Page 116 of Vicious Vows

My chest is tight. He’s speaking about the man he’s been seeing in secret behind his wife’s back. I know all of my brothers’ secrets. From Henrik’s mistress to Wayde’s daughter that he just found out about. I’ve done everything in my power to make sure that they each have happiness our own parents couldn’t give them.

What ofmyhappiness? Yes, using Anna was part of my plan in the beginning. But that was before I knew I was in…

Heimdall says, “Odin, this is for the best. You know I’m right.”

Closing my eyes, I nod.

“The plan moves forward starting now.”

25

Anna

It’s late and Odin still hasn’t returned. I can’t stop the unease that’s spreading through me like a web. Something is wrong. I can feel it. Leaving the living room, I pad to the dining room where my dinner is waiting. My stomach is churning so badly that I’m not sure I can eat, but I sit.

I’m deep in thought when one of the maids enters.

“Miss, your things have been moved to your room.”

My head jerks in her direction. “Why did you move my things?”

“Mr. Vilulf called, instructing us to move them back to your room. I also refilled some of your toiletries and feminine products.”

My head is spinning and I’m trying really hard not to overreact. Why did Odin have my things moved? And why do it without speaking to me first?

“Thank you.”

“Of course, miss.”

She turns to leave, but I stop her.

“Wait. Did he say anything else when he called?”

“Only that he would be out late since Mr. Van der Zee is having an event tonight.”

My stomach sinks. The only events Kieran Van der Zee holds are the ones at his sex club. My eyes water and I can’t wipe the falling tears fast enough.

I stand, pushing past the maid to go to my old room. Sure enough, my clothes are back in the closet. In the bathroom, I see my toiletries on the vanity. Next to them is a basket with some feminine products. I freeze. My period should have started by now. Oh my god. My period is late, and it’s never late. I meannever. Since my very first one, the rest has occurred like clockwork, to the day.

Going to the linen closet, I dig out my burner phone, powering it on. There are several missed texts from both Freja and Flynn. Ignoring them, I open the calendar. My real phone has a menstruation tracking app, which would be super helpful right now, but the calendar will have to do. I count back from my last period. Fuck. It’s two weeks late. My chest tightens. What if I’m pregnant?

I slide to the floor as a cold numbness settles over me. Oh my god. What am I going to do?

My phone buzzes as a text from Freja comes through. Swiping it, I read all the messages I missed over the last month. Guilt courses through me. I should have let Freja know I was okay before I turned off my phone.

Freja

I can’t believe those bitches went to Rome and didn’t take us.

Think you can sneak away?

I hope your phone is dead or something.

Anna?

Let me know you’re alive.

Sorry, it’s been nuts over here. I’m alive. Are you?

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