Liquidation

by lawrence20201

Post-war Los Angeles, rampant crime. A gang of former saboteurs, led by the mysterious Academician, unknown even to his own people, is operating in the city. The bandits rob museums and try to smuggle food, uniforms and weapons to the Banderites. Miss Anastasia Steele and her police department are trying with all their might to restore order in the city.

The autumn sun was shining brightly on Los Angeles. A young girl of about 27 years old was walking down the street with a confident step. Her black hair was cut in a neat square, and her brown eyes looked straight and bold.

Her name was Anastasia Steele and she was a captain in the Los Angeles Police Department. She was on her way to work now, checking her phone messages as she went. 10 from my mother. Ana rolled her eyes. She's an adult, damn it! No, she was perfectly aware of Carla Steele letting her daughter go from rainy Seattle to sunny California. But Ana was an experienced operative and an accomplished person. And my mother had to take that into account.

After entering the police station, Ana greeted the guard, Erwin Smith, as usual, and went up to her office.

"Steele!Kate Kavanagh, her best friend and intern, intercepted her as she entered the office.

"Hi," Ana Said, Smiling."What again?"

"Colonel Roach wants you," Kate said guiltily."Something about last night's raid on the Uchiha gang."

Anastasia rolled her eyes. Jerry Roach was a shooting sparrow and knew everything or almost everything about criminal investigation. He was a second father figure to Ana. But that didn't stop him from scolding Miss Steele over and over again.

"Steele, why were you getting shot?"Roach shouted, pacing up and down the office.

"What am I supposed to do with my paperwork?" You know that after all the events, crime is off the met her boss's gaze calmly.

"I agree. Nedobitki, spies… But you just graduated from the police academy. What will I Карлеtell Carla if you get hurt?Jeremy grumbled.

"I'm tough, you know," Ana chuckled.

Roach sighed into his mustache.

"You're the best in the class. But ... your methods are radical. Engage intern Kavanagh… And Hyde. Who's a great pickpocket."

"Jack was sitting in the basement, gassed. I've risked myself more than once, " the brunette said.

"I don't agree. But he's a thief, a criminal element. And Kavanaugh is only here to sit out her parents ' desire to marry her off to Elliot Gray. She's not a cop, she's a model. Keep that in mind, " Roach Growled.

"She's worth ten experienced cops, and she's a good shot and fights like hell. The gang was caught, and no one was killed. Ana jumped up and immediately clutched her heart.

"And you have a bad heart." And you're only 27. Be careful, " Roach Said.

Anastasia nodded and left Jerry's office.

"Steele," Jack Hyde, her friend and the first car thief in Los Angeles, stopped her on the way out of the police station that night.

"Jack, you shouldn't be glowing here," Ana sighed."You got me in trouble."

"I'm sorry, but I can't help but help you. You saved me in your time. And Roach will have to put up with the fact that I'm a coward here.""Well, home?"

Ana nodded. After waiting for Kavanaugh, the three of them started walking towards a nondescript house in one of the courtyards. This house survived the bombing, raids and air strikes of the to the efforts of its inhabitants, it was quickly restored.

"You'll have a look at him, won't you?" Dressed up like a Costume Institute ball. Eren, are you ready for the seminar?-At one of the entrances, a graying brunette was standing and looking at her student son.

"Jaeger's soaping up to his Ackerman again," Kavanagh laughed.

Eren smiled at Anya and her friends. His mother, Carla, also smiled when she saw them.

"Miss Steele, Kate, Jack, and I made cheese cakes." Will you come in?Carla asked.

"Aunt Carla, later," Anastasia Said.

After saying good-bye to Jack and Kate, Ana went into her building and up to her room.

The apartment greeted her with peace and quiet. The girl took off her shoes and took a shower, went to bed.

The morning at the police station was met by Ana, who was nothappy with Captain RhodriGes and Roach, who was nervously smoking a pipe.

"What happened?"Teisha askedus.

-We have an emergency! The Oscar Museum was robbed. All dresses worn by Hollywood stars from 2000 to 2023 were stolen. And not just Oscar dresses! There are millions of outfits out there. The robbery is brutal! All employees of the museum were killed!Jose growled.

"Who called the police?"Ana walked with Jose to her office.

"Two street kids! A kid and a girl, " Jose nodded toward the chairs where a red-haired, curly-haired boy and a girl with a shock of brown hair about 10 years old were dozing. Jose leaned over and gently touched the girl's shoulder. She blinked sleepily and sat up.

"Can you tell Miss Steele what she told me?"Jose asked politely.

The girl nodded and went into Anna's office.

In the study, Ana offered the girl tea and cookies. Which she happily ate.

"So, what did you see?"Ana asked when the girl had finished eating.

"A little. I saw two black Jeeps, a truck that the bandits jumped out of. They were dressed in Allied uniforms, but they spoke German, Polish, and Ukrainian. And all their faces are so angry and rude… They didn't see Teddy and me, " she said."You're the boss of the cops, aren't you?"

"Something like that," Anastasia Chuckled.

"And do you know Miss Steele?"- The girl was surprised.

Ana knew that among the townspeople, she was known as a true knight and protector without fear or reproach.

"You really don't take bullets?"The girl persisted.

"I run fast," Ana said."Do you have a place to go?"

The girl hid her eyes.

"Nowhere to go. My parents were killed and my house was bombed. We're alone with Theodore.""I'm Phoebe, by the way.

"Nice to meet you," Ana said, shaking her hand."All right, stay here while the guys and I decide what to do with you."

"Not to the orphanage," Phoebe said."Better outside than in a shelter."

"I promise we'll find you a good foster home," Kate said."Ana, I'll see you in my office." About the Oscar Museum robbery.

Ana nodded to Phoebe and followed Kate.

Ana sat down across from her friend and looked at her.

"This isn't the first time we've been robbed. They robbed museums in Vegas and New York. In the latter case, on the day of the Mit Gala. Butwhy should spies wear the same Kardashian dresses? Unclear… By the way, one of the trucks had a flat tire during the chase. I'm checking out auto repair shops. And yes, Roach requested help from New York.

"Is the inspector coming to see us?"Ana joked darkly.

"Not yet. They'll send an Assistant military prosecutor, Mr. Gray. He's a smart guy, fought in Africa, was wounded. By the way, he's not married."

Ana rolled her eyes. Kate was incorrigible, always trying to woo No Ana knew very well that romance and family were not for her. Not with her quick temper and busy schedule.

"Kate.".,Ana snarled.

"I was just saying," the blonde sighed."What are we going to do with Hansel and Gretel?"

"We'll go to the crime scene with them."… There's a diplomatic boarding house recently opened here, so we'll put them in there and keep an eye on it, " suggested Jose, who had poked his head in with two cups of coffee.

An hour later, Ana, Jose, Kate, and Theodore and Phoebe were at the scene of the robbery. Theodore went with Jose and showed him all the looted halls and stands. Phoebe also explained to Anya and Kate where the truck had come from and the details of the attackers ' appearance.

"By the way, there was a tall man among the robbers whose face I didn't see. He was wearing a hooded cape and a mask, " Phoebe recalled."He directed the robbers. He spoke mostly Italian.

Ana listened intently to Phoebe and nodded. They didn't actually have any leads on the case. However, Theo and Phoebe helped to create sketches of criminals.

-It's still not clear why rob museums with dresses? What for? You can't sell them on e-bay, " Kate scowled as she walked beside Ana.

- Celebrities mostly supported their Allies. But there were also those who supported the Nazis among them. Find out whose dresses were stolen, " Steele said thoughtfully.

"What if they were robbed for the Nazis?"Jose asked.

"We'll solder the article to them and hand it over to the FBI and CIA, if we do it for the allies." Kate, bring up the cases of star house robberies since the end of the war, " Anastasia ordered.

She didn't like it. Everything is too ambiguous and unclear. She couldn't find a motive, and that made her angry.

Ana overslept the next morning. When Ana woke up at 10 a.m. instead of the usual 6 a.m., she dressed quickly and ran out of the house, saying hello to Madame Jaeger and Ehren as she went. The girl was rushing to the police station, not looking straight ahead. She was almostбежала at the police station when she bumped into someone.

"Are you blind?""What is it?" she heard a hoarse voice say, with a slight accent.

"I'm sorry," Anastasia shouted, and ducked into the station. The voice sounded incredibly sexy to her, but she dismissed it immediately.

"Ana, where do you go?""Jose met her."Roach's looking for you."

"I Overslept," Steele Said."Did you find anything?"

"Later, Annie. "Mr. Grey Is Here," Jose Said.-But I found a lot of interestingthings.

"Well, let's get to know him," Ana said with a wink.

Jose and Ana entered Jerry's office. They saw that a tall man in a military uniform was sitting across from Roach. Ana coughed politely, and Jerry looked up at her.

"Miss Still, Mr. Rodriguez. Roach waved a hand at the other man, who stood up.

The first thing Ana noticed about Mr. Gray was his height. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a shock of black and slightly gray hair, and he wore glasses with steely brown eyes that glinted behind the lenses. He wasn't handsome, but he was charismatic. He exuded confidence and authority.

Ana gave him a boyish handshake."Anastasia Steele."

"Always so punctual, Miss Steele?"Gray's eyebrows shot up sarcastically. Ana recognized the voice. The same man she almost ran over on her way to work...

"The main thing is that I'm not blind," Ana said."Mr. Gray, this is Jose Rodriguez, my assistant.

Jose and Gray studied each other.

"African-American," Christian Said.- However .it doesn't matter.

Ana and Jose looked at each other, but said nothing.

"So what about our case?"Ana quickly turned the conversation back on track.

"We haven't been able to catch this gang for six months. They robbed not only in the United States, but also in other countries. England, Spain, China, Japan… Among the robbers are former collaborators, fugitive Nazis and Bandera members. Their leader was probably a high-ranking person in the Reich. No one has seen his face, but he calls himself an Academic, " Christian sighed.

-In other countries, they also robbed actors?Ana asked.

"Bohemia." Singers, musicians, and actors. They demolished the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris, set fire to the editorial office of the Italian "Rouge". Why are they doing this?Roach muttered.

"Taking revenge?"Christian suggested, looking at Anastasia.

"Probably. But to whom and for what?Ana rubbed her chin."You found something, didn't you?"

Rodriguez nodded and quickly started searching for something on his iPhone.

"Look, Ana, the celebrities whose outfits were stolen were allied supporters. Moreover, they were light magicians, " the boy said.

"Magicians?"Gray's eyes narrowed in disbelief."Is there really magic?"

"I understand your skepticism, Christian, but I've seen this before… Magic is common here in Los Angeles, " Roach said with a shrug.

"I don't believe in magic," Christian said."I'm used to looking for a scientific and reasonable explanation for everything.

Ana rolled her eyes. This Mr. Grey was starting to infuriate her... he thinks that once he fought, he can do anything?

"Are there any dark magicians?"Anastasia asked."Are they for the Nazis?"

"Bingo, Ana. The dark ones supported the ideas of the Nazis and many worked for the Reich. But if our warended a year ago, then the Dark and Light Ones have a long-standing war and itwill never end, " Jose sighed.

"Will there be any proof?"Christian persisted.

-I am currently looking for those actors who will agree to work with us. Thephysical world is a mystery, you can see for yourself.""You can look for someone in New York.

Gray chuckled. These Los Angeles cops were easy-going people. Magic, God...

"I'm here to help you find the gang, not look for Avalon or Atlantis."

"What a guy," Ana sighed."This Christian... Br..."

"I agree. He looks down on her and thinks he's the best of them all.""But they say he comes from a rich family and was a war hero. он из богатой семьи и был героем войны.

"You know, we haven't been idle here either. They were also in the underground and so on. Ana glanced sideways at Christian, who was saying something to Roach.

Teddy and Phoebe suddenly ran up to Ana. Kate was standing behind them. The blonde looked guilty.

"I thought you went to set them up at a diplomatic boardinghouse."

Kavanagh said, " Their recruitment is closed.""The headmistress is an old ... hanger, she looked at me like I was a kept woman and I was putting my kids in an orphanage.

"We liked it there," Phoebe said."The food is good there, and they have stables.

"Did удостоверениеyou show me your police ID?"Gray came up to the girls.

Ana rolled her eyes, Yes, she and Kate are respected police officers, but they've never used their official position.

"They don't show left-to-right badges here," Ana muttered.

"You shouldn't have," Christian Said With A Grin."Well, let's try it a second time, eh?"

An
hour later, Gray, Ana, and the children were sitting in the headmistress's office. Mrs. Cope looked incredulously and sternly at the two ill-bred children and their guides.

"I told you everything," she sighed.- Recruitment is over.

"But… they're witnesses in an important case. And they're street kids. They need a chance in life, " Anastasia said hotly, leaning forward.

"I understand, but we have rules," the headmistress sighed.

"And if so?"Gray pulled out his cop badge. The headmistress rolled her eyes.

"Um..." she hesitated.- Probationary period… Month.

As Ana walked home, she thought about Christian. He so easily solved the issue of enrolling children. No, I couldn't take advantage of my position. Who is he anyway? Why does he look down on everyone? Why dussmayet what is better than others. Arrogant, self-confident, arrogant… And hell she thought he was younger… And he...

And magicians in Hollywood… Jose needs to take a drug test. Everything that Rodriguez had told her today had seemed so unreal to her.

She was slowly walking home when she suddenly felt that she was being watched. My sixth sense screamed danger. Her hand went to the butt of her gun. The brunette peered into the darkness, her heart pounding.

She pulled out her gun and started walking toward the house, looking back every now and then. When she reached the entrance, the alarm subsided. Quickly entering the entrance, Ana took the elevator to her floor and locked herself in her apartment.

She couldn't sleep, so she spent the whole night at her laptop, studying data on robberies by the Academician's gang in other countries.

The next day, Jack met Ana at the entrance to the station.

"I already know all about it. I asked my guys about the gang members and the Academician. No one knows anything. But ... I found us a witch, or rather witchesat. Gray wanted him to see her, " Hyde chuckled.

Ana chuckled and suddenly saw Christiangetting out of a swanky black Bentley. The girl rolled her eyes. She hated the man's show-offs.

Christian, meanwhile, strode up to Ana and Jack and gave them a scornful look.

"Letте's hear your fi later, Mr. Grey, Jack's a freelance," Ana said, rolling her eyes."And he found us a witness."

"Wow," Christian said."All right, let her bring him in.

Hyde bowed dramatically and left. Ana and Christian entered the station.

"Why are you acting like this?"Anastasia asked.

"How?"Gray asked, walking beside her.

"Arrogantly, as if everyone owes you a favor," Ana shrugged."We risked ourselves here during the war, too. And here you are, all out of your element.

"I helped withthe kids' education, " Gray chuckled. Miss Still infuriated him. The girl was incredibly confident, smart and at the same time did not bend her knees to anyone. He didn't like her defiance. And here is her appearance… He wished he could lock himself in his playroom with her and beat the hell out of her.

"Thank you for that.""But otherwise... keep it simple.

She clapped him on the shoulder and left.

That evening, Kate, Ana, and Jose sat in Steele's office across from Hyde and a short, pretty African-American woman with gorgeous hair and bright eyes.

"This is Leila Williams, my friend and sorceress. She knows about the magical world of Hollywood."

"Are you an actress?"Kate asked.

"No, but I'm an assistant director. She helped Spielberg, Scorsese, Tarantino... It was converted in 2020, shortly before the pandemic."

"Is there any evidence that you can use magic?"Christian came into the office. He looked at Layla appraisingly.

Miss Williams immediately waved her hand and 4 cups of coffee appeared on the table. Ana raised her eyebrows. Wow… She took the one closest to her and drank from it. Cappuccino with milk. How she likes it.

-How did you know what kind of coffee we like?Gray sipped his coffee and looked at Layla.

"I read your mind," Miss Williams said with a chuckle."But that's only a small fraction of what I can do. Pyrokinesis, teleportation… Regeneration.

"Are you light?"Kate asked.

There's no way I'm going to go dark. Dark nasstochye fiends of hell. They do this. No wonder they took Hitler's side. Many of the Hollywood elite are dark. But now that the Reich has been defeated, they have been condemned and power has passed to the Light Ones. And I'm happy about it. The dark ones worship the devil, and they eat people at their sabbaths."

Jack walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulders. Ana realized that there was more to the two of them than friendship.

All of a sudden, the brunettewished she had someone like that, too. Who would just put his arm around her shoulders and calmher down. Her eyes darted involuntarily to Gray. He looked back, but said nothing.

"And the ones who were robbed... are they light?"Kate asked.

Layla nodded.

As everyone dispersed, Christian caught up with Ana.

"I have a hunch about the robbers," Christian began.

"Share it?"Anastasia asked

"Will you join me for coffee tomorrow?" I know a great coffee shop here."

Ana's eyebrows shot up.

"A date?""I'm not looking for novels, Mr. Grey.

"I'm not suggesting a novel, just coffee, Miss Steele. You have formed an erroneous opinion of me, and I'm used to dispelling that.""I'm not the right person for you.

-Why such conclusions?Ana sensed that he was dragging her into a game.

"I'll tell you tomorrow.""At lunchtime.

He left, but as he left, he turned around and smiled at her.

Kate appeared at his side."You need a dress."

"Kate," Ana Growled. If Katherine Kavanagh began to think that Anastasia had a boyfriend, then a local apocalypse was coming. Kate painted her, dressed her up like a doll, and so on.

"I'm just saying. He's too boring and grown-up for a novel, " Cavanagh snapped.

Ana nodded at her. She walked home alone, thinking about what Layla had said. Her date with Gray had slipped her mind. The girl never sought relationships, and especially with people like Krtistian.

However, there was something catchy about it. Few people could resist his charisma...

In the morning, Ana stood at the closet with her clothes longer than usual. She knew they were just going to have coffee with Christian, but she wanted to be beautiful for herself, not for anyone else. She needed a dress… The brunette's fingers traced the fabric of her clothesды. Finally, Miss Steele chose a simple silver floor-length dress. She wore emerald earrings in her ears and Jimmy Choo shoes on her feet. She dropped the gun and badge into her purse.

Outside, she breathed in the crisp autumn air and couldn't help but smile. There was a strange flutter in my chest.

When was the last time she went on a date? A long time ago, in a previous life… Before the war, in high school... and then it wasn't up to that. Studying, helping the military, doing an internship with Roach...

Ana shook her head. It's time to forget the horrors of war and move on ...

The day passed quietly. Ana was looking at the evidence in the museum robbery case, and at the same time looking for information about Hollywood magicians. She wanted to know everything from the inside out. Leila's words were a good proof, but the words of the director's assistant were one thing and the words of Spielberg were quite another.

Ana was so engrossed in the investigation that she didn't notice that the clock on her laptop read 13:00.

Seeing the time, the girl cursed, quickly saved the files and locked the laptop in the safe, left her office.

Ana knocked cautiously on Gray's office door. No one answered. The girl went inside. The office was spacious and bright.

Everything was blinding white and everything was in its proper place. Ana looked around. Perfect order, everything is sterile. A slim silver laptop sat on her desk, its monitor turned toward Ms. Still. From the desktop screen saver, a young blonde woman with radiant gray eyes was looking at Anastasia affably. I wonder who she is to Christian.

She heard footsteps and turned quickly to the door. Christian walked into his office and looked at the intruder with a puzzled expression.

"Lunch break, Mr. Grey," Ana Reminded him.

Gray was embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, Miss Steele, but I'm used Нью-Йоркеto having a two-to-four lunch break in New York. We need to retrain, " Gray smiled."Shall we go?"

They walked out of the station to the surprised stares of Jose, Kate, and Roach. At the exit, Gray took Ana's hand and felt the electric charge between them. Ana, on the other hand, felt her lower belly begin to ache. But with a shake of her head, the girl shook off the fog.

"And so, you wanted to tell me your guesses on the case," Anastasia put her coffee cup on the table.

"What if the robbers are dark ones?"Gray asked, not blinking at the girl."Haven't you thought about it?"

Ana bit her lip. Hell, that's for sure...

-Good version. But how do you know for sure? They need to be seen in action, and there are no notable events in the film world yet. The entire spree chat will start in January. Awards season... " sighed Ana.

- Honorary Oscar. It will be this Saturday. If we get our tickets and go as a couple- " Gray began.

"Do you think the Academician and his pack will go there?"Ana asked.

"They're dark and they're taking revenge on the light ones, that's the working version," Gray said imperiously.

"Always so sure of yourself?" What if we're wrong? What if it's nothing to do with magic?Anaasked sarcastically.

"Self-confidence is innate, Ana," Gray said."Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Take a chance,"Bunetka looked up. Was he challenged?

Christian hated impertinence. Everyone always fell on their knees in front of him, and this girl was ... incomprehensible, wrong, an exception to all the rules. He wanted to strangle her and fuck her hard in his playroom. And both desires were equally strong.

Suddenly, Anastasia's cell phone rang. The girl saw Kate's number

"Ana, where are you?" We have shock content! Get over here, " Kate yelled into the phone.

"They're not letting me have coffee with a nice guy again," Ana said, slipping her phone into her purse.

"Am I nice?"Gray asked.

Ana smiled impudently and paid the bill.

At the entrance to the cafe, Christian caught up with her and grabbed her arm.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that," he hissed."This is going to end badly for you.

Ana snatched her hand away and slapped the man across the face.

"You keep your hands to yourself!""What is it?" she whispered.

Head held high, she left the cafe.

Once at the workplace, Ana found Kate.

"Surveillance cameras caught Jennifer Lopez robbing a Chanel boutique,"Kavanagh said

"J. Lo?"Ana asked, surprised."How?"

- Sami is in ahuya. Our men have already uncoupled her house and are searching it. But here's the strange thing: she was wearing a green dress with a 2000 Grammy Award and didn't hide her face. This is suspicious. How's the coffee going?"Kate was eager for more details about her date with Christian

"Nothing. He's an asshole, " Ana said, shattering her friend's dreams.

Kavanagh rolled her eyes.

There was a commotion in the hallway and the girls looked out at him. The cops were leading Jennifer Lopez down the hall. The woman walked humbly with her head bowed. She didn't fight or scream, which made Ana think of her possible innocence.

"Hea is innocent?"Kate asked her friend.

— I don't know. Who is conducting the interview?Ana noticed Christiancoming into the interrogation room after the guards and Jen

Steele and Kavanagh followed them.

Christian Grey sat at the table and smoked while looking at Jennifer Lopez. The woman was calm.

"Did you steal from the boutique?"Gray asked sternly.

"I'm not saying this for the hundredth time," Lopez said, straightening her back calmly."I'm clean before the law. But I can't say the same for you, Mr. Grey.

Christian chuckled. Dismissing the convoy, he took out a candle and lit it.

"What do you intend to do?"Lopez looked skeptical.

Christian didn't have time to answer. Anastasia entered the interview room. Gray swore under his breath.

"Miss Lopez, I'm Captain Steele. I believe that you are innocent. But tell me one thing: are you light?Ana asked, looking into Jen's chocolate eyes

Lopez was shocked by the girl's question. But she found it impossible to hide anything from the guardian of the law.

The woman smiled.- And I'm a prominent light one. The light chancellor's right-hand man.

"I have a lot of questions for you. But I trust you didn't rob Chanel, "Ana said, looking at J. Lo warmly and calmly.

"I'll answer them all, but not here. And not in front of him."

"He's my friend and partner. Impulsive of course, but ... he's on our side, " Anastasia smiled.

"In the meantime, we'll release you on your own recognizance. If you can get four more tickets to the Honorary Oscars, you'll be a witness in the case, " Christian said.

"We'll give you security," Ana said.

Lopez nodded and left to fill out the paperwork.

When they were alone, Ana and Gray looked at each other.

"So I'm your friend?" Did you give me a friendly punch in the face?Christian chuckled.

"You're insufferable. By the way, why the candle?Ana asked.

"I wanted romance," the man said evasively."Do you believe her?"

"She's a star of the first magnitude. She doesn't need to rob stores. I requested a description of the stolen item."ь "We can identify werewolves more easily with stolen items

"A revolving potion?"Gray came out of the interview room

"I don't rule it out. We don't really know what we're up against. If Jen is at the ball, I'll question her."

As she was leaving, her heel caught on the threshold and she would have fallen if the man hadn't caught her. Their faces were close...

Anastasia's heart had gone crazy and was beating like crazy. Christian could smell the fresh scent of rose hips and chocolate in Steele's hair.

"I'm not the one for you," Gray said, setting Anastasia down.

Ana looked down. When Gray took his hands away, she felt a sense of loss...

The girl hurried to her office. She found the paperwork and evidence fascinating... but soon she was tired. Deciding to get some sleep, she dropped her head into her hands and drifted off.

Gray poked his head in. When he saw her sleeping, he turned off the lamp on her desk and covered her with his jacket.

The morning began badly for Miss Steele. My head ached, my body ached. Lifting her head from the table, she quickly regained her composure. Sleeping at work was a common occurrence for her. But what was unusual was the jacket that was draped over her shoulders. The girl sniffed the cloth. Coffee, cigarettes, and a grey orange.

Ana looked into Christian's office. He was standing by the window smoking.

"Good morning to you, too, Miss Steele.""Did you eat?"

"No, I haven't even been home.""You know.

"You need to eat," Christian said sternly."I've sent Taylor to your neighbors, the Jaegers, to get you some food.

"How do you know where I live?"Anastasia was surprised. Was he the one who'd been watching her that night

"I asked Kate," Gray said, smiling.-And oh, by the way-Jen sent 4 invitations to the Oscar ball.

"Are we going as a couple?"Ana asked

Gray nodded. Suddenly, his cell phone rang and he left the office.

A few minutes later, he returned with a bag of food and two cups of coffee.

Ana and Gray sat down at his desk and began to eat.

"So what was that question you wanted to ask at the cafe?"Anastasia asked.

Gray looked up at her.

"Why did a beautiful girl like you go to the police?" What is the reason for this?Christian asked."It's rare to see police officers with this appearance and age slightly older than a college graduate

"Oh, it's because of my father. My dad was a cop, too, but only in Seattle. Ana smiled fondly as she took a bite of her cheese patty.

"Iron Ray ... has heard of him. I didn't think you were his daughter. He's a damn good cop.""And your mother?"

"Oh, Carla's a former actress. Roomantic, forever young at heart. She did this when I told her I was going to Los Angeles, " Ana thought of her mother and felt so warm and comfortable.

"Haven't seen them in a while?"Christian asked. He looked at Anastasia and suddenly understood: Ana is insanely beautiful

-From 2019. Then the war began. Occupation, underground, intelligence… I wasn't up to it. And now I'm planning to go to their house for Christmas.""And you?"

"Me what?"- The man did not understand.

"Where's your family?"Anastasia was wondering who Christian's parents were.

"They were killed when I was 17." The man lowered his eyes. And he became so sad and sad that Anastasia felt a tingle somewhere in the region of her heart

"I'm sorry," Ana said, taking his hand.

Saturday came suddenly. That morning, Ana found herself worrying. She couldn't find a dress that she could wear to the Oscar ball. After texting Kate for help, Ana sat down at her laptop to check her email. And there was a letter waiting for her from an unknown address.

From: Christian Grey

To: Anastasia Steele

Date: 05.10.2024

Subject: Ball.

I'll pick you up at 5 pm. Be prepared.

Ana rolled her eyes. Gray's dictatorial tone sometimes infuriated her. She decided to answer him and annoy him a little

From: Anastasia Steele

To: Christian Grey

Date: 05.10.2024

Subject: Dictators-heroes

Mr. Grey, did you get off on the wrong foot? I understand everything. But I can drive myself. You are rude and mean. :)

After 10 minutes, he answered her.

Subject: Obnoxious but funny girl cops

Miss Steele, you don't know how evil I can be. No, I woke up well. I just love commanding and commanding people.

Ana sipped her coffee. Tyrant, control freak and dictator… And at the same time ... he was flirting with her?

Ana's fingers raced over the keyboard.

Subject: Flirting?

Are you flirting with me, Mr. Grey?"

The doorbell rang, distracting Ana from her correspondence. Kate was standing in the doorway with bags that had Versace written on them.

"The latest collection, fall-winter 2024," Kavanagh said, pulling out a brown dress that looked like fish scales. Ana quickly went to her room and dressed.

The dress fit her perfectly. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. It suited her figure and emphasized her virtues.

Ana smiled happily as she hugged her friend.

"So we're going to Paris Fashion Week this winter, and I'll introduce you to the designers," Kavanagh began to make plans.

"Kate, I don't like all these events," Anastasia sighed.

"But you're going to today," Kavanagh said hotly.

"Out of necessity," Ana retorted, holstering her gun on her leg.

"Do you think something will happen at the ball?"Kate asked anxiouslyas she saw her friend's actions.

Ana said nothing. A fucking sixth sense that never failed her screamed danger.

Mr. Grey was punctual. At five p. , his silver Audi pulled up in front of Anastasia's driveway. He was standing by the car in a tuxedo smoking. Ana came out to him, like she was walking on a red carpet.

Christian ее,was speechless when he saw her. Yes, he'd seen beautiful women, and he'd basked in women's attention and loved sex, but Miss Steele now seemed to him the most beautiful woman in the world.

He nodded at her and opened the back door. Ana slid gracefully into the backseat. Christian sat down next to her. As he did so, he nodded to his driver, a grim Hugh Jackman type, who started the engine.

"You look beautiful," Christian smiled."The first dance is mine.

"You're overconfident," Ana said, poking him in the ribs."But I'll save the dance for you."

Christian laughed softly. He hadn't felt this good in a long time. This girl… She was so different, so bold and pure, and she spoke to my face. He wanted to spend more time with her, but at the same time... there was a fear of getting carried away and losing himself ... and he didn't like losing control.

An hour later, the car was parked in front of the Dolby cinema, where all the events related to the film awards were held. Ana saw a line of press and paparazzi.

"Holy shit," she moaned when she saw Kate and Jose posing for the press like they were Blake and Ryan.

"You don't like the press?"Gray helped her out of the car.

"I don't like it." Headlines tomorrow presented?"Hero of Africa and Guardian of Los Angeles: friends or something more?"

"Baby, I'm used to fame. But if anything happens, tell everyone that we're just friends. Gray took her hand.

"Your sense of superiority will be your undoing," Ana and Gray said as they strode down the red carpet. Camera flashes and paparazzi screams were deafening and unsettling. But Gray's warm hand was comforting and reassuring.

Surprisingly, the paparazzi did not attack them and allowed them to go quietly to the cinema.

There was a relaxed atmosphere inside. The guests were drinking, laughing, and dancing. It was as if they were just ordinary people. There was no pathos and glcupid, there was warmth and cordiality.

Ana was surprised, but decided not to say anything.

The music started playing and Christian led Ana to the dance floor. The girl recognized the track. Ricky Martin's secret feeling.

Christian took her by the waist and confidently led her into the dance. His movements were domineering, but at the same time smooth and soft like a cat's. In his arms, Ana relaxed and simply trusted him.

"Where did you... learn to dance like that?""What is it?" she asked when Gray made a new step.

Christian didn't want to share anything personal. This girl was confusing him. Right now, he was enjoying their dance, but he knew it wouldn't be for long.

After the dance, they stood at the buffet table and drank champagne. Out of the corner of her eye, Ana saw Hyde and Layla having a nice conversation with Steven Spielberg. Hyde saw her and saluted her with his glass.

"He's attracted to you," Gray whispered in Steele's ear

- what? Who!The brunetteasked.

"Jack Hyde," Christian Said, Smiling

"No, he's just a friend. We studied together. He was from a dysfunctional family, and tried in every possible way to prove that he was no worse than others. He had to steal food to survive, and when we moved here, we joined a partisan unit. He was captured, tortured, but survived. Since the end of the war, he stopped stealing and works in a publishing house. There's never been anything romantic between us, " Anastasia assured Christian.

"And Jose Rodriguez?"Christian didn't give up

"A friend. I've never been in love, and I don't want to be." What she felt for Gray fell under the definition of love. She was inexplicably drawn to him, liked to challenge him, play by his rules and win.

"And you?" Was he in love?Ana asked after a while.

"Love is for fools, Ana. I've loved three times in my life, and all three times ended badly."

Ana looked away and suddenly saw Benny Medina, Jennifer Lopez's manager, walking toward her.

"Miss Lopez is waiting for you upstairs," Medina said, bowing slightly.

"Shall we go?"Ana asked Gray.

"Go on, I'll wait for you here." She doesn't trust me, " Christian said.

"Save the dance for me when I get back," Anastasia whispered to Christian, and then, as if by accident, she brushed her lips softly against his cheek.

She went upstairs to find Jen waiting for her at one of the tables, dressed in a white dress with a ponytail.

Steele nodded to the singer and sat down across from her."Thank you for inviting me to the ball

"Thank you, Miss Steele. You literally saved my life.".

-I wanted to ask... and what did not share the Light and Dark of Hollywood? Well, apart from liking Hitler? Ana asked in a whisper.

"This war is as old as the world,Anastasia. It goes on for thousandsof years. The forces of Darkness strive for power, and we try to put the light to them. Ifthe Darkness prevails even for a moment, the consequences will be terrible for everyone. And I'm talking about real Darkness, like the bastards who led the Third Reich," Lopez said.

-At the head of the Hollywood Darkness is the same monster?Ana asked, feeling goosebumps running down her spine in packs.

- yes. We don't say his name. A loyal apostle of Darkness, cruel and bloodthirsty. His face is a mystery even to his puppets/ He calls himself an academician, " Lopez lowered her voice.

"He's the one behind the robberies," Ana said, catching on to the last sentence.

- Yes, he is. He needs chaos. All the dresses that were stolen belong to the light ones. That alleged theft of mine was a breakdown of the pen. He wants- " Jen began.

But suddenly there were gunshots and shouts from below. Ana ran down the stairs, pulling out her gun as she went. In an instant, she was down. At the entrance to the hall were people in masquerade masks and Nazi uniforms. They glanced around the room and headed toward the guests.

Kavanagh and Jose rushed to the cut. Ana pointed her gun at one of them.

- Everyone should pay!I'm Steele! The police!The girl shouted.

"Stupid man," one of the robbers laughed and waved his hand. Snakes crawled out of the ground and attacked the girl. But Blake Lively came to her rescue and burned the snakes with a jet of icy fire.

Still gave her a grateful smile and shot her attacker in the chest. A fight ensued. Out of the corner of her eye, Ana saw Christian fighting furiously with two of his attackers. The girl ran to him. Ana stood beside him, covering his back.

"Agna, I can handle it," the man assured her, pulling out his gun. However, the attacker judging by the figure of the woman waved her hand and vines fell from the ceiling on Gray and Still.

Gray dodged them deftly, catching Ana and pushing her away. Out of the corner of her eye, Ana saw the robbers approaching the guests of the evening. However, they threw magic at them.

"We're powerless here," Gray sighed.

Ana glanced at the exit, where her friends were fighting fiercely with the dark ones.

"You people are powerless before us! ГряThe era of the great Academician is upon us, " the one who set the snakes on Ana shouted fanatically.

"I don't think so," Ana said.

"Let's go!"He shouted, and the mages retreated.

"Fuck you!Ana ran after them. She saw the robbers getting into the jeep. In the parking lot, she spotted Jose's motorcycle. Fortunately, her friend forgot to remove the keys from the ignition. Ana knew how to drive motorcycles and had a driver's license. However, she preferred walking to work.

Starting the bike, the girl took off in pursuit. The Jeep was flying at breakneck speed, breaking all the rules. Ana tried to keep up with them.

Soon the car left the city and headed for the hills. Ana hit the gas as hard as she could. She almost caught up with the magicians and suddenly the jeep disappeared. The girl cursed.

- Missed it! I missed them!Ana raged in Roach's office. Kate, Jose, and Gray stared at her in silence.

- great! We were fucked like blind mice! And these are the best cops of the city and one war hero! Bravo, guys! Great!Nasteisha growled.

"Yes, blame it on us!Gray growled."By yourself?" She thinks she's Jeanne Darc. Who asked you to chase them? Alone! So bold?

- I see that I can help people!Ana shouted."And you?" Where have you been?

- We helped the victims! Kate almost got hurt! And you!Christian was furious. How dare this girl blame him for all his sins?

"I did my duty!Ana was breathing heavily. Suddenly, she froze and clutched her heart.

"Again?"Jose spread his hands.

Kavanagh quickly called someone and ran out of the office

"Does she often do this?"Dr. John Flynn, an elderly, handsome British man who looked like Colin Firth, was listening to Ana through a stethoscope.

- Constantly. Twice this week. It's been with her since she was a child. I remember when we were coming back from a disco in Seattle on Christmas Day, we were accosted by three tough guys, all of them cool. So Ana greeted them with her heels to the jaw. And then Carla got her drunk for 2 weeks, " Jack looked at Steele sympathetically.

"She needs peace and quiet. At least a week. However, I doubt that she will sit quietly at home for more than 2 days, " John chuckled."Can someone keep aneye on her?"

"I can," Gray said, standing up and walking over to Ana. Fortunately, I have a big house.

"I won't follow the regime. Ana glared at Christian."I'll stay at home..."

"I'll come and check on you," Christian said."Every night. Well, talk about the investigation.

"Then bring food and drink," Ana challenged.

Gray liked to piss this woman off.

When Ana woke up at home the next day, she cleaned up her apartment and went to the store to wait for Christian. John's words about the holiday were true and true. The girl herself understood that if she continued in this spirit, then her heart would one day fail and it was terrible to think what would happen to those she loved and to the city as a whole.

As she sat at her laptop and checked her email, Anawondered if she could learn magic. The first skirmish with the Academician's men showed the futility of the police. It was necessary to be able to cast magic if they wanted to win...

With this question, she wrote a letter to Jen and arranged to meet her when the week was over.

At seven o'clock there was a knock on the door. Ana calmly went to the door and opened it. Christian Grey stood in the doorway. He was dressed simply in jeans, a white T-shirt, and a leather jacket.

"Hi, I see you're staying at home. How are you?Gray asked.

- Boring… I want to apologize for yesterday.""You risked yourself, too, and so did the boys… And I...

Christian tapped her on the nose.

"They forgot," he Smiled."I brought food." But it needs to be prepared.

He showed her the bags of food.

"Cooking together?""Or don't you know how?"

"Challenging me again, Miss Steele?"Christian laughed.

"I love doing that," Ana said with a grin.

The two of them went to the kitchen and took out all the ingredients and started cooking.

"Pizza?"Ana was surprised when she realized what they were cooking.

"Do you mind?" -The man was surprised.

"I love pizza." But no one makes pizza better than Madame Jaeger."

"Is that your neighbor?"Gray asked.

"Yes, he and his family came here from Germany before the war.""Carla is awfully kind and always feeds me all sorts of delicious food. Says I'm skinny.

Gray nodded. The conversation was calm and focused on abstract topics. When everything was ready, Ana and Christian went into the living room with plates full of food and sat down on the sofa. Christian opened a bottle of wine, and the two policemen turned on the Futurama and started eating pizza.

At one point, Anastasia dozed off and snuggled up to Christian. He looked at her. In the dream, she was so cute and young. The man stroked her hair and laid her down on the sofa. He felt good with her, very good, but he knew that he couldn't and shouldn't be attracted to her.

There were too many dark secrets in his life that Miss Steele would never understand or accept. And there was also one thing that ruined everything. And this circumstance will never allow him to be happy.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. A knock woke Anastasia. After exchanging a glance with Christian, the girl went to open the door. Kate was in the doorway.
"Hi," Ana Said, Smiling.

"Ana, Jack found something. It turns out that the Jeep has become invisible only to us. But the tire tracks were left on the ground! And they led us to the abandoned catacombs. There's underground tunnels all over Los Angeles, " Kavanagh said.

"It's like I'm on vacation," Ana said.

"We need you." Roach has officially assignedе you and Gray to investigate, " the blonde persisted.

"And Flynn?"Gray asked as he appeared behind Anastasia.

"He swore so much, we had a fight, but he made me promise that I would ask Mr. Grey to keep an eye on you," Kate sighed.

Ana turned to Gray defiantly.

"Well?" Will you look after me?"The girl asked with a smile in her voice.

"I'd love to," Christian said.

— great. Check out the catacombs tomorrow. "Phoebe and Teddy helped Jack, by the way," Kate said.

Ana's mouth dropped open in surprise. Shouldn't they be in a boardinghouse?

When Anastasia arrived at the scene in the morning, she bumped into Jack and the kids.

"Growup, Miss Steele. Phoebe said guiltily.

"Why aren't you in class?" Why did you run away?The girl hugged Phoebe.

"We read about Oscar's ball and what happenedat it, and we decided we couldn't stay away."

"They're the ones who found the catacombs and told me."

"Did you thank them for their help?"Ana asked Jack.

Hyde chuckled and handed each of the kids a pair of snickers.

"Jack," Ana said emphatically. The guy sighed and gave the kids two more snickers. And then another and another...

After finishing the formalities, Ana went with her friends to the catacombs.

As ana made her way through the narrow corridors of the underground passages, she noticed that the ruins looked habitable. Clothing, candles, weapons. Books on black magic and Nazism… All this said that they had entered a bandit's lair.

One of the passageways led Anastasia and her friends into a huge room. Phoebe shivered at the sight of him. Cannibal kitchen. Blood, bones, pieces of meat that the members of the Academician's Gang devoured, dancing and glorifying the Darkness. Kate fought back the urge to vomit. Ana watched in horror. For a moment, the girl felt sick. Christian moved to her side and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Jesus," he whispered, looking at the empty cages.

When they were outside, Ana smiled gratefully at Gray. As the detectives began to remove evidence, Ana turned to Phoebe and Theodore.

"With you now," the girl said sternly."Chris, can you drop me off at the boarding house?"

An hour later, Ana was sitting in Mrs. Cope's office, glaring at her.

-Do you kaak follow the children? There's a gang of cannibals in town, and you- " Ana glared at the headmistress.

"We'll keep an eye on it as best we can. Understand that they are not alone. I'm responsible for the entire boarding house. You have to influence them. Phoebe and Teddy have no greater authority than you, Miss Still. They're very capable, " the headmistress spread her hands.

Ana nodded. When she came out of the office, she saw Theodore and Phoebe reading something on a clipboard

"What are you doing?" Wait, the headmistress says you're capable, " Ana sat down next to the children.

"So that's clear," Phoebe said, smiling.

"And you're hanging around," Anastasia snarled.

"Miss Steele, you're not a mother to tell us off," Theodore said.

Ana thought about it. She really wasn't a mom to these kids. But she felt responsible for them, she was worried about them...

An elderly Jew with glasses looked carefully at Anastasia and the children.

"Not custody, then, but adoption," he said.

"Yes," Anastasia Said.

-You have a living space. And you get rations, " he said, typing something into his laptop.

"Enhanced," Ana Said.

"Does your husband mind?"-Asked the representative of the guardianship authorities.

"I'm not married," Ana said, smiling.

-I have no objections from the children?The man asked.

"No, we're orphans," Phoebe Said.

"Just don't raise your voice at me, young lady. They were already raising their voices at me. And it ended badly for me, " MUzhchina printed out two documents."Sign up, kids.

Phoebe and Theo looked at Ana.

"What's that?"Theo asked.

"I'm adopting you," Ana said, smiling

"Are you our mom now?"Phoebe asked incredulously

Anastasia nodded.

"Mother!Phoebe and Teddy threw their arms around Ana's neck and hugged her. All three of them were crying with happiness.

"We'll always listen to you now," Theodore assured her.

Then all three of them turned to the man

-Where To Sign?Anastasia and the children asked in unison.

"How are you?""The next morning, Gray dropped by Ana's office.

"It's fine. Ana smiled, looking at Gray over the top of her laptop."And you?" Any leads?"

"No, but we're collecting DNA from the things we found. Find out which Hollywood celebrities consider themselves above the law and slam them. And then we'll go out to Akademika Street and I'll have this bastard hanging in a loop against the background of the Hollywood sign, " Christian grinned.

"About the last one... I don't know. Perhaps he has a motive and accomplices. Yes, he is in charge of everything, but to do all these things in different countries... There is clearly an extensive network of crime. A whole web... I wish I knew what we were up against. And by the way... I liked it with pizza. What are you doing tonight?Ana stood up.

"Ana," Gray said, confused."You don't know me at all. I... I have a complicated personality and ... a past.

"I don't have sugareither." But ... I'm attracted to you, " the girl couldn't hide what she was feeling.

"There's something you should know-" Christian began lamely."My family..."

Suddenly, Kate burst into the office.

"Ana, Jack's been attacked!Kavanagh shouted.

Anastasia and Gray looked at each other in horror.

An hour later, Ana was in the room where Jack Hyde lay unconscious in a hospital bed.

"Is he alive?"Anastasia asked John Flynn

"Yes, but in a coma. Multiple wounds, internal bleeding... His condition is moderate. We're doing everything we can to keep him alive. The attack was committed in an alley near your police station. He was clearly coming towards you. And yes-there was a phone near his body when they found him. Maybe he's filming something, " John suggested."I've informed Leila, his fiancee.

"I called Roach, requested security for this room," Christian said ashe entered the room.

Ana nodded. John handed her Jack's phone number. Ana looked at her friend.

"Please wake up," she whispered, and left the room.

Outside, Ana leaned against the wall and sobbed. Christian put his arm around her.

"It's okay, go home, I'll get to my room," Ana assured him. But Christian's arms tightened around her. The girl listened to her senses. Quiet, cozy, secure… The only place she felt so comfortable was in Ray's arms.

"I won't leave you alone. Not today… Come to my place, " Mr. A suggested, stroking Anastasia's black hair.

Ana nodded

Ana, in a white lab coat with wet hair, was sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine. Christian was cooking, and the kitchen was filled with delicious scents.

Gray's apartment was huge, with a sense of grandeur and chic. Like his office, his apartment was dominated by white, with reproductions of famous paintings on the walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a bird's-eye view of the evening city of angels.

Christian came out of the kitchen with two plates of lasagna and a bottle of Coke. He and Ana sat by the fireplace and ate in silence. Christian knew perfectly well that he didn't need to talk to Ana right now.

After dinner, he cleaned up the dishes and prepared to go to bed.

"Good night,Ana," he said, looking at her with a warmth that wasn't his usual self.

"Chris,"the girl called. He turned around.

"Thank you," the girl smiled.

He nodded and left.

Ana didn't sleep that night. She was just lying on the couch in Gray's living room, taking a nap. As dawn approached, she heard soft moans from Christian's room. She got up quietly, went to his room, and got into bed with him. Closing her eyes, she finally fell asleep, snuggled up to Gray.

Christian was the first to wake up in the morning. When he saw Anastasia sleeping, he couldn't help but smile. She realized that he was feeling bad and that he was having nightmares again and came to him. Amazing girl… Brave and so vulnerable. He stroked her cheek.

If at first he just wanted to fuck her and beat the crap out of her, now yemu wanted to take care of her andbe her protection and support.

However, he was afraid... afraid of getting carried away, afraid of hurting her with his past and secrets. After the death of his parents, he swore to himself: he would never have anything serious with women. But he broke that vow three times, and all three times it ended badly.

Could he try again? With Captain Steele?

Ana stirred sleepily and opened her eyes.

"Hi," the girl Said.

"Good morning," he whispered, and kissed her on the cheek."Let's eat and go to the station." Taylor and Welch found something on Jack's phone. Very important.

Ana quickly got up and ran to the shower. Would they finally have a lead?

After washing up, Ana dressed quickly. Christian had already made scrambled eggs and coffee. They ate together in silence.

"Thank you for not leaving me yesterday," Ana finally saidas she washed the dishes.

"And thank you for being with me last night." But - " Christian looked down.

"You're not the one I need?"Ana asked sarcastically.

Instead of answering, Gray took a step toward her, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her gently on the cheek.

"I'm not so sure now," he admitted. Ana reached for him but he pulled away

"We'll talk about this later, okay?"- he asked.

Anastasia nodded

Kate, Ana, Jose, Christian, and Roach were gathered in Barney's Sysadmin's office. Barney, a good-looking guy who looked like Tom Holland, was quickly transferring something to his laptop from Jack's phone.

"It's a good thing your guys put everything in folders.. But Daddy Leila is interesting. "that's what he does with dildos and vibrators, great," Barney chuckled

"Fuck it, Barney, get serious," Kavanaugh Growled

"And you can't joke around. Okay, I moved the docks folder to my laptop. Now we'll see who he filmed there, " the guy clicked the mouse and a video appeared on the monitor.

A fat, unkempt man and a young red-haired girl were standing on it in an alley. Ana recognized the girl as Emma Stone, but her companion...

"Weinstein! How? Isn't he rotting in prison? Did we oversleep his escape?Jose asked.

"I'll make a request for Harvey's biography and why he's free," Kavanaugh said, texting someone.

Ana noticed that Emma was wearing a gold snake bracelet with emerald eyes.

"The bracelet was stolen from the Mit Gala Museum," Jose said, and immediately opened the stolen items catalog on his iPhone.

"Thanks, Google," Gray Said

Meanwhile, Barney turned up the sound on the video.

"Everything is going according to plan. The light ones don't even know what's driving them. It all starts on Halloween. Everyone will be distracted by the holiday, and we will start robbing and killing under the guise of prominent light ones, " Stone giggled.

"They will be accused of all the deadly sins. Chaos and scandals will begin. The Light Ones will have to use magic against humans to defend themselves. M during all of this, the Academician will come to the fore and announce that the dark ones will protect the humans. These stupid idiots will trust him, and then… They will become our slaves, " Weinstein growled.

"And we'll set our own rules," the Witch licked her lips."Slave auctions, lightsaber concentration camps, mass executions. We will take power into our own hands.

"But you know, there's someone who can help us. Anastasia Steele. The cop girl. The academician wants to personally kill her. But I found out that she has friends: Jack Hyde, Katherine Kavanagh, and Jose Rodriguez. For the head of each Academician will pay 10 million dollars. The hunt has begun."

That was the end of the video. Ana was in shock.

"We need to arrest Stone," Roach said."They're going to have a Halloween massacre!" We have to get ahead of them!

"And we must learn magic!"Ana shouted."I asked Jennifer to help.

Christian froze at that. No, you can't make Ana Light. Then she will put herself on the chessboard of an eternal war of Darkness and Light.

"Ana-" Gray began

"Later, Christian… Then - " Ana ran out.

Christian gritted his teeth. Make her your own, tell her everything and come what may. He cares about her, he needs her. Yes, there is a chance that she will not accept all this, reject him… But if so, she will still be alive. But he had to protect her, come what might.

At the end of the day, Christian walked out of the station with Ana.

"Are you sure you want to do magic?"- he asked.

"Yes, I do. To protect you and your loved ones. If we don't stop the Academician, who knows what will happen."

"If something happens to you," Christian said, walking over to her and looking into her eyes. Dark brown in brown...

"I can't bear it if you die," he whispered into her half-open fur coats.

Ana took a step toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Gently and passionately…Christian kissed her back, putting all his tenderness and concerninto it.

"I'm tough," Steele said, smiling."And you, too, Major.

"Ana, you don't know me-I -" Gray couldn't bring himself to open up to her again.

"I can see that you want to tell me something. Start with something harmless, " Ana teased.

"Another challenge?"Gray found himself beginning to like Anastasia's defiance

"Yes," Anastasia said, and kissed him on the mouth.

"All Right," Gray Said."Come to my place.

They ate dinner at Christian's house and drank wine.

"You had something to tell me," Ana reminded him, sipping her wine.

"Yes, I did. I really like you, " Gray adjusted his glasses.

"Oh," Anastasia said, feigning surprise."Mr. Grey, it's mutual.

She set the glass down next to her and kissed Christian.

He kissed her back. He put his arm around her and laid her down on the hearth rug. The entire conversation with Ana that he had planned had disappeared from his mind. He kissed her face, her neck, and then his hands slidunder her T-shirt. A moment later, Christian deftly pulled it off Anastasia. His hands were hotly caressing her breasts and flat stomach.

Ana returned the favor. Her hand accidentally touched Major Gray's chest. He froze.

"Ana, I don't like people touching my back and chest,"Предупреждающе the man said warningly.

The girl nodded. She wanted to ask why, but at that moment, Gray's lips slid down her stomach, tracing her navel, and then down to her lower belly. In a heartbeat, he unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them down.

He pulled away and quickly stripped himself of his clothes. Christian lay back down on top of her and gently entered her. The girl shivered and kissed him gently. They kissed together. Ana caressed his neck and sides, remembering his words that he did not like to be touched on the back and chest. The girl was playing by his rules.

Over time, Gray's thrusts became harder and faster. Christian moved his hips wildly, thrusting into her.

She threw her head back and moaned at the top of her voice. The girl quickly fell in line with him and waved her hips at him. Finally, a sweet spasm passed through Gray's body and he came on Anya's thigh. She let out a sweet cry and reached her peak.

They collapsed on the carpet, exhausted. Christian smiled and held her close.

"Where are you from?"Christian asked happily as he hugged Ana.

"From Seattle," Ana laughed, and closed her eyes as she fell asleep.

Meanwhile, an explosion occurred in Anastasia's apartment. Flames engulfed the entire apartment of the girl, the fire broke out of the window and bright flames could be seen far from the neighboring windows. People ran and called the fire department.. In the chaos, no one saw the tall man in the cloak and Venetian gold mask hiding in the shade of the trees. Standing next to hybv was Weinstein.

"Los Angeles doesn't have a fullback," Harvey said."The city is yours, My Lord.

The academician smiled maliciously, and at the same time, there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that was not perceptible to his henchman

Christian's morning started with a call from Roach.

- what? Where? It can't be, " Gray said, looking down at the sleeping Anastasia. What happened between them seemed like a fairy tale to him.

Ana yawned sleepily and opened her eyes a crack.

"Get up, Miss Still, you've been murdered," Gray said ruefully.

- Yes? Straight to the death?- The girl was surprised. The dream was gone...

They arrived together at Steele's house, where they were met by a tearful Karla Jaeger and Eren. They exhaled at the sight of Steele.

"She's alive," Carla sobbed, hugging the girl."We were so scared..."

"I'm resilient," Ana sighed."They miscalculated.

An hour later, Ana was at the station. Roach showed her the evidence that the police had collected at the scene of the fire.

- The official version is a gas explosion. But our people have detected a magical release in your apartment, " Jen said as she entered the office

"What's the suspect doing here?"Gray raised his eyebrows.

"Actually, a witness," Lopez said.

"Do you have your own police force?"Ana asked, sipping her coffee.

"Yeah, it's called the Inquisition. There are mostly thosewho do not fit neither light nor Darkness. They're the guardians, the defense, and the judges.""You'll make an excellent Inquisitor."

"No, I want to be light," Ana smiled.- Protect those I love and destroy the Academician. That's my goal.

- Will you kill the Academician? A lot of people wanted to do it, but no one managed to do it, " Bradley Cooper entered the office.

"This is Bradley Cooper, Deputy Master of the Inquisition and a friend of mine."

Gray shook Cooper's hand, and Ana nodded.

"By the way, what's up with Harvey?" Why is he at large?Kate asked.

"Someone posted bail for him. Very large deposit. During the war, Harvey was the Academician's right-hand man. And the Academician himself is a former German spy. He supervised several concentration camps and the work of the Dark Ones with the Nazis. Cooper handed Ana the folder.

Ana opened it. The dossier on the Academician was extensive, and all his atrocities were documented.

There were also photos. They show a pale, thin 19-year-old girl in striped pajamas with a yellow star of David chained to a wall, caressing a man in a black military uniform with a whip in his hand and a mask on his face. The mask was gold and white, anditwas decorated with feathers.

Looking at this, Anastasia's heart was filled with hatred.

"The thing," she breathed. Caught up in her anger and hatred for the Academician, she didn't notice Gray sigh heavily and hide his eyes.

"Is that BDSM?"Kate asked from behind Anastasia.

"A twisted version,"Подтвердил её догадки Gray confirmed.- Usually, the dominant does not torment his submissive. Everything is based on trust and voluntariness.

"We knew that the Academician was sick in the head," Jose sighed.

Ana put the photo down. She felt the urge to vomit at the thought of what the prisoners of those camps whose commandant was the Academician had endured.

It wasn't until later, in her office, that Ana couldn't help but wonder how Christian knew about BDSM.

However, this was the most important task right now. I needed to learn magic now. To that end, Ana dialed Jennifer's number and arranged to have dinner with her at her mansion.

In the evening, Anastasia warned all her friends that she was leaving, and quickly left the station.

"Ana!Gray caught up with her at the entrance."Do you have a place to go?"

The girl shook her head.

Out of the corner of her eye, Steele saw that Kavanagh was flirting with Cooper.

"She's not expecting you, at least not tonight. Christian handed her the keys to his apartment

Anastasia was surprised. Is he suggesting that she move in together?

"Are you suggesting I move in together?"The girl asked directly.

"Stay with me temporarily," Christian chuckled as he hugged her.

"But ... Phoebe and Theo are coming to my place this weekend," Ana and the kids agreed to spend every weekend together.

- And Great! We'll go to the movies with them. I have Sony and Playstation. We'll buy Phoebe some dresses. I want to be with you, Ana."

"What about... love for fools?"-Reminded the girl with irony

"I'm not talking about love. But you are dear to me, we are good together. Let's just meet up and see what happens, " Gray gently stroked her hair

Ana smiled slyly and took her keys and went to hail a taxi.

Jennifer Lopez's home was modest, if not austere. It didn't have the flourish and pomp of Gray's house, but it was strict, neat, and cozy. The prostate and comfort struck Ana again, as did Oscar's ball.

Jennifer smiled at her and hugged her like a friend."What brings you to me?"

"I would like to be a sorceress," Ana said."Is that possible?" And if you can, let Bradley's people teach magic to myx friends.

Jennifer thought for a few seconds. It was obvious that there was a struggle going on in it.

"Okay," she said after a moment."Go to the fireplace.

Anastasia followed Jennifer's instructions.

"The main thing in magic is imagination. You can't do anything without it. If you have it, then everything is fine. Now to practice. Look at the fireplace and try to light it, " Lopez said softly.

Steele nodded, looked at the logs, and stretched out her hand over them, imagining the fire in all its colors and details. The moment she imagined the flames, the fire leapt from her fingers and engulfed the logs.

Ana smiled proudly, she could!

"Not a bad start," Lopez said with a wink.-Not everyone succeeds the first time.

"Did you make it?"Anastasia asked.

"If only," Jen smiled."Benny spent months trying to get me to do the simplest spells," Jennifer smiled."First we'll learn normal magic, and then we'll move on to combat magic.

"All right," Steele said

While Ana was learning Phoebe's magic, Theo was walking from the zoo to the diplomatic boarding house. The time was already late, but the children didn't pay any attention to it. They chatted and were full of impressions.

"Hey little ones," they heard a raspy voice say. A burly Chinese man was coming at them from a doorway. It was obvious that he was drunk or high.

"Any change?"Bigman asked

Theodore stepped in front of his sister and looked boldly at Gopnik. He smiled wryly and started walking toward them. At that moment, the tall shadow of a man in a raincoat darted between him and the children. A dagger flashed and the unlucky robber grabbed the arm that was wounded. Whining in frustration, he ran away.

The stranger turned to the children. Theodore pulled Phoebe closer behind him, but the Academician didn't attack them. He smiled under his mask and stroked Theodore's red hair as he handed the kpo kids a chocolate bar and glanced at the boarding house nearby.

After that, he disappeared, and Theo and Phoebe almost ran to the boarding house.

A whirlwind of icy energy knocked Jennifer off her feet.

"Great," she said, looking at Anastasia."You're making progress.

Steele bowed to the teacher and smiled.

"Another couple of weeks and you'll be a great fighter." By the way, what are you doing tomorrow? Can we work out a little longer?Lopez suggested.

- No, I can't tomorrow is Saturday. The kids will come. I want to be Gray, too, " Ana said, smiling

"Did you fall in love with him?"Lopez asked.

Ana didn't know the answer to that question. She and Gray had amazing sex, they understood each other, but sometimes it seemed to her that Christian was not telling her something about himself or anything.

However, they lived together and everything was fine. Deciding that Christian would tell her his secrets when he was ready, Ana didn't bother him much with questions and just enjoyed the time they spent together.

After Jennifer's class, she went to see Christian. His Escala Penthouse greeted her with Adele's music and the smell of pasta and cheese.

Christian was cooking, watching something on his laptop and singing along to Adele. Ana walked quietly over to him, kicking off her shoes and wrapping her arms around his sides.

"Gotcha," she purred in his ear as she kissed him. He turned and hugged her. A moment later, she was sitting on the table. Christian's hands caressed her through her black dress. Ana quickly pulled off his T-shirt and ran her hands down his sides. Then, as if by accident, she touched his chest. Gray smiled conspiratorially and pushed Ana down on the table. He parted her legs imperiously, pulled her panties down, and pressed his mouth to her flesh.

Still shivered and closed her eyes in pleasure. Gray licked and caressed her diligently. The girl forgot about all the bad things and started waving her hips at him. Christian pulled away from her flesh and kissed her.

"Oh, moaned.

"What do you want, Ana?" Christian asked seductively, lifting up her dress and caressing her breasts.

"You, in me," the girl whispered.

Gray didn't need to be told. He entered her and began to fuck her gently and slowly, caressing Miss Steele's body. Their lips met in a kiss. They quickly found a common rhythm and began to work in it. Soon they reached orgasm and lay exhausted on the table.

"What's gotten into us?"Gray asked.

"We missed you," Ana smiled."We're doing fine. We're learning magic. I was at Jack's today. He still hadn't come to his senses.

"He'll wake up, I know.""It'll be all right. And we can handle the Academician.

Ana nodded.

After a while, they sat by the fireplace and ate their supper.
"Theodore and Phoebe are coming tomorrow. Will you come to the movies with us?Ana asked as she sipped her wine.

"Of course I'll go. They're your kids and I'm their friend, " Christian smiled and magically pulled the coke bottle towards him.

"Who teaches you magic?"Anaasked.

"No one, just me. I've been doing magic since I was a kid. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to scare you." Ana had learned one of his secrets.

"Scare them?" I'm not scared. Charmed. Are you a strong magician?Ana snapped her fingers, and the bottle of coke flew up and opened, spilling evenly into two glasses.

"Normal," Gray Said."But I'm light. Calmdown.

"Oh, if you were dark, I wouldn't leave you anyway."

Gray exhaled softly. If only she knew everything about him, she definitely wouldn't be here...

The next day, Taylor brought Phoebe and Teddy to Escala.

"Mother!The children huggedи Ana and said hello to Christian.

"What do we do?"Ana asked, stroking the kids ' hair.

- Let's go to the movies! They're playing Spider-man, " Theo said."I love him so much."

Ana nodded. The four of them dressed quickly and almost ran out ofthepenthouse.

It was an autumn day with light rain and falling leaves. Ana admired it for a moment and breathed in the fresh air. Christian squeezed her hand gently.

The day went well. Ana, Gray,Theo, and Phoebe went to the movies, went to the amusement park, and ate too much ice cream and sweets.

Christian hadn't felt so good with anyone in a long time. He literally basked in the warmth and comfort that these three gave him. He knew he had to stop everything, he had to stop his affair with Ana. But he couldn't imagine his life without her, without someone who looked him in the eye, called him by name, touched там,him where he shouldn't, and made him feel like a humanbeing.

-What is this?"Ana caught the kids watching TV at midnight. Christian was already asleep when she went to get a drink of water and saw Theo and Phoebe watching Star Wars

"Sleep!Ana ordered softly

"We сhave nightmares," Theodore said.

"About what?" Ana sat down next to her son.

-About the war, the Germans. We've seen this before… But now there is a protector in our dreams. He's the one who robbed the museum. We ran into him on our way home from the zoo a few days ago. But he protected us from the drunk, didn't attack us, and gave us each a chocolate bar, " Phoebe said

Ana gasped. The academician protected her children. How? Why? He's an ogre. The girl had a lot of questions for the mysterious leader of the Dark Ones

The next day she was quiet and thoughtful. Why did he save her children? Why? What does she even know about the Dark Ones? Well, except that they are villains and served the Nazis? Yes, she believed Jen and her boys, but now she was beginning to doubt the clarity of the situation

"You're abit quiet today," Christian remarked on Monday, when they were having coffee at work."Everything okay?"

"Yes," Steele Said.- The children told me something that put me in a stupor. Never mind. By the way, Halloween is coming soon. Why hasn't Emma been arrested yet?

-Our guys are working on it don't worry. Security is reinforced, guards are everywhere. The dark ones won't do what they want. By the way, who are you going to dress up as?Gray asked slyly

Ana opened her mouth, but was interrupted by a series of screams

- Hands on the dick removed, redneck! They heard коридораshouts from the corridor. Jose and Roach were practically dragging Emma Stone to the interview room. The redhead was dressed like a BDSM mistress: corset, stockings, collar. ОJose was pounding on O na.

"Here comes the witch!Ana chuckled.

"Interrogate them?"Gray asked.

"They don't crack. It is ideological. Apparently, like everyone else in the Academician's entourage,the young people left the office and went to the interrogation room.

"Come on, witch!Jose pointed the lamp at Emma's face. She sniffed disdainfully.

"I'm not going to tell you anything, you cop," she snarled."The video you're pointing in my face is deep fake. I wasn't with Harvey!

"And lying isn't good," Anastasia said, entering the interrogation room. Emma's face fell.

"You're alive?" But Harvey said - " Stone was horrified.

"They'll kill him," Stone sighed after a moment.

"Who?"Ana sat down on the table in front of Emma

"Rami Malek, my son and boyfriend. He was assigned to sabotage your apartment."

- So… The Academician gave the order?Gray asked.

"If he's an Academic to you, then he's a Count of the Night to us Dark Ones," Stone sobbed.

"Is a Halloween slaughterhouse planned?" Gray grabbed Emma's arm

"Don't hurt me!" Yes, it is planned. The signal for her was supposed to be an attempt on Miss Steele's life, but she survived. The Count will be furious, and Ramiwill be killed.""I love him

"Can the dark ones ... feel?"Jose asked, surprised

"They can. We are just as human as the light ones, Inquisitors, and mortals. Cannibals, yes, but we can sense things.""Even the Count.

Gray and Ana looked at each other, things getting more complicated.

- Emma… I suggest you cooperate. And in return, we'll protect your boyfriend, " Ana finally said."You'll go into the witness protection program..."

"If I agree, I will lose everything... the Count will make sure that the cancellation culture is applied to me. He's got dirt on every dark one, " Stone sighed.

"What about you, exactly?"Ana asked, handing the witch a handkerchief.

- Drugs, drunk driving, buying submissives in different parts of the world, Orgies, BDSM, Covens... Don't think I'm not an ogre, but I've done terrible things and I don't regret it. I like freedom and killing, " the girl smiled maniacally.

"You'll change your appearance, lie low. You can stay with Kate for a while, okay? If you value your life, then cooperate, " Gray said urgently, looming over her

Something cold appeared in his eyes, and his posture became domineering. This made Anya uneasy.

"Rami should be protected," Stone said.- Give me a pen and paper, I'll write down everything I know.

That evening Ana and Gray dined with him. AnaAstacia couldn,'t get the change she'd seen in Gray during the interrogation out of her mind.

"Hey, you're thinking too loud, tell me what happened," Christian said, kissing her shoulder.

-At the police station… Youг сwere so intimidating, so cold for a moment… What is the reason for this?The girl asked cautiously

Gray sighed heavily.

"I'm a dominant, Ana," Gray Whispered."I like BDSM.

Steele's breath caught in her throat. Dominant... domineering, cold… As the Count of the Night...

"Are you forcing me to sleep with you?"Ana asked

"No, it's all voluntary, Miss Steele. I didn't rape anyone and I wasn't raped by anyone. I'm not an Academic, I'm different. I just like control and power, " Christian said.

"Do you do this with girls or guys?"Ana asked the next question.

"Those who agree to it," Gray nodded.-But all by consent and only with adults.

Ana nodded."I'd... like to try BDSM with you."

Christian удивлениемlooked at her in surprise.

"Are you sure?""What is it?" he asked, looking into her brown eyes with his own.

"Yes, I'm sure. The foundation of BDSM is trust, and I trust you. We did it the usual way, didn't we? We are intimately compatible. I've read about BDSM, I'm not afraid. Ana looked at her lover defiantly.

She hoped that if she agreed to the session, Christian would allow her to touch his chest and back area.

Christian stood up and held out his hand. Ana put her hand in his. He helped her up and they left the living room together.

They went upstairs and Christian led her to the end of the corridor. They stopped at an ebony door. Ana had seen this door before and often wondered what it was hiding.

Christian took a thin gold key on a chain from the pocket of his jeans and unlocked the door.

Ana came in first, and Gray snapped his fingers to light the fireplace and candles. The smell of freshness and citrus filled Steele's nostrils. She looked around. Everything is red: a huge four-poster bed, St. Andrew's Cross shelves with whips, rods and much more.

She turned to Christian. He took off his shirt and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her in silence.

Ana took a deep breath and went to the fireplace, stripped down to her underwear, and sat down on her knees by the fireplace. She lowered her head.

Gray chuckled. This girl trusts him... fine...

With a soft catlike step, he approached her. A thin black stack appeared in his hand. He ran it down the spine of Steele, who lowered her head in submission.

A wave of excitement and fear ran down Anastasia's spine. She was both scared and curious.

"Stand Up," Christian Ordered.

The brunette obeyed. Gray took her hand in his and led her to the cross. He pinned her back to him and quickly shackled her hands and feet in the shackles that were attached to the ends of the cross.

After that, he moved away from her and began to deliver short stinging blows to Anastasia's chest, stomach, and thighs.

Steel relaxed. All thoughts vanished, and she breathed deeply, letting Christian take full control.

He also tried to strike evenly, correctly distributing pain and pleasure.

"How do you feel, Anastasia?" she asked sweetly, hitting her in the pit of her stomach.

"I feel good, Master," the brunette whispered submissively.

The man самодовольноsmiled smugly. He walked over to Anya, tore off her panties, and entered her with his fingers.

"Oh, my proud masochist," he purred."You're leaking." Do our games turn you on?

"Yes," Anastasia breathed raggedly. Then she looked up boldly into his eyes.

Mr. Grey chuckled. Even now, she wasn't going to give in to him.

He pulled back the Stack, and with his other hand, he gently grabbed Ana by the neck and strangled her slightly. He fucked her with his fingers and squeezed her throat lightly, making sure that the girl did not suffocate. The movement of his fingers grew fiercer and more forceful, and finally Ana tightened around them and reached her peak. With a sweet cry, she силhung limply in her chains.

Pleasure mixed with endorphin and adrenaline surged through Miss Steele's blood. Panting, she looked up at Christian from under her lashes.

"You're doing great, baby, you're doing great," he whispered, and untied her.

She collapsed into his arms. Christian quickly conjured a soft gray robe for her and put it on her.

Then he carried her out of the playroom and into his bedroom. After getting rid of her clothes, putting Ana to bed, and undressing himself, the man lay down with her and fell asleep.

Ana was the first to wake up in the morning. She lay beside Gray for a long time and stared at him. What happened yesterday felt like a dream to her. Was she afraid? No. She guessed that Gray might have exotic sexual interests.

She completely trusted him and received indescribable emotions. Would she repeat the experience?

A crazy part of her screamed yes. After lying down for a while and kissing the sleeping Christian, she went to take a shower. Standing under the warm water, she smiled as she remembered that she had enjoyed Gray's strange games.

"I found it," she heard Christian say. He put his arm around her.

Ana turned to him. Her gaze flicked to his toned chest. There wasn't a single flaw on it.

-Can I…Touch you? Ana asked.- On my chest.

Instead of answering, Christian took her hand and placed it on her chest. Where билосьthe heart was beating. The girl's fingers stroked it.

This act of trust touched something in Anastasia's soul. She realized that she loved this strange, self-confident brat with a superiority complex.

Christian winced, and Ana took her hand away. But Gray put it back in its place.

"It's all right, it's all right," he whispered, and kissed her on the mouth.

They drove to work together. They were both silent. Gray was amazed at how easily he trusted her, and Ana was surprised at what she realized in her heart.

There was a lot of work at the station. Papers, reports, Emma's interrogation. Stone willingly cooperated and testified against the Academician.

"Well, I told you everything Iknew," the witch shrugged.

- OK. We'll take you to a safe place today, " Roach said."Do you agree?"

The girl nodded.

Stone was being transported in an armored truck. Several police cars were traveling with him. Ana was in one of them with Kate. Christian refused to accompany Stone, saying that he had some business to attend to.

Everything seemed to be going well. But suddenly, a familiar Jeep stopped at a traffic light near a column of police cars.

A moment later, one of the accompanying vehicles exploded. Ana was horrified. He and Kate jumped out of the car and fired magic at the Academician's men as they headed for Emma's van.

Ana mentally contacted Roach and requested backup. The trouble was, only she and Kate were magicians, everyone else was just ordinary people.

Meanwhile, a few uniformed thugs magically opened Emma's van. But they were immediately met with a whirlwind of fire right in the face. The redheadwas desperately fighting for her life.

"Ana," Emma Called."Call the Inquisition and the light ones, the cops won't help."

Miss Steele nodded as a gold-handled dagger flew into her shoulder. The girl howled in pain and turned around.

The Count of Night, also known as the academician, was standing not far from her, smiling maliciously under his mask. His brown eyes glowed with hatred and a fierce, bloodthirsty malice. He reached up and pulled Emma, who was struggling for her life, into his arms.

"You-" Ana gritted her teeth."Your place is at the stake.

"Too self-confident," The Academician Chuckled. His voice was low and sometimes hoarse."You little girl dared to challenge me. And everyone who did it died. And you won't be an exception.

Ana stood up and raised her gun, but the Academician disappeared in a puff of smoke, clutching Stone to him.

Steel collapsed to her knees. Pain shot through her shoulder. The girl grabbed it. The wound was deep and bleeding.

"Ana, Ana," Kate and a few cops ran up to her.

"He's got her..." gasped Anastasia, and fainted.

She woke up in a hospital room. The wound was bandaged and barely hurt. But now there was a heaviness in my legs. The girl raised her head. Christian Grey was curled up at her feet, asleep. It was obvious that he was exhausted and had only recently fallen asleep.

Ana stroked his hair, and Gray вздрогнув,opened his eyes with a start and looked at Ana.

"Hey," the girl called softly.- hi.

Christian got up and walked over to her. Gently, he cupped her face in ладони,his hands and kissed her. Ana put her fingers on his cheeks and felt them wet withtears.

"Don't do that again," he whispered."Don't risk yourself! I died a thousand deaths, while you were unconscious.

Christian closed his eyes and collected his thoughts.

"I love you," the man whispered carefully, as if weighing each word before saying it.

It wasn't easy for him. Those three words always brought only pain to his life. Three times he said he loved her, and three times fate took thewomen he loved from him. He said he loved his parents, and death came for them, too.

"Christian," Anastasia whispered, Startled."I love you, too."

Gray smiled ruefully and put his arm around her.

Flynn poked his head in."Mr. Grey, great ular by the way.

- what?Ana looked at the doctor in surprise, and then at Gray.

"When you were brought here, Christian demanded that you be examined out of turn. And then he said he'd be waiting for you to wake up in your room. I tried to kick him out, but -" John rubbed his jaw to понять,show that it hurt.

"Christian," Anastasia Said Indignantly."You can't hit the doctor!"

"I'm sorry, baby, I was panicking. And John Lez and... I have uncontrollable outburstsof anger and rage. Christian lowered his head humbly.

"They forgot. You're all right, Ana. You will need to change the dressing 2 times a day and treat the wound. And yes-you're on sick leave for 3 weeks. No chases, no investigations, peace and comfort. Mr. Grey, can I trust you with it?"John looked at Gray.

Christian nodded.

"And Emma?" He's going to kill her! The academician captured her and - " Ana was seriously flustered.

Christian put a finger to her lips.

"We'll find her and save her," the man assured her."Do you believe me?"

Anastasia nodded and hugged Gray.

Ana stayed in the hospital for three more days. Jen, Bradley, Kate, and Jose visited her all the time.

Christian literally checked into her room, entertaining her with conversations, reading, and watching movies on his laptop. He slept at her feet. FLin was indignant, of course, butnot as much as in the beginning

On the day of his discharge, Ana stopped by to see Jack. Hyde was still unconscious. Layla was with him. Ana put the flowers in a vase and went out.

When Ana arrived at Escala, she was literally knocked down by Phoebe and Theo. The children hugged her tightly.

"You scared us, Mom," Theo said, whimpering.

The girl patted the children's heads.

"And you didn't just scare my grandchildren," Ana heard her mother say. Her heart began to race. Carla Still came into the living room in a housedress with a shock of loose dark brown hair.

"Mother!- The 5-year separation was over. Ana hugged her mother. The girl was crying with happiness.

"How?"Ana couldn't believe she was seeing her mother again. Behind Carla, Ray Steele, a handsome gentleman who looked like Jeremy Irons, came out of the library.

Ana practicallyburped at her Father with a hug. He held her tight and wasn't about to let go.

He ruffled Anastasia's hair.

Gray stood silently at the entrance to the living room, watching them. How he wished that he could be expected home from work, that Ana could cook dinner, that he could trust her with all his secrets and secrets. But the man knew that this was impossible with his life.

Yes, he had told her that he loved her, but now he was afraid of the consequences of his words. He was well aware of том,what might happen to Ana. The cherished words were spoken, and now fate came into play...

"Thank you," Ana whispered, sitting next to Gray by the fireplace. He looked at her.

"I saw my parents because of you. I have no doubt that it was Taylor who brought them here, " the girl hugged the man.

She hadn't been as happy as she was today in a long time. Yes, they had missed the Academician and it was unknown what was going on with Emma, but now the girl was surrounded by people she loved… Ana realized that Gray was the man she'd been waiting for.

My heart was full of love and warmth… Still stroked Gray's hair.

He looked at her carefully. She gave a childish shrug.

"No one has ever done this for me. No one brought my parents to see me. Ana kissed Christian and pulled him down onto the carpet in front of the fireplace.

- So… Gray raised his voice to Steele, who was sitting at her desk with her laptop.

"Just reading the news," Steele said."Cool down..."

Gray raised his eyebrows ironically. He'd seen Ana's correspondence with Roach

"I'm bored," Ana complained."I'm not used to staying at home."

Christian smiled and kissed her. Christian understood that Ana wanted to get back to work, but he swore to Flin that he would protect Ana from the investigation

"The sooner we catch the Academician, the sooner you and I can rest," Ana tapped Gray on the nose.

Christian put his arm around her.—We'll catch him, I promise."

Meanwhile, in a mansion on the outskirts of the city, Emma Stone stood pale and exhausted by a pillar in the throne room, which was crowded with dark magicians and creatures. The girl was wearing nothing. Her gaze faded, and she humbly awaited her fate.

"Emily Jean Stone," the academician stared at her under his mask, sitting on a throne made of human bones."You betrayed me. And I don't forgive treachery.

-ГраStone realized the hopelessness of her situation."I did it for Rami. I wanted to protect him.

The academician looked at the small young man with bright blue eyes who was standing next to his throne and grinned.

"Rami, it was for you. No man is worth betraying. You have betrayed the cause of the Reich, the Cause of Darkness, and me, " the Count of Night growled."And for that, death."

He pulled a spiked whip out of thin air and handed it to Rami.

"You know what to do," the Dark King said coldly."But leave the final blow to me

Malek nodded and moved toward Emma. It twitched in its shackles.

"Rami, don't," the witch cried."I love you

Malek sighed and closed his eyes. He loved her too, and he didn't want to be her executioner.

He looked at the Academician in resignation.

"Come on Rami, we're waiting," the Ogre growled.

The young man turned to Emma and began beating her while the Dark Ones screamed and laughed. They were always turned on by such executions. The academician was laughing and caressing himself, clearly imagining how Anastasia Steele would be in Stone's place. True, Steele лучшеwould have been better served with a live roast... or...

The academician didn't know exactly what he would do with her onceshe was in his hands. But the fact that the girl was his enemy and he had to kill her was obvious.

Meanwhile, Emma was barely breathing. She was dying...

Seeing this, the Academician got up from the throne and approached her. The redhead's body was bleeding. She gave him a haunted look. Rami gave him the same look, begging him to spare her.

The young man fell to his knees."Don't kill her, please.

The academician turned away from the servant. He could read the emotions of both of them. And they really loved each other. As the Abwehr's best and most brutal spy, the Count of Night did not believe in love. But then his memory obligingly flashed back to the scene with the dark-haired girl he'd been worried about, in whose room he'd spent several nights sleeping at her feet… And he said words of love to her… And he knew what would happen if she found out the truth… There was no other way.

"Count, I will do anything to spare her," Rami pleaded

The Ogre King turned to him.

"To the hospital wing for the girl. Don't heal the scars, let them remain on her body as a lesson for the future. Make her healing slow and painful. Once she's more or less recovered, record a video of her for our little Miss Steele, " the Academician ordered imperiously.

A slight change in the chess game had thrown his plans a bit off, but a live Miss Stone would be a great decoy for Miss Steele. A woman whom the Academician fiercely hated and ... at the same time loved madly.

Three weeks passed like one happy day. Although Anastasia was bored at first, communication with children and parents brought colors of comfort and peace to her life. Carla and Ray were very supportive of the fact that Anastasia had adopted orphans. Carla pampered the children fiercely, and prepared something delicious for them every nightвкусненькое. Raymond, too, seemed to be in awe of the two scoundrels and played with them, sometimes at knights, sometimes at Star wars.

But the Steele couple had different opinions about Christian Grey. Carla was fascinated by him, and Ray was suspicious. Ana didn't understand what was bothering her father. Christian was rich, handsome, and smart. Yes, he was sometimes controlled and cold, but he loved Anastasia dearly. And yet, sometimes it seemed to the girl that he was not telling her something...

- Ana!-Kate exclaimed happily when she saw her friend enter her office.

Kavanagh hugged her incredibly tightly.

"We're all so happy to see you," the blonde sobbed. –How are you?"

"I rested. I saw my parents, " Ana smiled, remembering everything that had happened in those 3 weeks.

"What about you and Gray?"Kate asked, conjuring Chinese noodles and coffee.

Ana smiled enigmatically. She and Christian were doing just fine, despite his coldness. They also had vanilla sex and went to the playroom, where Gray dominated her to his heart's content

"It's okay," Anastasiasaid."What about you and Cooper?"

"Well ... for now, we just go to the movies and go on dates. I want more, but he doesn't seem ready. He says you need to take out the Dark Ones first, and then - " Kavanagh rolled her eyes.

Ana sipped her coffee."How's the city going?" I was simply turned off by a very nice but very harmful major of the military prosecutor's office.

"Well, I don't know," Kate said."We arrest clones of celebrities who break the law. We calculate them based on outfits from the Museum. Well, sometimes there are misunderstandings.

Jimmy Fallon was accidentally arrested yesterday, mistaking him for an Academic's man. But he quickly dialed Cooper, who pulled it out. Damn, Jose spent an hour apologizing, everyone was really embarrassed.

By the way, there's going to be a Halloween party. Who are you going to dress up as? I'll be Alex from Totali Spice, Jose-Jay Alexander. Roach took Poirot's outfit. It's just you and Gray

"Selina Kyle, the catwoman," Ana said without thinking.

Christian poked his head in."Thomas Shelby."

Ana smiled at Gray and he conjured coffee for her.

October 31st.

Ana buttoned up her catwoman costume and adjusted her mask. Her choice fell on Nolan's version. The girl always loved this Batman movie adaptation, and was glad that she was able to get this costume.

"You look great," Christian said, putting his arm around her from behind.

Ana spun around in his arms.

"Two policemen dressed up as villains. How ironic, " Christian chuckled, inhaling the scent of his beloved's hair

"I wouldn't call them villains. They protected their families, protected their friends. Steel stroked Gray's cheek and said, " That's what they were forced to do."- The villain is the Academician and his pack, and they are anti-heroes.

"Could you love an Antihero?" Gray asked.

Ana shrugged.

"Probably. Shelby right, " the girl smiled."But I miss you.

Christian kissed her sweetly on the lips, holding her close.

At the police station, Halloween was quiet and standard. Christian and Ana danced to the music of the 60s and 80s, jokingly scaring friends and enjoying each other's company.кThe girl relaxed and enjoyed the evening.

"I haven't rested like this in a long time," she smiled."Thanks for getting me out."

"Baby, what's this… I'll take you to all the hot spots in New York when we get there."

"New York," Ana Said.

"I'll leave when we catch the Academician." And I was hoping you'd come with me, " Christian admitted."Or do you want to stay here?"

Ana thought about it. Gray's words about leaving puzzled her. She wasn't planning on leaving Los Angeles. She loved this city and was its protector. To leave here would be to betray what she was doing.

"I don't want to leave," she said."This is my city, and I am its guardian.

"Then I will seek a transfer here," Christian said, kissing her gently ."I'll never leave you." I love you, baby.

"You want to ... connect with me?"- The girl was delighted.

"And if it is?" We love each other, we are compatible in sex. Yes, you are quite a stubborn and brave girl. It doesn't suit you to be a sub. But that's why I love you. You're not like my other girlfriends. You're one of a kind, " Christian kissed her again.

"You're the only one, too," Ana said."For me."

They looked into each other's eyes and enjoyed the moment.

"Let's get out of here. Now I'll say goodbye to the guys and we'll go home. Gray gave her a quick peck on the nose and walked away to join Roach and the other cops.

But suddenly, he swayed, clutched his chest, and fainted.

"Oh, my God, Christian!Ana ran to him.

Flynn sighed heavily. He looked at Christian and then turned to Anastasia, who was standing behind him.

"Well? Well?"Ana asked.- what is it?

The girl was really worried. Looking at Christian's pale face, her поспешалиdarkest thoughts and suspicionsrushed through her.

- Overwork. Just overwork. While you were resting, he risked himself and did everything to catch the Academician. But, alas, to no avail. He needs to rest. But it's not like I can't send him on a three-week vacation."

"I'm not going," Gray said.- Is there an alternative?

John smiled mysteriously.

- A couple of days of sleep and stood up."And for God's sake,Christian, don't worry so much about Anastasia.

"I can't help but worry. I love her, " Gray smiled fondly."This daredevil will turn me gray sooner than I should."

When Flynn left, Ana hugged Christian.

"You scared me so much," she whispered."You need to rest.

Gray said nothing. He knew what was wrong with him. It was for Anastasia that John lied about being overworked. Кажется,John seems to understand everything...

But that didn't bother Christian much right now… He was more concerned about whether he could replenish his strength without leaving the house.

He'd never hidden from anyone, and he wasn't going to now. While Ana took a shower, Gray went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, removing the invisibility spell.

As it turned out, there was a secret drawer in the freezer that contained raw meat and a bottle of blood-red wine. Taking out both wine and meat, the man defrosted it and began to eat greedily, growling with pleasure. He was enjoying his meal, but at the same time, he was watching the entrance to the kitchen, waiting for Anastasia to appear. After eating the meat, he uncorked a bottle of wine and drank from it straight from his throat.

After a while, Christian's quick ears caught the sound of Ansteisha turning off the water and getting out of the shower. With a snap of his fingers, he returned the food and wine to the refrigerator and cast an invisibility charm on it.

"Are you all right?"Anastasia's soft, worried voice was soothing and comforting. A girl wrapped in a towel came into the kitchen and hugged him.

Gray pulled her into a hug."Let's go to bed." It was a nervous day.

Ana stroked his hair."I'm used to it.

"You have a weak heart. No need to load it with unnecessary worries once again. If something happens to you... " The man closed his eyes.

He knew that something would happen to Ana anyway. He had to let her go. I should have, but I couldn't. He couldn't see life without this amazing girl. He loved her. The stupid lump of muscle and sinew именуемыйthat humans call the heart ached unbearably just at the shadow of that thought. But... it was the right thing to do, it would save her.

"I'm resilient, hey-" Ana kissed him."Don't worry about me.

She smiled slyly

"If one of your legs is Halloweenand the other is Thanksgiving, can I drop by between the holidays?"?Ana dropped to her knees.

A few days passed quietly. The investigation continued. The police regularly arrested the Academician's people. Если нIf some dark ones cooperated with the investigation, but others refused to do so.

There were a couple of suicides in the punishment cell. For example, Christian Bale hanged himself a few hours after being detained. Although he wasn't even questioned. Bale's suicide shocked Anastasia and everyone else.

"I don't understand why he didn't cooperate." Kate hugged herself as if she were cold."Stone agreed."

- Yes? And where is she now? Jose asked sarcastically.- Bale was ideological. I've compiled a file on him. Nazi, trained in the Abwehr. Apparently, btham was recruited by the Academician.

"Above all, he was a valuable witness," Christian said."I feel like he would have helped us."

"Any news on Emma, by the way?"Agna asked, looking up from her papers.

"No, I'm afraid not," Jose said."We're looking for her, but..."

Suddenly, Ana's email on her laptop announced a new message. The email came from a classified address. Ana clicked on it and opened it. The email included a video of Emma Stone being severely beaten and tied to a chair.

"If you want to see her alive, Steele, come to my mansion. Send a letter with an agreement, and my people will pick you up from work, " The Academician's cold, deep voice came from somewhere behind the frame."Come alone, or Stone will die."

Ana looked at Emma and realized that she had been through a lot...

"What are we going to do?"Christian asked, squeezing her hand.

"I'll meet him," Ana said."I'll tryto save Emma. And you... attach a bug to my clothes. Track the signal and cover their lair.

"It's a good plan, but is it feasible?"Gray asked doubtfully.

Meanwhile, Ana responded to the letter by agreeing.

After that, she conjured a bug and handed it to Christian.

"Are you sure?""What is it?" he asked dully, squeezing her fingers.

"Yes, I'm sure. She turned on the bug and Gray attached it to the collar of her shirt.

Christian leaned his forehead against hers, feeling empty and hopeless. It was like saying goodbye to her...

The girl stroked his face and gave him a quick kiss.

Christian put his arm around her neck. He found the bug and turned it off without her noticing...

After saying goodbye to Christian and the boys, Ana went outside. There was a black maybach waiting for her, and Weinstein was smoking next to it.

"Alive, then..." the fat man chuckled."Not for long, though. Mark...

Mark Wahlberg came up behind her and tied a thick black blindfold around her eyes. Then he grabbed her roughly by the elbow and literally forced her into the car.

They drove for about two hours, Anastasia felt. Finally, the car stopped and Wahlberg pulled Anastasia out of the car. He and Harvey grabbed her by the arms and dragged her away. The girl couldn't remove the blindfold. Suddenly, something cold and metallic touched her the same time, Weinstein ripped the blindfold from her eyes

"Go ahead," Wahlberg said, and nodded toward the entrance to the dining room.

Ana glanced around. It was located in a huge mansion. Everything here screamed good taste and richness.

The girl entered the huge dining room. There was a table set for two. Candles were burning on it.

The brunette sat down at the table and looked around. In its place was a plate of mashed potatoes and fish, but the plate opposite it was empty, as was the glass...

"You're here," she heard the Academician's hoarse voice say. He was standing in the doorway of the cafeteria, wearing a black Nazi uniform and a permanent mask.

If the first time they'd met, the mask had been Venetian and covered his entire face, now it only covered the upper half of his face.вала лишь верхнюю часть его Harvey was standing behind him, clutching the young girl's shoulder. She looked to be about 14.

"Why is she here?"Ana asked. She had a bad feeling about it.

"Food," the Academician said fanatically, baring his fangs. He and Harvey entered the dining room. Weinstein put the captive on the table and an axe appeared in the Academician's hand. He raised it over the victim and cut off plegnnitsa's head with all his might.

Steel gasped in horror. Acadesmick saw her emotions and smiled contentedly. All the light ones reacted to his meals in this way. And this girl wasn't anexception. He and Harvey conjuredup a pair of cleavers and began butchering the victim's body. I cut off a few pieces of meat and put them on a plate, then sat down across from Anastasia. Harvey took the body.

"Will you share a meal with me?"The Count of Night growled.

Ana nodded. Somehow managing to control her fear, she boldly looked into the eyes of the Ogre King.

"Don't you dare look me in the eye," the Academician growled.

"I'm not afraid of you," Ana whispered boldly."I've killed people like you more than once… I know what you want.

The Count of Night laughed. The barking, cold laughter sent shivers down Anastasia's spine.

"You're naive and so stupid. I'm not the same gangsters you caught before me. I am the Darkness itself. I am Death itself. I can make your loved ones ' lives hell at the snap of my fingers. Christian, your parents, Kate, Roach, Jose… And Theodore and Phoebe… What a roast they'll make, " the Dark Lord smacked his lips.

"Don't you dare touch my children!" Just touch them!Ana was ready to incinerate the Academician.

She jumped up. Her eyes were flashing. The girl stretched out her hand and tried to attack with magic. But it didn't work out.

"As long as you're wearing this bracelet, you can't hurt me, Sugar. It blocks your magical powers, " the academician enjoyed Anastasia's shock and powerlessness.

Ana sat down in the chair with a soft groan.

"Whatdo you want?" Where's Emma?Steele asked without hesitation.л спросила Стил.

"Emma's alive. And I want you, Ana, " the academician conjured a glass of blood for himself. Greedily drinking from it, he greedily began to devour the human flesh with his hands.

"I'll never work for you!"Ana whispered, barely concealing her disgust and horror at the ogre's feast.

-I'm not talking about work, - the Academician took a huge bite from the girl's hand."Spend the night with me and I'll let Emma Stonego."

Ana started. No, she would never go to bed with that monster.

"I'd rather die than let you get what you want ." You're a disgusting cannibal.""Kill me if you want, but I'll never make love to you for anything."

"I don't make love, I fuck hard. I have something that will make you change your mind, " the Count of Night snapped his fingers and Emma appeared in the dining room. The academician approached her and took a table knife in his hand.

"I wonder where she gets the best meat," the Nazi growled, and put the knife to Stone's back.

"Don't do this-" Ana gasped in horror. Sheknew she was cheating on Christian, knew she was betraying someone she loved more than life, but she had to save Emma. A cute little girl who stumbled in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"So you agree?"The Academician growled.

-Yes, just let her go, please, - Anastasia lowered her head to hide her eyes full of tears from the Academician.

"Christian, I'm sorry..." she whispered softly.

After she agreed, Anastasia was undressed and taken to the bathroom, washed, two witches made her up and escorted to the academician's bedroom. Ana walked in silence and submissively. She told herself that she was doing this to save another person's life, that she was doing the right thing. But God, how was she going to look Gray in the eye?

The Academician's bedroom was more like a dungeon. All black, BDSM devices, St. Andrew's Cross by the window... people's bones were completely gnawed by the fireplace.

Ana looked around in horror. God, she's in hell...

"Come here," she sweetened the Academician's hoarse voice. He was lying on the bed, completely naked, like a condescending god. Ana tried not to look into his triumphant eyes. Deevushka approached him without feeling her feet.

The ogre grabbed her roughly by the arm and pulled her down beside him. He подмялpulled her under him and began to caress her roughly, growling and biting her neck. He brought her hands up over her head and pinned them to the bed. His caresses were rough and possessive and did not give the girl pleasure. Ana tried not to react to what the ogre was doing.

All she wanted was for it to end quickly. She cried as the King of Darkness spread her legs and roughly entered her.

"Mine," the Academician growled sweetly."Boy Gray will hate touching you when I'm done... he'll give up on you, my sweet."

"Christian loves me," Ana panted."You'll never understand that. He may be angry with me, but he'll forgive me.

"Naive. Love is a weakness, " the Academician roughly moved in Anastasia, trying to cause her as much pain as possible.-I have never loved anyone and I have no weaknesses in the face of those who are dear to me.

He picked up the pace and moved quickly and roughly, scratching and biting at the captive's body. Finally, his hot seed burned Anastasia's thigh. The girl exhaled, thinking it was all over

"I'm just getting started," the Count of Night said, as if reading her mind. He rolled her onto her stomach and pressed her head against the sheets, parting her buttocks and entering her from behind.

"Oh, you've never been taken from behind. After all, Christian fucked you like hell. He squeezed her throat with one hand, and with the other he wrapped her dark hair around his fist and thrashed inside her.

Ana buried her face in the cloth and sobbed softly. She hated herself for agreeing, hated the Academician. The only thought that was beating in her head: how she would look Christian in the eye...

Finally, the Academician finished and lay down next to her. He stroked her hair in mock affection.

"You know, I'd like to introduce you to real BDSM, but I think that's enough for now."

"You will never touch me again," Ana said, finding the strength to look into the Academician's eyes."You're a monster.

The man grinned smugly. He casually draped the blanket over Anastasia's shoulders and stood up. Ana watched him through half-closed lashes. The academician was tall, broad-shouldered, but well-fed and loose-limbed. His back and chest were disfigured by various kinds of scars.

He added more logs to the fire and returned to his captive.

"Emma... let her go..." whispered Steele."You promised."

"She's free. Just like you. I don't want to let you go. I love smacking and fucking young brunettes. And you're a perfect match for my academician chuckled."If Gray leaves you, then come back to me.

Ana scrambled to her feet and conjured up some clothes."I hate you." One day I will kill you...

"That's what many, many people have said, and they've all become fine dishes on my table.""I don't advise you to follow in their footsteps. I haven't had enough of playing with you yet.

Ana ignored him and teleported home. She quickly undressed and ran to the shower. Turning on the water, Ana tried to wash the Academician's touch from her skin. Hot tears streamed down her face. She was so disgusted with herself... for God's sake, why? What would she say to Christian?

"Ana..." she heard Christian say. The man entered the shower and quickly stood under the running water next to her.

"What did he do?" What did he do?Christian looked worriedly into her eyes.

Ana was silent and couldn't say a word.

Gray's gaze swept over her body. Bruises, scratches, bites...

Gray's eyes filled with horror.

"I had to do this to save Emma. I'm sorry, " Anastasia sobbed."The academician fucked me. Literally raped her.

Christian held her close. The youth's heart was filled with hatred. But not to Anya, but to the Academician.

They stood in silence for a while under the spray of the dew. Christian just stroked her back and hair.

Ana relaxed and reached out to stroke Christian's chest. He clenched his teeth and hissed. Ana didn't understand and glanced at Gray's chest. Scar… She'd never seen any scars on his chest, and it was perfect: clean, toned, and toned.

"Where did you get it?"The girl asked. Her eyes caught a glimpse of the many scars on Christian's chest. Different, then bright red, then barely noticeable...

She took a step back anddidn't look at him. Gray's body, which used to be athletic and pumped up, was now plump and loose. Exactly the same as...

"You're... oh, my God..." The terrible realization hit her like a hot iron.

Ana backed away. Groping for the shower door, she opened it.

"Ana," Gray's voice pleaded."Listen to me.

Ana was horrified. No, no, this can't be happening. Really...

"You are him. You 're an Academic, " she whispered.

Christian lowered his head, then raised it. His eyes were filled with anger, rage, and at the same time pain and tenderness.

- yes. You got it pretty fast, S'teel. I always was. I got rid of the real Christian Grey back in Africa, with the help of my cannibal friends. Oh, that boy was delicious. I assumed his identity to help you with your investigation. But in reality, I was planning to kill you one at a time. And I wanted to start with Jack Hyde. I was wildly jealous of you. But he survived... although he is in a coma and is unlikely to tell you much. I planned to kill you after it. But ... " The academician chuckled.—The unexpected happened: I fell in love with you.

"Lies!Anastasia shouted."You can't love. You're a disgusting ogre. I know what you're like.

"You know, but that doesn't change the fact that I love you. But there are insurmountable obstacles in the way of this love. And then there are two ways out, or rather even one… I have to kill you, " The Nazi growled."Otherwise you'll tell everyone."

Ana froze. The one she loved most in the world turned out to be her mortal enemy and a Nazi. Tears were streaming down her face...

"Come on," Ana said weakly. She didn't want to live, her heart was shattered.

The academician grinned and grabbed Ana's hand and teleported her to the kitchen. For a moment, Ana lay bound onthe table.

"You know, I haven't killed anyone at Escala yet. And here is such a prize, " the Academician lit a fire."Your meat will surely be delicious."

Ana was crying. She thought back to everything she'd experienced with Gray. Their ball, the cooking, the way he brought her parents here, Halloween, their nights together. Her heart was shattering, and tears were streaming down her face. If this is the end, then she has no regrets. She loved and was loved.

Meanwhile, the Academician took a cleaver and held it to Steele's throat.

There was hunger and bloodlust in his eyes. He licked his lips and looked as if he was about to deliver a fatal blow to Anastasia, but froze.

"I can't," the ogre Growled."I can't... I... love you, Steele."

Ana shook her head.

"No, you just want me," she whispered."But you won't get me again." Never.

"I'll let you go, Ana, so be it. But you're leaving here. Take the kids and leave. Otherwise, everyone you care about will die, " rasped the Academician, hiding his eyes.

"And if... you cooperate with us?" I guarantee your safety, " Ana untied herself with magic.

"And my people, I don't just kill them. I won't turn them in.""And I don't think your friends will understand you."

"So..."No chance at all? Anastasia's voice was broken. Her heart ached unbearably, and she was losing the love of her life.

"No," the Academician chuckled."Either leave or there will be a war. The third is not given.

With that, he disappeared. Steel's chest felt empty. My heart pounded mercilessly.

The girl somehow teleported to Kate's apartment, where she found her with Bradley. They were kissing and it was obvious that they were going to move on to more.

But when she saw Ana, Kate ran to her. Ana hugged her friend and cried for a long time. Her heart was broken...

And the Academician returned to his lair, where he sat silently by the fireplace with a bottle of whiskey. That's all… He released her. He did the right thing… He'd saved her from himself.

But why did my heart ache so much? And a soul? Why did he ... regret his decision?

He was in such a hurry to comfort Ana that he forgot to transform his body. And that was a mistake. A fatal mistake. Well... this mistake is good for him. Now that he doesn't have to pretend to be Christian Grey, his hands are free and he can start a big hunt...

"Hey-" Kate called out to Anastasia. She looked up from her laptop with a soft groan.

"Christian quit. He said he was being called to New York immediately… He didn't ask about you, " Kate sighed

Ana turned away from her friend. She still loved him, but her heart ached. She couldn't forgive the lies and what he had done to her in his mansion...

And most importantly, he gave her a choice without a choice…And I did it for her. And that made her angry.

A few days later, hell broke loose in the city. Mass murders of Light and ordinary people, robberies… Ana knew exactly what was going on, and she did her best to stop the madness that was engulfing Los Angeles.

The rampage of the Dark Ones lasted for almost a week, and then all was quiet. The dark ones seemed to evaporate. Many of the Academician's associates were arrested, convicted, and brought to trial.

The Light Ones, the Inquisitors, and the police cheered. But despite the victory, Lona did not please Anastasia. The girl felt empty...

Walking through the streets of her beloved city, she felt loneliness and pain. Everything reminded her of Christian and how she would never be happy again.

At the end of December, she couldn't stand it...

-What is this?Roach stared blankly at Anastasia's dismissal report.

"I'm quitting," Ana said weakly."I'm going to Seattle. I'll work under my father.

- Steel… We seem to have won. Aren't you happy about it… Is this about Grey?Jerry asked.

Ana nodded. She couldn't tell anyone anything, she swore to herself that she would keep quiet

Roach read Steele's report, looked at her carefully, and signed the report...

The first working morning of the new 2025 Raymond Steele at the police station started with a shock. He saw that his daughter, Anastasia Steele or Ana as her friends called her, was arranging things in the study next to his.

"Hi, Dad," Ana smiled.

Ray put his arm around Ana and stroked her hair.

"What happened?" I know about the riots of the Dark Ones in Los Angeles, and I know that a lot of cops died fighting them. But why did you move here?Ray asked worriedly.

"Christian is... dead," Anastasia lied. She couldn't tell the truth to anyone, so she had to lie.

Ray sighed heavily. He knew that Anastasia loved him, but he doubted him. However, after learning of his demise, he revised his opinion of him.

"How did this happen?" asked Мистер Стил

Ana sighed.

"Protecting me from an Academic leader of the Dark Ones," Ana sighed.

"Annie, I'm so sorry," Raymond said.

Steele nodded sadly.

"Mr. Steele," a blonde woman in her 60s suddenly walked into Ray's office. Well-groomed, slim, fit. It was obvious that cosmetologists and plastic surgeons had done a good job on it. She looked cold and domineering.

At the sight of Anastasia, she slightly curled her beautiful lips and looked at her appraisingly.

"Ana, this is Elena Lincoln, my deputy. "Elena, this is my daughter, Anastasia," Raymond said.

Elena's gaze grew more cheerful and warm, and Ana was surprised to read respect in it...

"The heroine of Los Angeles. How you pinned down those dark ones, " Elena's voice was surprisingly young and melodious.

"I wasn't alone. Do you have any dark ones?Ana asked."I have the holy water and stakes with me.

Elena smiled. This girl is clearly not a miss.

"Ellie, can I assign Ana to you?" She'll be your partner. Colonel Lincoln, Captain Steele, " Raymond said formally.

Elena shook hands with Anya. Ray made sure that his daughter was fine and left her office.

"Partners, then?"Ana asked."It's like a crime scene.

"You'd be surprised, Ana, the crime scene is still quiet. Yes, there are thefts and so on, but we haven't had such a cunt as you and the Academician for almost 2 years. True, now there is one robber ... nickname Chekan. A recidivist thief from Odessa. He arrived from Turkey with his accomplice Ida Krzystinska. Robbing stores and banks… But they try not to kill people. They say that they are magicians, and light ones at that, " Elena smiled and immediately caught Anastasia's surprised look.

"Aren't mages hiding from humans?"Ana asked.

"After what the Academician did in Los Angeles,they don't have any sense in it. He and his pack never left the front pages of the newspapers. The mages stepped out of the shadows. So... do your magic calmly.""I wish I were a wizard… I would have regained my youth.

"Got one for who?"Steele asked.

-And why for someone? I need it for myself, " Elena sighed.

Ana walked home that evening. She bought an apartment near the police station and almost lived in it. Phoebe and Theodore moved in with her. She also did not tell the children anything about what happened to her.

"Mom!Phoebe hung on to her. Ana hugged her daughter.

Theodore looked out of the kitchen.

The children set the table and Ana sat down to eat.

They had dinner jokingly, talking about how their day went. Phoebe and Theo transferred to a local school.

-Do you like the new school?Ana asked.

"Yes, the teachers say we're capable," Phoebe laughed.

"Yeah, and you've got a date," Teddy teased.

"Not at all! I just helped carry the briefcase, that's all, " Phoebe snapped.

"Well, yes, well, yes… And he тебяjust pulled your pigtailsand asked you to help with math, too, " Theodore persisted.

"Mom!Phoebe looked at Ana.

- Children do not quarrel!Steele smiled."What's your prince's name?"

"It's not mine!" And his name is Misha Gotsman. His father is an ex-cop who came here to help fix a certain Chekan, " Phoebe filled her mouth with food.

After dinner and tidying up the kitchen, Ana decided to clean her laptop of unnecessary files. She sat down in the living room and started deleting unnecessary photos and videos. By chance, she came across a video from Roach's birthday, which was just before Halloween.

It showed Ana dancing on the catwalk and laughing. Then, as if she'd stumbled, she'd fall into the arms of Christian Grey, who was standing below, and kiss him sweetly.

Ana found herself crying. She missed Christian, his hands, his desire for exotic sex, the playful look in his bright turquoise eyes that glittered behind the lenses of his thin glasses...

Putting down her laptop, she dropped her head in her hands and sobbed...

"The devil knows what!She heard her father's voice as she entered the police station. I went to the door of his office. Ana peeked inside.

Kate and Jose were standing across from Mr. Steele.

"You should be in Los Angeles!" Where are you?" What do I roach withkazhu?Ramond raged.

"We've been transferred to your department!" We're worried about Ana. Roach's got our reports! Ana gets into trouble when she's heartbroken. And in this situation, it will definitely happen, " Jose said

Anaa closed the door. She hadn't anticipated that her friendswouldfollow her, but she knew they might.

Elena came up to her."Problems?"

"No, it's fine. It's just that my bad friends are here, " Steele shrugged.

"They're worried about you. By the way, they want to see you here..."

"Who?"Anastasia asked.

-Inquisitors from Odessa. Yes, they arrived last night to help the nns with the Coinage. And the whole wizarding world thinks you're a hero, " Lincoln teased.

Anastasia rolled her eyes. She's not a heroine, she didn't save anyone… She just watched the Darkness unfold and tried to protect her loved ones.

"Lena, I'm not a hero, I'm just Ana,"the brunette shrugged."If I were a hero, I would save the one I love.

"What happened?" I can see that something is bothering you. The old woman looked at her as if she were her daughter.

"I can't," Anastasia Said.

She will not open her soul, she will carry sadness in her heart as long as she can. No one will ever be able to help her. Her problem has no solution.

Kate was suddenly hanging around her neck, and Jose was standing behind her.

My friends were genuinely happy to see Steele.

"Roach must have been swearing when he got your reports," Steele said.

"Yes," Kate Said."By the way, Jack -"

Ana froze at the sound of her friend's name. My heart ached mercilessly...

"I'm awake," Kate Said.

Steele exhaled softly. At least one piece of good news recently.

"How is he?"Ana smiled.

- Comes to, complains of boredom. He wants to come here."- He says that he regrets that he missed all the fun with the Academician.

Ana chuckled. Knowing her friend, she had no doubt that Hyde would come here and find a job he liked.

"So we're back together?"Ana hugged her friends.-Will we fight againstthis evil?

Kate and Jose nodded.

Several days passed. Everything was calm and even boring… No chases, no fights, no adventures. Life was once again as calm and stable as Anastasia had wanted it to be.

Gatherings with friends in the afternoon, children in the evening and pleasant household chores. Kate tried to introduce her to someone, of course, but Steele politely declined.

"No, that's too much. Ana, you and Gray broke up and it's time to move on. Yes, asshole, yes, you loved him more than your life, but he's not the only one ... damn, findдyourself a boyfriend, " Kavanaugh raged

"Not so fast," Ana shrugged. She was enjoying her solitude. Yes, my soul still ached. But she couldn't help herself.

- It's been 3 months, it's time. Usuallyотношениям, a relationship mourning period lasts for a week at most, and you-" Kavanagh rolled her eyes.

"Leave the baby alone," Ana suddenly heard Hyde say as he came up behind her and hugged her.

Anpa spun around in his arms and hugged him. She was crying with joy at seeing her best friend.

- Citizens of Seattle, take care of your pockets and valuables! Jack the pickpocket is in town!Kate shouted.

"I'm done with crime, you know," Jack jokingly punched Kate in the chest.

After work, Kate, Jack, Jose, and Ana went to the nearby бар «50 Bar» and partied all night. Ana relaxed, the beer flowing freely, and the girl finally felt that she was calmer.

Closer to the morning, everyone dispersed, since it was Saturday, which meant a day off. Jack walked Steele home, gave her a big good-bye hug, and went back to his room.

The young man was glad to see his old friend and glad that he had come to his senses. After texting Leila that he was fine, Hyde began to open his apartment and suddenly felt that he was being watched...

Monday started with a slight headache. Ana walked the kids to school as usual and gave them their lunchboxes a big hug.

"Mom, Sednya has a parent-teacher meeting. Will you come?"Theodore asked.

"Of course I'll come," Ana said, Smiling."Your grandmother will take you home.

"Karl's grandmother! We haven't seen her for a long time, " Theodore smiled."We love you."

Ana nodded to the childrenand hurried off to work. It seems that a great start to Monday was overshadowed by a broken laptop.

Anastasia panicked andtried to revive her electronic friend, but the harmful machine froze, showing her a blue screen of death every 10 seconds.

ПлюнувIgnoring everything, Ana left for the systems department. Calling in Chief sysadmin Gaara, Steele outlined her problem.

When they entered the office. Steel's mouth dropped open in surprise. There were two laptops on her desk, one her old one, and the other a new one that was thin and silver.

- Awesome! Digma eve 15 c423! They are not even on sale yet!The red-haired guy excitedly opened his laptop and turned it on.

- Here and Windows 11 and Yandexbrowser latest version, word and everything you need to work. This kid is ready for battle.""Where did you get it?"

Ana didn't know the answer. She knew that her new toy was expensive and stylish, but how did it get into her office?\

"Take it, check for black magic, bugs, and viruses. If you don't find anything, give it back to me, " Ana said.-And if you find it, delete it and take it for yourself.

Left alone, Ana remembered that when she lived with Gray, she complained about her old laptop. Christian suggested changing it or buying a new one, but Steele refused.

Could this laptop be a gift from him? Anastasia didn't want to call her beloved person an Academician...

"Ana," her father said. Anastasia glanced at him.

- The Odessa inquisitors got me letters. Raymond sighed and spread out his hands.

"I'll meet them, but not today. My kids have a parent-teacher meeting today, " Steele checked Phoebe and Theodore's text messages.

The children wrote that they were at Carla's and sent Anya photos. After reading the text and looking at the photo, Ana quickly tidied up the office and left it, went to school for a meeting.

When she entered the office where all the parents of her children's class were gathered, almost all the seats were taken.

"Hey," a beautiful red-haired woman in a stylish, expensive dress suddenly called out to her, " Sit down with me."

Ana gave her a grateful smile and sat down next to her.

"I'm Nora, Mikhail Gotsman's mother," the redhead said.

"Ana, Theodore and Felicia Steele's mom," Ana said, and nodded.-Do they scold our children?

Nora nodded at her progress list. The first three names were Phoebe, Theo, and Mikhail.

"Well Done," Ana Said, Smiling. Pride for her children was born in her soul.

"I agree. I was afraid that Mishawould become a bully after the move, but no, he came to his senses, " Nora was just as proud as Ana.

"Where are you from?"Steele Asked In A Whisper

- Odessa. My husband has a task here, but my son and I went after him. You can't leave him alone. He is very hot and intemperate. Plus he's got a heart problem, " Nora said, sounding alarmed.

Steele smiled ruefully.

After the meeting, Nora offered to go to her place, but Ana refused. The woman went to her mother. She corresponded with Kate and Jose in their shared work chat.

When Ana arrived at her parents ' house, she helped her mother with dinner and watched out of the corner of her eye as the children played with Ray in the living room.

"Christian could have played with them." Why isn't he with you? Ray says he's dead, and Katherine says you broke up. Which one of them is lying? Carla asked.

Ana sighed. She wasn't ready for this conversation. She hid her eyes.

"Tell me one thing: is he alive?"Carla hugged her daughter.

"Yes," Anastasia sighed, conjuring herself a cup of tea.

"If he's alive, I think you can fix your situation." Remember, Annie, everythingin this world is fixable except death."

Ana buried her face in her mother's shoulder and sighed sadly. She's wrong. She doesn't know anything and well...

-Нет, Ana taped the parking ticket to the windshield and said, " I don't know, but that's too much."

"Get used to it. It's Seattle, baby, " Elena said. He and Ana were putting up fines in the parking lot of one of the skyscrapers in downtown Seattle.

"God, only assholes park like that," Lincoln sighed..-Either put it according to the markup, or… I understand everything, business people, time money and so on, but God ... almost 30 wrong parking lots...

"What's the hurry?" You're kind of single, I also broke up with my boyfriend in November, " Anastasia laughed.

-Yes, I'm single, but personal life is not just about guys. What do I care about guys anyway… I just go to one casino… I bet, I play cards. There will be a game there today. And I'm late. However, I'm already too late, " Elena waved her hand.

"Go on, I'll finish the fines myself," Ana said, taking the tickets from Lincoln.

"Are you sure?"The woman squinted, looking for a catch.

- yes. Ana smiled at her colleague.

Lincoln nodded and hailed a taxito the Aladdin Casino. It was the most famous casino in Seattle. Celebrities and the city's elite often gathered here. There were legends about this place, and others about its mysterious owner. There were also persistent rumors among the regulars that the casino was paying a lot of money for protection to a certain businessman, whose name was never disclosed.

Entering the casino, Elena greeted the desk clerk Hanji Zoey.

"Well?" Is everything the same as always? No interesting opponents?Elena ordered a glass of wine.

"I wouldn't say that," Hanji nodded at the far table, where a tall, trim man in his 40s in a black business suit was sitting.

"Look how... handsome he is. And how does it play…No one has ever won against him. He does cheat, but that's nothing, " the receptionist chuckled.

"No one?"Elena was surprised."Let's see.

After finishing her wine, she walked over to the table where the stranger was sitting. Helooked up questioningly.

"I want to play with you," Elena said with a smug smile.

The man looked her over. A beautiful, albeit elderly woman, well-dressed...

"Aren't you a little old for that?"He smiled, a carefree, boyish smile.

"Experience and age are not the same thing," Elena said. She sat down regally across the table from the man. He handed her the cards. Lincoln smiled out of the corner of her mouth.

They started playing. Their game gathered an incredible number of spectators around their table. Some were rooting for the man, while others, including Hanji, were rooting for Elena. Louisordered coffee and спеша пsipped itslowly, glancing at Elena.

As a result, she won over him, which caused everyone's delight and shock. Her opponent was as startled as the others

"I admit you're a worthy opponent, Miss -" The man shook her hand.

"Lincoln, Elena Lincoln.""You have an accent." Not from our area?

They got up and went to the bar and the man gave her a cocktail

"That's right. I am from Moscow. Viktor Platov, the owner of this place, " the man said.

"No," I said… You're kidding... come On… I won against the owner ... my God, " Elena laughed. Easy and casual.

Victor was looking at her. Something about her tugged at him. A domineering woman, obviously from a rich family, but she knows how to behave like a girl. She must have been very beautiful in her youth.

They were standing at the bar and talking about various topics.

-Are you the owner or the businessman who is paid for protection?"Elena immediately switched to talking to this man

-The owner. But I don't know the full name of the defender, " Viktor shrugged."Are you married, by the way?"

"Not too brazen?"Elena raised an eyebrow as she sipped her Cosmopolitan."We've known each other for half an hour, and you're already getting married?"

"Just a regular game partner, Miss Lincoln. I think we could play a game, " Platov kissed her hand."Think of me as I think of you.

He left with a smile for Elena. The woman's heart was warm and strangely calm. It had been a long time since she так сильно 'd liked anyone so much.

In bed, Elena preferred young boys aged 19-20. She was their Mrs. Robinson and their dominant. No emotions or feelings... just naked lust and passion.

But to get carried away by someone adult and show feelings at the same time… Lady Lincoln knew she couldn't afford the luxury of love.

But with Platov… She wanted to see him again, talk to him again, and spend as much time with him as possible...

The house greeted Elena with peace and quiet. A sleek black kitten came out of the kitchen and rubbed against her legs.

Lincoln patted him and smiled.

After finishing dinner, Lady Lincoln sat down to her laptop with a glass of wine. She pulled out her phone and dialed Raymond's number.

"Ray, I need information about someone..."

Ana turned on her laptop for the hundredth time and turned it off again. She made sure it was safe, but she didn't dare use it. Where did it come from in her office? Whose handiwork is this? The girl didn't have any answers...

But there was work to be done, and she forced herself to turn on the infernal machine and log in to the post office.

She quickly closed it. 20 emails... 20! She rubbed her temples tiredly and opened her mail again. Most of the letters were from the children and the mother. Regular correspondence… But one letter made Anastasia pull herself together and become as seriousas possible.

From David Gotsman

To Anastasia Steele

Date 17.01.2025

Subject: personal meeting.

Miss Steele, I know you're a very busy woman, but the Inquisition wants to see you and talk to you. And we have a lot to talk about. You're probably the only light one in Seattle. I suggest you see me today. I'll be waiting for you at your office in the evening.

Is it the only light one in town? How? Why? What happened? What did she even know about the magical life of Seattle? Curiosity and fear made the girl respond to Gotzman's letter.

By Anastasia Still

To David Gotsman

Date 17.01.2025

Theme last light in Seattle?

Mr. Gotzman… You've really baffled me. I agree to see you today. At the same time, tell us about Chekan and Ida

After sending the email, Ana conjured up lunch for herself, and after eating, she began to clear up the clutter of work that was associated with the laptop. Her fingers moved quickly over the keyboard, creating reports and protocols... Gaara was right: this laptop was a great machine, but Steel could only guess at its origin...

In the evening, after finishing her reports andprotocols, Ana got ready to go home, said goodbye to her father and colleagues, and went outside.

Outside the police station, a tall, rangy man with black, disheveled hair and intelligent black eyes was waiting for her. He was smoking thoughtfully and looked calm and calm. He radiated confidence andconfidence in waves.

"I'll go before you, Miss Steele," the stranger said, his voice a little gruff.- David Markovich Gotsman, Head of the Odessa Inquisition.

"Anastasia Rose Steele, president and captain of the Seattle Police Department."

"The Los Angeles crime storm. The heroine of Black November. You fought so bravely against the dark ones. How do you think tut7 isn't bothered by anything?Gotzman started walking toward the cafe on the other side of the road.

"Seattle is a pretty quiet city. Sometimes it's so boring that my colleague and I just write out tickets for crooked parking. But still ... why am I the only light one in Seattle?Ana asked the question that really bothered her

"The в СиэтлеAbwehr and Ahnenabere schools were secretly set up in Seattle during the war and before it. And this place became an attraction for the forces of Darkness. It was run by a vampire named Mahidevran. Not that she liked Germans, but rather money. Her influence on this place was very great. The light ones were exterminated by whole families, and the children of the light ones were forcibly taken to Nazi шкschools and turned into Darkness. Very few people managed to avoid this fate, " David sighed.

"Is Mahidevran still alive?"Ana asked quietly.

"The viper is alive. However, now it has lost its former influence and power. Rumor has it that there's a new Dark Lord in town. That wasn't enough yet. You know what Dark kings are usually like, " Gotzman shrugged as they entered the cafe. They sat by the window and ordered tea and eclairs.

"Is the new dark lord of this city connected to crime?"Ana asked Tiho.

"Apparently not, he has a legitimate telecommunications business, and so do his entourage. We have an agreement so far only on paper, but still: he does not touch us, we are his. Mahidevran and her henchmen are our business.",-Гоцман отпил чая.

"And Chekan and Ida?"? Will you catch them?Ana asked.

-And here is the most interesting part. Chekan used to be with Mahidevran, but apparently something happened and he swore allegiance to the Dark Magicians. The new Lord. He's in his retinue. But just in case, we've put a man in the Lord's entourage. We keep the situation under control, and you were just curious to see. You're beautiful... " Gotzman smiled.

"Thank you," Steel said sheepishly."But I don't -"

"Don't have affairs?" I know. By the way, I am married and have a son. Happy cell of shrugged."And you'll have a family, Ana."

"I don't think so... I used to love Los Angeles, but I got really burned. He turned out to be a Dark One and a Nazi, but also a cannibal. So no, I don't want to- " Ana sighed and immediately pulled herself together.-I definitely won't start a relationship in the near future.

Three months later, April.

Leaning back against the pillows, Elena brushed the blond strands of hair back from her forehead. Platov sprawled next to her and smiled happily.

"Well, you're a...goddess," the man was delighted.

Lincoln punched him in the side."I'm ordinary. Well, almost...

"You're beautiful... for your 60s," Victor kissed her shoulder.

"I'm 34," Elena said seriously, lighting a cigarette.

Platov was puzzled. How? Why? She looks older than her years!

"What do you mean, 34?" Ah... " he began, looking at his mistress.

"I've been through a lot… The war, the Abwehr school where they tried to turn me into a Dark One in the service of the Reich. I ran away from there and wandered for a long time. Moved to London, helped the allies... a dark childhood, Constant stress, depression... " sighed Elena.

"Do you hate the Dark Ones?" The man put his arm around her.

"Not that I hate it. But they only cause me negative emotions. Especially those who collaborated with the Nazis. The lowest of the low, " Elena chuckled."And suchara Mahidevran..."

Elena froze, remembering what she had experienced. Torture, bullying, pain… She didn't break down just thinking about revenge… But alas, revenge did not work out...

Platov held her close and stroked her hair.

"It's all in the past, I'm with you," he kissed her shoulder."Can we go out tomorrow?"

Elena froze. They had amazing sex, it's true, she'd never been fucked like this before… But ... give Platov more… She couldn't… She wanted to, but would he accept what she could tell him?

His file stated that he was a simple man. It is unlikely that he will understand and accept.

"I... let's just leave it at that..." the woman gasped.

-Elena… Victor looked into her eyes."I ... I ... love you."

Elena closed her eyes and sighed. She was told that they love only once and the one who told her this died shortly after the wedding...

-Vit, I can't... - Elena sighed and wiped away her tears. lj

Platov had no intention of backing down.- I'm with you, tell me what's wrong.

Elena closed her eyes. She was going to lose him now but she had to tell him… He is dear to her, very dear...

"There's an ancient curse… I don't know who put it on my bloodline or why, but it's like this: anyone who is loved by members of our family will die, I didn't believe it until I met my first husband Eric. He was a good man and a soldier. We were happy. I fell in love like a girl. We got married, and I believed that everything would definitely be different with me...

But ... shortly after the wedding, he was hit by a car. And so it is with everyone: no one can break this curse, " Elena sighed

Platov looked at Elena in horror. Lincoln got up and dressed.

"I'll call you a taxi," she said weakly.

Viktor looked at her pleadingly.

"You've found out what you're in for. I don't want you to die. We'd better break up, " the woman's heart ached mercilessly.

Platov hugged her.

"We'll find a way to break this curse on you. He kissed her gently.

"Hey," David Markovich said, looking into Viktor's office."You look tired." Tell me, what gec bit you?"

Platov looked up from his laptop.

"I met a woman here. I fell in love with her,and the family curse is hanging over her. And I will have to die. I'm looking for a way to remove it. But ... it's dark magic, and there's nothing about it in our archives."

Gotzman thought about it. The Dark Curse… And the woman who is dear to his platoon leader… And if...

"Look, what if you ask the Dark Lord for help? You 're not the last person in his entourage. Yes, I'll have to tell her everything, but I think your lady will accept all this and understand.""What's her name?"

- Elena, Elena in Russian. She's smart, knows her own worth, rich, apparently her parents were nobles or something. She's only 34, and she looks a lot older.""He will demand that I introduce her to his retinue, and she hates the dark ones."

"You know, if she wants to break the curse, she'll do it. Just explain everything to her. But the decision is still up to her, " Gotsman went out, leaving Platov in thought.

Meanwhile, Elena was drinking coffee at work and wondering if she'd overreacted by rejecting Victor. He was kind to her, and the sex with him was great. But most importantly, he took care of her and always succumbed to their card games.

And now she's alone again...

There was no end to her sad thoughts, and the woman left work in a foul mood, going to Aladdin's, hoping to relax.

She took a table by the window and waited.

Platov came in half an hour later and sat down across from her."Sorry about yesterday.

"There's nothing to forgive," Elena said.-Well, what should we play?

-Yes, but we will play not just like that, but at will. If I win, you will fulfill my wish, and if you win, I will fulfill your wish."If he wins today, he has to win to help her.

Elena nodded and picked up the cards. As always, their game attracted a lot of onlookers. But today the cards clearly favored Platov.

"Damn," Elena said with a forced sigh half an hour later, dropping her cards on the table,"You won, I admit.

Victor was exultant. He sipped his coffee calmly and smiled at her.

"And...?" What is your wish? Lincoln asked ironically."Gambling debt is sacred.

Victor led her outside and into a dim alley.

"I have a friend," the colonel began. He's a wizard, a very powerful wizard, and he's willing to help us lift your curse. Platov gathered his thoughts.

"It's dark," Elena Guessed."And you, too..."

The man nodded.

"I know this is crazy for you… But this is the only chance for us, " he looked into the woman's turquoise eyes with a pleading look.

"Is he connected to Mahidevran?"Lincoln asked in a whisper. She didn't want to trust the dark one. But if it helps, if she can break the curse and be happy with Platov.

"No, it's not connected… But he was an Abwehr agent, their best and most powerful spy. It's up to you, just you. One word from you and I'll be out of your life."

Elena sighed… Best Abwehr Agent… She knew who he was talking about. Her heart ached at the thought of having to trust this monster.це нещадно болело пBut she loved Viktor more than she feared the Academician.

"I... agree to accept his help," Elena conceded."What am I supposed to do?"

"Enter his retinue as my woman," Platov breathed.\

Lincoln bit her lip. She knew... knew that he would demand it.

"I agree," she said.

Victor handed her a small gold box.

- Today at 21: 30, put on this cream. I'll call you at 10 p.m. sharp and give you further instructions.""Don't worry about cannibalism: it's only the men of our clan who do it. You can just drink blood if you want.

"An animal,"Elena Said."Or run away."

"You can discuss that with him yourself," Platov nodded."Go... we'll call you at 10

She kissed him passionately, then hid the jar of cream and hurried home.

The clock on my laptop read 21: 20. Elena Lincoln was sitting in front of the mirror in her bedroom, wearing a housecoat. There was a jar of cream in front of her. The woman's heart was beating with fear and anticipation. She was afraid of losing herself by becoming a witch. But at the same time, she wanted to take a chance. If she succeeds, if she defeats the curse, then perhaps it will not weigh not only on her, but also on other members of her kind.

Finally, the time on the laptop showed 21: 30. Elena took a deep breath and opened the jar of cream. Quickly stripping off her robe, she began to rub the cream into the skin of her body and face. The cream easily evaporated and was literally absorbed into her skin. After a few rubs, Elena looked at herself in the mirror and cried out in surprise.

A young girl of about 25 years old with blue-gray eyes and a shock of golden hair that fell in soft waves over her shoulders and down her back was looking at her from the mirror surface.

"Ah, Academician, Academician, you knew about my wishes," Elena shook her head, admiring herself.- Truly be afraid of your wishes: they can come true...

Taking a deep breath, Elena opened a drawer in the mirrored nightstand and pulled out a gold-framed photograph. It showed her: a gangly 14-year-old bully with a crow's nest on her head and an elegant tall boy of 17-18 years old in a junker uniform, who hugged her from behind. Elena's fingers touched the boy's face.

The open, pleasant, aristocratic face of a handsome nobleman with clear turquoise eyes, a shock of neat black hair... her brother, her strong, loving brother with the heart of a knight...

The photo was taken here in Seattle a coupleof weeks before their parents died in a bad day in February 2002

She remembered how Mahidevran's men had broken into their house and killed their parents, pinning her and her brother down...

And then there was hell... Abwehr Secret School, torture, humiliation, pain… She often tried to escape from there. And her brother...

Elena found herself crying. He chose a different path… But why? What had driven him into the Darkness? Lust for power? Money? Idli something else?

Lincoln didn't know that. She hated what Mahidevran had done to him. And not just her...

Painful memories popped into Elena's head. I wasn't in the mood. She particularly remembered her brother's admission to the SS. It was one of their last meetings. Then he, imperious and cold, received the SS dagger and with fanatical brilliance killed one of those who dared to defy him.

Elena wiped away her tears. She would have given anything for her brother to have chosen a different path then...

The melody of the "Arab Night" phone that Lincoln had used for calls from Platov distracted Elena from her sad thoughts. The phone was in the kitchen. Elena jumped in surprise and hovered in midair. Realizing that she could now fly, Elena moved through the air to the kitchen.

"Hello," Elena said hoarsely into the phone.

-Elena… How are you?Platov asked."Did you cry?"

"No, I'm fine,"she said.I liked the cream. I look very... different...

"I want to see it." It's time. Fly out. Fly a little above the city, and then north to the outskirts. They're waiting for you, " Viktor said, and hung up.

Elena hung up and suddenly a broomstick appeared in the kitchen. Clean, polished surface… She tore at the window and called out for the road. Lincoln deftly grabbed the broom and rode it out the open window.

The flight exceeded all her expectations. She enjoyed it. The wind ruffled her hair, and the moonlight enveloped her like a cocoon. The feeling of freedom was intoxicating. Still, there are a lot of advantages to being a witch. And flying was clearly one of them.

After flying over the sleeping Seattle, the girl went to the northern outskirts of the city. A rich mansion caught her eye there. The girl swooped down to him and landed softly on the grass. Looking closer, she recognized the place.

Her family's mansion… She had heard that someone had bought it out, but she had no idea that the Academician had done it.

The witch walked thoughtfully through the dark garden, which was sleeping peacefully. She'd been through so much here. And how much more will he survive...

ДойдяWhen she reached the fountain, Elena sat down on it and sighed. A carefree happy childhood, bright parents, a rich, well-fed life, an attempt to escape from the Revolution and start a new life...

And it was all gone in an instant...the girl shook her head. Now is not the time for memories, now is the time to get ready… But it didn't work.

However, taking a deep breath, Elena wiped away her tears and stood up. She walked softly across the grass to the mansion and knocked on its door.

It was opened by a pretty Jewish woman in her 20s with black hair and deep dark eyes.

"Who are you and what do you need?" the stranger asked in a pleasant, deep voice.

"I'm Al-" Lincoln broke off. It seems that now she can and should give her real name without fear for her life.

"I'm Elena Yegorovna Krechetova," the new witch said proudly."And an Academician is waiting for me."

The witch nodded and let her in. Inside, the mansion was as bright and chic as it had been during Elena's childhood. The girl quickly looked around and followed her guide.

She took a quick look at her: young, beautiful, well-groomed, completely naked. The witch clearly had a good figure,but a slightly rounded tummy suggested that she was pregnant.

Elena and the witch went up the stairs and the witch stopped at one of the doors. Taking a deep breath, Elena went to the door and opened it.

Inside was a bedroom. The fireplace was burning and candles were burning. A table was set for five by the fireplace. At the head of the table sat an Academic in a black SS Nazi uniform. Platov and Chekan flanked his throne of bones.

безжалостныеThe Spy King's cruel, merciless eyes were soft and human for a moment, but only for a moment.

"Greetings, Elena Yegorovna," the man said, and with a glance pointed to an empty chair next to him.

Elena nodded politely, but didn't bow. Her innate sense of self-worth rebelled against the mere suggestion that she would obey him. Yes, he was the head of their clan, but she was no ordinary woman.

"Ida," the Academician said to the pregnant Jewish woman."Sit down."

They all sat down and Viktor gave Elena a reassuring look.

"So what brings you to my clan?"The Academician asked hoarsely, greedily devouring the raw meat.

"Personal," Lincoln said evasively. Voicing the fact that she was going to cope with the generic curse, the girl was not going to.

"You have won my adviser's heart. Surprised, surprised. It's not customary to have relationships in my entourage. We serve only the Dark and the Reich. Our hearts should only burn with hatred towards our enemies. And then - " The ogre chuckled."One minute Chekan knocked up Ida, the next Viktor is almost crying and begging for his soulmate to join his entourage. If this goes on, then perhaps I скором will soon think about starting a relationship.

The last sentence was uttered with a certain bitterness and pain. Elena noticed this and was probably the only one who understood what was going on.

Theacademician turned his gaze to Chekan.-What is the situation in the city? Mahidevran panicked?

"My Count, she has no idea who killed her people, and the way Taylor expertly hacked into her bank accounts and withdrew money from them seems to have depressed her," a dry, somber man with a scar on his temple and long hair bowed his head in a bow.

"This thing doesn't know what's coming. There is a New head of Darkness in the city. If she believes that she is the best of the Darkspawn, then she will either have to die or kneel before me, accepting me as her master."- I prefer the first option, by the way. All my enemies must die so that I can rule this city to my heart's content.

"Yes, it's a very fun life for someone," Elena whispered, sipping her wine.

"What else?"- The academician was waiting for the report."I heard the light one came to town. It won't change the balance of power. This city belongs to the Dark. Who is she, anyway?"

"The police station. He doesn't pry into our business. But I met Gotsman, " Chekan was cold.

The Count of Night's gaze became almost bestial. Another enemy of his is here...

"You want me to bring him here?"Chekan asked cautiously.

- No, first Mahidevran... if David Markovich has enough brains not to go beyond his authority and the task that he received from Moscow, then he is not dangerous for us. But if he wants to hunt our clan, then no matter how he becomes a victim himself,the academician did not forgive Gotsman for the failure in Odessa, when the city was almost his, but thanks to Gotsman's ingenuity and intelligence, he exposed the Cannibal King and had to flee.

-Find out everything about this light one, who she is and where she came from… Perhaps she wants the same thing as Gotzman. His assignment is Mahidevran, that much is clear. And what exactly happened tothis brightgirl?The academician thought about it.

He rubbed his chin and growled softly. The Count of Night's regular features were distorted by something predatory.

"Count," Elena said carefully, sipping her wine."Maybe we should make a temporary peace treaty with Gotzman." He also catches Mahidevran. We could use his help." And ... help from the police.

The table fell silent. Platov squeezed Elena's hand under the table, and Chekan and Ida lowered their eyes in fear.

The academician fixed his pitiless blue eyes on Elena.

"If anything, we can't fight on two fronts. The experience of previous generations suggests this, " Elena explained calmly, without lowering her eyes.- Yes, you were once enemies, but life changes.

The academician chuckled. Innate royalty and intelligence have always distinguished Elena Krechetova. He knew her very well. And she hadn't changed in the years since they'd been apart.

The man leaned back in his throne."But I don't think we'll get a chance to meet them."

-You can not advertise yet that you are the new head of Darkness. Gotzman knows that there are forces here who don't like Mahidevran. We can help him and his people secretly, " Chekan suggested. He liked Lincoln's idea.

The academician took a sip of blood from his goblet. This witch just showed up here and she's already acting like his right hand man… Yes, and looks him in the eye… Everyone who did this before died. Unless Anastasia Steele managed to survive. And by a strange coincidence, this black-haired girl still worriedthe icy heart of the Academician.

He'd let her go, he'd made it clear that they couldn't be together at the same time… She was often a guest in his dreams. In good dreams. For the first time in 23 years of being an Academician, he began to dream of something other than nightmares and sabbaths...

I wonder if Elena and Ana could be friends. Would Miss Steele get along with Chekan and Ida?

The Spy King shook his head. What wild thoughts were going through his head?

"Elena," the Count of Night began sweetly."You're a very clever woman… And the way you look me in the eye... there's something about it.

"I'm not used to being afraid of anyone." Life has made me fearless. And what I went through from 14 to 17 finally hardened me, " the Witch smiled."I'm telling you what, though. You were there..."

The Count of Night tensed. Elena looked like she was going to tell him his real name...

But no, she gave him a winning smile and glanced at Ida.

"I want to rest." Is my room ready?"Lena asked softly.

- I admit, you surprised me,-Platov hugged Elena from behind.- Usually beginners are afraid of the Academician.

"I'm a noblewoman, and it's not my style to be afraid of anyone," Elena shrugged.- Any idea how to remove the curse? Can we look for something in the library?

"That's a good idea. By the way, " Viktor looked Elena over."You're very pretty… I was right to think that you were the first beauty in Petrograd.

-Why in Petrograd?Elena didn't understand as she hugged the dark councilor.

"Because the most beautiful noblewomen have always lived there," Platov pushed her onto the bed and hovered over her. She laughed and pulled him to her. Their lips were like moths, fluttering over each other's faces. Viktor quickly undressed and hugged Elena to him.

For once, he was ready to thank his Master for sending Elena the cream. Right now, in his arms was the young and beautiful girl that Lincoln was, in fact.

"Let's lift the curse and I'll lead you down the aisle," Platov said, kissing her breasts and stomach.

"Ask my brother's blessing witch teased.

"Do you have a brother?" Why don't I know?Victor was kissing her.

"Well... before that, we only fucked… And now... there's something more between us."

Platov rolled his eyes. Hell, was this woman ever going to trust him completely? Why was she so reluctant to share the secrets of her life with him?

Suddenly Elena rolled over and Viktor was under her.

She kissed him and snuggled up to him. Mig and her deft fingers found his cock and guided it inside her. Lincoln began to ride him wildly, forgetting for the moment all the worries and sorrows of her life.

Platov cupped her buttocks with his hands and tried to set the pace of their intimacy, but the witch playfully slapped his hands.

"I'm in charge today," she purred."Lie still and don't twitch. Otherwise, I'll tie you up.

"Oh, we have a dominant here. You're full of surprises, " Platov laughed and obeyed her. Being in the hands of this woman was the ultimate bliss for him.

Elena moved on top of him, kissing him and laughing. He only swung his hips submissively at her. At last she trembled all over, and with a sweet cry fell on his chest.

Victor growled and came on her thigh.

Happy they embraced and fell asleep in each other's arms...

The morning started off perfectly. It was raining outside, and Viktor was sniffing peacefully by my side . Elena patted him on the back and conjured up breakfast and coffee. She sat next to her sleeping lover and smiled. She didn't know what would happen next, but she hoped that she would overcome the curse and then she would look for a way to leave the Academician's clan. They will ask for help from Gotzman and leave together with Platov for Russia.

Or...

She stood up and looked out the window.

There was no longer any snow in the garden and everything was about to bloom. Nature was preparing to awaken.

Elena loved spring. She remembered running around here as a child. Here she is weaving a wreath of dandelions, here she is fighting with her brother with wooden swords. Here is her head lying on her mother's lap and she reads aloud to them Pushkin's fairy tales. Damn, it was all just...

Until that fucking February… Why didn't my father listen to his friends? Why didn't he take them to Washington, where the light's power was strong? She understood that the white officer Yegor Yuryevich Krechetov would rather die protecting his family than hide and grovel in front of the bitch Mahidevran, but damn...

He died, leaving his children to face the ruthless world of the Third Reich. And this world sank its claws into the body of his son, and the poison of sweet lies and propaganda was spread through the veins of the young man...

Shaking out her shock of golden hair, Elena pushed the memoryaway. We need to calm down. Nothingcan be changed… Nothing… Now the main thing is to remove the curse and then...

A slight shuffling of her feet and Vitaly's habitual purr brought her out of her reverie. Puzzled, the girl leaned over and picked up the kitten.

"You have a wonderful kitten," she heard the Academician Count of Night stood in the doorway and looked at Elena.

"How... were you in my apartment?"The witch was surprised.

- Was. Let's go to my place and talk, " the Academician ordered.

Elena obeyed his order. Leaving the Kitten with Victor, Lincoln followed the Count of Night into his office

The Count's office resembled that of a wealthy businessman. Everything was light and white, and everything was in its proper place.

The academician nodded at the chair opposite him. Elena sat up and stared into the ogre's calm, handsome face.

"I want to know what brought you to my clan." You've always hated the Dark Ones, and the Dark Nazis are doubly so. And then... you kneel before me, " the Academician waited for an answer.

"I don't, and I never will. I said something personal, "Произнесла Lincoln said.

"I don't believe it. I can always tell lies from the truth, Lena. The academician glared at her with his turquoise eyes.

"Lift the curse on your kind,"Решительно the girl said firmly.

The academician laughed wildly.

"Did you believe, like your ancestors, that there was a way to break this curse and be happy?" Don't fall for these fairy tales, Krechetova. There were light ones and dark ones and Inquisitors in your family,and no one could break the spell. Everyone they loved is dead. So it was, is, and will be. Your line is cursed. The only thing I advise you is not to get attached to Platov and just fuck him without much emotion, - Whispered the ogre.

"I love him!" But you don't understand that! You ...beast, you never loved! you have betrayed the ideals you should have followed! You sold out to the Nazis! What did they promise you?!Elena couldn't standit.

"They threatened to kill you!"The Academician growled and hid his eyes.

Elena gasped. So that's why… She remembered perfectly well that when they got to the Abwehr school, the Academician was different. He resisted, desperately resisted what Mahidevran wanted to do to him, fought like the devil, drank too much, broke discipline, and tried to escape. He was often sent to the punishment cell and flogged in front of everyone at every opportunity.

And then… It was as if something had been switched in his brain, and now the kind, sweet nobleman was replaced by a cold and cruel Nazi cannibal, a fanatical supporter of the Reich.

"We could have escaped," Elena shouted."They could!

"And live on the run all your life?" I chose this path, and you were able to escape. And what was it like to live in fear for 23 years, eh Elena?- The Academician Mocked.

"I'm fine, I'm not complaining. And you seem to have atrophied all that is human and kind, " Lincoln turned around and wanted to leave.

"If they had atrophied, I wouldn't have bought this estate, and you wouldn't be here. I have Light in me, but not everyone can see it, " the academician stood up and put his arm around her shoulders. Just like in that photo…The warmth is strong and so familiar.

"Why didn't you come looking for me?"Elena stared into the cold turquoise of his eyes.

"I didn't want to. I thought you were a traitor, I thought that I would never see you again, and then life brought us together and you were under my banners, " The manwalked away.

They were silent for a while.

"So, what do you do?" Something illegal?Elena asked after a while.

"I'll disappoint you, Lena. The members of my ssvita and I have a legal business. There is, of course, a shadow business: arms, drugs, and human trafficking. All zheto brings huge revenues. Now I'm opening a chain of beauty salons "Esclava" and I need a manager there, " the Academician smiled.

Elena shook her head. Managing a network of beauty salons… She never wanted to control anyone, she's a cop.

Yes, she liked to be dominated by men, but that's not the same thing...

"I've never controlled anyone," the girl said, shaking her head."Your plan is insane.

"You'll learn. Power is in your blood, don't forget that."-You can give your co-workers discounts and platinum cards. Don't worry, I'll be right there.

End of April.

Anastasia leaned back in her chair and closed her laptop. They had no leads on the Mahidevran case. It made the girl angry. She wanted to put this vampire behind bars and live in peace. Maybe try dating someone...

And so… She rubbed her temples tiredly. The damned vampire was quiet, but sometimes the police found the bloodless corpses of people, mostly children. Sometimes people disappeared without a trace and didn't even find a body. This angered Anastasia and she swore that she would personally drive a stake through this cruel heart.

Kate poked her head in."How are you?"

"I'm tired as a dog," Anastasia admitted."I've got a lot to do..."

"I understand. We also. This Mahidevran doesn't let you live in peace.""Elena's also missing.

Elena's disappearance happened a few weeks ago. Raymond had everyone on their feet, and Seattle was buzzing with the search for Miss Lincoln, but it didn't come to anything...

0think she's alive?Ana asked her friend.

"I hope she's alive." It's tenacious. Sure, she's a bit bitchy, but she's a real cop and a good friend.""How are the kids?"

- They are studying. Phoebe literally moved in with the Gotzmans. She clearly likes Mishka. As a friend. Theodore seems a little jealous of his sister. By the way, I sometimes go to visit David and Nora. They are good, simple people. Nora is always trying to feed me. Reminds me of Carla. Today I plan to go to them too. They have a very warm and soulful atmosphere, I love this, " Ana smiled

Amid the pitch-blackness, the pain of a broken heart, and Mahidevran's follies, it was a pleasant escape for Steele to talk to Gotzman.

"That's probably how families should be. Yours will be the same. I'm sure. But myfamily will probably be restless and noisy. And a big one, " Kavanagh Said With a wink.

Ana smiled. She will definitely have a family, she will meet love. She was sure she was ready for a new relationship. The wounds in the heart inflicted by the Academician were almost healed. She had virtually forgotten everything that had happened in Loms Angeles. Yes, there was a lot of good stuff, but there was also a lot of bad stuff.

"By the way .While I was walking towards you, a flyer was handed out to me on the street. The Esclava beauty salon was opened here. Can we go for lunch?Kate asked, handing her friend a flyer with the word Esclava written in gold and a picture of the salon.

Ana turned the flyer over in her hands. She hadn't been to a beauty salon in a long time. Her hair had grown to her shoulder blades, and she wanted to change the color to a reddish-brown.

"Go Ahead," The brunette Agreed.

The Esclave's interior was huge. A modern building that employed several dozen men and women. There was a lot of light and everything was golden and white. Ana looked around ecstatically. She liked it here.

A glass of champagne, foot massage, manicure, pedicure, relaxing massage-All this relaxed Anastasia. After all these procedures, she trimmed her hair and put on makeup.

Kate also received all the treatments and now they were standing at the reception desk and paying.

After paying, Ana turned to leave with a beaming smile, and then her smile faded. She froze, looking into the Academician's cold turquoise eyes. That I entered the salon as the owner. The girl gasped for air, feeling like she couldn't breathe. Tears streamed down her face.

All the most joyful memories that happened to her in October came back and bright spots were etched into her memory. Here she and he were at the ball, making pizza. They watch "Futurama", the first sex, his caring for her during the injury, a session in the game room, Halloween...

And then she remembered the humiliation and pain that had taken place in his mansion on their last night and his attempt to kill her… But they weren't as vivid as those happy memories.

"My God," she whispered, and took a hesitant step toward the Count of Night.

But he bared his fangs and growled softly. And yet ... there was pain in his eyes, something human and catchy.

"Don't run away," Ana whispered."Don't run away..."

But the Academician no longer heard her. With a regal, proud step, he left the car and walked over to where Taylor was smoking a Bentley.

After getting in the car, he ordered the driver to take him to the mansion. The man stared straight ahead with a proud, hateful stare.

She is the light... the darkness, how cruel life is. The ogre growled, The girl is here… He has every right to start hunting her.

But my heart ached treacherously at the thought. What's wrong with him? Usually, the thought of hunting down enemies excited the Academician, but here… Did... did he love her? Loves in any way Christian Grey, but for real… He had played too much then, and he had allowed himself too much. I told her that I loved her, forgot about the curse, allowed myself the illusion of happiness...

However, then he remembered who he was and tried to push her away. That night at his mansion, where he let his demons go for a walk and had the kind of sex he always loved, was beautiful. He had enjoyed his intercourse with Miss Steele. He reveled in her submission. And he wanted to do it again.

And not only that… But the way they drank wine, the way they jokingly smeared each other with pasta in the morning, the way he brushed her hair by the fireplace...

You can't, you can't… It will always be dangerous with him. If not Mahidevran then another enemy will appear… He can't… It shouldn't...

Once in his mansion, the Academician silently walked to his room, proudly straightening his back with cold eyes...

It wasn't until he closed his bedroom door and cast an anti-intrusion charm on it that the man did something he hadn't done since he was 17, the night his parents were killed.

He dropped his head in his hands and allowed himself to cry...

"Miss Steele, I'm here before you," David Gotzman said, looking in on Ana.

She smiled, but very sadly.

-You're kind of sad for the last 2-3 days, You didn't come to us on Friday. And we waited. Are the kids okay?David looked sympathetic.

"Yes, it 's personal," Ana said. No one could help her, no one probably knew the solution to her problem.

- Hey... well, I had a wild fight with my boy, but then make up violently. Believe me, it always happens. Nora and I fight and make up. If he cares about you, he will come to you. But okay, it doesn't matter.

I'll get to you, Anastasia Romanovna. The boys were on the trail of Mahidevran. She's stirring up trouble on the docks. Whether he's selling drugs or buying werewolves is not clear, " Gotsman rubbed his chin."Will you join us on the raid?"

The bold gleam in Ana's eyes told Gotzman everything better than any words.

ТёDark night descended on Seattle. Ana, Gotzman, Kate, Jose, and Gotzman's friend Yakimenko sat quietly in ambush at the port and waited. Hidden behind crates, they raised their heads every now and then, unnoticed, to assess the situation.

Suddenly, a beautiful woman in an old Turkish dress arrived at the port. She had a doll-like, cute face, but her eyes were angry and red. They gave away her non-human origin.

A tall man with a black beard and a rumpled gray suit stood in front of her.

- Ibrahim, a prominent Politician in Turkey. We've been catching him for almost a year... he collaborated with the Germans during the war. So they're in this together, " Kate screamed.

Meanwhile, the vampire and the wizard were discussing something in Turkish. She nodded to him, and Ibrahim snapped his fingers. A whole squad of bandits of different appearance and nationality appeared behind him.

"Beautiful," Mahidevran sang in a high, almost childlike voice."Your men will serve our common purpose. First we take down the Inquisition in the person of Gotzman, and then the Dark Lord.

Gotzman jumped out of his hiding place and pointed the gun at Mahidevran.

It bared its fangs and growled. Gotzman threw a spell at her and a fight ensued. Mahidevran's men fought fiercely against Gotzman's men. Anastasia covered for her friends in every possible way, deftly alternating between magic and firearms. A huge Black man snarled and started toward Kate, only to be frozen by a blizzard from Yakimenko's hands.

Suddenly, Mahidevran was standing in front of Ana.

"So you're the light one who came here?" Stupid, girl, very stupid. This is my city, and any light ones who come here will die, " Mahidevran growled.

A fireball appeared in her hand and she launched it at Anastasia. It responded with an Ice attack. However, she didn't see that Ibrahim was pointing the gun at her. The Turk glared at her and pulled the trigger.

However, an unknown force changed the trajectory of the bullet and it flew into the ceiling. Ibrahim watched in horror.

A momentlater, a high-pitched bear growl rang out. Everyone froze. A burly brown bear stood between Ana and Mahidevr's evil spirits. The whole appearance of the beast said that on was ready to attack.

The bear broke into an attack on Ibrahim's gang. Ana and everyone's mouths dropped open. Where did this beast come from? In the city? And the strange thing was, it was like he was intelligent. It was the Mmahidev gang that he attacked, but he didn't touch Gotzman's men.

"Is it dark?"Kate whispered to Yakimenko.

-Yes, I know!Alexey rubbed his chin.

Gotzman and Ana quickly got their bearings and rushed to help the beast. He crushed the bandits like a food processor. He did it with a kind of perfectly human pleasure and maniacal ecstasy. For a moment, he was at Ana's side, protecting her from all attacks.

"So, Ana, what's Winnie-the-pooh?" Do you have any friends I don't know for? Gotzman asked ironically.

Ana was about to respond when a gunshot rang out and their furry protector howled in pain. Ana saw the beast stagger and fall. Meanwhile, Kate and the others began to push the Mahidevran gang out of the port and they had to disappear.

Steele and Gotzman approached the bear. The wounded animal howled piteously and panted heavily. Ana knelt beside him and stroked his back.

"It's more expensive to leave Paddington here. Let's teleport to your place, and I'll call Nora. She's my vet, she'll take the bullet out of him. Gotzman tried to touch the bear, too, but it twitched and growled.

"He doesn't like me, of course," David said, shaking his head. –And he likes you."

Ana smiled. Taking the bear by the paws, Steele and David cast a spell and teleported to her home.

David communicated telepathically with his wife, Ana whispered a sleep spell and put the beast that was lying in her bedroom to sleep. With a nod to Nora, she went into the living room and waited.

An hour later, Nora came out of the bedroom with a silver bullet in a clear plastic bag.

"Here, I took out the bullet, healed the wound. The bear will sleep until morning, a good spell. I think in the morning, when he becomes a human, he will thank you, " Nora handed the bag with the bullet to her husband.- Will you send it for examination?

He nodded.

"Stay the night, it's almost midnight," Ana said to Nora and David.

They nodded and went to settle in the living room. Ana went to her room and laydown on the bed next to the sleeping bear. On the one hand, she was afraid, and on the other, she was afraid.… Reliability and protection radiated from this beast in waves.

As she drifted off to sleep, she found herself wondering what her clumsy protector looked like in human form.

The bright April sun flooded Anastasia's bedroom. She stretched and opened her eyes a crack. The bear was sleeping peacefully nearby, snoring. Some childish curiosity made Anastasia reach out and lightly touch the animal's fur.

At the same time, instead of smooth fur, the girl felt hot skin under her fingers with scars on it. Next to Ana, the Tsar of the Russian forest was already sleeping, but a handsome man with a mole on his upper lip and a birthmark on his left temple. Steel stared in horror at the calm, relaxed face of the Academician, who took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

"You!" the Count of Night growled, and stood up. Anastasia wanted to shrink down and become invisible. The ogre's eyes glowed with hatred and hunger.

"You ruined my hunt, girl," the academician leaned over and grabbed her by the throat.

I- " Ana croaked."I saved you… You protected us.

"I remember that. But no one asked you to patch me up, " the man growled, tightening his grip on Steel's throat.

"I didn't know it was you... if I had known... I wouldn't have left you to die either." That's what makes us different from the Mahidevrans," Steel wheezed.

The man released her and growled.

"I've never known mercy before. I kill my enemies and then enjoy devouring them. " The Count of Night loomed over her. His flesh pressed against her thigh.

"Ana, where's your coffee-" Gotzman came into the bedroom. At the sight of Anastasia and the Academician, he coughed politely into his fist.

The academician turned around and Gotsman's eyeswidened in surprise.

"Oil painting," David Markovich said ironically."Academician, I thought you'd been burning in hell for a long time."

"They only have decent people," the ogre said, standing up from Anastasia."I see your men aren't good at hunting Mahidevran."

Gotzman twitched. Did that thing just accuse him of something?

"You Reich's chain dogsare no match for us. By the way, do you serve the Dark Lord?" Or - " The thought burned the man.

"I am the dark chuckled contentedly, enjoying the horror of Gotsman and Anastasia.

Theacademician was a head taller than David, stronger, and much fatter."Yes, I hate her as much as you do. But don't spoil the hunt for me and my clan. Miss Steele ruined it in Los Angeles, but I let her have it. But don't let the Darkness get in again. I will kill you both slowly and painfully.

The ogre was about to teleport away, but then something came out of Anastasia's mouth that he never expected her to say.

- Thank you...

- How do you know the Academician?Gotzman asked, sipping his coffee. The three of them, he, Ana, and Nora were having breakfast in Anastasia's small kitchen.

"We met in Los Angeles. He was pretending to be Christian Grey, an assistant military prosecutor. We became friends, and then..."

"Fell in love with each other?"Nora asked cautiously

"Not exactly about him, but I'm... like a girl," Ana laughed."I opened it and he tried to kill me, but he spared me. And last night, he protected me.

David said nothing. The Academician in Love… Is this something weird?… David knew that he killed his pregnant fiancee Tonya Tsarko, a singer from Odessa, when she found out who he was. And here... the King of Darkness threw himself under the bullets. And all for the sake of light...

"So how do you know him?"Ana asked as she popped a piece of fried egg into her mouth.

-If you think that Los Angeles is the first city where an Academician has arranged a brothel, then you are mistaken. A year ago, in 2023, he did something similar in Odessa. I also pretended to be an assistant military prosecutor and everything was just like in your city. Only I was able to catch him, but he ... but he escaped. He is cruel and ruthless. I'm asking you to be careful, Ana, " Gotzman said softly.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to talk to him again," Anastasia said firmly.

Meanwhile, the Academician was having breakfast surrounded by his retinue. As he devoured the human flesh, he laughingly recounted what he had experienced during the night.

"These are light ones... They think they're better than us, " the man took a sip of blood."But we are gods, we are the masters of this city... And they will have to accept it.

"But you said thank you to this girl for saving you?"Elena asked cautiously, not lowering her eyes.

The academician chuckled. He rarely said thank you, especially to the light ones.

"Why did you even rush to defend her?"The blonde persisted. She sensed that the Count of Night was not telling them something.

"It's none of your business, Lena," the Count of Night snapped.- Know your place.

"I'd like to thank her," Platov said thoughtfully."Still, if you want to enlist the support of Gotzman and this girl, my lord, you should be with them... take it easy.

The academician froze. Had his servant just lectured him? Or...

"Victor's right," Ida said."For all your dislike of Gotzman, he could have left you to die, but he didn't. And that girl... also worthy of your protection, or at least a simple thank you.

The ogre growled and glared at Elena. She put on an innocent face and sipped her coffee.

"Are you in love with her?"Elena asked when they were alone with the Academician.

"Stay out of it, Lincoln... The whole situation infuriated the Dark Lord. He might not tell his entourage anything, but no... It drew him to frankness

"I can see the way you're looking at Victor and me, or the way Chekan is stroking Ida's stomach.".. You want the same thing... Do you want... Vitaly...Elena involuntarily called him by his first name."Try to trust her. She's not dark or human, she's light. I understand she's your partner from Los Angeles.

The academician cursed quietly. He couldn't, shouldn't, think about trusting a woman again. Not with his life.

"This is crazy. I can't... the result will be the same as always: she will die. And I'm tired of burying those I love, " the ogre rubbed his temples wearily.

"And if you don't?"Elena asked."I'm sure I'll find a way to break the curse then."..Well, you know. At least for a little while, try to remove your armor and become a human again. Even with a curse. Plus, she and Gotzman can help us with Mahidevran.

Ana closed her laptop and checked her watch. 18:00. It's too early to go home, and there's nothing else to do. All right, she'd be working a little longer. She opened her laptop again, Googled The Vampire Diaries, and turned on the TV show. She was so caught up in the story that she didn't hear the door to her office open and someone по-кошачьиsneaking up on her like a cat...

The husky baritone voice burned her ear. Ana froze. The academician was standing behind her, both of his hands resting on the table at her side.

He nuzzled her hair and breathed in the fresh scent of her skin.-When I remember what color it becomes after whipping...

Ana tried to fight the delusion. The proximity of this man baffled and disarmed her.

- Ts... The ogre bit her gently on the shoulder."I want to pick you up for dinner." You choose the location. But something private is better.

"To kill me?"Ana looked up in alarm.

"To talk to you." No violence, no Darkness. The academician stepped away from her.

Ana thought about it,. Is this a trap? No, definitely not... He could kill her now, but he's being quite reserved and even kind.

"Okay, I know a cafe across the street that has private offices. Just promise me you won't let your beast go free, " Ana said.

"He likes you, you know that," the academician helped her up. Ana put the laptop in her purse and put on her coat.

"I'm ready," she smiled. Timid and uncertain. What did he want to tell her? Maybe I shouldn't have agreed.

They were sitting in a private office in a coffee shop, drinking Cokes and eating French fries.

- Fast food is terribly not useful, - The Academician grumbled."I'll cook you potatoes in the ashes one day." You'll love it.

Ana took a sip of her coke.- And so... you wanted to talk.

The King of Darkness sighed, gathering his thoughts.

"First of all, thank you for saving me. If it wasn't for you, I don't know if I would have survived. I didn't think you'd... bother with me, " the man chuckled."I would definitely leave you to die or finish you off." But only on the condition that I wouldn't feel anything for you.

"Do you feel it?"Ana asked, surprised.

"I'm drawn to you, very drawn. But - " Here the Academician closed his eyes. He needs all of his courage, all of his strength, to tell her something that will probably scare her away from him forever.

A gentle pat on the arm gave the man strength. He opened his eyes and looked at her. The glowing steel turquoise of his eyes told Anya that he was ready.

"There is an ancient curse of our kind. Anyone who is loved by my family members will die. That's why I tried to push you away when I was Christian Grey, " the Academic growled in a hollow voice.

"Oh, my God," Ana Breathed. Pain shot through my heart. So that was why he hadn't given her a choice back in Los Angeles...

"I just wanted to save you. I thought it was right. But ... when I saw you in the Esclave, I realized that I still love you, " надломленоthe ogre admitted in a low, broken voice.

Ana shook her head. She wanted to put her arms around him, hold him close, and give him hope that a different outcome was possible.

The academician lowered his eyes.

- what?Anaasked, tightening her grip on his arm.

- Vitaly Yegorovich Krechetov. That's my real name. I come from an emigrant family of nobles from Russia, " the man whispered.

"Was your family dark?"Ana asked in a whisper.

- Light colors. I didn't come into the Darkness of my own free will, " Krechetov sighed.

They lapsed into silence. Anastasia knew more than before. Many of the oddities in Vitaly's behavior became clear to her.

"Is there a way to break the curse?" Ana finally asked when they had finished eating.

"My sister is looking for him. She fell in love with one of my gang members and entourage. She's an optimist, " Vitaly rolled his eyes."And I... don't believe it."

-You can search on the Internet. I'll take care of it, " Ana was determined.

"You're not leaving?" The academician felt hopeful. Was... was she ready to fight?

Antonina Tsarko would definitely run away from him if she found out the truth, and this woman… Was she willing to put her life on the line and fight with him and for him?

- Vitaly, you think the light ones are worthless, I understand, but I assure you I'm not like that. Or have you forgotten how I challenged you in Los Angeles?Ana raised an eyebrow.- Give me a goal and I will achieve it..

"Will you challenge me here, too?" The ogre was surprised.

"Yes," Ana Said."I always will."

He smiled, a kind, soft smile, and seemed to be 10 years younger.

After dinner, after paying for their meal, they left the restaurant and went to Anastasia's house. They walked in silence, holding hands tightly

At the entrance to the entrance, Vitaly pressed her against the wall and kissed her. Passionately, possessively and at the same time gently and reverently. It was as if the Academician and Krechetov had become one person and loved this amazing light equally much.

"I love you," the ogre whispered hoarsely."I love you..."

"I know," Ana said timidly, and touched his face. He reached for her hand, literally rubbing against it and purring.

"I want to see you again," he whispered, stroking her hair.

"I have lunch from one to three." Come to my office with Chinese food and wine, " Steele whispered."Tomorrow or whenever you can. I'll be waiting.

-I will come with Russian food, - Vitaly could not tear himself away from her. But he understood that she and he needed time, otherwise if they rushed things, nothing would come of it.

Steele nodded and kissed him. After that, he left her alone and called Taylor to pick him up.

Once inside hismansion, Krechetov exhaled. What strange emotions… Nice... Warm… She hadn't rejected him yet. She is ready to fight for them. Madness.

For 23 years, he was reasonable, calculating, cruel, and then... a boy-noble in love raised his head in his soul and glared at Miss Steele, demanding not just sex with pain and other joys of BDSM, but also relationships.

Krechetov had a bad time with the latter. Long and lasting relationships due to the curse and the Abwehr school, he did not have the word at all. Except for Tonya, though...

He didn't love her, and those feelings were never genuine. If it really was love, he would have taken her to the gang, turned ,.s her into a dj Darkness, and so on… He was used to living a double life in a relationship.

And with Miss Steele… Vitaly wanted to see her in a gang, at a table with his people, at covens, and let her in on his business. Wake up with her, hug her, joke around, argue about movies, show her Russian culture, open your cold heart and let her touch your black soul...

Dangerous dreams, almost impossible

The academician sighed. If he really wanted them to succeed, he needed to keep her safe.

With that thought in mind he went to his office and opened his black laptop and started writing a letter,

From: Academician

To: Tolya Zhivchik

Subject: important task

Date: 24.04.2025

I need you as soon as possible. I have a job for you.

Having sent the letter, Krechetov waited. Conjuring himself a glass of blood, he sipped from it and leaned back in his chair.

Vivacious entered the study and bowed to his Count.

Tolya was one of three people who once helped the Academician in his plan to capture Odessa. Zhivchik was considered the second most violent member of the Krechetov gang. Cunning, loyal to his Count. Zhivchik ran the Academician's shady business and had connections in the Seattle underworld and beyond.

"I'm glad to see you," Vitaly nodded at the servant. All the warm emotions and impressions from the meeting with Ana were instantly turned off by him."I have a case."

"Tell me who to kill, my Count, and this man's head will be laid on the Altar in your honor tomorrow night," said Quickie.

"You don't have to kill anyone. While. There is one girl. Anastasia Steele. She works for the police. Bright. Can your people keep a secret eye on her and protect her if necessary?" Yes or no?Krechetov looked at the servant coldly and imperiously.

He bowed his head.

"Yes, sire." Can. That girl... her...Zhivchik began.

"None of your business... The Academician growled."Just keep her safe. You don't get paid for asking questions. If even a single hair falls from her head, you will be very sorry.

Zippy looked down. He remembered very well how he was punished for the crash in Odessa.

"And one more thing... Her children go to one of the schools in out which one and report back to me. Constant monitoring and protection... The Academician's voice was quiet and cold.

After that, he conjured a small bag filled to the top with gold coins and handed it to Tolya. He nodded and was admitted to the hand.

"Everything will be done. In the meantime, I'll go get to Platov, " Tolya got up and left his office.

Left alone, Krechetov closed his eyes and prayed to all the forces of Darkness for protection for Anastasia. The one who had become so dear to him. The one to whom he himself revealed the most important thing that he had... your real name...

Kate appeared at Steele's side. She hid a smile and looked at her friend.

"You're smiling." Did you meet someone?"Kavanagh asked eagerly.

- yes... One Russian. He is such a...Steele bit her lip. His lips still remembered that kiss at her door. Turns out she missed it...

"I see. What about your Winnie-the-pooh? Survived?Kate persisted.

Anastasia nodded. She wasn't going to tell Kate much. She knew she couldn't do it. You can not endanger yourself and the Academician. No, Vitaly...

She said his name in her mind. Strange, exotic, unfamiliar, and so soft and captivating. And most importantly... it seemed to her that she was one of the few people who knew him.

Shaking off her thoughts, she took out her laptop and searched for information about various curses. At first, she didn't succeed, but then she came across a curious website about black magic and other things. Sipping coffee, she immersed herself in reading, while taking notes on the most interesting theses.

As it turned out, curses were removed mainly by the power of true love. However, those curses where death was present required more than just love. They required the complete trust of people who loved each other, involvement in each other's lives, and some kind of protection of the beloved.

There was also something else: if the curse was on several people at the same time, they must genuinely want to break it.

Ana didn't know if Vitali wanted to break the curse. He still believes it's impossible... So she needed to be the reason he wanted to take it off.

"Oh, Steele, this is going to be a tough job," the girl said.

Having written down all the most important things, she switched to work. She wrote a report on the botched raid at the port of Seattle. Gotzman and his men hadn't asked for her help yet, and that was a good thing. There is time to take care of your personal life a little.

When Steele came home from work, she felt that she was being watched. She looked around, but saw no one.

Deciding not to take any chances, Ana teleported home, where the children were waiting for her.

"Mother!Phoebe and Theodore threw their arms around Ana.

"Hello, Miss Steele," Karas Bear, her daughter's high school friend, said from the kitchen. The blond-haired, blue-eyed boy had a perky, lively temper and was ready to defend himself and his friends if necessary. A true son of his father, Misha often said sensible things, was observant and well-mannered.

Phoebe helped her undress.

Ana nodded to her daughter and the four of them sat down to dinner. Ana found herself wanting to see Vitali, who was having dinner with them. But the memory of his terrible feast came back to her in all its wild and terrible colors... And yet... they had a rather peaceful dinner last night.

I wonder why the Academician eats people? And did it have anything to do with his fainting spell on Halloween?

Steele handed the kids their lunch and kissed them on the cheeks. They were standing at the entrance to the school.

"Mom, have you and Christian Grey made up?"Phoebe asked timidly.

Ana looked at her carefully. So, where did she get this from?

"We saw you through the window. You were glowing. We like him, " Theodore said.

"Who's Mr. Grey?"Mishka asked.

- Mom's colleague, the blond one stay out of it!Theo shouted. Then he pulled himself together.

"Don't swear," Anastasia Said."Oh, honey, it's complicated..."

"You were crying when we got here. And yesterday and the day before yesterday you were shining... He loves you, " Phoebe began."Let him come to dinner with us.

"And if he moves in with us permanently?"Anastasia perked up.

She wanted a family. I wanted a family and with Krechetov. Although she knew very well that it would be difficult. It is unlikely that an anti-Nazi light and believer will get along with a Dark magician and a fanatical apostle of the Reich. However...

They had the experience of living together they have... Maybe everything will be fine...

"That would be wonderful!" we'll have a dad and you won't be sad, " Theodore hugged his mother. She stroked his red hair.

then she caught a sharp stare at her

. Turning her head, she saw no one. Deciding that it was her nerves, the girl kissed her son and daughter on the top of their heads and they ran to class together with Misha.

Steele and Kavanaugh were back in the parking lot where she and Elena had used to stamp their tickets. If at that time, there were a lot of cars, now there are none. True, this time it was not without coupons for improper parking.

"Will they ever learn to park?"Kavanagh grumbled."Oh, look at another one. Come on, get a ticket and let's go get some coffee.

Ana took a step toward the black Bentley that had taken up two parking spots.

"Captain Steele, you parked wrong," Ana said, and was about to stick her ticket on the windshield when the passenger door opened.

Her heart began to pound, first in surprise, then in joy. She was drowning in the blue surface of Krechetov's eyes.

"Good morning," the soft baritone voice wrapped around her like a cocoon. She dropped the ticket and smiled.

She gave the Academician a smile. He took a step toward her and smoothed a lock of her hair. Such a simple movement, but it touched something in her.

-I was wondering when I would find you here, - Vitaly nodded at the skyscraper."At my job."

-A...Ana started to ask, but the man nodded at Kate, who was standing next to them. Kavanagh studied the Academician in disbelief. He's a businessman now...

"Christian."..Kate began."You left and Miss Still suffered for almost six months. You can't do that... Everything can always be solved by talking.

"Miss Khaavana," the faint growl in his voice silenced the blonde. She lowered her eyes and took a step back. Ana put her hand on Vitali's shoulder and he softened.

"Ana will have lunch with me," Krechetov said."It's not a question, it's a statement of fact.

"We're at work, and lunch is in an hour," Katherine said clearly.

Instead of answering, the Academician smiled slyly and threw Anastasia over his shoulder. She squealed and laughed.

"Grey, put me in my place!" Don't do that! I don't mind lunch! Kate, will you finish up here? The brunette smiled.

Kavanagh rolled her eyes. This man is incorrigible. But to hear her friend laugh and see her happy eyes was a joy and a kind of happiness for Caitrin Kavanagh. She motioned for Anastasia to call her when it was all over. The brunette nodded and Katherine headed for the cars.

Krechetov smiled contentedly and carried Anastasia on his shoulder. She screamed like a girl and beat him playfully on the back.

"I'll go, I'll go," she laughed, lighting up the dark soul of the Count of Night with her warmth.-

A playful kick to the ass caused Ana to slow down a little. The fact that he threw her over his shoulder like a cave ogre and carried her to his lair was a shock and unacceptable for the girl on the one hand, but on the other there was something unusual and fascinating about it.

They entered the office and walked past the reception desk where a quiet African-American woman was standing. They entered the elevator and only there Vitaly put her on the ground. When he hit the top floor, he turned to Anya and literally sank his lips into hers. His arms tightened around her.

"I missed you," the Academician admitted, stroking her reddish hair."I didn't think I'd see you here." Red suits you.

"Don't carry me on your shoulder anymore. We scared Kate, " Steele chided.

"Baby...The academician kissed her on the nose.-I always act outside the box. Get used to it.

"I don't think I'll get used to your cannibalistic and Nazi tendencies.".. I'm trying... Honestly...Ana knew she was being bold and confident right now. And take off the Gyrfalcon mask of a decent businessman and become yourself, what will she do? Run away? Will he resist? Step into its Darkness?

She hoped that she would have the strength and courage to go for the third option...

The elevator took them to the top floor. Vitaly took her hand and led her to his office. A pretty blonde woman was sitting outside her office, playing solitaire on her laptop. At the sight of Krechetov, she jumped up and lowered her head in a slight bow.

"Andrea, make a pass for this woman. In the name of Anastasia Steele. Then bring us lunch and cancel all my appointments until two-thirty, " the Academician ordered coldly.

She nodded silently.

Vitaly Krechetov's office was huge, white, and everything was in its proper place. Beautiful, rich and orderly... Papers on the desk, a black laptop, two white armchairs, and a stunning view of Seattle from the windows made the office feel lively and cozy.

Ana glanced around quickly and sat down in a chair.

"It means legal business. Which one?The girl asked.

- Telecommunications. In addition, I am engaged in shipbuilding, I have a casino chain, beauty salons and much more. Plus, my family's money is still there, " Vitaly conjured up two cups of coffee.

"And no crime?"Ana raised her eyebrows as she picked up the cup and sipped from it.

"There is one, but let's pretend I didn't say that. Illegal business makes me a lot of money. But I'm not ready to talk to you about it yet. Also... on taxes and other things, everything is smooth. Krechetov sat down across from her.

-A... Can I ask you a question? About Odessa and Los Angeles?Ana glared at his calm, handsome face.

"Come on." Be bold. I'll answer everything I can. The ball is on your side of the field, " Vitaly encouraged.

-What were these pogroms for? What did you want to achieve? Gotsman told me about Odessa, " Anastasia said.

-You communicate. Okay, as long as he stays out of our relationship, you can talk to him. There were two different reasons: an Abwehr order in the case of Odessa, and in the case of Los Angeles, I was simply taking revenge on the Allies for their victory in the war. But in Los Angeles, I managed to get the upper hand. Even if it's only for a week. The local light ones fought back against my people. Many died. I had to reassemble my retinue here, " for a moment the Academician became quiet and sad.

They paused. Andrea came in and handed them each lunch. After unpacking it, Anastasia and Vitaly sat down at his desk and began to eat. Ana noted Krechetov's excellent appetite.

"Well, you are," the girl teased.

"I've always had a hell of an appetite. Especially when I don't have to pretend to be human. Then I'll eat human flesh, " the academician growled.

"It's all dark stuff... cannibals?Anastasia asked cautiously as she popped a cabbage patty into her mouth.

"No, not all of them. Only their leaders and some of their servants. Close servants. Human flesh gives us strength, and blood, especially the blood of magicians, gives us a boost to our magic. It has always been so. I'm the only cannibal in my clan and gang. So if you ever decide to join my retinue, you don't have to become a cannibal. I just won't stand it if someone challenges me and builds up their strength in this way, " Krechetov's eyes glowed with rage.

"You want to see me join your gang?"Ana asked, confused.

Vitaly wanted to answer, but then Tolya Zhivchik in a striped suit looked into his office. At the sight of Anastasia, he bowed politely to his Master.

"Sire.".. I got the information you asked for here." Well dressed, with little makeup on her face. It looks fresh and natural... Clearly not the priestess of love that his master liked to film.

"Ana, this is Anatoly, my head of security. Anatoly, this is Anastasia Steele, my girlfriend, " the Academician introduced Anu with some pride.

Vivacious bowed to her playfully and kissed her hand.

"You're charming, Mon cher," he murmured. Krechetov gave him a scathing look and growled.

-Okay, I'll go, - Anastasia realized that the meeting was important. Standing up, she kissed Krechetov on the lips. Gently and passionately. He returned the favor.

"Thanks for lunch," she whispered."Write to me..."

Vitaly nodded and she picked up her purse and left, her heels clicking loudly.

"She is beautiful, My Lord. You have excellent taste in women, " said Quickie."I found information about the school where Miss Steele's children go to school. A decent school for the rich. But they have a real problem with security. Anyone can get in there.

"Then offer them the services of our security detail. I need to make sure that Anastasia's children are completely safe. Do whatever it takes. I'll make you rich if you can do it, " Krechetov ordered.- Bring in the Minter if you need to. He stayed too long in the mansion.

"I still don't understand why you allowed him and Ida to keep the baby." This is a weakness and an extra responsibility. If we have to leave, where will we put the baby?Tolya said.

Krechetov didn't know why he allowed Ida this weakness.

Chekan served Mahidevran and was her best mercenary. But then Ida got pregnant and the vampire demanded that the mercenary get rid of the baby. However, Ida never agreed to this. And then the Academician came on the scene and offered Chekan to work for him again, in exchange for protecting their unborn child with Ida.

Igor agreed to this and snovaa became the best fighter in the Academician's gang.

"And that blonde Elena. Platov will definitely leave us for her. No, the girl is very beautiful, I admit. An aristocrat. I want one for myself. But take a look at them. Lousy intellectuals. What they are...Tolya began, and then barely managed to remove his hand from the table, because Vitaly literally plunged a dagger into the table next to her.

"Just say something against Elena." I'll personally cook you for dinner, did you hear me? Lena's presence in the retinue and gang is non-negotiable, got it? And Platov has saved us more than once, including your skin." How dare his servant question his decisions, what he does?

"I understand, Count. It's just that you've always been against the love and affection of our clan members before. You killed Stechel for this, because he tricked you and saved his nephew. What has changed now? Vivacious asked cautiously, bowing his head respectfully.

- A lot of things. We're not being pulled by the Abwehr right now. Now I've become a puppet master myself, " the Academician chuckled."That's what I've always wanted. And my people can breathe a little more freely now. Within reason. I value the lives of my puppets. Yes, they are still puppets, but they are very valuable. And for any of them, I will tear with my teeth those who dare to hurt them.

"For Ana, too?" She's beautiful, and ... she looked up to you as if you were a god. And you look at her... And you look at her... lovingly. Will she become a member of the clan, retinue, and gang?Tolya asked the Count of Night a direct question.

"Only if she wants to," the Academician said, moving to the window.

"I'll die for her, if you say so," said Quickie, bowing to the head.

"Did you see her?" Not Tomi, what is she like?Ida asked excitedly as she walked with Tolya through the mansion.

-Гарна дивчина. The beauty of lepa is scarlet with lips and eyebrows that are not allied, " Zhivchik tried to laugh it off.

Ida couldn't believe that their always cold and manipulative Count of Night had finally met someone who had softened his bloodthirsty soul.

"Honestly, she looks like Anne Hathaway. He looked at her like that. Igor also looks at your lyalka when stroking your stomach. And when I kissed her hand, I thought he was going to tear me up right there."

They entered the living room, where Platov and Chekan were playing chess by the fireplace.

"I see. Our Count is in love and this will make him stupid, " Chekan sighed, sacrificing a pawn.

"Why would that be?" Platov smiled his mysterious smile."Just because he's in love doesn't mean he'll change. Yes, maybe Lon will relent, but not too much. And now he has not only a thirst for revenge and power, but also one who will give meaning to his life.

Elena walked into the living room and collapsed on the sofa next to Viktor."judging by the input data, she's a Gotzman in a skirt.

"Can you imagine her coming here?" Tolya began.- You, workers, the Academician will definitely assign you to monitor her. At least the two of you will be of some use. Otherwise, you'll lock yourself in the library and snuggle there from morning till night.

He shot a mischievous glance at Viktor and Elena.

-We read books there, talk about beautiful things. We do not engage in carnal pleasures, " Elena tried to gently besiege the bandit.

"Who are you fucking with?"Vivacious looked at the blonde."You can hear... oohs, aahs, arms, legs..."

"Will you calm down?"Lincoln jumped to her feet

Rage boiled inside her. How dare this bandit reproach her for something. Her descendant of an ancient magical noble family.

"Lincoln, calm down.".. I'm kidding. I know you're a good girl, but your library meetings aren't doing you any good. Looking for a way to remove some kind of curse... You are strange...Vivacious drawled."You didn't fight, and you never held a gun."

"I did. Do you want a duel? In shooting. If I win, you stop joking about me, and if you do... I've been running around for a beer for you for a week, " Elena said cheerfully.

"Or you're looking for the keys to the Akademik wine cellar." When's the duel?Zippy perked up.

The manor's garden had grown quite warm. A light breeze ruffled Elena's hair. The girl was calm and watched as Victor conjured up targets. She was holding the gun loosely.

Elena could shoot. I learned it in the Abwehr. This was something she had been taught before she escaped. She hated this skill. A skill that these beasts had instilled in her... She sincerely hoped that she would never shoot. Not for the sake of protection or just like that...

"Ready?"Chekan asked cheerfully, standing behind the duelists.

Both Tolya and Lena nodded.

Elena cooked first. The girl gripped the butt of her gun and fired. There were ten targets in front of her. She hit the bull's-eye six times.

"Not bad for a noble girl," snickered Quickie. She made room for him.

Zhivchik hit seven targets out of ten.

"Second round?"Elena asked, feeling a rush of excitement and adrenaline.

She again changed Zivchik and this time she submitted to 10 targets out of 10.

Tolya whistled.

"I think we underestimated someone," he mused, holding out his gun. He was less fortunate: only 7 targets.

"Well, monsieur, do you admit defeat?"Elena asked cheerfully.

-I admit, - Zhivchik bowed his head-But you still look for the key to the cellar.

It was a quiet Friday. Ana wrote reports, chatted with Kate, corresponded with the kids, and felt energized. It's been a long time since she's had this experience. Smiling at the May sun, the girl felt invisible wings in her soul.

In the evening, the children called Yei and said their grandmother Karla would pick them up. Ana was not against it and asked the children to be careful.

At exactly 18: 00, a bouquet of cream roses and a bottle of good wine were delivered to her office. The courier, a silent Black man, gave Ana a benevolent look and bowed as he left.

After conjuring a vase, Ana put the flowers in the water and saw a note in them. Taking it out of the bouquet, the girl unwrapped it. The following words were written on it in a beautiful calligraphic hand:

Dear Miss Steele, I know your grandmother has your children. I know it's not a good idea to ask for it, but... can we have dinner at your place?

V. E. K.

Steele smiled. Krechetov asked her out on a date... After checking her email and making sure that there was nothing urgent, the girl took a bouquet and a bottle of wine. She didn't use the elevator but immediately teleported to the street near the police station/

"Magic is forbidden outside of Hogwarts," Krechetov's perky voice caressed her ears. She turned her head.

Krechetov stood by his Bentley in a gray suit and looked at her tenderly, lust dancing in his pupils at the same time.

"I have permission from Dumbledore," Ana called, and walked over to him. He scooped her up in his arms and buried his lips in hers.

"Shouldn't we?".. be careful?Ana asked.

-To hell with caution, - Vitaly caressed her hotter and hotter-for 23 years I was cold and careful. It's time to loosen the shackles a little. Besides, there is someone for whom.

"Excellent wine," Ana said, taking a sip. She sat on the living room floor and watched Vitaly set the table. Mashed potatoes, fish, carrot salad... She had never tasted Russian cuisine and everything looked so intriguing.

"I'm glad to hear it. I didn't know what you liked. Krechetov had taken off his jacket and tie and was now wearing a white shirt. But hell, even in it, he looked hot as hell.

"This is Elena...Anastasia asked with a hint of jealousy.

"My sister. Don't be jealous, Steele. You know very well that I am loyal to you. Yes, during our spat, I participated in orgies and dominated various girls. But they're all dead, " he growled.

Ana paused. Start a relationship with the most bloodthirsty Dark Magician in Odessa...I managed to...

But there was nowhere to retreat. She couldn't let go of him, her heart aching at the thought. Besides, he hadn't hurt her mentally yet. What happened in Los Angeles happened before all the cards were revealed... And now...

Krechetov put the plates on the table and sat down next to her."Don't think about it, just don't think about it. That was before us.

"I know. But I need to get used to it, " Ana whispered.

Vitaly kissed her on the cheek. Taking the remote in his hand, he turned on the TV and found a TV channel of Russian films, conjured up subtitles for his beloved. They watched An Ordinary Miracle, had dinner, and discussed the movie.

At one point, Steele snuggled up to Krechetov. He froze and purred proximity of this woman thrilled the Count of Night. All his instincts demanded to possess her...

"It's a good movie," Steele said, smiling when they'd finished watching the movie."The princess is simply beautiful. And the Bear... he reminds me of someone.

"And who?"Krechetov raised an ironic eyebrow.

Instead of answering, Anastasia kissed him. Long and passionately. Vitaly returned her kiss and pulled her to him. She caressed him through his shirt, feeling aroused.

A moment later, he stood up and scooped her up in his arms. They instantly teleported to the bedroom.

Krechetov pushed her down on the bed and hovered over her. The girl smiled and grabbed him by the neck. She kissed him like a madwoman... It felt so good to be with him now...

"Ana," Vitaly said, stopping her."You remember that my real body... covered in scars?

"Yes, I remember. I won't touch them unless you let me touch them, " the sorceress assured him.

The ogre nodded contentedly. A quick-witted girl...

After getting rid of his clothes and undressing Steele, the man lay down on her and looked into her eyes, as if asking for permission. Ana nodded. Now they were on an equal footing, now he was neither an Academic. No Count of the Night. He was himself...

Krechetov cautiously entered it and began to move. She tightened her grip on his neck... His hands roamed over her body, caressing her, giving her pleasure... Stroking, teasing...

"You're mine," he whispered softly, covering her neck and chest with kisses. Then he swung her legs over his hips and quickly picked up the pace.

Anastasia snuggled up to him, waving her hips at him. All the bad memories of that night were erased by Krechetov's tenderness, trepidation, and the warmth of his eyes.

Finally, he growled, bit down hard on the skin of her neck, and spilled all over her thigh. But this rigidity only spurred her on. Steele followed, and after a few seconds, she reached the peak of her pleasure.

They lay exhausted on the bed, hugging each other tightly. Ana was smiling happily at Vitaly.

"You're an Atlantean, Vitalik. My blue-eyed Atlantean."

Krechetov scooped her up in his arms and kissed her.

A soft whisper woke Krechetov. He instantly conjured a dagger, ready to attack. However, there was no need to attack anyone: it was Ana who was mumbling sleepily in her half-sleep.

"The curse will be lifted," Ana whispered, clutching the pillow in her sleep. Vitaly saw the tears on her cheeks and gently wiped them away. After giving her a kiss on the cheek, he got up and dressed and went to clean up the living room.

After tidying up their evening feast, Krechetov went to the kitchen. Quickly finding eggs, cheese, and mushrooms, the young man began to prepare breakfast.

Yesterday there was a fairy tale: something unreal... When was the last time... behaving like a boy in love? Fooling around, squeezing your beloved, not afraid to be discovered? Never... Not even with Tonya. Even then, he was alert.

It's with Miss Steele... Peace, tenderness, confidence, he feels at home with her... Which he didn't have. And he didn't want to lose it, he was afraid for her, worried. What if she gets hurt? If the curse happens?

He couldn't bear it, she would die, and so would he...Let not physically but spiritually exactly...

Should I ask David to help them? Yes, they'd parted badly in Odessa, but right now he could use a sarcastic, measured view of the situation.

And then there's Mahidevran... A bitch, to whom the Academician owes the birth, and Vitaly Krechetov a broken life and the death of his parents. He hated her fiercely, wanted revenge for everything. Once she was in his hands...

"Hey."..A soft whisper drew him from his troubled thoughts. Ana stood beside him, disheveled and sleepy, wearing only a short silk nightgown that showed her nipples.

"Miss Steele," Krechetov Purred."You're beautiful. Young, sweet and all my...

"Vitaly Yegorovich, yours entirely," Ana said, leaning on the countertop. A moment later, Vitaly sat her down on the table, sitting comfortably between her legs.

He would protect her, save her, kill anyone for her... The academician in the depths of his dark soul growled in agreement. Both he and Krechetov chose this woman as their own ... Chosen once and for all...

They sat in the kitchen and ate breakfast, laughing and telling each other stories. Both of them were very happy and calm.

"What are you doing tonight?" can we go to the ice rink?Ana asked cheerfully as she sipped her coffee.

"Tempting, Miss Steele," Krechetov Said, Smiling."If everything goes well, then I agree.

Ana took his hand and looked into his eyes. He was hot and disheveled, and the buttons of his white shirt were undone. Steele's gaze slid to his scarred chest.

"I can ask... Your scars... Where are they from...?Steele whispered

- Injuries, torture... A lot of things... But I will say this: it is better to carry the pain on the body than in the soul, " Vitaly sighed.- Since I was 17 years old, there was only Darkness in my life...

Ana paused and sighed. How many wounds he was hiding from her, how many he must have endured.

-Do your children study today?Krechetov asked after a while.

-Yes, we sent a text message that we went to school from our Grandparents. They really like you, by the way, " Anastasia smiled."I hope you'll move in with us eventually."

"Maybe." But I think you might have been at my mansion, too. You're my family, I'm yours. And my family is my retinue and gang, " the man said seriously.

"I'll... try.". for our sake. Breaking the curse means taking part in each other's lives and protecting your loved one. And trust... Complete trust. The Academician clearly has a problem with that, " Ana chuckled.

"His trust issues have their own trust he loves you. You must understand: he is me. I'm him. If you hate him, then you hate me too. You will have to love two people in one body. We are one with him. We will find a balance and..."The text message sound distracted them.

A text message was sent to Vitaly's phone. Opening it, he growled. the message included a video of Ibrahim, Mahidevran's henchman, standing in the schoolyard with a pretty girl and explaining something to her. Phoebe and Teddy were playing tag in the background.

Krechetov gritted his teeth. Their enemy is near Anastasia's children. Devil... The devil...

He showed the video to Anastasia. She paled.

"What are we going to do?" The girl asked.- Children need to be protected.

She magically summoned her cell phone and started texting someone. Her face was tense.

"You can't put guards on them. It will cause a lot of unnecessary questions, and Ibrahim will suspect something. Let's try to make protective amulets. Do you know anyone who does this?Krechetov asked.

"I thought Jack said something like that." He got a job in a magic trick shop. It's in the city center. Let's go?"Anastasia asked.

An hour later, Ana and Vitaly were walking into a magic shop near the police station.

"Welcome to the abode of magic. Amulets, charms, tarot cards, dream traps...Hyde appeared behind the counter. He gave Ana a warm smile, and Krechetov a mocking look.

"As a friend, it's not the best choice for a life partner," Hyde said with a grin."Well, that's none of my business. What do you need?

"The strongest ward against black magic, the strongest," Anastasia began."Can you do it?"

Hyde sighed.

-I'm a salesman, all orders are for the owner. Shall I take you to him?" But we have orders for a month in advance. Seattle is an outpost of the dark ones. Mahidevran and Ibrahim don't give anyone a living, " Jack said.

"Take us to your superior," Vitaly ordered softly.

Hyde conjured up the lunch break sign and stepped out from behind the counter.

He led them to the second floor, where his boss's office was located.

"Fima, my friend and her weird boyfriend are here before you," Jack said.

Fima Petrov sighed wearily and looked at the customers over the top of his laptop.

"We need some wards against dark magic, good afternoon," Anastasia smiled, sitting down on the couch against the wall.

"I understand, young lady, we have a problem with the tonsils. Not until June, " Fima sighed.

- But... It's about my kids, " Steele said, her voice hot and desperate."They're in danger.

"I understand, but... If you'd come early, I'd have made time for you, but... Meghan has everything written out, " Petrov spread his hands.

"And for money?" For a lot of money?Krechetov asked, emphasizing the last sentence.

"Nothing. I'm sorry, " the Wizard adjusted his glasses.

"Ana, come out," Vitaly said softly to his friend.

She obeyed. After her departure, Krechetov transformed his clothes into a black three-piece business suit. Her posture was proud, and her eyes were cold...

"And if so?"Krechetov asked.

"My Lord, I understand you and that you want to protect the children... but...Yefim took off his glasses and wiped them. "Business is business.

-Aren't you afraid that my people will come to you today and your shop was crying?The Academician growled.

"If you really need these wards, make them yourself. I'm sure your magic powers will be enough for two amulets, " Petrov smiled."Dark magic is stronger than light magic against Mahidevran.

Vitaly chuckled... He had forgotten that the dark ones were also strong in defensive magic. Amulets for children made by the hands of a person who loves them will be a very strong amulet.

"Also, I can ask you a personal question...-The Academician asked.

"Young man, I assure you, our conversation will not leave these walls," Fima smiled."We magicians don't deceive each other.

"There is a curse that weighs heavily on me and my kind. I want to know, " Vitaly took a deep breath.-Can I remove it?

-First you need to understand what this curse is. Hold out your hand, young man, " Fima said politely.

Krechetov obeyed. Fima took his hand, took out a thin white crystal on a chain, and held it over the Count of Night's hand.

"It's bad, young man. A curse cast by a mortal enemy of your kind in the 18th century... It's strong. But if there is a woman who will love you with all your demons, if she will do anything for you... If you accept her feelings and open your soul to her... The curse will fall. But before that, it must rain down the blood of those who ruined your life. Only then will you be enlightened by love and peace, young man. And both of you will sometimes be hurt, incredibly hurt. But don't give up... " whispered Fima.

Krechetov nodded. The curse can be lifted, fine.

"I take it the ice rink is canceled," Ana said as Krechetov joined her on the street. He looked like he was gathering his thoughts.

"That's right. He can't help us with the amulets. You'll have to create it yourself. Go home, I'll write to you, " the Academician hugged Steele.

Anastasia quickly conjured up pen and paper and wrote down her cell phone number."We've been dating for almost six months and I still can't get you a phone number.

Vitaly laughed. Bright and kind. It was the girl who could cheer him up, who could break the clouds with a single smile... They will succeed

"I'll call you.".. You stay out of it. Be careful, please. I love you, " the Academician whispered and kissed her.

"And I love you."..Ana whispered uncomfortably.

After the kiss, she teleported home.

After entering his mansion, Vitaly ordered Platov to get two gold medallions for him. After giving this order, the Academician locked himself in his laboratory, where he got everything for the ritual of creating amulets. He lit the candles, took out the spell book, and quickly cleared his mind. As if with a snap of his fingers, he turned off Vitaly Krechetov and turned on the Dark Lord.

He was always very good at this sort of thing. I learned it in 23 years. Nigar had taught him how to switch from human to ogre mode... Probably, if it wasn't for her, he would have died in the Abwehr school...

This woman, Mahidevran's right-hand man, saw something in him that others didn't. At their first meeting, which took place in the punishment cell of the school where he got into after a fight with teachers, she gave him advice, which was the impetus for his rebirth.

"We all came here as slaves. If you behave more wisely, you will not remain a slave. Study hard, keep your mouth shut, and obey. All the boys and girls in this school are trained for espionage and sabotage. You will become the best of the best, may you be useful to the Reich-you will be the King of Spies! And if you tame the Darkness that will soon awaken in your heart,you will be able to take revenge! You will rule the world!Nigar stared into the boy's frightened eyes.

And this council saved him, did not let him die. Vitaly became the best spy in his class. He shot without a miss, threw a knife perfectly at the target, and believed in the ideals of the Reich...For his quirky mind and cunning, he was nicknamed the Academician. And soon the name was reverberating all over the school.

Mahidevran was shocked: the boy from a bright family, contrary to her expectations, survived and became literally the favorite of teachers. Instead of a terrified young man, she saw a violent fanatic who lit up listening to talk about the Greatness of the Aryans and raised his hand in a Nazi salute

And then, after learning about a way to replenish his strength from human flesh, Krechetov killed Mahidevran's beloved Bali Bey without mercy and devoured him at a feast in honor of Hitler's birthday. Mahidevran saw it all.

With her own hands, the vampire gave birth to a deadly enemy, who sooner or later will come for her...

Emerging from his memories, the Academician saw two gold medallions lying in front of him. Platov... After all, it was not for nothing that he once took him into his retinue. Opening the book of dark spells, he read the spell and held a black candle over the medallions.

A cold smile touched the Academician's lips. Almost done. The spell was cast. There's only a little left: the hair and blood of those who are meant to be wards...

Monday.

Ana hugged the kids outside the school. They hugged her back. Mishka Gotzman smiled and waved at Phoebe. The girl smiled back at him.

The day passed quietly. Lessons, recess... In one of them, Phoebe, Theodore and Mishka were playing ball in the schoolyard.

Theodore threw the ball and it rolled into the alley near the school yard.

"Red Mazila," Mishka jokingly shouted and went to get the ball.

The boy saw the ball and reached for it, and then a dagger was held to his throat.

"Just risk shouting," the Academician's cold and imperious voice paralyzed the boy. He remembered punching him in the face and calling him a bitch.

"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you if you're obedient," Krechetov said in a mock affectionate voice, loosening his grip slightly.

-You bitch, Major, - Karas tried to escape but saw what put him in a stupor: the SS uniform on Krechetov.

"So, can you get Phoebe and Theodore?"Krechetov asked. The boy looked at his friends in horror.

"Why do you need them?" Don't kill them! Better than me... They are not your enemies!Misha's gaze flicked to Phoebe, who was laughing. He couldn't bear it if something happened to her...

"I don't want to kill them, I want to protect them. Mish, I'm on your side. There is an enemy that threatens Miss Steele and her children. I'm a friend of Anastasia's, " Vitaly softened his voice.

Misha turned around and looked into the man's turquoise eyes.

"You promise you won't hurt them?" The Carp asked in a whisper.

"The Dark Lord's word," the Academician said with dignity.

Misha peeked out of the doorway and quickly called out to Phoebe and Theodore. They looked at each other and walked over to each other.

"Mr. Grey! Phoebe brightened at the sight of Krechetov and, to Mishka's surprise, hugged the ogre. He hugged her back.

"I missed you, button," Vitaly said."Okay, I'm picking you up from school. I have something important to do.

"So it's serious?"Phoebe asked as she walked with her brother and the Academic through the mansion. Mishka was a little behind them.

"Mahidevran is a serious enemy. She's capable of anything, little ones. Krechetov looked at the Steele children.

"That's clear. Can't you teach us magic?" And easier and more reliable, " Theodore looked at Vitaly.

"I am a dark wizard, and I can only teach you dark magic. Your mother won't thank me if she finds out about this, " the Academician said coldly."So the amulets. I'll tell you all about them and explain them. Do you agree?

-Can Misha also have an amulet?Phoebe asked timidly.

Krechetov froze. He didn't think of Mishka. Giving protection to the son of your enemy... No, Gotzman wasn't his enemy right now, but neither was he his friend. They need to see each other and talk. Solve everything that has accumulated... Make a deal...

"You can. Misha, you will receive Protection from my hands. Let's go, " The Academician Ordered.

The four of them went down to the basement. There were two gold medallions on thin chains on a table in the lab.

"They're Beautiful," Phoebe Said. Then she looked questioningly at Krechetov and he conjured a third locket

"Okay, now... I need your strands of hair, " the Academician said. Phoebe smiled slyly and took a small pair of scissors from the table, cutting off a lock of her own hair and then Theodore's. Mishka cautiously approached her and the girl did the same.

Three strands of hair were enchanted under glass in three lockets.

"Now.".. blood, " Krechetov whispered ominously, enjoying Mishka's horror. But there was no terror in Miss Steele's children's eyes.

Phoebe held out her hand trustingly, and the Academician made an incision on her wrist, drops falling on her locket. It sparkled and for a moment a small black vortex appeared above it.

Theodore was next. He courageously held out his hand and looked Krechetov in the eye. He grinned. He always valued courage. Not only your own but also someone else's..

Phoebe nodded at her friend. Karas took a step towards the Academician and just as boldly as Teddy looked him in the eye. However, his incision on the wrist was deeper than that of Miss Steele's children, and making it Krechetov experienced a certain sadistic pleasure. There was a clear expression in his eyes.: this is for your bitch, puppy...

When the ritual was over, Vitaly healed the children's wounds and hung the Pendants around their necks.

"Don't take them off, don't take them off... Keep it always close to your heart. If you get into trouble, squeeze the pendant in your hand and mentally summon me. I'll be there, " The Academician said."Hello to Mom, little ones.

Phoebe and Teddy went home. Ana was making dinner. Seeing the children who were shocked to say the least. Ana looked at them carefully.

"You're not hurt?"Miss Steele asked, hugging each of them. The children hesitated, and finally Theo showed her his pendant. So did his sister.

"Amulets?"The girl asked.

- yes. They were made by the Dark Lord, that is, Mr. Grey, that is, the Academic... We're confused, " Phoebe giggled.- Mishka actually said that his name is Vitaly Krechetov and he betrayed his father in Odessa.

"Mishka's telling the Grey is the pseudonym of Vitaly. And everything else about him is true. And the fact that I love him is also true, " Ana knew that this conversation had to take place sooner or later. She must tell the children the truth about who her heart has chosen...

However, she hoped that it would take place in 5-6 years, when Phoebe and Theo would be sensible teenagers and understand her, and she would be named Krechetova by then.

However, the Count of Night had messed up her cards. Again...

"Mom, it's okay... You love him and that's what matters to us. If he's the devil himself, if you're happy with him, then fine."

Ana exhaled. The children understood her... It's already good.

We dined in silence. Ana noticed small wounds on the children's wrists. They were barely noticeable, but something caught her eye.

- So...what is it? On your wrists?Anastasia asked worriedly.

"It was necessary for the ritual," Phoebe began."Yes, Krechetov wounded us, but he also healed our wounds.

Anastasia was in shock. He hurt her children... He raised his weapon at them... Yes, it is necessary for the ritual, but the fat itself was not enough for her.

In the evening, Ana sat at her laptop and read Shakespeare. The thought of Krechetov hurting her children weighed heavily on her. You can't do that. children are everything to her! How could he! She was shaking... Yes, dark one, yes, her children have protection, but not at this price!

What did she even know about the side of power that is beyond morality and beyond the law? Almost nothing... But if she wanted to be with Vitaly, she had to study who he ruled. Well, she would ask the Academician everything when she cooled down

Miss Steele was distracted from her sad thoughts by the ringing of her cell phone. The number was unfamiliar.

"Did you miss me?"Krechetov's seductive voice was soft and low.

"What the hell did you do to my kids?"Ana shouted into the control room.

- Did you complain? Or did I heal them badly?Vitaly asked sincerely. The voice was like the purr of a March cat.

I'm ... terrified! You shouldn't have! My God, Vitaly!Ana practically jumped up.

"It's part of the ritual! Without this, nothing would have happened!The purr turned to a growl.

"The end justifies the means, right?" And what would you do if our own children needed amulets?Ana was pacing the room.

"That would be the same thing! If necessary, I shed blood and not only my own but also others'. All for the sake of goals!Krechetov lowered his voice to a whisper."Your children are under my protection, everyone! Appreciate it! They're alive!

"It's crazy to me... We don't live in the Middle Ages, this is the 21st century!Ana ran her hands through her hair. Cruel, unjustifiably cruel...

"Oh, no," I said... You don't know what savagery and cruelty are. And don't let the Darkness let you know what it is...Krechetov hung up.

Tuesday brought no relief. On the contrary, he made everything more complicated.

It was like this. Anastasia entered her father's office and saw an elderly woman and a tall, handsome Turk with a neat beard standing across from him. The woman was almost crying, and the man was squeezing her hand.

Ana left without a word.

"Ana," Gotzman called. A faint smile lit up her face. She was happy to see David Markovich in any situation.

"Hi," she smiled."You don't know what Ray's doing?"

"I know. They're investigating the abduction of a light one. Hatice is a prominent Turkish telecommunications personality. I came here to do business with the locals. She was abducted from her hotel room. Our people dig the ground. If we get on the trail, it's an oil painting. And how are you? How was your weekend?Gotzman was genuinely interested.

- Difficult. Ibrahim was seen outside my children's school. Ana closed her eyes.

"Do they need security?"Gotzman put a friendly arm around Ana's shoulders

"They have protective amulets. My boyfriend did, " Anastasia chuckled.

"I said you'd make up, didn't I? What is it like? Introduce me?" David knew it was none of his business, but he wanted to see who had won Miss Steele's heart.

"It's complicated ... him.".. Dark... But sometimes he's cute. We truly love each other. but his methods are different...Anastasia's cell phone rang in her purse.

She glanced at the number and sighed. Gyrfalcons. She's not ready to talk to him until she's ready... It needs more time to cool down. He hurt her children, he hurt her... Yes, he healed her, but... What if he was hungry and her children were around?

I managed to catch my breath only in the afternoon. Ana was sitting in her room, writing reports. She couldn't stop thinking about Hatija. They must find her, and soon. Suspicion fell on Mahidevran. Only this snake would do such a thing... The option with the Academician was immediately dismissed. The Dark Lord doesn't need a foreign light -"

"Ana!Kate burst into her office, followed by Jack and Jose.

"Did you find Hatice?"Ana jumped up.

"She was seen in that warehouse at the port where the bear saved us. Ours and the inquisitors are preparing a raid. Are you with us?"Jack asked excitedly.

- of course. I won't miss the fun, " Ana said briskly.

"Well, no fancy stuff. The same location...Jose muttered.

Friends teleported to the port and confidently walked to the warehouse. Suddenly, they heard a commotion and saw three suspicious men and one beautiful red-haired woman in a medieval dress.

"Men of Mahidevran!Gotzman was standing in front of Ana and Kate, ready to attack. The strangers turned. Gotzman immediately froze.

"David, remind me when I infiltrated the Mahidevran gang." Platov raised a sarcastic eyebrow.

Everyone froze, not knowing what to do.

The red-haired girl stood next to Victor and smiled at her. There was something familiar about her. A little familiar...

"Elena?"Steel asked, looking at the witch. Instead of the prim old lady in front of her, there was a young girl with red hair and perky bangs. which suited her like crazy.

"Yes, this is Miss Lincoln," Chekan said, stepping out of the shadows."What are you doing here?"

Kate looked suspiciously at the Academician's men. The mutual distrust was quite great.

"What a coincidence! So are we!Elena perked up."Come with us if you want!"

"Bring in the cops?" Elena, the Academician will be furious if he finds out, " Igor gently rebuked the girl.

"Come on, Chekan, Miss Steele is the girl I was telling you about. The academician trusts her and I won't say he likes her more. How they kissed, " Tolya Zhivchik winked at Anya.

Gotzman looked At Ana. So, she meets with an Academician. With a Nazi, with an ogre, with someone who killed a lot of people, with someone who will kill anyone without a doubt... And she's with him... That sounded terrible to Gotzman.

But maybe... is it not as he thinks? Maybe he loves her, too. It was not for nothing that he, being a bear, rushed to protect her. He decided that he would talk to both of them and decide how to proceed.

"So what?"Jack asked impatiently, eager to save Hatice.

- We protect each other, insure each other. We act in harmony or try to do so, " Platov said.

Everyone went inside the warehouse. Ana walked beside Elena.

-It's true that you are an Academic... lovers?Lena asked cautiously, her gray eyes never leaving Steele's.

"Yes, it's true. I love him, I know about the curse. I can call him by his first name.""I'm sorry if I took away your chance to be the Countess of the Night.

"A chance? Of course not... Just like a good sister, I'm worried about my bad brother, " Lincoln giggled.

"My brother?" So you're Russian? There's no accent, and the name..."

"I'll explain later."

Suddenly, they heard a heart-rending scream. Everyone rushed to the sound. Hiding behind crates, they watched as Ibrahim tortured a small, pretty brunette with an aristocratic face who was tied to a chair. Anastasia's heart sank. A fireball appeared on her hand and she threw it at him without Ibrahim noticing.

The Dark One turned and snapped his fingers. All sorts of evil spirits appeared behind him.

- The show begins!Kate shouted and charged.

"Elena, you're covering for Ana, Viktor, you're with Gotzman and Kate. Tolya I trust you with Kate and Jose. I'm with Yakimenko and Hyde, " Chekan ordered curtly

The police and Krechetov's men fought shoulder to shoulder. Together, they achieved some success. Here Elena brought down vines on a crowd of Zombies, here Chekan and Yakimenko froze a crowd of vampires. Taking advantage of the fact that Ibragim was distracted by the fight with Platov, Tolya Zhivchik magically pulled the chair with Hatice to him and untied it.

"Alive, Doll?""He hastily healed her wounds with magic. The girl flushed and lowered her eyes.

Meanwhile, Ana and Elena were crowding in on a gang of vampires. Ana conjured a crossbow with silver arrows and fired it without missing. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Chekan giving orders to his men and protecting Hyde and Yakimenko.

"I see Chekan is the second man in your gang,"Anastasia joked, covering for Elena, who was deftly fencing with some mercenary.

-There is such a thing. The academician trusts him, " Elena threw a knife at the chest of one of the bandits. Steele pulled out her gun and started shooting. Protecting Elena. Suddenly, she saw a huge wolf charging at them. But the werewolf was immediately neutralized by Platov and Jose.

The guys fought like lions and covered for each other in every possible way.

"And your fighting skills are excellent," Chekan shouted cheerfully, standing back to back with David."Have you thought about coming to our place?"

"May this cup of being a puppet of Academmik pass me by," Gotsman replied."And you and Ida would have left him."

"You know, I'm more comfortable being a puppet," Chekan said. Suddenly, he saw Ibrahim move towards Kate and instantly teleport to her, blocking the blonde with his body. The Turk grinned and pointed the energy ball at him.

"Watch out!Ana shouted.

Terrified, she pulled the trigger of the gun. However, when Ibrahim saw this, he chuckled and disappeared in a puff of smoke, and the bullet intended for him hit Igor in the chest...

The fight died down, and everyone turned in horror to Igor, who was holding his chest. He could barely stand on his feet and after a moment quietly slid down the wall and froze...

"No, not really...Ana choked on her tears and terror. The girl dropped to her knees. Tears streamed down her face.

- Ts...Lena was at her side and hugged her.

"I didn't mean to, I didn't mean to... I was aiming for Ibrahim, " Steele whispered

"I know, I know...Elena hugged her.

The girl's heart ached because of her mistake, and in her brain beat the most terrible and painful thought in her life:

Academician. Not. Forgive. Her.

Never...

"Hey,hey... ana...Kavanaugh immediately darted over to her."You didn't mean to, you accidentally did. Don't worry about it. We saved Hatice, and the guys are twisting the paws and hands of the evil Ibrahim. This is a win...

"Miss Kavanagh, you're right on the one hand and wrong on the other... Your friend injured the best hunter and the right hand of the Academician. And he will spare no one for his retinue, " Platov sighed.

- Vitek, get away from the girls. You and your rationality should not be allowed near those who are under stress. Jack, is there a pulse?"Tolya held Hatice close and masked his anxiety with humor. He watched carefully as Hyde took Igor's pulse.

"Yes, but it's weak," Hyde sighed."He needs a doctor.

-Is there an option to do everything quietly? Well, like... Bring the wounded Igor to us, call Arsenin, and let the Count know nothing?Elena asked cautiously.

Everyone knew that if Krechetov found out what had happened, it was unlikely that Miss Steele would survive. Anxiety and hopelessness charged the air and the situation was tense.

- There is of course. So, to calm Ana down, we patch up gave the order."Miss Steele, it'll be all right, I'm sure. Go get some rest.

Ana smiled faintly at the bandit and somehow teleported back to her room.

Anastasia was standing on the balcony, soaking in the rain. Tears were streaming down the girl's face. She hurt the one who trusted her, the one who was Krechetov's friend. Damn, what had made her ... interfere with their battle...

And if Igor dies? She wouldn't forgive herself for that... He won't forgive you...

My head was spinning. It seems that she crossed out everything that she had and could do with Vitaly... everything! Their Saturday was beautiful... What about now?

"Miss Steele," Nora said, coming up to her."Go inside, catch a cold..."

The girl looked up at her with teary eyes and nodded.

She went to the kitchen where Jack, Jose, Kate, and Gotzman were sitting. Nora was called by her husband for moral support.

"Don't be so upset, Steele. The academician won't touch you, " Jose said, patting the girl who sat down at the table next to him.

"He will," Ana said, and unable to stop the pain in her chest, she told her friends everything: about Los Angeles and the Esclave and the night she was Krechetov's slave and their reconciliation and the curse...

"It's simple...Jack was at a loss for words. Everyone was shocked and horrified

Steele dropped her head in her hands and began to cry.

"And you love this sick-in-the-head guy?"Gotzman was surprised.

Ana nodded without looking up.

"Throw him to hell!" Love doesn't have to hurt!Jose shouted

"Jack, get your eyes under control and get it into your head. They have it mutual! He almost died in the previous fight with Mahidevran! Then the devil himself will break his leg in their relationship!Kavanaugh said in the heat of the moment.

Gotsman went out for a smoke... A lot of thoughts were beating in the head of David Markovich. With her story, Ana gave him a pregnant brain. She loves the Academician... And he... does he love her?

Meanwhile, Chekan was brought to Elena's room. After making sure that the Academician was busy with his own affairs, Tolya quietly called Arsenin,the dark doctor. He quickly examined the unconscious man.

"Alive. The bullet went right through. I'll heal the wound right now, he'll sleep for a day, then he'll wake up. He'll be fine, " The Doctor Assured her.

Elena, Ida, Tolya, and Platov exhaled.

"Can't we bring him to his senses and have him ride around like a deer?" Otherwise, we'll all be happy for him...Tolya began and stopped.

Krechetov appeared in the doorway of the room. All in black, his eyes flashed with lightning. He fixed his gaze on the wounded Chekan.

"Who did this?"The Academician's voice was low and cold.

"The people of Mahidevran," Elena said, but her voice faltered

-Who. This. repeated coldly and imperiously. Everyone gulped.

"Miss Steele," Platov gasped."We were on our way to rescue Hatice when we ran into her squad. Lena suggested that they come with us. We fought side by side. Ana accidentally wounded Chekan.

Anger and rage overwhelmed the Academician. His men had contacted Gotzman's men without his knowledge, and Miss Steele had wounded his servant... He has to take it out on someone. And that someone will be Anastasia...

- Steele, stop panicking, and ... well, I hurt Igor with whom does not happen. This is an accident. I also sometimes did such stupid things when I was young-don't grieve, Mom, " Gotsman tried to calm the girl down.

"This isn't nonsense, David. I hurt my friend Vitaly and he just won't forgive me, " Ana sighed.

It was evening, and everyone was about to leave, and Anastasia was seeing her friends off.

"He'll forgive you," Kate said warmly, giving her friend a hug. She nodded weakly. Having taken a promise from Anastasia that she would call in the morning, the friends separated.

Ana texted the kids and asked them to move in with their grandmother for a couple of days. They agreed. After cooking dinner and not even eating, the girl went to her bedroom.

But as soon as she entered it, she froze. Gyrfalcon was standing by the window, dressed in his Nazi uniform. Next to it was a small suitcase.

Steele paused in the doorway. Her heart was pounding in alarm and fear.

"So you're thanking me for protecting your children," the Academician growled.

Ana decided to try to fix it. She went up to him and tried to hug him, but the Academician pushed her away.

"On your knees," he said dully."You will be punished today, my girl.

"I didn't mean to... I... aimed at Ibrahim," Anastasia almost sobbed. However, she obediently knelt down and stared at the floor. That they didn't practice this in the game room? We practiced... True, then Krechetov was always in a playful mood and gave her a safe word.. And now...

"Stand up," the cold command burned through Anastasia like fire. She obeyed.

"Take off your clothes and lie on your stomach on the bed," Vitali ordered, and a whip appeared in his hand. Ana took a deep breath. She couldn't push him away and run screaming-her upbringing, her self-control, and her feelings didn't allow it... I'll have to grit my teeth and endure it. She can do it, she's a fighter. For my own sake, and radium.

Steele quickly undressed and lay on her stomach on the bed. The tip of the whip touched her spine and went down. The girl bit her lip. She can..."

The first few blows were quite bearable and bearable. But then their power increased and they literally tore her skin into blood. Ana tried not to scream, but the pain was so unbearable that after a few seconds she screamed.

"That's it! Don't keep it to yourself!The Academician ordered with amusement in his voice.

One pain eclipsed the other... Ana felt her emotional experiences burn away in physical pain. Tears streamed down her face.

"Good girl! Let the pain heal you! Good girl!Krechetov encouraged her, using his whip deftly.

He tried to distribute the pain evenly, not to hit the same spot twice. It was finally over. Steele was sobbing into the blanket. Her body and soul ached unbearably, but a certain relief washed over her...

Familiar arms wrapped around her and held her close.

"It's over, it's over. You're a good girl. You made it. You're so beautiful, " Krechetov whispered into her hair.

She didn't want to talk to him. I didn't want to yet. Fatigue washed over her. She lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

The bed buckled under Vitaly's weight. He lay down next to her and covered her with the blanket. He didn't touch her, but he was there...

The sound of rain woke Anastasia up the next morning. Steele stirred, and her back immediately began to ache. She was quite tolerably ill. The girl compared this pain to the pain from the wound in the shoulder during the rescue of Emma Stone. It was much more painful then. Steele focused on the pain, and it eased a little.

The girl turned her head. Vitaly was sleeping next to her, not touching her. Ana gently stroked his face. The man took a deep breath and opened his eyes a crack.

"Angry?"Ana asked cautiously, not lowering her eyes.

"Yes, but less than that. My entourage is my family, and you wounded one of them. And that's usually paid for roasting me alive on the fire and eating my stomach. But given that I love you, I had to commute the sentence. You're the first person to survive wounding a member of my entourage.""And I hope you're the only one."

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to, " Ana snuggled up to him."Do you believe me?"

"I believe you. But I won't treat your back.""Now you're scarred, too. And how many more you'll get because of me. Are you afraid of Miss Steele?

"Never!Steele stood up and pressed her lips to his...

- Listen, I'll write to Platov from your laptop?Krechetov asked softly as they ate breakfast.

- Do you want to know how Igor is doing?Ana flitted around the kitchen setting the table

"Of course," Krechetov Purred. Ana magically summoned the Laptop. Vitaly opened it and smiled.

"You're using my toy." This laptop was meant for you for Christmas. But you know Christmas 2024 was terrible, " the man opened the browser.

"How did you even... know I needed a laptop?"Ana sat down across from him.

"I bugged your old laptop... Tracked it. And when he died, I noticed it and magically sent you this car, " Vitaly went into the post office and began to write to the servant.

He was spying on her... It bothered Anya. What is this man even capable of? Ana suspected everything. Smart, cold-blooded, always incredibly collected, cruel... Krechetov filled her with horror and at the same time excited her with his ability to combine seemingly incongruous qualities of character.

"What's up?"Ana conjured coffee and sipped nervously.

"He's awake. A little shocked... Ida doesn't leave his side. Says he's not mad at you. I have to be there. Hatice is my business partner and friend. I want to gather a coalition of those who are against Mahidevran and defeat it, " Krechetov closed his laptop.

"Can I come with you?"Ana realized she didn't want to let him go. She decided that first of all, she wanted to get to know Vitaly's life better, second, to try to persuade him to make peace with Gotsman, and third, to apologize to Chekan for yesterday.

The academic raised his eyebrows."Aren't you afraid to learn my secrets?"

Ana smiled.-I challenge you, Vitaly Yegorovich.

He put his arm around her. He liked her fearlessness. The way she bravely endured the punishment told the Academician that she was worthy to enter his retinue, clan and gang.

"I was blindfolded last time," Ana joked, sitting in the backseat of the Bentley next to Krechetov. He stroked her hair and held her close

"You were the enemy last time, and now you're my girlfriend. You have the right to see what I'm hiding in the mansion. Besides, my entourage is literally demanding that I show you to them. Krechetov smiled and became unbearably young and so beautiful.

"Are you close to her?" Was she also... a German spy?"Anastasia asked, looking down the road.

- no. I wasn't, and I never wanted to be. We both ended up in the by choice, of course. Mahidevran kidnapped us and killed our parents. Lena and I, being representatives of a strong magical family, attracted her attention. She gathered children with strong magic under her wing and brainwashed them into puppets of the Reich. They were afraid of her and obeyed her...

Of course, Elena and I did not like the ideology of the Reich and all that it brought with it. We often broke the rules, tried to escape. I defended her in every possible way. Pgf this often flew into my head. Beatings, starvation, solitary confinement... All this has been my life for almost 3 months. And then... Something's happened, " Vitaly sighed.

- what?Ana asked in a whisper, trying to process what she'd learned. So that's where his scars come from. How strong he was to have endured all this without breaking down.

Suddenly, the car stopped in front of a majestic mansion. Krechetov got out first and helped Anastasia out.

The girl looked around. They were standing outside an insanely beautiful Russian-style mansion. Ana gazed admiringly around the garden. Beautiful well-groomed...

"Like it?"Vitaly took her hand.

"I feel like Cinderella in the King's Garden." Gripping the Academician's hand tightly, she walked with him inside the Mansion.

Inside, everything was very bright, cozy and literally bathed in the rays of the spring sun. Steele looked around admiringly. She liked it here...

"You want a field trip?" The man asked.

"Let me check on Igor first, and then show me everything," Ana said, giving Vitali a quick peck on the lips.

He nodded and together they went upstairs and cautiously entered the Chekan's room.

Igor was lying on his bed reading The Count of Monte Cristo. Ida was sitting next to him. There was no hiding HER pregnancy.

"Igor, Ida," said Miss Steele cautiously. The couple looked up and nodded at her.

"Good morning, Miss Steele. You look good, " Chekan smiled."And you're alive..."

"She's a fucking exception to all my rules," Krechetov said, standing behind her."How are you?"

"Compared to how I felt when Ida and I were fleeing to Turkey, it's just childish talk. Don't worry so much. Miss Steele. You didn't mean to. You were trying to protect me.""And I'm sure if Ibrahim hadn't disappeared, you'd have shot him."

"I'm so sorry," Steele said, lowering her eyes.

"Never mind," Chekan whispered, and smiled reassuringly.

After Chekan, Ana and Vitaly went up to the third floor and entered the huge library.

Steele's gaze raked over the shelves of books. It seemed to have everything: classics, modern detective stories, books on the occult, erotica... Approaching one of the shelves, the brunette was surprised to see that there were also books in Latin.

"Do you know Latin?"Ana asked.

"Why are you surprised?" I'm a nobleman. We learned languages, etiquette, and manners... I know Latin, German, Italian, English and speak a little Spanish. Languages have come in handy in my espionage work."-You fit in well with the interior, by the way.

"What do you mean?"Ana asked, smiling.

"You're like a hostess." You're so free. You're very beautiful. Put you in an evening dress-you look just like Countess Krechetova, " he put his arm around her and pressed her against the shelf.

Ana gave the man a quick but gentle kiss. His hand tightened on her back.

"I won't spare you, mind you," Krechetov growled into her mouth, and his hands reached under her shirt.

"I wasn't going to ask for mercy, my Count."

They quickly unbuttoned their jeans and he entered her. Still wrapped her legs around his hips and rode furiously on the Academician's flesh. He kissed her neck, making her laugh.

"It tickles," Ana Giggled.

Krechetov smiled kindly at her neck. The punishment seemed to be over. They enjoyed each other and basked in each other's warmth and the sun rays that flooded the library.

Vitali bit her shoulder, claws growing from the hand that was gripping her back, and he gave her a short scratch, spilling onto her thigh at the same time.

Steel shivered and felt waves of bliss flood her body, Her body shaking with orgasm. Panting, she looked into the Academician's eyes. The turquoise flames warmed her.

"Forgiven?"The girl asked timidly.

"And I?" purred Krechetov.

"Always, completely," Steele said, giving him a quick peck on the mouth.

"Hey, man, this is a temple of knowledge, not a brothel," Elena suddenly appeared between the shelves. When she saw her brother and his girlfriend, she was embarrassed.

- Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it was Tolya who brought another prostitute, - Lena smiled."We're here... We're looking for a way to break the curse on Victor.

"I think I found it," Ana said, tidying herself up and looking at Elena.-Let's go to your place and you can share what you found and what I found.

- Engagement, trust, acceptance of his demons... Do you realize that you will have to change a lot about yourself? It is possible to quit your job. What are you going to tell the kids? And your father?Elena was pacing around the room.

"I'd do anything to break the curse." You have fulfilled your part of the withdrawal conditions. Now it's my turn. I will become a member of a clan, an entourage, a gang. My place is next to Vitali, " Ana said, her face burning with determination.

"He's a Nazi fanatic... And you ran as a girl to anti-Nazi rallies, " Platov teased, looking at Lena.

"Where are you from?"..Ana began, looking at Platov.

He pulled a heavy dossier out of thin air and handed it to Anya.

"I've been infiltrated by the Inquisition. I collected a piece about you at Gotzman's request. So...Platov smiled."We know all about you. We are the Inquisition.

"trying to talk me out of it?"Steele tossed the file into the fire.

"No, because it will be difficult. Dissuading you is just as useless as appealing to the Academician's mercy, " Elena said cheerfully

Ana turned away. Do they not believe in it, or are they afraid for it? Rather the second. She can do it.. Should be able to... Otherwise... There will be no rest for her...

Shaking out her hair, she straightened her back. It hurt, but Steele gritted her teeth. Hold the punch, boldly face fate, accept the rules of the Academician's game, try it on with the Gotsman...

The latter was the most important thing so far. If she couldn't do that, then she was worthless as a potential gang member. She must bring a peace treaty to both sides, otherwise Mahidevran will kill them one by one.

- Tell me. and ... is there a peace treaty? Or at least a plan for this? I mean David Markovich, " Steele said.

"Well, well... Some people think sensibly. The sketches are in my laptop, " Elena handed Ana her laptop."It's a bit raw, but if you go to the library and refine it to reflect magical and Dark law, you're in a gang. I think in 2 weeks you will manage.

Steele hugged the laptop to her.