Page 142 of Plug and Claim

“Nathaniel’s father will be disappointed,” Victoria said matter-of-factly, trailing after them. “But I’m glad Susie is all right, Kira. That’s the important thing. If I find out who did it, I’ll nail them up.”

“Me too,” Felix said, who’d offered to help support Susie—which Kira appreciated, especially since Chloe hadn’t been much help in lifting.

“I’m worried about Nathaniel,” Kira said in a low voice.

Victoria waved dismissively. “He’ll be fine,” she said. “I guarantee he’s already passed out on his bed, assuming he made it that far.”

This did nothing to reassure Kira.

“She’s exaggerating,” Felix said to her in a low voice. “But I’ll check on him, I promise.”

“Thanks,” Kira said gratefully.

“You’re such a softie,” Victoria said to Felix as they waved goodbye, her tone sounding both fond and disparaging.

Kira stayed by Susie’s bedside in the sick bay all afternoon, torn between being there for her friend and finding Nathaniel.

Would he even want her there when he was ill?

Come dinner time, Susie was stable but still not entirely herself. She was woozy on her feet when Kira helped her to the bathroom, and at times became exuberant and said slightly odd things. Chloe left soon after helping Susie eat her strawberry mousse and jelly. By the time ten o’clock rolled around, Susie was sound asleep.

Kira was dozing when she was woken by Mrs. Bur, the warden.

“Still here?” Mrs. Bur asked. “It’s past midnight. Get to bed.”

“But, what about Susie?” Kira asked.

“I expect to discharge Miss Susanna at noon if she is feeling better,” Mrs. Bur said. “But I promise to keep a close eye on her, and I am confident she will be fully recovered come morning. Vampire blood is an extraordinary thing.”

Kira winced. Even the warden knew—or assumed—that Nathaniel had given Susie his blood.

“Off you go now,” Mrs. Bur said. “You can come back at twelve tomorrow.”

Kira was reluctant to leave, but Mrs. Bur briskly shooed her out.

Standing alone in the dark corridor, Kira rubbed her eyes and suppressed a yawn. She didn’t feel like returning to her own bed. Her heart drew her to Nathaniel. The mere thought of him feeling unwell had kept her on edge.

She was halfway up the corridor when she made up her mind, and she broke into a run. Her footsteps rang across the foyer and down the dorm staircase, continuing past the fifth floor until she reached the vampire dorm.

Her conversation with Nathaniel and Barbara was at the forefront of her mind. The reciprocal relationship between vampires and witches had come as a shock, but it was only now that she realised they’d left an important piece of information out. As she’d sat by Susie’s bed, the missing puzzle piece had clicked into place.

It was not a two-way relationship. It was a triangular nexus that included wolves as well. Someone had to be the lifeblood of the vampires, and who better than the wolf shifters, who were of the earth and of magic? Except somewhere along the way, vampires had forgotten about their side of the bargain. They couldn’t simply take what they wanted—they had to remember to give as well.

Nathaniel clearly knew that and had given his blood freely even though it had made him vulnerable. Her heart swelled. He was not at all who she’d pictured him to be, and while there was still so much mystery surrounding him, she was starting to learn that the biggest secret he was hiding was his kindness.

The dorm was dark and empty when she arrived. She didn’t stop until she reached his door. He needed her.

And for better or for worse, she needed him.

Chapter 54

On His Bed

Nathaniel

Nathaniel dragged himself out of bed and across the dim room. His body felt heavy and lethargic. Whoever had disturbed him was about to witness the wrathful side of him.

His heart leapt as he swung the door open and saw Kira standing there, her thick hair highlighted by the magical lamps of the corridor, her eyes burning with intention as she stared at him. Her face was flushed and her breathing ragged as if she’d run here.