Page 80 of Plug and Claim

Nathaniel didn’t deny it. “Now,” he said, seating himself on one end of a chaise and patting it for her to join him. “What is this deal you propose?”

Kira hesitated before seating herself on a chair instead. Nathaniel’s lips curved, but she pretended not to notice as she sat tall with her hands clasped in a business-like manner.

“I believe we can make an agreement that would benefit both of us.”

“Is that so? But I want for nothing…at least, nothing I don’t already have.” He looked pointedly at her.

Kira flushed. “You might have claimed me or whatever, but I’m not truly yours, and I never will be.”

Nathaniel’s eyes were piercing, but he remained silent.

“Unless…” she continued softly.

“Unless?” He sat back and crossed his legs.

“Unless you help me get what I want.”

“And what is that?”

Kira rubbed her hands together. “I want to become a member of the Poplarin Pack…and I want to be its sole alpha.”

“Really? How ambitious. And you expect me to help you achieve that lofty status?”

“Yes. I want you to unfuck the damage you’ve done to my reputation by unclaiming me.”

Nathaniel stroked his chin thoughtfully. “While I’m sympathetic, there isn’t a good enough incentive in the world for me to give you up.”

His words struck her speechless, but she quickly recovered.

“Actually, there is. I know what you really want, Nathaniel.”

“I doubt that.”

His words were light, but she saw the nervous bob of his throat as he swallowed.

She was just his plaything, something to distract himself with while he put off doing what was expected of him: finding a queen. She reached into her pocket and placed the jewellery box on the coffee table beside them. Someone had left it in her locker the day after the initiation—so much for Chelsea’s offer to return it.

Nathaniel stared at the jewellery box, making no move to take it.

“I know there is pressure on you to marry Gloria by your thirtieth birthday,” Kira said. “Victoria told me,” she added. “And I know that one day, she will be your queen.”

“Not ‘one day’,” Nathaniel corrected. “That very day. The coronation will be held on my birthday. There is to be a party at Wintermaw Keep.”

“Wow.” That was new information. “Well, you’re going to need that ring, then.” She lowered her voice, trying not to sound too smug as she continued. “I also know that despite your courtship, she has not said yes.”

Nathaniel was deathly silent, and she suddenly felt cold under his icy stare.

“But we can help each other,” she said, sliding off the armchair slowly until she was on her knees.

“How?” His voice was barely a whisper.

“I can help you win Gloria.” Kira leant forward, her palms on the ground. “I can help make her jealous.” Crawling forward until she was at Nathaniel’s feet, she brushed the tops of his bare feet with her hands. They were covered in fine hairs, and she almost lost her train of thought as she stroked them. “You can prove to her that you brought an untameable wolf to heel.”

She lifted her gaze, and her stomach did a somersault as she met Nathaniel’s hard, hungry stare. His eyes were blazing with intensity, his focus on her unwavering as the icy shards of his irises sliced her. She spoke in a controlled tone. “And I will help convince her to say yes.”

Nathaniel drew a breath, running the tip of his tongue over a sharp fang thoughtfully. “And in return, you want me to ensure the Poplarin Pack accepts you.”

“Yes.”