Page 54 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“I don’t care. You don’t deserve to be treated this way. I was hoping he’d see that if he got to know you.” He rubbed his face. “Go,” he said in a gentler tone. “I’ll be up in a little while.”

Anna nodded and he disappeared around the corner. She retrieved her toiletries and pajamas and then went to the bathroom and showered. When she returned to the bedroom, Peter was sitting on her bed.

“Feeling better?” He opened his arms and she gladly went into his embrace.

She knew she shouldn’t let herself get lost in her emotions for him, but right now, she couldn’t help it. She needed comfort.

After a while, he pulled back the covers and tucked her into bed, then lay down with his arms around her.

“I’ll let my family know you weren’t feeling well and went to bed early. You remember where my room is?”

Anna nodded.

“Come get me if you need anything.”

“Okay.” But she wouldn’t. She didn’t want him to get into trouble.

Anna closed her eyes and relaxed, letting his warm embrace lull her into the peaceful oblivion of sleep.

Chapter 30

After the family ate breakfast together the next morning, Anna helped Jackie clear the table of the dishes. If she stayed away from Vlad, maybe he’d forget she was around and leave her alone. “Is there anything I can do to help today?”

Anna had one year of Thanksgiving experience behind her; the Thanksgiving she’d spent with Ben’s family. Katherine had taken command of the kitchen the whole day and Anna had helped where she could. She wasn’t very good in the kitchen, but had learned a few things.

“Oh, you’re so sweet.” Jackie smiled as Anna brought a stack of dishes to the sink. “Do you have any family traditions from growing up we could try to incorporate?”

“No.” Thanksgiving had been like any other day with Jack and she didn’t remember much from her parents. Her mother didn’t have any traditions and her father... well, Immortals didn’t usually have families.

Jackie gave her a kind look. “Peter said your upbringing was kinda rough.” She smiled. “Don’t worry, I have enough to fill the day.”

Nina and Natalya were in the kitchen as well, and they laughed.

“Poor Jackie has had to teach me all about the American traditions,” Nina said. “I am becoming quite fond of them. I like coming out here this time of year. For one, I do not freeze.”

Anna laughed. “I was in Germany in December and I remember it was absolutely freezing. But St. Petersburg gets much colder, I understand.”

Nina nodded. “Oh, yes. I would consider a German winter to be very mild.”

“What were you doing in Germany?” Natalya asked.

Anna bit her lip. How did she answer that? She picked up a cloth and began wiping the table down. “I was... visiting someone. It was a few years ago.”

“Is your family German?” Nina asked.

“No, they’re...” Anna smiled. “They’re Russian, actually. My grandparents settled in the Russian part of San Francisco when they emigrated. But not Russian Hill.”

“Really? That would explain why we get along so well.” Nina laughed. She’d been very nice to Anna both last night and this morning. “Do you know where they are from?”

Anna shook her head. “No.” She hesitated. “My parents died when I was twelve.” She worked her rag at a sticky spot on the table, glad she had an excuse to not look up.

“Oh, that must have been difficult,” Jackie said. “I’m so sorry.”

Anna shrugged.

“Who raised you?” Jackie asked.

“My guardian, Jack. He was a—‍” She pursed her lips. “A family friend.”

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