Page 20 of Tethered Fates

“No. But even when you found that scumbag blood mage draining me, you still cracked jokes and acted like you had all the time in the world, while my time was being drained outta me. So, whatever this is,” she gestures with her empty glass to encompass the whole of me, “this is something I’ve never seen before.”

My canines sharpen, begin to slide down, as I lean in closer. “Honey, there’s so much of the world you haven’t seen before,” I tell Kate, low, mocking, and with enough dangerous charm to steer her away from this topic.

Scowling, Kate juts her chin out. “As you said, I’m nosy. But I already know too much supernatural rubbish, and everyone at the station already thinks I’m crazy. You’re helpful when something turns up that makes no sense, and because of that, I’ve kept in contact.”

“Not because of my pretty face?”

“But this woman you wanted me to look into,” she raises a pointed eyebrow, “she isn’t one of those weird things, Sen.”

“She died in a locked flat, with no wounds or signs of blood loss,” I reply, pulling my fangs back with some effort. I was enjoying our little back-and-forth until she started asking questions, which is what I expected from Kate. But the impatience that’s been badgering me since I arrived is only getting worse. “You don’t think that’s suspicious?”

“She was old. Had all her windows closed during a record-breaking heat wave. She died of dehydration. Her blood turned into sludge.”

I run my tongue across my teeth, frustrated. All I want is to explore these feelings with Teagan, actually spend time with him outside of climbing towers and dodging the intensity of his gaze, yet everyone is getting in my fucking way.

I’ve been around long enough to trust my gut, and there is something about the dead woman that tickles at my senses. But I can’t deny my gut is compromised. Right now, if given the chance, I’d find every blood mage scum and start killing until I get the answers I’m looking for.

Fun, but unproductive.

“Give me the address,” I say, my playful tone gone.

After a moment, Kate gets out her phone and sends over the details. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you distracting me when I asked his name. Is this for some boyfriend?”

Like that would ever encompass what Teagan already is.

I tap the table with my glass before setting it down and standing. “Thanks, Kate, I’ll see you around,” I tell my nosy detective, walking away.

“Sen.”

I peer over my shoulder at Kate’s drawn-in features.

“The person you’re keeping close to your chest is he…?” The word ‘human’ hangs unsaid between us, and when I say nothing, turning my back and slipping outside, I hear her soft ‘shit’ and know that Kate Donovan—and her fatal flaw—are going to rear their ugly head when I least expect it.

The wind hits me as I make my way towards my car, but unlike humans, I can shrug the chill off easily. Besides, I’m too distracted by the new address I’ve got burning in my pocket.

I drop into my car and peel away from the pavement with quick, jerky movements. If I linger any longer, I’m going to start ripping my hair out. Hopefully, when I check this place out, I’ll find answers that could lead me to Summer and calm the ache that grows bigger with each passing second.

My phone rings, and without a glance, I hit answer for Lucero’s voice to come out from the speakers. “You aren’t at your hotel.”

“Well, hello there, little brother. I didn’t know I couldn’t leave. Perhaps you can send your pretty mate, Golden, to keep me company?”

Lucero lets out a growl. Any other time, I’d be enjoying annoying my brooding brother, even if he’s insufferably happy now. But my attempt rings hollow as my distracted focus remains trapped on the road, hands gripping the wheel.

“I wanted to check in on you,” Lucero snaps, then clears his throat. “I was worried.”

“Listen, Lucero,” I bite out, losing the small amount of patience I was clinging to. This isn’t like me. I can wait. I enjoy waiting. Finding my soulmate has left me floundering. “I know you’re the expert on soulmates, but I’m doing whatever I can to get mine while ensuring his safety.”

“Not being able to claim your soulmate—”

“God, you’re annoying,” I interrupt. “I thought you’d only dole out that high and mighty attitude when you were playing the leader of the family. Vidar is back, Luc. Calm it.”

I expect Lucero to snap; instead, he asks, “What’s wrong?” In a far too sincere way.

“What do you bloody mean?”

“You’re not acting like yourself,” he replies calmly, which only irritates me further.

“You literally just said, very clearly, what is wrong with me,” I growl. “I. Cannot. Claim. Teagan.”