Page 117 of Plug and Tame

He became aware of Kira trembling in his arms, silent tears rolling down her face to dampen his jacket.

“Oh, pet,” he sighed, his heart threatening to tear in two. “Everything will be all right.”

She sniffed. “Will it?”

He tried to mask his nervous swallow. “Yes. And look. The sun is shining.”

Through the window, the lane was basked in golden sunlight as the sun grew low in the sky.

“We should get going, shouldn’t we?” Kira asked. “You don’t want to be late to your own wedding.”

“Soon,” he agreed, “But not just yet. Come, let’s sit outside for a moment.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the window. Outside, birds were fluttering in the trees overhead.

“They’re singing,” a tentative smile crossed her face as she looked up at the trees.

“So they are.” He helped her climb through the window, steadying her as she balanced her high heels on the rough ground.

The mud had dried, and neither of them commented on the last time they’d been here, even though there was an obvious depression in the ground of cracked earth where their bodies had stirred it up.

“I really wish you would tell me the plan for tonight,” Kira said as he climbed through after her. “I have all the wolves in the academy at my disposal. Some of the vampires, too. It’s not too late—just say the word and I’ll ensure they all show up at your wedding. We have the numbers. We could deal with your father tonight, and then…I won’t have to sleep with him.”

With Kira facing the birch trees where blue birds fluttered, he stepped close so his chest was against her back and kissed her neck. “I promise you won’t have to do anything with my father.”

Kira made a worried sound. “You can’t guarantee that. There are too many variables. For all you know, your father could take me away in the middle of your wedding, and how will you stop him? He’s still king until you say your vows and have your coronation.”

He kissed her again, inhaling the scent of her one last time before taking a step backwards.

“I’ll deal with him.”

“Deal with him? What do you mean?”

He didn’t answer, taking another step backwards as he pulled a feathered quill crusted with old blood from his pocket. Barbara had reluctantly given it to him when she’d first made the portal at his request.

“Nathaniel?” Kira began, turning towards him.

But he was already back in his room, staring through the open window at Kira’s thunderstruck expression.

“Nathaniel? What are you—?”

“I love you,” he mouthed, his throat too dry to make a sound as he snapped the quill.

“No, wait. Stop—!”

Kira’s scream cut short amidst a loud whooshing as the portal collapsed, and his view of the country lane vanished. He stared at the dark, blank wall of his bedroom. Even the window frame was gone.

Blood rushed to his head, the room deathly silent except for the pounding in his ears.

She’s gone.

A guttural sob tore from his throat as the anguish he’d been fighting to conceal tore free. His head fell forward, his forehead banging against the cool wall.

It was not the goodbye he’d wanted. But at least Kira was safe and hidden from danger…for now.

He would do everything in his power to ensure she stayed that way.

Jaw clenching, Nathaniel straightened his wedding jacket and strode to the door, his body cold and empty.

His heart.