Chapter 81

Alex paced in the freezing yard, his hands stuffed in the heavy winter coat, his breath visible in white puffs in front of his face. Soon it would be too cold to go outside every day. Today’s weather was pushing his limits, though he tolerated the Russian winters much better than he had when he’d first arrived.

Seth, Tony, Greg, and Erich were outside, too. Erich could walk on his own with a cane now, instead of the others helping him around, but he wasn’t ready to run around yet. Instead, he sat on a bench, his face turned up toward the weak warmth of the sun. Seth sat on a blanket beneath the old oak tree, sketchbook in hand. Tony and Greg were tossing a baseball back and forth that they’d requested from Vlad, along with leather baseball gloves.

Alex had brought the Elder’s Tome outside, but it sat on the bench near Erich. He couldn’t concentrate enough today to dive into the ancient language.

After he’d talked with Vlad, and found out Anna was okay, the Elder had hinted that escape was imminent. Not in so many words, but Vlad had his doctor check them all over, and Alex had overheard Vlad say that they needed to be able to travel. Vlad had given Alex a pointed look before leaving the room. The doctor had given them all clean bills of health, though had warned Erich about pushing himself too much. Alex accepted the warning and had been mulling over ways to help Erich move fast, as well as his daily studies in the ancient tomb.

The mood in the tower had lightened dramatically after that. He and the other men had started talking about what they’d do once they were free and at home. Seth wanted ice cream. Erich wanted a comfortable bed to sleep in. Tony wanted to watch a baseball game, and Greg wanted pizza. Alex just wanted to see Anna. They all wanted to see their families.

Alex ran his hands through his hair. He had an idea of what his “death” had done to Anna, but what had it done to his family? How was Kurt doing as Elder-Son? Was his mother well? What were his sisters doing?

He leaned against the back side of the oak tree and stared at the stone wall lining the yard. When would they be able to leave?

Footsteps crunched behind him, and he turned to see Vlad approaching. His heart quickened. Was it time?

Vlad’s face was somber. “I have bad news,” he said in Russian.

Alex’s heart sank.

Vlad frowned. “It seems as if Devin has managed to take complete control of Anna.”

Alex’s mouth dropped open and he stared at the other man. “What? How?”

Vlad shook his head. “Nobody knows how. She went away with him a few weekends ago and returned acting strangely.” He pursed his lips. “I don’t know many details but...” He paused, looking thoughtful. “You may need another doctor’s visit in the next couple of months.”

Alex’s shoulders slumped, understanding Vlad’s meaning. They weren’t leaving anytime soon.

“I had hoped—?” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Alex.”

“Is Anna okay?”

“As I understand it, she’s not showing any signs of trauma.”

Alex stared at the floor. Devin had finally gotten the mindless slave he’d always wanted. “When?”

“It will have to wait until spring.”

Spring. Devin’s sacrifice. “She’s pregnant?”

“Yes.”

Alex nodded, still staring at the floor, and Vlad walked away. At least Erich would have more time to heal. By spring, he would be able to walk without his cane.

He slumped to the floor and buried his face in his hands, trying to convince himself the wait was for the best.