Page 67 of Plug and Tame

He arched an eyebrow. “Why, pet…Don’t tell me you’re looking forward to the initiation.”

“No,” she retorted immediately, “You know that’s not why.” The first sign of hurt he’d seen flashed in her eyes. “But my magic hasn’t returned, and we’re running out of time. And this is part of the plan. You agreed to talk to the alphas about—”

“Shh,” he said under his breath, “not in front of the others.”

“They can’t hear us,” Kira replied as a loud peal of laughter broke out from the vampires. “See?”

She had a point, but just to be safe he leant back in his armchair, pulled her close, and whispered in her ear.

“Actually, pet, I already met with the alphas this morning. They have agreed to initiate you tomorrow night.”

Kira froze in his arms.

“T-tomorrow?”

“That’s right.”

“When did you find out?”

“This morning.”

“And you’re only telling me now?” she accused.

Yes, he wanted to say.

I wanted one more evening with you. One more night of holding you in my arms, feeling your warmth, and your gentle breathing as you drift to sleep.

Just one more perfect moment.

Except he didn’t want just one more. He wanted all the moments.

“Forgive me, pet,” he spoke softly, stroking her arm. “It is not so easy for me to let go of you.”

Kira drew a sharp breath, and they stared at each other for a long moment.

Nathaniel’s heart beat faster as he waited, hoping she would say something. But what could she possibly say? We’re in too deep…

“Is it…all twelve alphas I need to submit to?” Kira asked cautiously.

He’d known she would ask that, and yet, hearing her voice it out loud caused a cruel doubt to stab him, planting the thought that maybe, just maybe, Kira wanted to lay with all twelve. Was it completely absurd to think that she might enjoy it?

It was absurd, but he couldn’t shake the image of her sitting naked on a dusty gym mat as the twelve bastards lined up for their turn.

His fists clenched.

“Nathaniel?” Kira asked, peering at him with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Just Mark,” he croaked, his eyes locking with hers. “You need only lie with Mark.”

Kira’s lips parted in surprise. “How did you manage that?”

“I negotiated.”

“Meaning…?”

“Meaning I threatened to claim the next batch of first year virgins for myself if they did not agree.”

It was an empty threat. After Kira, there would be no one else for him. But the alphas had taken his threat seriously, and the prospect of losing access to next year’s cohort had made them willing to agree to his terms.