Page 111 of Tethered Fates

“But I’m really sorry.”

He stares out the window for a moment longer, then glances at me from over his shoulder. “A house full of vampires and a blood mage,” he says, a small shake of his head, “and yet you’re the strangest thing here.”

I flash him my fangs. “Not so much anymore.”

A few hairs fall from his messy bun as he watches me struggle to retract my fangs. Getting them out is a simple push; putting them back takes more effort.

“Do I…” he trails off, chewing his bottom lip.

Finally, my fangs retract, and I wait for Elio to gather whatever courage he needs.

“How do I smell?” His voice comes out as a shaky, uncertain whisper.

He’s asking if he smells like a blood mage. Elio promised never to use a spellbook, and he broke that promise to save me. So if giving him the truth is the only way I can thank him, then that’s what I’ll do.

“Come closer, my sense of smell still isn’t that strong.”

Chin held high, he approaches as if preparing himself for the worst. I breathe in deep. My scent of warm sand and sweet tea lingers on the sheets, mixed perfectly with Sen’s. I smell the wood and brick of the walls, the sun pouring in from the window.

And… “Blood.”

Elio’s shoulders don’t drop, but a tremor of disappointment runs through him.

“But not rotted,” I tell him, drawing back. “You don’t smell gross. You actually smell kinda nice.”

“Of course you’d say that.” He rolls his eyes, but I spot the flicker of relief. “You’re a vampire now.”

I shrug.

“So it isn’t…bad?” he asks quietly, gaze skittering away.

I shake my head. “I promise.”

“Thank you…for…” Elio shifts, clears his throat. “Emma was…not a good parent. Probably the worst. But…”

I nod to the bed. After a confused pause, Elio lowers onto the corner, posture rigid as a pole. I shift so we’re sitting side by side, our shoulders touching.

“Do you like being a vampire?” Elio asks.

“I like sucking Sen.”

Elio scoffs, shaking his head. “I’m not going to respond to that.”

“Have you ever let a vampire suck on you?”

Elio’s face scrunches up. “No way.”

“You should try it.” I lunge at Elio, snapping my blunt teeth. “Maybe you’ll like it.”

“Oh my god,” he complains while trying to hide his laughter. “Get away from me! You’re such a weirdo.”

I don’t say anything. Why bother correcting him when it’s true? Besides, I’m too busy laughing.

Chapter Thirty-Nine - Sen

Istroll towards our ruined kitchen, but before I approach the entryway, I find Rurik leaning against the wall. The sun catches his blond hair and sharp blue eyes, and I’m reminded that my brother is actually attractive when he’s not drunk off his ass.

Not that I blame him. I understand that now more than ever.