Page 269 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

She could sense Devin outside her room. She could hear his voice out in the hallway, yet she couldn’t seem to feel her fear. How was that possible?

Aaron’s heart pounded as he unlocked the door to his apartment. He pushed open the door, praying Anna had time to escape.

Devin stepped inside and looked around. He arched his brow at the pink roses on the coffee table. “Roses?”

Aaron shrugged. “Cameron. My boyfriend.”

Devin looked him up and down like he was evaluating him. “You’re gay?”

Aaron frowned. “Gotta problem with it?”

Devin smiled, almost warmly, and shook his head. “Not at all. I appreciate men who appreciate other men.” He swept his eyes over Aaron again and then turned to search the rest of the apartment.

Aaron shuddered at the thought of Devin touching him. He knew what went on at Brotherhood events, and had enjoyed many of them, but Aaron felt like he needed a shower from Devin just looking at him.

Devin searched Aaron’s room and bathroom and then walked to the opposite side of the apartment to Anna’s bedroom. He opened the door. Sunlight streamed into the hallway. Aaron held his breath.

“How many closets do you have in the damn place, Aaron?”

Aaron’s mouth dropped open in shock, but he snapped it shut. What was Devin talking about?

Devin closed his eyes and then blew out a breath. He frowned and opened his eyes, glaring at Aaron. “When did she leave?”

“I-I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me.”

Devin nodded and frowned. “She’s gone now. Shit. She must have been at the airport when we got here.”

Tom shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Can we go now? I’m dying to see Kelsey and the kids.”

Devin grimaced. “Yeah, you hopeless romantic.” He turned back to Aaron and raised his eyebrows. “I should kill you for what you did.” Devin strode away, and he and Tom left the apartment.

On the floor of the bedroom in the apartment directly above Anna’s, Alex rolled onto his back, gasping for breath. He stared up at the ceiling, his vision blurry.

“You did well, Alex.”

Alex gave Sebastian, who towered above him, a weary smile. “I feel like I was just put through a meat grinder.”

Sebastian laughed. “It is a very intense process, protecting someone like that. It will be easier the next time.”

“God, I hope there’s not a next time.”

Sebastian nodded. “I hope not as well. But you will know what to do if there is.”

“Will I be able to do it without you?”

Sebastian pursed his lips. “As Devin grows weaker, it will take less energy to shield her from him.” He sighed. “We will have to see. If you need me, as you did today, I will come. All you have to do is ask.” He reached down and pulled Alex to his feet.

“Good thing we already knew the apartment was empty.”

Sebastian chuckled. “You are always prepared. I would have been more shocked had you not known.”

Alex chuckled and then shivered. “I can’t imagine what would have happened had Tom not warned me in time.”

“That is why you came here, yes? To protect her. Your imbuement of my Immortal gift was a wise decision on your father’s part.”

“Didn’t realize I’d have to protect her like this.” He reached for his phone, but it wasn’t in his pocket. “Did I leave my phone at home? I wanted to call Vati.”

Sebastian smiled and handed him his phone. “I texted him. You were unconscious for a few minutes and I wanted to be sure he knew everything was alright.”

---