Page 130 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Trenton looked at Madison’s empty seat and then at the bathroom door, understanding dawning on his face. “Really? At a time like this? Someone shot at you. I saw the hole in your desk.”

“There’s never a bad time for sex. It calms me.” He smiled. “Yes, someone tried to kill me. And I believe I know who ordered it.” He had thought about it as he was fucking Maddy. The only person who would be stupid enough to cross him would be Wilhelm. “I think the Kunzbergs are going to lose yet another family member.”

Trenton put his hand on his arm and spoke in a low, urgent tone. “Dev. Think before you make the call. You said yourself you’re starting to make enemies. Be certain it’s Kunzberg before you do anything.”

Devin frowned, but Trent had a point. Assassinating an Elder was a monumental undertaking that demanded caution. He couldn’t help but admire Wilhelm’s audacity, though. He never would have guessed the German capable of making such a bold move.

“You’re right.” A mistake like this could cost him more than he was willing to give up. Besides, he had no doubt Wilhelm would admit to it. Then Devin would make his own call and Germany would have a new Elder.

Devin scoffed at the thought of Kurt as an Elder.

After the police interviewed him, Devin drove home. His anger had been simmering just below the surface and he wanted to call the motherfucker and find out the truth.

Kaveh was waiting for him when he walked into the lower living area. “Your imbuement of Immortality saved your life.”

“It was Wilhelm. I know it.”

Kaveh nodded. “Most likely. You did kill his son.”

They looked at each other for a moment. Devin couldn’t suppress a smile at Kaveh’s ironic observation. “I never thought Wilhelm would be so ballsy. It will give me great pleasure to return the favor.”

“I would not do that if I were you.”

Devin whirled around and glared at him. “What the hell are you talking about? I have every right?—‍”

Kaveh held up his hand. “Yes, but you are forgetting one important person.”

“Who?”

“Anna. She will not take it well if you kill Wilhelm.”

“She’ll get over it.” Devin sneered. “She got over Alex.”

“She did not know that was you, and is she really over it?” He paused. “This she will know, and you will be unable to subdue her again.” Kaveh shook his head. “If you want to continue using her, leave Wilhelm alone.”

Devin clenched his jaw. “I’m supposed to just let this go? Like he didn’t try to kill me?”

“You have already meted out enough grief in his life. Consider it... paying it forward. Once Anna is fully bonded to you, then you can get revenge, if you so desire. But I warn you, if you push Anna any further, you will not be able to contain the beast.”

Devin slumped onto the couch behind him. Kaveh was right, though Devin hated to admit it. If Anna hadn’t been chained to the wall, she would have killed him on Thursday.

He had never seen anything so feral—so primal—as Anna in a wild rage. It had given him such pleasure to conquer her. But he couldn’t leave her chained to the wall all day long. He needed her free. He would have to leave Wilhelm alone.

Damnit.

Wilhelm narrowed his eyes at the name flashing on his phone. He wasn’t supposed to be alive. “Hello.”

“He missed,” came Devin’s voice through the phone’s speaker.

Wilhelm stood and clenched his fist. Why was the man still alive? He knew the Assassin. He was very, very good at his job, second only to Alex. “How?”

Devin laughed. “I chalk it up to my Immortality. Something just told me to duck and I did. And I’m so glad.”

Wilhelm closed his eyes, expecting a bullet to come crashing through the window any second and into his skull. Only that would dull the pain in his heart. “When can I expect mine?”

“Oh, we’ll just call it even, as long as you don’t try again.”

Wilhelm’s mouth dropped open and he stared at the fireplace for a long moment, trying to understand Devin’s game. “What is your angle, Devin? Please, if you are going to do it, just tell me so I can prepare my family.”

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