Chapter 12

On Sunday evening, Anna smiled as she got ready for her birthday dinner. A warm glow of hope filled her heart, a sensation that she’d forgotten existed—not that she’d felt much of anything lately. After Alex’s death, she’d truly doubted that she would ever be happy again. But when she looked at Kurt, she couldn’t help but believe it was possible.

She put on the new pink silk dress Kurt had bought her for her birthday and studied herself in the mirror. Yes, she was definitely older now. But that was okay. Twenty-three would be a good year. She would marry Kurt and stay in Germany for a little while. Yes, she would miss some performances, but if giving it up meant being away from Devin, then she would happily never dance again.

Kurt, looking incredibly handsome in his dark suit, walked into the bathroom where she was getting ready. He wrapped his arms around her waist and tenderly kissed her cheek. “Are you about ready to go?”

Anna nodded. They would go to dinner as planned, but after dinner, instead of returning to the hotel, they would drive straight to the airport. They wouldn’t check out from the hotel. Wilhelm would handle everything once they were safely back in Germany, including having their belongings shipped back home. Every precaution was being taken to make sure Devin didn’t find out about their plans. Wilhelm was so cautious that he wouldn’t even allow them to discuss it while outside their hotel room.

They arrived at the restaurant and Jenna ran up and grabbed Anna in a hard hug. When her Jenna let go, Aaron hugged her hard. And then Travis. And then a whole host of other dancers whom she’d become friends with before Alex had died.

Anna noticed a ring on Jenna’s finger. “You got married?”

Jenna grinned. “I wish you could have been there. But... you weren’t well. I tried to call you, but you wouldn’t answer. No one could find you.” She shrugged. “We can watch the video.”

“When did that happen?”

Jenna glanced at Matt. “Nine months ago? September?” Matt nodded.

Anna hugged her friend. “I’m so happy for you, Jenna. I really am.”

The hostess led them to a large round table. Kurt sat on one side of her and Jenna on the other. Jenna made a big deal about it being Anna’s birthday. Anna blushed and buried her face in Kurt’s shoulder.

Jenna leaned over to Anna after the drinks were delivered. “What’s going on with you and Kurt?” She raised her eyebrow at Kurt’s arm draped across Anna’s shoulder.

Anna shrugged, then blushed. “We just... I don’t know. I saw him on Friday and... it just clicked.”

“Isn’t he still married?”

“No. He finalized his divorce a while ago.” She smiled. “He’s... different now. Settled. And he’s so attentive.”

Jenna giggled. “Yeah, that’s obvious. But if he hurts you...” She narrowed her eyes.

“He won’t. If you spend time with him, you’ll see.”

Jenna leaned forward and studied him for a moment. “Well, he’s definitely not flirting like he used to.”

“I told you.”

The evening truly felt like a celebration; the first real birthday celebration in many, many years. Being surrounded by friends was a breath of fresh air, filling her heart with an indescribable sense of happiness. It was the beginning of a new life again. One filled with hope and happiness. And love. She leaned over and kissed Kurt on the cheek.

He raised his eyebrows. “What was that for?”

She gave a small shrug and smiled. “I’m just happy.”

He beamed at her. “I am glad. I will always do my best to make you happy.”

Once everyone had completed their meals, and Anna had endured the embarrassment of the restaurant staff singing “Happy Birthday” to her, she bid farewell to her friends. Then she, Kurt, and Wilhelm climbed into the waiting limousine, ready to make their way to the airport.

Anna leaned against Kurt and watched the lights of the city fly past the windows. Wilhelm seemed tense.

“What is wrong, Vati?” Kurt asked.

“Just... concerned. Devin knows everything that goes on in the city. I will be much more at ease once we are in the air.”

It was late and Anna was drifting to sleep when she heard Wilhelm curse and Kurt sat up straight.

Wilhelm’s agitation sent a wave of apprehension coursing through her. She blinked and straightened. “What’s wrong?”

She looked out the window in the direction Wilhelm and Kurt were both staring. There, parked by the Kunzberg family jet, sat a horrifyingly familiar black car. Leaning against the trunk, with his arms crossed, was Devin.

Anna gasped. “Wilhelm . . .”

Wilhelm took a deep breath and set his jaw. He pat her hand. “The jet is ready to go. We will board and fly away, just as we planned.”

The driver opened their door and Wilhelm got out first, followed by Kurt and Anna. Kurt held Anna’s hand tightly and walked between her and Devin.

The rain-soaked tarmac shimmered under the eerie glow of the orange overhead lights, and the night seemed to grow even darker as they approached Devin. His face appeared even more menacing, his beard casting sharp shadows that enhanced the intimidating edge of his countenance. He was dressed in black from head to toe.

“What do you think you’re doing, Wilhelm?” Devin’s voice, though not raised, seemed to reverberate against the walls of the airplane hangars.

“Going home. I believe I have a right to do so without asking your permission.” Wilhelm stopped a few feet from Devin, his towering presence commanding respect and evoking the essence of an Elder. Anna would have sworn he was glowing like an Immortal, but it was faint, like something that catches your attention out of the corner of your eye. Physically, Wilhelm outmatched Devin, standing several inches taller and broader in build.

Devin smiled, but it wasn’t a nice smile. “Of course. You are always welcome to leave my country. However, I do take issue with you taking my slave.”

“I have a right for her to visit me. She is as much mine as she is yours.”

“Ah, but you’re taking her without asking me. Or even checking out of your hotel. It makes me wonder what you are really trying to do.” Devin turned and looked at Kurt and Anna. He arched his brow at their intertwined fingers. “Perhaps you have plans for her and your son?”

Wilhelm lifted his chin.

“I’m surprised you didn’t get her a big fancy ring like your brother did, Kurt. Don’t you have access to the same bank accounts?”

Kurt growled and took a step forward, but Wilhelm held up his hand. “They are in love, Devin. I see no problem with their dating.”

“Dating? Or engagement? You think to marry her off to your younger son so he can protect her from me?” Devin snorted. “It won’t work. Kurt isn’t her soulmate. He can’t protect her like Alex can.”

“Then why do you care if they marry?”

Devin’s jaw clenched. “Because you’re taking my property,” he snarled.

“She is not property. She is a woman.”

“She’s a slave. My slave. I have a very particular purpose for her, and I won’t let you take her from me.”

“Your purpose for her is barbaric and forbidden.”

“For you, maybe. I was made Chairman by the Elders of my country and the Immortals. I didn’t stage a coup d’état .”

“Not blatantly.”

Devin laughed. “It’s not my fault that the Elders of this country are weak and willing to follow rather than lead. I just took advantage of the situation.”

“A situation of your own making.”

Devin shrugged. “Advantages must be seized or lost. I always choose to seize them.”

“Yes, we are quite aware of your propensity to seize opportunities.”

Devin sighed, as though weary of the conversation. “I won’t allow you to take Anna. It’s as simple as that.”

Wilhelm raised his eyebrows. “Well then, consider this. I am taking Anna. She is mine, just as much as she is yours. You bribed her into leaving my home two years ago and kept her incoherent that entire time. I am entitled to some time with her without you watching everything we do.”

Devin chuckled. “It is fascinating watching your family when you visit. I particularly enjoyed watching your little threesome yesterday. Anna does seem to like big cocks.”

Wilhelm frowned at Devin. “You stretch your hand far beyond where it is allowed, Devin. What I do in the privacy of my hotel room is not for your entertainment.”

“Where Anna is concerned, everything is within my reach.”

Wilhelm turned and looked at Kurt. “Get Anna on the plane,” he said in a quiet voice. “We are leaving.”

Kurt nodded and pulled Anna towards the plane, with Wilhelm following closely behind. Anna cast one last, fearful glance over her shoulder at Devin, her grip on Kurt’s hand tightening with every step.

“Stop!”

The trio froze mid-step. Something in Devin’s tone sent a shiver of terror down Anna’s spine and she wanted to drop to her knees and beg forgiveness.

As if from a nightmare, the air grew icy and the pale orange lights dimmed. Darkness crept across the tarmac until the entire area was shrouded in shadows except Devin, who stepped away from his vehicle, surrounded by a ghostly-pale light. His eyes blazed with furious intensity, like sparks of angry fire in the obsidian void. “You will not take Anna from me.”

Wilhelm turned back to him and started to say something, but in a flash, Devin was in front of him with his hand around Wilhelm’s neck. Anna rubbed her eyes because Devin seemed bigger than Wilhelm. But that wasn’t possible...

Devin’s fingers squeezed into Wilhelm’s neck and Wilhelm offered no resistance. “No! Devin, no!” She ran to him and pulled at his arm.

Devin swept his arm out, pushing Anna aside and sending her flying back several feet before landing painfully onto the ground. His black eyes bored into Wilhelm’s, his voice turning raspy, as if channeling energy from the very gates of hell. “You will not take Anna from me. You will get on your plane, both you and your son, and you will leave this country. I forbid you—or any member of your family—to have any sort of contact with Anna. I forbid you from ever stepping foot in this country again. You and every member of your family. No one is welcome here. Leave and never come back.”

Devin released Wilhelm’s neck and, to Anna’s horror, Wilhelm and Kurt both turned and walked to the jet without saying another word. They climbed the steps without a single glance back. Devin waved his hand and the door to the jet closed and the engines started.

The jet began its journey down the runway, and Anna’s anguished scream pierced the darkness as she sprinted after the accelerating jet. It lifted off the ground and quickly disappeared into the night.

There were no stars in the sky, just as there was no hope in her heart. Devin had banished Wilhelm and Kurt, and they would never return. Her legs gave out and she fell to her hands and knees, the asphalt biting into her skin. She buried her face in her trembling hands, her heart shattered into a million pieces.

The sound of footsteps caught her attention, and she turned to see Ian making his way towards her. She clambered to her feet, but he was too fast and caught her before she could take a single step. He picked her up and carried her back to Devin, dumping her onto the ground in front of him.

“I hate you!” She climbed up his body and screamed into his face, pounding on his chest.

He calmly grabbed her wrists and twisted her arms until she fell back to her knees with a cry.

“There. That’s where you belong. On your knees in front of me.” He looked at Ian. “Put her in the car.”

Ian picked her up and put her in the back seat. Devin got in next to her. “I believe you need another attitude adjustment.” Ian got in the driver’s seat. “Take us to the Manor.”