“Think you could have picked a smaller car, Tony?” I asked in English. “I feel like a sardine.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” Tony responded. Seth laughed.
“What are you laughing at?”
“You better practice your English. Anna won't be able to understand you.”
I growled. “She hasn’t had problems before.”
Seth rolled his eyes. “Maybe the dreams interpret better. I’m having a hard time understanding your English, and I’ve been with you for the past several years.”
“Is it really that bad?” I asked Greg.
“You have an interesting mix of a Russian and German accent.” Greg shrugged. “She’ll figure it out, I’m sure.”
“Or you won’t need to speak at all,” Erich laughed. “Just kiss her.”
I groaned softly and remembered kissing your soft lips. Somehow, we had been able to touch the last few times you'd come. Feeling you against me had been heavenly. Feeling your lips against mine...I sighed thinking about it. I would never let you out of my sight again once I found you. Never.
The drive was a short one, and Tony parked the car in the back of the parking lot. We pooled our cash and Greg went to buy the tickets. We always kept plenty of local currency with us when we went on missions, as well as pre-paid debit cards with extra. But I wanted to be out of the country before we used those. Cash was always better.
Greg returned a few minutes later. “The trains don’t start for a few more hours. It might be better to just drive into the city. The train to Warsaw doesn’t leave until almost midnight.”
I ran my hand through my hair. I’d wanted to get out of the city as soon as possible. “Does anything else leave earlier?”
“There’s a train to Helsinki, but we’d be trapped there. I think it’d be better to find a place to stay for the day and wait for the Warsaw train. Unless you want to go through Moscow.”
I shook my head emphatically. “That would be walking into the lion’s den. All right. Let’s go find a place to stay, get rid of the car and get the tickets to Warsaw.”
We found a hotel near the station and stayed there until it was time to go. Tony went out and purchased us new clothes so we didn’t look like criminals or, well, assassins. The hotel clerk had looked at us nervously as she checked us in.
Nine nerve-wracking hours later, we were finally aboard the train to Warsaw.
I shared a sleeper berth with my cousin, who was snoring next to me. I was exhausted, but couldn’t sleep. I missed you with everything that I had and was impatient to get to you. Would you want me back? When you thought I was a dream, you certainly wanted me, but what about the reality? Would you still think I’d abandoned you? What was the best way to approach you? Just show up wherever you were staying and say hello? Could you handle such a thing? Or should I ease you into it, giving you hints that I was there and then revealing myself?
No answer came to me and I drifted off to sleep still wondering.
The train arrived mid-afternoon in Warsaw with several hours until the next train left. I relaxed a bit, knowing we were more than halfway there. Erich and I would have to keep a low profile once we were in Frankfurt. It wouldn’t be good if we were recognized. Our beards and hair helped, but the Kunze family members were all well known, and our height alone could give us away.
Arriving in Frankfurt early in the morning was only beneficial if it was the weekend. It wasn’t. The train station was busy on that Thursday morning, though not overcrowded. Erich and I both wore hats and kept our heads down. For once, I wished I weren’t so tall.
Fortunately, Uncle Friedrich and Aunt Klara lived only about a half mile from the train station and we headed out as soon as we found our bearings. My stomach churned as we walked through the familiar streets. I was so thankful to be home, but now the real challenge began. Staying out of Devin’s sight and finding you.
I glanced over at Erich. “You all right?” I asked.
Seth, Tony and Greg walked behind us.
Erich let out a big breath. “How can I be so nervous about seeing my family?”
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels that way.”
Erich looked at me, surprised. “I didn’t think you got nervous about anything.”
“Maybe not before, but now, yes.”
Erich's childhood home came into view and our steps slowed.
“What’s the best way to approach?” Seth asked. “Knock on the door or walk right inside?”
“Do you have your keys?” I asked with a grin.
Erich thought for a moment and then dropped his bag on the ground. “I just might.” After a few minutes of rummaging, Erich made a triumphant sound. “I hope they didn’t change the locks.”
Traffic was increasing and we carefully made our way down the street. Most likely, both my aunt and uncle were awake, but Uncle Friedrich would still be home.
We walked around the back of the house and Erich unlocked the door. I could hear voices in the direction of the kitchen. Familiar voices of loved ones. Tony closed the door behind us and I motioned for the three non-Kunzes to wait there while Erich and I announced our presence. I nodded to Erich and we crept to the kitchen. Dishes clinked and Uncle Friedrich spoke about a legal case he was researching.
We walked slowly into the spacious kitchen. “Hello, Mutti. Hello, Vati.” Erich spoke loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to startle them. Too much.
Klara screamed and dropped her coffee mug. It crashed to the floor and porcelain and coffee scattered across the floor. Friedrich stood, pushing his chair back and took a defensive stance. His gaze went back and forth between us. “Erich?” he whispered in wonder. “Alex?”
Klara put her hands to her mouth and then rushed to Erich, embracing him and crying. She reached for me as well. Friedrich was quickly behind her and we were hugged and kissed and stared at in wonder.
“We were told you were dead,” Friedrich said in a hoarse voice.
“That’s what you were supposed to believe,” Erich said. “I’m sorry you suffered.” He kissed his mother’s head.
“The others are here,” I said softly. “May I call for them?”
“Oh!” Klara said. “Of course.”
I quickly went to gather the others and returned to the kitchen. My uncle and aunt knew them too and hugged them with just as much enthusiasm.
“Have you spoken to Wilhelm?” Friedrich asked.
I shook my head. “We only just got in. Your house was closest to the station.”
“I should call him,” Friedrich said, reaching for his phone.
“No, Uncle. I need to see him in person. Soon.”
“Of course.” He looked around at the group of men. “If you don’t mind being uncomfortable, we might be able to squeeze into the SUV.”
*****
“We surprised Vati and Mutti and the others,” Alex said with a soft smile. “To say the least.”
Anna was staring at him with a mix of awe and sadness. It must have been a shock, hearing him speak so casually about killing a man. Another reminder of how little time they had together before he was captured.
“Why...,” she said in a soft voice. “Why didn’t you come right away?”
“I wanted to, Schatzi....”
Chapter Forty-Five
“Vati, I need to see her. I’ve waited years to see her.” I ran my hands through my long hair as I stared out the window of Vati’s study at the first Frankfurt sunset I’d seen in many years. I had spent the whole day with my family, sharing and learning what had happened since I’d been gone. The families of Seth, Tony and Greg would arrive tomorrow. They were being brought here so they could be reunited, but also so Devin wouldn’t know. My whole family knew I was still alive by now. I would get in touch with the families of Jesse, Jason and Michael soon as well. My whole family save you, my beloved wife. “My heart can’t stand it much longer.”
Vati stood behind me and put his hand on my shoulder
. “I know, Son. But the situation needs to be handled very carefully. Devin is still very strong. If you go announcing you’re alive, he will find you and likely find Anna. You’re not ready to confront him yet.”
I frowned and wanted to lash out at my father, but I knew Vati was right. You had only just escaped. Devin was still very strong and would remain so for several months.
“I miss her,” I whispered after a long silence. “My heart aches for her....” I turned suddenly. “I could touch her. The last few times...I could touch her. I could kiss her.”
Vati’s eyes widened in surprise. “You could?”
I nodded. “Ever since I got sick....” I paused. “Did Devin know she dreamt of me?”
Wilhelm shook his head. “No, I told her not to tell him. When were you sick?”
“During Vitaly’s funeral.”
Wilhelm pressed his lips together. “Anna was sick too. She must have been....” He paused and then chuckled. “When you’re bonded, you’re really bonded, aren’t you?”
I cocked my brow, not understanding why my father was amused.
“Because Devin arranged for your disappearance and insisted on you being put in the cellar, Anna got sick with you.”
“Devin must have done something so she could touch me without disappearing. He likely wouldn’t have thought to remove the ability because he didn’t know she visited me.”
Wilhelm nodded and we were quiet for a long time.
“What have you learned from the third book?” Wilhelm asked, breaking the silence.
I sighed. “Not as much as I hoped to. As I understand it, the final bonding ritual is very similar to the first one, with some subtle differences. The most important element seems to be the strength of the bond that has formed between master and slave since the first ritual.” I gave my father a sad look. “Vati, I don’t want to take Anna like that. I don’t want her to be a mindless slave. I want her to be free.”
“The whole point of that ritual is to get the mindless slave,” Wilhelm said thoughtfully.
“I want my wife, not a slave.”
“What would happen if it wasn’t performed?”
The room was silent while we both contemplated Vati's words. “Is it possible?” I whispered.
“You would know better than I, Alex.”
I turned back to the window. What would happen if the final ritual simply wasn’t performed? Would your bond to Devin simply dissolve? Would your bond to me dissolve? Would something even worse happen? Would you be free? “I need to study more.” I turned to leave, but my father stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.
“Alex, you can’t bury yourself in the library again.” Vati gave me a sad smile. “We’ve missed you too.”
I nodded. “You’re right.” I had missed my family terribly. “Please help me find a balance. I’ve been isolated for a long time.”
Vati chuckled. “Your mother will drag you out if you try.”
*****
I studied as much as I could without neglecting time with my family. I read and read, but found nothing about breaking the bond or what would happen if the ritual wasn’t performed. The only thing it said, and what I knew already, was that the final ritual solidified the bond. Logic told me that the bonds would dissolve, but I was hesitant to take the risk. I didn’t want anything to happen to you.
I was lying on my bed in my old room. According to the clock, it was almost midnight. Kurt had moved into Greta’s old room a few days ago. Sophie and Derek both had rooms on this floor and he didn’t want to move them back into the wing he’d lived in with Gretchen.
I had stayed in one of the guest rooms until Kurt was ready. I didn’t want to push my brother. Kurt was having a difficult time adjusting to my return. I had a feeling it had more to do with you than just my presence. Kurt had said that he was glad he didn’t have to worry about becoming an Elder, but I had seen regret in my brother’s eyes.
Vati had said Kurt had been doing very well trying to step into my shoes. I’d never seen Vati so proud of Kurt, and I hoped Vati would continue to support Kurt in the way he had obviously supported him while I had been gone.
Kurt had certainly changed. I never would have imagined my younger, carefree brother ever feeling so responsible for so many things. But he did. And he had taken his adopted role as eldest son very seriously. I didn’t imagine for a minute it had been easy; I knew it wasn’t. But it wasn’t in Kurt’s nature to be so serious. I hoped Kurt would learn to be himself again.
We hadn’t talked much since I had returned, aside from light family conversation. But every time your name was mentioned, Kurt got quiet and his jaw clenched. Kurt had fallen for you hard. Harder than the first time. Vati had said he’d asked you to marry him twice, but both times Devin had prevented it. I was torn to hear this. What would I have done had I returned home to find you married to Kurt?
The stabbing pain in my heart brought to mind what Vati had told me a few days ago. You were dating someone. I rubbed my chest at the pain. That is why I had wanted to go to New York immediately. What if you fell in love with this guy? Where would that leave me? It didn’t help that Tom said that this Hugo person was a good guy. You are my wife!
I growled and imagined punching the guy in his face if he touched you.
Laughter from behind me made me jump. I was out of bed and in a defensive stance before I realized what I was doing.
“Sebastian!” I exclaimed. I hadn’t seen my Immortal friend since we’d been taken by Vitaly’s men. He looked exactly as he had the last day I'd seen him. We embraced. “What took you so long to come?”
Sebastian gave me an apologetic look. “I had to get out without Kaveh knowing.”
I had forgotten about that Immortal’s involvement. “Does he know you’re gone?”
Sebastian shook his head. “I finally convinced the leaders that what Kaveh was doing was wrong. Since the humans have finally realized what Devin is doing, Kaveh and the others needed to be dealt with. They’re protecting me and staying out of it until you deal with Devin. But I promise you, Kaveh will be dealt with.”
I nodded. “Good.” I felt a grim twist to my mouth that couldn't really be called a grin. “I can’t shoot him, can I?”
Sebastian chuckled. “Well, you can, but it won’t do any good. Don’t worry, Alex. He, and the others, will pay for what they’ve done.”
I set my jaw and nodded again. “Good.” I ran my hand through my hair. It was still long. For some reason, I was reluctant to cut it and shave my beard off. I supposed it made me feel less vulnerable. I wasn’t immediately recognizable, even though I had no intention of leaving the estate until I was ready to go to New York. How long would it be?
“Not long, Alex,” Sebastian said sympathetically. “You have to be patient.”
“I hate it when you do that,” I grumbled, not altogether seriously. Sometimes it was nice not to have to talk.
Sebastian laughed and then sat down on a chair near the fireplace. “How are things going? Why do you want to punch someone in the face?”
I stood and walked to the chair opposite Sebastian. “Anna’s dating someone.”
“Ah.”
“He’s supposedly a good guy.”
“You’re rather amusing when you’re jealous.”
I growled. “How can I not be? That man is fucking my wife.”
“Alex, she thinks herself a widow. She’s finally accepted it and moved on.” Sebastian's smile was gentle. “You have to woo her back.”
I slumped in my chair. “Is it possible? Will she be able to love me again?”
“I firmly believe so. But you’ll have to be careful with her. She’s likely changed quite a bit from the girl you married.”
“I hope it’s in a good way.”
Sebastian shrugged. “Gavin told me she’s been through a lot. She has more emotional scars than before. Your death being the biggest.”
“How do I approach her?”
“Slowly and carefully. T
alk to Tom and Tommy. See what you can glean from them. Did you know she’s living with Aaron?”
I nodded, my heart squeezing again. I missed Aaron, too. I felt guilty that I hadn’t thought of Aaron’s reaction to my return. And all my other friends. They’d suffered too. Oh, what a mess Devin had made. He would certainly pay.
*****
With Sebastian back, planning became more rounded. Sebastian had a different perspective, and while he couldn’t tell me exactly what to do, he did give guidance and kept us going in the direction we needed to go.
I wanted to get information from Tom as well, but couldn’t call directly. We didn’t want Tom to know I was back for as long as possible because of how close he was to Devin. Tom was no longer loyal to Devin, but he kept up appearances to be able to feed information to Vlad. Vlad was the only one who knew everything that was going on. The central contact. It was safer that way. Although, now Vati and I knew most of what was going on as well. But keeping Tom in the dark kept him safe.
Tom spoke to Wilhelm occasionally, but too much communication would be noticed by Devin. Their relationship had to retain the appearance of how it had always been. More often, their sons were the ones who maintained the communications. It was less obvious that way.
Chapter Forty-Six
Anna tried very hard to be understanding and supportive of the decisions that had been made, but it seemed that everyone got to know Alex was alive six months before she had. It wasn’t fair.
She leaned back in her chair and twisted her fingers around each other.
“Anna?”
She looked up to see Alex studying her.
“Are you all right?”
Anna grimaced. “I just don’t understand why you couldn’t come see me. Or have me go see you.”
“It was too risky, Schatzi. If Devin had found out...I couldn’t protect you.”
The Life of Anna, Part 5: Emerged Page 36
