The amused look on Alex’s face was beginning to piss Devin off. “So tell me, is that why you wanted Anna to visit you? So you could manipulate her into marrying you?”
“I wouldn’t call it manipulation. We connected before I left, although I hurt her terribly by remaining distant afterwards. But yes, it was my intention the whole time to bring her to Germany and marry her.”
Devin didn’t respond. He did everything in his power to keep his anger under control. Alex was different now. He was confident against Devin’s position. This was bad. This was very bad. Alex had Anna’s heart and he knew it.
Devin felt Anna before he saw her. He turned and saw the beautiful girl that he knew, but she was changed as well. She looked peaceful and content. She looked at him without fear and gave him a shy smile.
“Hello, Devin,” she said softly walking towards him.
Devin’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at her. What the fuck was going on? He was responding to her like other men responded to her. He could feel himself losing himself in her eyes. He tore his eyes away and shook his head. No! He had to stay in control. He would not allow himself to be manipulated by her.
But he couldn’t deny that he now understood the power of a truly content Elder-Mistress. Fuck!
He watched as she walked to Alex, gazing at him with total love and devotion in her eyes. Alex looked at her the same way. They had connected. They had bonded. More than just the ceremony at the Manor. Their souls had merged. Fuck!
She settled onto the couch under Alex’s arm with her legs curled up beneath her. She reached for her soda and then leaned her head against his chest. Alex kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. She looked up at him and nodded. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.
Devin grimaced and took a big gulp of his scotch. Fuck.
*****
Alex found Devin’s discomfort amusing. Devin wasn’t used to being challenged or not getting everything he wanted. He saw the way Devin looked at Anna when she walked into the room. Anna was no longer the fearful slave that had left San Francisco less than two weeks ago. The time away from Devin and with himself had transformed her into a confident young woman that was more beautiful than ever. He knew Devin saw it too.
Devin watched her walk over to the couch like a teenage boy would have done. Alex sighed silently. Anna was safe now. And would remain so.
“So, Devin, what can I do for you?” Alex asked casually.
Devin dragged his eyes away from Anna and gave Alex a cold look. “As I said before, I wanted to make sure Anna got home safe and sound.”
Alex smiled. “You can see that she did. Very safe,” he couldn’t resist adding.
Devin’s eyes narrowed. “We need to discuss her...duties and obligations in light of her new...position.”
The subject didn’t surprise Alex. It was a necessary conversation, similar to the one they had after the bonding ritual. However, this time Alex held the upper hand. “Yes, I suppose that is true.”
“I want her at the Friday night Gatherings,” Devin said.
Alex appreciated him getting straight to the point. The sooner they were done, the sooner he could take Anna upstairs and make love to her. “If you have her there, you will treat her with dignity and respect. You will not hurt her or allow anyone else to hurt her.”
Devin glared at him, but Alex knew he had no choice in the matter. “Fine.”
“If she sits at your feet, you will give her something comfortable to sit on, not on the hard floor.”
Devin’s brow raised in amusement.
“Elder-Mistresses are not slaves,” Alex continued. “They are not inferior. You will treat her in such a way that the men know to respect her as well.” And as her pregnancy progressed, she would be very uncomfortable on the ground. Alex wondered if Devin knew she was pregnant.
“I won’t give her a chair.”
“A large cushion would suffice.”
“Fine. I still have social obligations that I need her for.”
Alex knew this would be a difficult issue. “I’m sure there are...discreet places you could take her for a dinner meeting where her reputation would not come into question.”
Devin didn’t respond at first. “There are. But what about social gatherings? I do much work there as well.”
Alex smiled. “Then I suppose you should make sure that I am on the invitation list. You will not take her out as your date. As her husband, I will not allow it.”
Devin glared at him and set his jaw. “You’re trying to take away her usefulness to me.”
“I’m trying to make sure she’s treated respectfully. I don’t want her coming home battered and bruised.”
Devin huffed. “Fine. I will make sure you are on the list. It shouldn’t be difficult. You’re a respected member of society.”
Alex grinned. “Thank you.”
“She still has to obey me,” Devin added.
“Yes, but I can prevent her obedience to certain things that I won’t allow. I won't allow you to command her to do something that will hurt her.” Alex leaned forward. “And you best keep Zach and his kind away from her.”
“Zach hasn’t seen her in months.”
“Good. I just wanted to remind you.” Alex relaxed back into the couch.
“I want her for twenty-four hours for the Gatherings. Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.”
Alex hesitated. That was a long time for her to be away. But Devin was still her Master, even if it was severely diminished. “All right.”
“And I will fuck her.”
Alex’s jaw clenched. The thought of Anna being with Devin made his stomach churn.
“Feel free to come to the gatherings and utilize my girls.”
He felt Anna stiffen next to him. “Thank you for the offer, but I am quite content to wait for Anna to come home.”
Devin chuckled. “Monogamy? Really? I didn’t think you had it in you. It’s difficult as an Elder to do that.”
“I’m not an Elder yet.”
Devin smiled. “No, you’re not.”
Alex sighed impatiently. “Is there anything else?”
Devin took another drink of his scotch. “No. Those are the basics I wanted to discuss.” He put his glass down and stood. “I would like her tomorrow night if you don't mind. It has been quite a while since she’s been to the Manor. With performances and all.”
Devin was right. To deny him would be wrong. “All right. What time do you want her there?” Alex stood and began walking him to the door.
“Four-thirty is fine.”
“I will drop her off at four-thirty tomorrow and pick her up at four-thirty on Saturday.”
They shook hands and Devin looked back at Anna, who had followed them out into the entryway. He gave her a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Baby.”
Alex opened the door and Devin left.
Anna rushed into his arms. “I really have to go see him tomorrow?” she asked, her voice betraying a heartbreaking sadness.
“I’m afraid so, Schatzi.” He petted her hair and held her tightly.
*****
Devin got into his car and slammed the door. Damn fucking Alex! Anna had changed. She was completely in love with Alex and there was nothing Devin could do about it. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
There was only one solution. He had to get rid of Alex. There had to be a way. There just had to be.
Instead of going home, he headed out to the Manor. He needed to do more research and talk to a few people.
Chapter Forty-Four
“I don't want to go, Alex,” Anna whispered as Alex stopped his car in front of the Manor.
Alex reached over and took her hand. “I know, Schatzi,” he kissed the back of her hand. “But he won’t hurt you. He wouldn’t dare.”
Anna nodded. She had heard the conversation between him and Devin. “I don’t need to be afraid,” she said softly.
“That’s right. You don’t need to be afraid.” Alex cuppe
d her chin and kissed her deeply. “I love you, Anna. With everything I am.”
“I love you too, Alex. I can’t wait until tomorrow.”
He gave her an adoring smile. “Me too.”
She looked out and saw Ian walking towards the car. She sighed and turned back to Alex. She tried to give him a brave smile. “Have fun with Aaron tonight. Tell him I said hi.”
“I will. Perhaps if you’re up to it, we can have a few people over on Sunday evening.”
Anna nodded. “I’d like that. I’d really like to see Jenna.”
“Let’s see how you feel tomorrow.”
Ian stood by the car and waited.
“I should go,” Anna whispered. She leaned over and kissed Alex and then opened the car door. “Good evening, my lord,” she greeted Ian softly.
“Good evening, Mistress.” Ian said gently.
“Anna, remember. You are not inferior,” Alex said, leaning so he could see her. “I love you.”
She turned and gave him an adoring smile. “I love you, too.” She picked up her bag and closed the door. Ian took her bag and she followed him up the steps to the door. She glanced back and waved at Alex, and then walked through the door, which Ian closed behind her.
*****
Anna took a deep breath and looked around. She half expected that the Manor had changed since she had, but no, it was the same as it had always been. The aura of fear threatened to consume her, but she was determined not to let it. She slipped her shoes off automatically and put them to the side.
“Devin would like to see you in the Hall,” Ian said, leading her in the direction of the Hall instead of her room.
“The Hall? Why?” Anna walked slightly behind Ian, but kept her head up. I am not inferior.
Ian shrugged and glanced back at her with a smile. “You look good, Anna,” he said softly, his eyes sad.
Anna swallowed and looked away. Could she forgive him for killing Ben? She was very happily married to Alex. Ian only did what he was told to do. He didn’t have a choice.
Ian stopped at the door to the Hall and opened it. She glanced up at him and gave him a timid smile as she walked by. He smiled back with relief in his eyes.
She walked into the Hall and was surprised to see the room filled with naked women. Devin was sitting on his throne. She picked her way through the crowd to the platform, where she kneeled and bowed to him.
“I didn’t know if you would be willing to greet me in such a way, Mistress,” Devin said sarcastically. “Alex doesn’t think it beneath you?”
Anna sat up and looked at him. “You are still an Elder, my lord,” she said softly. “I greet you as I should.”
Devin looked at her in surprise, and then nodded. “I approve.” He stood. “Come,” he said, holding out his hand to her. She stood and he turned her to face the women sitting on their heels in front of the platform. “I want you to pick out a pet.”
“A pet? I don’t understand.” These were women, not animals.
“I want you to pick out a girl that can be your...well, pet is the best way I can describe it. Someone you can train.”
“For what?”
“For whatever you want them to be trained to do. I may ask you to train them for something, too.” He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned into her ear. “Choose someone you will be able to manipulate to do your will,” he whispered.
Anna’s eyes closed as a wave of dizziness overcame her.
*****
Devin held Anna around her waist until she was steady on her feet again. She smelled good. It had been so long since he had been with her, his cock stirred at having her in his arms. He slid his hands up and cupped her breasts over her t-shirt. They were larger than they had been before she left. He squeezed them and she moaned. And beautifully firm and full. Maybe he should impregnate her more often. He liked the feel of her heavy breasts in his hands.
He kissed her neck and her eyes opened, slightly glazed. She was under his control. It was limited control. He had the constraints that Alex had put in place, but he could do this.
“Go, Baby. Choose the girl I need.”
Anna stepped forward and looked around. She stopped in front of several girls and looked them over. She caressed breasts and looked them in the eye. She spent considerable time gazing into the eyes of a redhead named Jamie. Devin had thought she might be the one and was pleased to think Anna might feel the same way.
His cock twitched when Anna leaned forward and kissed Jamie on the mouth, caressing her breasts at the same time. Jamie had very nice breasts, full with long pink nipples that Anna tugged on. Devin could hear the girl moan from his place on the platform.
Anna stood and took Jamie’s hand to lead her to Devin. The girl dropped to her knees in front of Devin.
“This is the one?” he asked Anna.
She nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
He dismissed the other girls and had Jamie stand while he sat in his chair. There were a few bruises on her hips and arms, but they would go away. He cupped her breasts and then opened her pussy lips to tweak her clit. She jumped and gasped when he did it and was pleased to feel moisture when he pressed his finger inside her. She was pleasantly tight and responsive to his thrusts.
“Yes, she will do,” he said aloud. “Well, Jamie, how would you like to be our special girl?”
Jamie’s blue eyes lit up. “Yes, my lord. I would like that.”
“You will be exclusively with myself or Anna. You will have a nice room to live in all by yourself. You will not be visited by other men and you won't come to the gatherings anymore, unless Anna wants you there as a pet.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Devin motioned to a man standing along the wall. “Take Jamie to the room I prepared for her. Get her anything she wants.”
The man bowed and led Jamie away.
Anna stood by watching. “What will happen to her?”
Devin smiled and reached for her hand. “She is going to stay in a room similar to yours. We will play with her and make her ours. In a few months she will be willing to do anything for us.” He pulled Anna into his lap and kissed her.
She was hesitant to kiss him back but after a few moments relaxed into his embrace. He caressed her breasts and she moaned softly. “I’ve missed you, Baby,” he said huskily.
*****
Anna felt her head clear as she watched Devin talking to Jamie. She didn’t know why she had chosen the girl. She just knew she was the one.
When Devin pulled Anna into his lap, she was reluctant at first, but as he gently kissed her, her hesitancy disappeared. He was her Master. She wanted to please him. He caressed her breasts gently and she felt herself becoming aroused.
“Your breasts are fuller than they were before,” Devin commented.
She looked at him nervously. He would be angry with her if he knew she was pregnant. But she couldn’t hide it from him. He would figure it out soon enough. “Devin...,” she began reluctantly. “I...I’m pregnant.”
Devin’s brow raised slightly, but he didn’t appear angry. She bit her lip, waiting for his response.
“Do you know who the father is?” he asked.
Anna shook her head. “Alex thinks it must be Ben’s,” she admitted softly. “Something about an intense emotional connection.”
Devin nodded solemnly. “It’s difficult to know in situations like yours. Does Alex approve of the baby?”
Anna smiled shyly and nodded. “He’s excited.” She put her hand on her stomach. “He said he’d raise it as his own.”
“Well, Baby, if he’s happy then I’m happy,” Devin said after a pause.
“You’re not angry?”
“Why would I be angry?”
“You said that pregnancy ruins a woman’s body.”
“It can. But you are Alex’s wife now. I can’t really say much about it.”
Anna looked at him doubtfully. “I thought you would be furious,” she whispered.
Devin kissed her. �
��How can I be angry when your breasts look like this?” he asked with a smile as he caressed her.
She closed her eyes and sighed. Devin knew exactly how to caress her breasts in a way that felt so good.
He stopped and Anna opened her eyes in surprise.
“You need to go get ready. I’ll be more than happy to play with them some more tonight. I’ll be gentle with you Anna. I promise.”
“You...won't use your spikes or anything?”
He shook his head. “I won’t. I don’t want anything to happen to your baby.”
Anna smiled at him thankfully and then stood. “Thank you, De...my lord.”
She hurried to the back of the room where Ian waited for her.
*****
Maggie and Sarah came into Anna’s room later and got her ready for the evening as they did every other time. She hadn’t been here in almost two months and as they asked questions about her trip, she realized that she’d missed them.
When it was time, Ian came to her room to take her down to the Hall. His eyes widened when he saw Anna’s breasts spilling over her dress.
Anna giggled, which made Ian laugh.
“Too bad you’re married now, Anna. I’d be at your apartment tomorrow night.”
She smiled as he led her down to the Hall. When he opened the door, she walked in with her head held high, but was careful not to appear arrogant, as Sebastian had told her. Devin smiled from his place on the platform as she walked towards him. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the men watching her. She liked that they stared at her, wanting her.
When she arrived in front of Devin, she bowed and waited for him to tell her she could get up. He did so and he pulled her into his lap.
“God, Anna, you are so sexy in that dress,” he groaned, pulling the front of her dress down and taking a nipple into his mouth. She untied his pants and stroked his hard cock, making him groan even more. He picked her up by her hips and lowered her down onto his cock.
“Oh, Devin,” she moaned softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. His piercings felt so good inside her.
She rode him hard and shortly they both came, pressing their mouths together as they did.
Anna looked into his eyes after. “Master...,” she sighed.
The Life of Anna, Part 3: Embraced Page 25
