Page 110 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“I—‍” Anna bit her lip. Her stomach churned as she imagined his disappointment. “Do you... remember when we made love after you disciplined me?”

Wilhelm smiled. “Of course. It was wonderful.”

A brief smile fluttered across her face and then she bit her lip again. “Master, I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice breaking. “I’m so sorry!”

Wilhelm pulled her to a sitting position and held her close. “What are you apologizing for?”

She pulled away. “I—I did something and—‍” She took in a shaky breath. “I’m pregnant.”

Wilhelm froze. “How do you know?”

“I’ve been pregnant enough to know my body, and Gavin confirmed it.” The tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“I didn’t mean to, Master. But when we—I guess I did that trigger thing and—I mean, I think it’s yours.” She trembled. “Will Ilsa hate me?”

“Anna, you did nothing except what I asked you to do.”

“What?” She furrowed her brows. “What you asked me to do?”

“Liebling, I made love to you with the intention of conceiving a child. Perhaps I should have spoken to you first, but I did not want Devin to think you complicit in the act.”

She stared at him, trying to fully understand his words.

“I know the time is approaching when Devin gets you pregnant. He hurts you and increases his powers through it. If you are already pregnant, he cannot fulfill his plans. It may weaken him enough to... to help.” He stroked her cheek. “It will also give me an heir to follow Kurt.”

“You know it’s a boy?” She stared at him as her heart lightened. He knew! He was the one who had done it! She was carrying his child and he wanted her to do so.

“There is a very high likelihood. Elders can... do that sort of thing in certain circumstances.”

“But what about Ilsa? Won’t she be angry?”

“She knows already. I told her when we returned home.”

Anna paused and looked at him, his beloved face that looked so much like Alex. And she would likely bear him a child that looked exactly like him. “Oh, Wilhelm!” She leaned forward into his arms.

He held her for a long time. “You and Kurt can marry and raise the child here, and he will become Elder after Kurt, as is proper.”

Anna shook her head. “I can’t marry Kurt,” she whispered. “Devin forbade me.”

“There are ways around that, Anna. Do not worry. We will find a way.”

Anna slumped into his arms and sighed. Wilhelm would take care of it. She could be sure of that.

“I promised I would look after you, Anna, and I will.”

“Does Kurt know?”

“Ja, I told him after he told me what you said when he asked you to marry him.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because the longer you did not know about it, the safer you would be from Devin. Your ignorance would keep him from learning about it. But...” He chuckled. “You are too smart.”

Anna giggled softly and Wilhelm hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Liebling.”

“I love you, Wilhelm.”

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