He certainly wasn’t thinking straight. “I should find out if Anna’s alright before I call Alex. Does he know?”

Edwin nodded. “He called Simon this morning. I had my phone off all day without realizing it and missed his calls. My wife was not happy with me either.”

Wilhelm gave him a small smile as he searched his phone for Travis’ number.

“Hello? Wilhelm?” Travis’ voice was filled with concern.

“Travis, Devin found Anna. Can you call your father and find out if he knows anything about it?”

“Oh, no! How did—Never mind. I’ll call you back as soon as I talk to him.”

Wilhelm leaned back and closed his eyes. This meant that Anna was very close to him, in the very same hotel, but he couldn’t go to see her. Devin wouldn’t let her out of his sight. If he could get her away from him... but, no. It would do more harm than good. They had to protect the knowledge that Alex had escaped at all costs.

Devin wouldn’t kill Anna. There was small comfort in that certainty, though, knowing how Devin was. The thought that Devin would likely torture her brought tears to his eyes. Could he have prevented this? He should have gone into New York while Alex was gone. He could have put some protections over her. Or taken her out of the city, or?—

---