Page 108 of Plug and Drain

Nataniel’s eye spasmed again. “It would be the last thing you see.”

He really was quite cranky. Poor sleep could do that to a vampire.

Especially when that vampire was also an aristocrat.

Nathaniel continued. “There are signs that they mean to stay there for a short while. They seem to be gathering supplies but are making no move to settle. They have left the windows boarded, for instance. I’m under the impression that they left in quite a hurry.”

“At least Kira spurning you was a spur-of-the-moment decision.” Arken thought of Susie, who had considered his offer carefully before rejecting him anyway. “I’m surprised you did not bring the girl back once you found her.”

Nathaniel’s lips curled upward in a nasty smile. “I was tempted. However…I decided to leave her in peace. You could say that I had a slight change of heart.”

“Is that so?” Arken appraised his friend for a long moment before stealing a glance at Ernie to check on his progress over by the kegs. The satisfying sound of trickling liquid met Arken’s ears. His gaze flickered back to peer at Nathaniel in concern. “That is unusual for you.”

“It is.”

“What inspired this change of heart?”

“She did,” Nathaniel spat, his forceful answer taking Arken off guard.

He blinked at Nathaniel curiously. “She must be quite special for you to deviate from your goal. I never imagined you would return without her.”

Nathaniel cocked his head in consideration. “She is special,” he conceded after a moment. “Kira is fundamentally important to…everything. But I have not yet decided whether I will force her to come to Volmasque…and submit.”

Arken frowned. Nathaniel was not the type to hesitate in doing what was necessary. It was strange he hadn’t simply captured Kira and hauled her to the academy. Nathaniel was a skilled manipulator and did not necessitate that his victims be willing. He was not impartial to kidnap, and when it came to forcing others to do his bidding, he generally struggled with the concept far less than Arken did.

As was evident each time Arken had attended a feeding in the manor house that week. He’d kept up his nightly visits to the witches. Some were eager and threw themselves at him, whilst others had to be rounded up and restrained in some manner. It was always a relief once the feedings were over and done with.

Arken pressed Nathaniel to elaborate on his reasons for letting Kira get away, but after several minutes of silence, it became apparent that Nathaniel didn’t know.

“You have a soft spot for her,” Arken said slowly.

Nathaniel sniffed his sharp nose indignantly, his expression imperious like the aristocrat he was. “I’ll pretend you didn’t say that.”

“Pretend away,” Arken replied, toasting him with an imaginary flagon—Ernie had become distracted by a lingering straggler of the bridal party who was flirtatiously dusting confetti off his shoulders, and he still hadn’t brought Arken his drink. “What will you do about Kira?”

“I’ll return to the lodge in a few days. I’ll monitor her movements and ensure no one else is tracking her.”

Arken smiled knowingly. “That is an interesting turn of events. At least it will give you time to reflect on your feelings. Ah, Ernie, excellent—” He reached for the flagon of foaming ale Ernie was carrying over.

Nathaniel’s temporarily pensive expression was replaced with a cold scowl as Arken took hold of the drink. “You’re drinking. Again.”

Arken shrugged. “It’s the weekend.”

“Do you even know what a weekend is?” Nathaniel countered in a clipped tone.

“Of course I do.”

“And how long has this weekend lasted, precisely?”

Arken forced himself to appear unperturbed. “Since Monday.”

Nathaniel’s lips turned downward in disapproval. “And that favour I asked of you?”

“It is under control.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Nightly feedings, as per your instructions.”