Page 32 of Plug and Claim

“It’s not in the letter,” Chelsea said impatiently. “Membership to the Poplarin Pack is very exclusive, and we don’t allow just anyone in. Mark only accepts the best, and he expects you to use your initiative.”

“Right. So…what kind of item am I looking for?”

Chelsea rolled her eyes. “Something small enough that you can carry it. Something that’s obviously the hunter’s. I will warn you, though, this mission could be dangerous. If you don’t feel up to it…”

She’s hoping I’ll back out.

Kira rolled her shoulders back. “I’ll do it. But…Chelsea, who is the vampire hunter? Does he actually kill vampires?”

Chelsea smirked. “Oh, yes. But he’s no one you can’t handle. Besides, he won’t be in his office tomorrow afternoon. He’ll be out hunting. Now, do you know where his office is?”

Kira’s eyes widened as Chelsea described the grey door in the dark corridor on the second floor.

“Think you can find it?” Chelsea asked. “If you need me to show you—”

Kira shook her head, feeling determined. “No need. I know where it is.”

“Excellent,” Chelsea said, sounding almost cheerful. “See you tomorrow after school.”

“See you,” Kira said, watching her go. She reread the letter, her heart swelling at the word Congratulations. Had Mark handwritten it himself? Doubtful, but one could hope.

This was what she’d been waiting for. Gaining membership to a prominent pack was only a stepping stone to greater things. Less than a day ago, she’d been a nobody in a worn blouse and skirt, looking so much like a peasant she may as well have had straw in her hair, and the task had seemed daunting. Now, she was holding the rich parchment in her hands, savouring the victory that was only a day away.

“I’m here,” Susie panted, hurrying down the steps and dispersing Kira’s group of admirers. “Ready for shopping?”

“Ready,” Kira said, folding the letter and stowing it in the inside pocket of her blazer.

They walked across the green lawn towards the school gates. Thankfully, the wolves could not follow them. Students needed special permission to leave the school grounds, and Susie kissed the permission slip she’d obtained from Headmaster Arken and grinned at Kira before handing it to the vampire guarding the booth.

As the gates opened, a familiar drawl made Kira tense.

“And where are the two of you off to?”

Kira smoothed her expression as she turned.

Nathaniel was standing in the booth’s doorway, managing to look both bored and smug as he appraised them. His gaze flickered ever so briefly to the crowd of male wolves that had followed them hopefully to the gates. He arched one eyebrow questioningly.

Susie opened her mouth to explain, but Kira beat her to it.

“We have a letter from the headmaster granting us permission to leave the school grounds—and that’s all you need to know, Prince Nathaniel.”

Nathaniel remained silent as he tilted his head, his cool eyes unnerving as they stared unblinkingly at her.

“Well?” she prompted when he didn’t respond. “Can we go to the city or not?”

His lips curled with amusement. “I’m not stopping you. That being said, if you’re asking for my permission—”

“I’m not,” Kira said firmly, annoyance flashing as she and Susie passed through the gates. They began to creak shut.

“Shall I let your admirers through as well?” Nathaniel called.

A hopeful cry emanated from the crowd of wolves.

Without turning back, Kira held up her middle finger in the air as they walked away, the gates clanging shut behind them. She could feel Nathaniel’s gaze on her long after the whining of the wolves at the gate had ceased.

Susie laughed. “You don’t seem afraid of Nathaniel.”

“I'm not.” With some distance between them and the gates, Kira finally chanced a glance behind her, and immediately wished she hadn’t. Some of the wolves were staring after them with their faces pressed against the bars. If Nathaniel was still there, she couldn’t see him.