“I love you, too,” she said as quietly as she could, and smiled bravely at him.
“I’ll see you soon.”
Anna nodded. Yes, they would see each other over the next few days, but it wouldn’t be the same. She would be back in Devin’s complete possession and control.
Peter gave her one last loving look and then turned and walked away with his uncle.
Devin put his hand on her back and guided her into the limo waiting to take them to the hotel. “I hope that you have become stable enough that you will not become useless to me while we are here or when we return home,” Devin said softly in her ear as the limo pulled away into the traffic.
“Yes, Master.” Her chest ached, knowing she was now separated from Peter, but if she became an emotional mess, Devin would not be happy and she didn’t want to anger him.
“Good.” He stroked her neck with his fingertip and then kissed it. He took her hand and placed it on his hardening cock. “We have a long drive.”
Anna looked up and he raised his brow. She took that to mean he wanted a blowjob and set to work unfastening his pants. When his cock sprang free, she took it into her mouth and Devin groaned softly and settled back in his seat with his hand on the back of her head.
She heard the men talking as she worked Devin’s cock. They spoke about Vitaly and speculated as to the type of leader Vlad would be.
“He is softer than Vitaly,” Devin remarked. “We’ll have to keep an eye on him.”
Devin’s breathing shallowed and he pushed Anna’s head down as he came right into her throat. She didn’t dare move for fear he would choke her or extend his spikes. When he had finished he pulled her up by her hair and fixed his pants. They were almost to the hotel.
~*~*~*~*~*~
~Hope~
Chapter Thirty-Three
Wilhelm paced in the hotel lobby. He knew Anna would be here soon; Vlad had texted him to let him know they were on their way. He also knew he couldn’t approach her, and it broke his heart to be so close to her and unable to make contact. But at least he would be able to see that she was all right.
Kurt sat nearby with his fingers tented and tapping on his lips. He stared at the hotel doors with an intensity Wilhelm had come to see often in his younger son’s eyes. Kurt had done well stepping into Alex’s shoes. He had changed from the immature, happy-go-lucky boy into a serious young man whom Wilhelm was confident would lead the country well after his death. Now all he needed was a wife. Unfortunately, Kurt had lost his heart to Anna and no one else would satisfy him. Not that Wilhelm could blame him. He would likely feel the same way in his son’s shoes.
Every person that walked through the doors caught the attention of both Wilhelm and Kurt. They had waited in agony for Vlad’s text and then had been waiting for an hour downstairs in the lobby.
“Why are you pacing, Wilhelm?” came a question in German. Wilhelm turned around to see his friend, Edwin Reisig, Elder of Bavaria, standing behind him with an amused look on his face. “You are never anxious.”
“Anna is on her way.”
A look of understanding spread across Edwin’s face. “Ah.” He glanced down at Kurt. “You are both on pins and needles waiting?”
“It’s been over a year and the reports I’ve received are not good.”
“Perhaps you should bring it up to the other Elders. She is yours as much as she is that bastard’s. You have a right to see her.”
Edwin was right, but Wilhelm didn’t want to turn the funeral into a political meeting. Though, he had to admit, it might be the only chance he had to get Anna back. With the other Elders backing him, he might be able to pressure Devin into removing his banishment. The only way it would work is if he had the majority behind him, and even then, with Devin’s powers...it still might not be enough.
“Do you think the others would back me?”
“Devin has not been making friends these last few years. Everyone saw how distraught she was at the funeral, which they all found disturbing. Elder-Mistresses aren’t supposed to be capable of such emotion. If it is obvious that there has been mistreatment, there is a high likelihood that they will back you. If she’s better off....” Edwin trailed off. “You might be on your own.”
“So I am to hope she looks terrible?” Wilhelm understood what Edwin was saying, and he was torn between wanting to see that Anna was all right and his desire to have her back in his life.
“It would go a long way in gaining traction for your complaint. Devin’s actions haven’t gone unnoticed, but they have a right to do as they see fit in their country, as long as it doesn’t affect anyone else.”
“How can it not? Their economic mess is affecting the entire world.”
“Yes, but America has been losing power for many years. It’s not as big a deal as it would have been twenty years ago. Some might say Devin’s strong hand is the only hope they have.”
“Americans are too independent for what he wants.”
“Yes, but they are influenced by the media. They paint things very differently than the reality. Things work over here that I doubt would work over there.”
“Vati,” Kurt exclaimed, leaping to his feet and looking at the door.
A group of men had walked into the hotel with a woman. Anna. Wilhelm’s heart leapt when he saw her. Her shiny, thick sable-brown hair hung down her back. It had grown longer since he’d seen her last. She wore a black skirt and jacket with heels that showed off her sexy legs. He didn’t see a necklace, which concerned Wilhelm. Here, of all places, she should have her Mistress necklace on. Otherwise, she might be mistaken for a common Dirne.
She was calm and walked gracefully next to Devin. But Wilhelm could see the difference in her. She was almost a shadow of what she had been even the last time he saw her. It wasn’t that she was pale or thin, though she was. It was her spirit; the Immortal part of her was severely diminished. And when he looked at Devin he understood why.
Devin radiated with Immortal power. It was in his expression and his demeanor. It wasn’t tangible, and the average person wouldn’t have any idea. But Elders would know. Elders from several countries were seated around the lobby and they all stopped and stared at him.
Devin had become a Chairman; of this there was no doubt. A powerful Elder with amazing powers of persuasion. Chairmen had controlled society using Immortal powers in the distant past; before the Elders and Immortals decided to work together instead of against each other. And if they bothered to look, the others would be able to see where he was getting his power.
Wilhelm caught the expression of longing on Kurt’s face and hurt for him.
*****
Anna followed Devin through the lobby to the reception desk. She kept her face and demeanor calm. She would not upset Devin; or at least she’d try not to. She would be a good slave, get through the few days here, and then go home and face the rest of her life. This time without Peter, though. Of course, she had several weeks off until Nutcracker rehearsals began, so she really had nothing to get back to in San Francisco. Just sleep. Maybe Devin would let her have a few of those pills....
Devin went to check in at the reception desk and Anna took the opportunity to look around the enormous lobby. She felt someone watching her and turned and looked around.
“Wilhelm,” she whispered. “Kurt.”
On the far side of the lobby stood the two men she most wanted to see. They both stood, staring at her, and she at them. The only thing that kept her from running into their arms was the fear of punishment from Devin. Her heart pounded as she fought her desire to run to them.
Tyler suddenly stepped in front of her and grabbed her chin. “I don’t think you’re allowed to see them,” he said in a nasty voice. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I can’t wait to have you in a room.” He ran his hand down her hip and pressed her body to his.
“Tyler, can’t you wait....” Devin trailed off as he saw Wilhelm and Kurt across the room. “Ah.” Devin looked down at Anna. “You
want to go to them, don’t you?”
Anna nodded, not daring to hope he would let her.
“I don’t think I could allow that, Baby. They might try and take you away from me again.” He turned to look at the bellhop. “Bring her, Tyler,” he said and followed the bellhop to the elevators.
Tyler snaked his arm around her waist and led her to the elevator. She caught a glimpse of Wilhelm over her shoulder as she was steered around the corner, and then he disappeared from her view.
*****
Wilhelm’s heart stopped when his eyes locked on Anna’s. Her face filled with a desperate longing, but she didn’t come to him. She just stood there, looking frightened and sad as she looked between himself and Kurt.
“Anna,” Kurt whispered and took a step forward. Wilhelm grabbed hold of Kurt’s shoulder.
“We can’t, Kurt,” he said softly. He watched Anna until a young man stepped between them and grabbed her chin. Wilhelm could tell by the nasty smirk on the man-child’s face that this was Devin’s son.
Seeing Devin’s son handle her so roughly made Wilhelm’s hands curl into fists. He’d seen the look on the young man’s face and it was enough to make Wilhelm concerned about Anna’s safety.
Wilhelm caught Devin’s eye from across the room. The man’s black eyes narrowed momentarily. Then he smiled at Wilhelm, spoke to his son, and walked away towards the elevators. His son put his arm around Anna’s waist and led her away. The look in her eyes when she looked back at Wilhelm broke his heart. She was terrified.
Wilhelm sat heavily in the chair behind him and put his head in his hands.
“Vati, we can’t just let him—”
“Kurt, there is little I can do.” Wilhelm stared at the floor between his laced fingers.
“You think she is in danger?” Edwin asked softly.
“What are your thoughts?” Wilhelm sat back as Edwin took a chair next to him.
“She’s grown into a beautiful young woman,” Edwin said slowly. “But so sad. There is little life in her.” He motioned to another part of the room where two women sat talking.
The women were as different as night and day, though both were fiercely beautiful and shared an ethereal quality about them. One was tall and slender, with chocolate brown skin and multiple black braids that ended in rows of multi-colored beads in the middle of her back. Her black eyes sparkled as she laughed at something the other woman said. The other was more voluptuous and slightly shorter, with long, golden-blond hair and sky-blue eyes. They sat easily together, talking and laughing and flirting occasionally with the Elders next to them. Other men who walked by them stared, and a few tripped over their own feet. They both wore the same necklace; three concentric diamond circles of the Elder-Mistress. Raissa, Mistress of Brazil and Madison, Mistress of Australia.
They were so different from Anna. The only time Wilhelm had seen Anna so confident and Mistress-like was when she was married to Alex. It was obvious that Devin trampled on Anna’s spirit and had done severe damage.
“What do you think I should do?” Wilhelm didn’t want to cross Devin. That could be dangerous, for him and for Anna. At this point, he would be content simply to be able to speak to her again. Maybe Devin wouldn’t be threatened if he approached it like that. Little steps.
“I will talk with some people. You know your countrymen are on your side. She was given to you by her father. That is a more valid claim than Devin stealing her.” Edwin smiled. “Be the upstanding man you always are and I will talk to you at dinner tonight.”
Wilhelm looked at his friend with grateful eyes. “Thank you, Edwin.”
“I know you and Kurt have been miserable since all that happened. Perhaps this is your chance to undo some of it.” Edwin stood. “I’m sure many of the others will be on your side.” He bowed his head slightly and then walked away.
Wilhelm leaned back in his chair and looked at Kurt. “Maybe this is our chance after all.”
Kurt nodded. “I hope so.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Anna slowly dressed for dinner. Moving fast hurt too much. Devin had brought a long white chiffon dress for her to wear. It had a crisscross back and a very low v-neckline that showed the inner swell of her breasts. When she walked, her right thigh was exposed. She did her hair and put the dress on. Bruises from the afternoon showed on her arms and lower back. She bit her lip and nervously walked out to the living room where Devin sat with his tablet on his lap.
He looked up at her when she walked in. “Why are you frowning?”
“I...there are bruises that show with this dress.” She pointed to her arms and turned so he could see her back.
Devin cursed and stood. Anna backed away in fear, nearly tripping on the length of the dress. It was meant to be worn with very high heels.
He grabbed her arm and turned her around to examine her back. His hands slid over the bruises and Anna winced. His hand continued up her back and pushed her curls aside so he could kiss her neck. “Maybe you need to wear your hair down.” He yanked on her hair, making her gasp in pain. “A simple fix, don’t you think?” His other hand trailed up her side and under the dress to caress her breast. “If anyone asks, just tell them you like it rough.” He bit the back of her neck. “Don’t you?”
“Y-yes, Devin,” she whispered in fear.
He pushed her forward by her head. “Go fix your hair. We need to go in a few minutes.”
Anna hurried to the bathroom to pull her hair down and brush it until it shined.
“Anna!” Devin yelled. She grabbed her shoes and ran out to the living room.
Tyler stood next to his father and grinned when he saw her. He walked to her and pulled her close, pushing on the bruises he had given her earlier. “Fucking sexy,” he murmured against her neck before biting it and making Anna cry out in pain.
“Let’s go,” Devin growled. “You can fuck her up again later. Just make sure she can walk tomorrow.”
Devin took Anna’s hand and they walked down the hallway to the elevators.
They made their way down to the ballroom. As she walked in, she saw many men that looked familiar, though the only ones she knew by name were the Americans. Every culture in the world was represented in this room. There were tensions between some groups and friendliness between others. A handful of women in white were spread among the more than one hundred and fifty men, mostly wearing dark suits, though some wore clothing more suited to their culture. The other women would come later. Only the Elder-Mistresses were allowed to be in the room during dinner.
As Devin led her to their table, she saw Wilhelm and Kurt across the room. Kurt smiled at her and nodded, as if he were trying to assure her of something, though of what, Anna couldn’t even begin to imagine.
The other American Elders and their sons joined them at the table. Tommy smiled at her warmly and tried to sit next to her, but Tyler quickly took the seat next to her, with Devin on her other side. Tyler looked smug and Tommy grimaced and took a seat next to his father who had sat next to Devin.
Dinner was uneventful for Anna, aside from being leered at by the other men at the table. But no one tried anything and she was able to sit quietly and look around a little bit. Peter was sitting next to his uncle at a nearby table. Their eyes met and he gave her a warm smile.
After dinner, Vlad stood and spoke to the men in English, thanking them for coming and announcing the itinerary for the next few days.
“Is there any business that needs to be attended to?” he asked when he had finished.
Anna was surprised when Wilhelm stood and waited for Vlad to acknowledge him. She saw a small smile on Vlad’s face before nodding to Wilhelm and sitting down.
“My brothers,” Wilhelm began in English. “You all know that my son, Alex, was killed while performing his duties to the Brotherhood. He left behind a sweet, beautiful wife.” Wilhelm met Anna’s eyes and smiled.
Anna felt Devin stiffen next to her.
“You also know that she is an Elder
-Mistress. What you might not know is that she is also a slave. A slave with two Masters.” He paused and there were murmurs around the room.
Devin growled next to her. “What the fuck is he doing?”
“Devin Andersen is one Master. Alex was her second Master and when he died, I took his place. I have not been allowed to see or speak to my daughter-in-law in almost a year and a half because Devin decided I should not have that right. I ask you, my Brothers, to pressure Devin into removing the ban prohibiting my family to contact Anna, and restore my rights as her Master.”
Devin stood and threw his napkin on the ground. “You were trying to steal her away from me,” he shouted in anger.
Wilhelm remained calm. “How can I steal what is rightfully mine? I had my reasons for wanting to take her to Germany.” He didn’t go into details, which seemed to surprise Devin.
A tall man with very dark skin stood. “Why is an Elder-Mistress a slave?” His voice was very deep and resonant. A beautiful dark-skinned woman sat next to him with gold threads running through her braided hair. The man put his hand on the woman’s shoulder. “That is not right.”
Wilhelm didn’t comment and Devin fumed but kept quiet.
A heated discussion ensued about Elder-Mistresses being slaves. The general consensus went against what Devin had done and he became furious.
After a while, Wilhelm raised his hand and the room quieted. “Brothers, I did not bring up the subject to debate the issue of Anna’s slavery. It is done and there is little that can change it. My sole concern is that I am unable to have any contact with her. As you can imagine, I am quite fond of my daughter-in-law and I simply wish to be able to contact her and visit her.”
Devin narrowed his eyes at Wilhelm. “Why isn’t he taking advantage of the discussion to contest what I did?”
The Life of Anna, Part 4: Ensnared Page 19
