Page 116 of Plug and Tame

“Happy thirtieth birthday,” she’d whispered at midnight, cuddling close and kissing his cheek. “You’re officially eleven years older than me, old man.”

“Only for a few weeks,” he’d pointed out.

“I’m glad you’ll be back in time for my birthday,” she’d said with forced cheeriness. “I thought we could go out to dinner with our friends. Invite Susie and a few people from my class. And Victoria and Felix, of course.”

The guilt had nearly overwhelmed him as he’d listened to her plan a future he could never be a part of.

They both tensed when a knock sounded at the door.

“No,” Kira groaned. “It’s not time yet. I’m…I’m not ready to—”

Kira cut herself off and took a steadying breath.

Nathaniel could practically read her mind. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye either. Especially as it would be their last goodbye.

He kissed the top of her head softly. “Whoever it is, I’ll send them away.”

“Why, hello,” sang Victoria, waving her black-gloved hands at them. Her bottle green dress was almost plain except for the bright pink sash around her waist. “Are we ready?”

“Not yet,” Nathaniel murmured, blocking the vampiress’ way when she tried to enter. It didn’t stop her strong rose-scented perfume from filling up the room.

“I just want to ask Kira a question. Is she here?” Victoria leant past him. “Ah, Kira. Do you want to ride in our carriage with me and Felix?”

“Er, I think I’m alright,” Kira said, glancing at Nathaniel. “I’d rather go with Nathaniel.”

He nodded. With so little time left, every minute mattered.

Victoria pursed her lips and lowered her voice. “It might better if the two of you say goodbye now, before we leave the academy.” She hesitated, giving them both a pitying look. “It might be easier. And it would avoid a scene at the wedding. Henrikk will be waiting for you, Kira. I know it isn’t easy, but—”

“Thank you, Victoria,” Nathaniel said, cutting her off as he began to close the door, “But we will meet you there.”

Victoria clicked her tongue. “There’s no need to be so rude—”

The door clicked shut.

He and Kira both let out a collective breath.

She hugged herself, and he went to her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on hers.

“I’ve been wondering something,” she said as he held her.

“Hmm?”

“When we were at the nightclub, you threatened Gloria. But I don’t understand, if that was always an option, why didn’t you simply kill her?”

“Because it would solve nothing,” Nathaniel said, pulling back to meet her gaze sadly. “Whatever Gloria’s faults may be…she’s still your sister by blood. Your last remaining relative. After all that you have lost...I would not be the one to kill her. Besides…she is a victim in all of this. Life has dealt her a cruel hand. She has known little kindness, and she rejected the few people who dared love her.”

Kira nodded slowly. She’d asked him many questions about Gloria that he’d struggled to answer. Gloria had never let him close enough to get to know her.

He and Kira had reflected on the events at the nightclub. It had been a difficult conversation. The night had shaken them both, and Nathaniel was keenly aware of how conflicted Kira’s feelings were towards Gloria.

Kira had tasted her sister’s juices on his cock before she’d so much as hugged her or shaken her hand—not that Gloria had been particularly civil to Kira, but the memory drove the guilt deeper into his chest.

Together, they’d crossed a line that should never have been crossed, and yet, the plan had been successful: the next day’s morning paper had officially announced his engagement to Gloria on the front page, and the school was now abuzz with talk of the wedding. Few students were invited, but Victoria and Felix had both made the guest list, which surprised Nathaniel as he hadn’t invited anyone.

Kira had read the newssheet’s announcement quietly over his shoulder, her body rigid, before giving a firm nod. He knew she was trying to be brave for both their sakes, but he could see the toll it was taking on her, and his inability to console her was killing him.

He hoped Kira and Gloria could mend the bridge between them one day. Perhaps, once Henrikk was dead, the kingdom would finally be able to heal. But that would be out of his hands.