Page 138 of Plug and Claim

“What is that?” Kira asked, squinting her eyes.

“For Nathaniel and his bride,” Barbara said, hopping over a ship anchor and dusting her hands off. “A thirtieth birthday and wedding gift in one. I dyed the fur white, as you can see.”

He went to pick up the fur but hesitated. Kira staring at it looking sick.

“It’s not real fur,” he murmured.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I know. I was just thinking that maybe I need to get you a wedding present, too.”

Her words rendered him speechless, and he suddenly lacked the words to calm the sparks of hurt in her eyes. She smiled and shrugged before turning away, and it was like watching a door close.

“Well? What do you think, Nat?” Barbara asked. “Will that woman of yours be satisfied?”

He tore his eyes from Kira and stooped to pick up the coat. The imitation fur was flawless, a black undercoat topped with soft snow-white hairs that shimmered and glowed like sunlight on snow. The coat was floor-length, with long elegant sleeves and deep pockets, and it was a fashion statement that would be adored by almost any vampiress. “Truly, you’ve outdone yourself, Barb. But I cannot comment as to whether Gloria will be satisfied, I’m afraid.”

Barbara snorted. “S’ppose not. Will you take it now?”

Nathaniel nodded. “Yes. My father will be here at the end of this week.” He glanced at Kira, who was watching him closely, before adding, “I may as well show him the coat.”

“That was my thinking too,” Barbara said. “Let Henrikk think that Nathaniel killed something—the big bad wolf.” She chortled. “It’s why I was rushing to complete it. Your birthday is just around the corner, and we can’t afford for anything to go wrong with your coronation.”

“But this isn’t real fur,” Kira said. “I can smell the magic on it. And before either of you say anything, I know that most of the furs in Nathaniel’s office aren’t real, either.” Her eyes searched his, seeking confirmation.

“Got a good sense of smell, this one,” Barbara said approvingly, “And a sharp wit. Are you sure she isn’t half-witch?”

Nathaniel gritted his teeth in warning. “Quite sure.” He turned to Kira. “You are correct. Most of the furs aren’t real. But my father won’t know the difference.”

A tense silence stretched as the words hung between them.

“You’re lying to your father…to protect real wolves?”

“Yes.”

“So…what about Haley and Ana?”

He hesitated. “They are alive and well.”

Kira’s eyes widened. Now she was the one who seemed at a loss for words.

“It sounds like the two of you have a lot to talk about,” Barbara commented, ushering them to the door. “And I have a lot of work to do. Why don’t you both show yourselves out?”

“Wait,” Kira said as they reached the corridor, turning back to face Barbara, “What did you mean when you said—”

Slam.

Kira blinked as the door shut in her face.

“Barb has a one-track mind,” Nathaniel apologised. “Once she gets an idea in her head, she prefers to be left alone to work.”

He led Kira downstairs and back out onto the street.

“I thought you were going to kill her,” Kira admitted as they stood outside the shops. “You’re the so-called hunter, and yet you’re friends with a witch.” She sighed and turned away. “I feel like I don’t know you at all. And the more time I spend with you, the less this all makes sense…”

Nathaniel’s chest grew tight. “I know. It’s my fault for not confiding in you.”

Kira gave a bitter laugh, the sound ringing oddly. “You have no reason to confide in me. Not when you think so little of me.”

“That’s not true. Not in the slightest. The opposite, in fact. I think very highly of you.”