Page 171 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

Alex nodded slowly. The room and tunnel had to be near the kitchen. His brows twitched. “It can be dangerous, wandering a house at night.”

Vlad nodded. “It can be. If you’re not careful. But rewarding as well.” His eyes turned pleading. “Sometimes someone else’s safety is worth the risk. Elder protections can only last so long against stronger men.”

Alex swallowed. He needed to be ready to go when Vlad left for the Gathering.

“We leave on Monday. I know I can trust you to... do the right thing.” He put his hands in his pockets and then drew them out again, and something hit the floor with a soft thud. “You’re a good man, Alex. I’m sorry I ever distrusted you.”

Alex nodded, hardly believing what Vlad had said. It was time. It was finally time!

Vlad walked out of the room and closed the door quietly behind him.

Alex stood for a moment, staring at the closed door and reflecting on what Vlad had said, and then stood to pick up the cloth bundle Vlad had dropped. Inside were several ancient-looking keys. He looked to the ceiling with a grateful heart, then hurried out of his room to tell the others. They had a lot to do over the next few days to be ready for Monday.

Chapter 95

As Justin, Anna, and Wilhelm were finishing breakfast the next morning, someone knocked on the door. Wilhelm glanced at his watch before standing and answering it.

Tom and Tommy walked into the room with another man Anna recognized as Wayne Sawyer.

“Dad?” Justin stood as the men walked inside.

Tommy smiled brightly at Anna and she hurried to him. He sighed as he pulled Anna close. “For the first time since I’ve known you, I don’t have to worry about you getting hurt,” he murmured against her hair.

She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you,” she said softly.

He brushed her cheek and leaned down to kiss her. “I can’t believe you live here now.”

“Tommy,” Tom said in a warning tone. “She’s a free woman now. And you have a wife.”

Tommy grimaced and released her. “You’re right, Dad.” He stepped back, though the longing remained in his eyes.

Anna dropped her gaze to the floor, ashamed of her excitement at seeing Tommy. Tom clearly didn’t approve of Tommy approaching her.

Tom hugged her in a fatherly manner and kissed her on the top of the head. “You don’t have any more obligations, Anna. Er, Katrina.” He grinned down at her. “Katrina is a free woman who can do as she pleases, as long as she stays in Manhattan.” He released her and went to shake hands with Wilhelm.

Wayne, whom she had met several times, came and kissed her cheek. “Hello, Anna,” he said with an affectionate smile. He then turned to Justin and embraced his son. “I’m really proud of you, Justin.”

Justin’s eyes widened for a moment before a smile broke out across his face. “Thanks, Dad.” He beamed and glanced at Anna, who smiled encouragingly at him. She knew their relationship had been difficult. Maybe this would be a new beginning for them.

They all settled down in the comfortable seating area in the living room. Anna curled up on the couch next to Wilhelm.

“So, Anna...” Tom leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “You’re here. I’m so relieved. It’s been a stressful few days. We just got back into town yesterday afternoon. Devin’s... not taking your disappearance well.”

She chewed her lip. “Ian?”

Tom’s face fell. “He took a cyanide pill after he told Devin that he’d helped you escape. Devin—‍” He glanced at Wilhelm. “Devin was ready to kill him, but Ian knew a quick death was preferable to the torture that Devin would have put him through. He also didn’t want to risk revealing any information about your whereabouts, even though he didn’t officially know anything.”

Tears ran down Anna’s cheeks at the thought of Ian being gone. At least he hadn’t suffered.

“Anna’s face was all over Chicago’s news,” Justin said. “Why isn’t it here?”

“I control the news here. Devin won’t know.” He looked at Anna. “Anna, like I said, as long as you stay in Manhattan, you’re safe. Just don’t go around telling people who you are. Katrina is from California and was just accepted into the city ballet company. You have no obligations to anyone here like you did when you were Anna. You have a chance to make your own life and do as you please. Just, please, be careful. The city can be a dangerous place. Especially at night.”

Anna nodded.

“I have put a shield over the city, with the help of several other Elders, so that Devin can’t sense you here. He won’t know the shield is in place unless he were to try to come here without warning me, but there’s no reason for him to come, so it won’t be an issue.” Tom smiled. “He’s still your Master and we won’t be able to do anything about it for a while. We just need to keep you safe until then. But Katrina is not a slave, not a Mistress, not anything except a normal young woman.”

Anna smiled, her heart light. A normal young woman. She liked the sound of that.

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