Page 40 of Plug and Tame

“You’re upset,” Nathaniel said softly. “What’s wrong?”

She locked eyes with him silently, letting him see that her disobedience was completely intentional. It needed no explanation.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “Kira, I want you. You know that.”

And then he said those words she’d come to hate, the ones that stripped her of the calm bliss he’d given her when he’d taken charge.

“It’s your choice, Kira.”

She shut her eyes. More than ever, she hated that it was her choice, because she did not have the courage to turn her back on the people she loved, nor on her dream to make a better world…not even for him.

And yet, if he’d grabbed her arm right now and taken her somewhere far away, she would have followed him in a heartbeat.

But it was not a choice she could make herself. She didn’t want to be responsible for all the people who were depending on her to overthrow Henrikk and make the world a better place for every kind—wolves, witches, humans and vampires..

Nathaniel’s soothing voice echoed through her reverie.

“It’s not too late to change your mind, Kira. I am here to assist you. If you wish to back out, no one will hold it against you. I will understand, and I will love you with my every breath. That does not change, no matter what you choose. But if you choose to be a part of this plan, you must return to the academy with me.”

Kira opened her eyes but stared at the muddy ground. “Will following through with the plan make you happy?”

Nathaniel stepped closer but did not touch her. “Once we succeed…there will be far less suffering in the world, especially amongst humans and wolves. There will be less inequality. Young wolves will have brighter futures, with prospects beyond being living breathing blood donors. I expect many people will be happier. I suppose, I will be glad of that.”

She nodded. It wasn’t the kind of happiness she’d been asking about, but he was right. He was fucking right. And she wished he wasn’t.

“It’s your choice,” Nathaniel repeated, his hand brushing the side of her arm like a feather touch.

Kira fell silent. Every fibre of her being urged her to abandon the plan and stay with Nathaniel. But that option wasn’t even on the table. Either way, he would continue with the plan, with or without her. Because it was the right thing to do.

It was quiet, the only sound the rustle of leaves as tiny birds searched for breakfast.

Nathaniel waited patiently, his expression stoic whilst she deliberated—or seemed to deliberate. Truthfully, her mind was blank, and the choice wasn’t really a choice at all.

“We proceed as agreed,” she announced stiffly. Her own words hit her like a punch in the gut. “And you can start your training right now, because I’m not going through that fucking portal unless you make me.”

Chapter 14

Punishment

Kira

Kira’s challenge hung in the air, buzzing with anger.

“You will go through the portal, just like I asked,” Nathaniel said in a reasonable tone.

Too reasonable.

If she was going to survive the next few weeks, Nathaniel would have to take control, because it was too daunting to contemplate otherwise.

I need him to take control.

She sure as hell wouldn’t make it easy, though. She trusted Nathaniel enough to relinquish control to him, but she was also furious enough to lash out in any way she could.

“I’m waiting, pet. Go through the portal.”

She spun to face him, pushing him squarely in the chest. “Make me. You want me to be a good slut for your father, right? Here’s your chance to punish me.”

Nathaniel looked distraught. “Kira, don’t do this.”