Page 69 of Tethered Fates

“You, Sen, are a love-sick fool.” Luc claps my thigh. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“At least I’m entertaining.”

Luc climbs out of the car, but before he leaves, he bends to say, “Bran is here,” then darts into the mansion.

Stepping out of my car, I stroll towards the familiar figure lounging on the steps, bathing in the sun as if frost wasn’t clinging to the evergreens.

“I’m surprised you’re still here, Bran.”

His legs are crossed at the ankles, his elbows bent on the stone step. “Now we’ve finally reached this point, I plan to stick around to ensure you all play your parts.”

“And where are we exactly, oh wise one?”

“Nearing the closing act,” Bran replies, his mocking tone only adding to his naked intensity—like he might find it all a joke, but he’ll go to dark lengths to get what he wants.

And hasn’t the crazy motherfucker done just that?

“It’d be very helpful if you could share your plans,” I ask, knowing full well Bran won’t.

“The events I’ve set in motion started before your father climbed on top of your mother.”

“Delightful.”

Bran flashes a smile that’s all teeth. “You will all claim your soulmates.”

“And what if we don’t want to?”

Bran stretches out like a satisfied cat. “I could always fuck Teagan in your place, if you’re not up for the challenge.”

I’m flashing my fangs before it registers that Bran is goading me. Frustrated that I allowed this ancient bastard to get to me, I force my fangs back, much to his delight.

Running my tongue along my teeth, I ignore the urge to snap Bran in half. Not that it’d get me anywhere. Ignoring the fact he’s older than most civilisations, Bran’s a wily fuck. Like a cockroach. “Is your blood really strong enough to bring someone back from the dead?”

Bran waits a beat, then laughs. Really belly laughs, even holding onto his middle.

“I guess I should’ve expected that,” I mutter to myself.

“I had no idea you thought so highly of me, Sen.” Bran wipes a tear from his eye. “I’m touched.”

My gaze travels past Bran to the mansion. If I concentrate, I can touch the connection that leads to Teagan. He’s so close I can almost smell his warm sand and sweet tea scent. My heart yearns to move past Bran, push open the doors and take my soulmate in my arms just like the others are allowed.

I’m sure Luc and Vidar will try to find ways around my sacrifice. But we’ve known each other for lifetimes. Teagan, however…

I run my fingers through my hair, sighing. “No wonder so many people don’t try to be selfless.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Bran replies, cocky as sin.

“Me either.”

I made a choice when I accepted what must be done, so when I turn away and head back towards my car, I solidify that choice.

For Teagan’s safety, I have to keep my distance.

I will protect Teagan from the heartbreak of losing a soulmate. He will not be like Rurik, who was slowly killing himself, or Lucero, who was sinking into apathy, or Vidar when he clutched Kai to his chest, unwilling to accept reality when he thought Kai was dead.

To save him from that cruelty, I’ll be cruel to him now.

I hear the swing of the opening door, the crunch of shoes rushing across pebbles, and then, the smallest, most beautiful raspy voice, “Sen.”