Page 8 of Tethered Fates

“Besides, your brother told me you used to attend university,” Vidar states. “Focus on that.”

Vidar’s words are a slow, gradual slap, and when the impact finally lands, I rip my hands from Kai’s and bolt upright, causing Kai to stumble back.

“Careful!” Vidar warns, steadying Kai by the shoulders.

Kai lays a hand on his forearm. “Vidar, I’m fine—”

“I don’t know who the hell you think you are, or why the fuck you think you get a say in my life,” I bite out at Vidar, hoping every quiet word cuts deep, “but I do know you’ve hurt my brother, and you’re isolating him from his family. He might’ve forgiven you, but like fuck I will.”

“Teagan, that isn’t what’s happening!” Kai insists.

I glare harder at Vidar, who hasn’t moved an inch. “So get your fucking nose outta my business, and shove it right up your ass.”

“Fuck sakes, Teagan.” Kai groans, eyes rolling upwards. His annoyingly big boyfriend only cocks an eyebrow.

I glare at Kai. “And you, I’m starting to wonder if I know you at all.”

Kai gasps, hurt flashing in his eyes.

“You’re lying to me, Kai!” I’m not one to raise my voice, even now, I don’t. But my anger won’t stop flowing out of me. “And for the record, I’m not telling you anything about uni until you tell me what’s happening. Why are you acting strange and keeping secrets? Why aren’t you at your flat anymore? Is something wrong?”

Kai huffs, throwing his arms up, frustrated that I’m being stubborn. But I can tell he’s lying from the way his shoulders draw in tight. “Nothing has changed. I’m fine.”

I wait for Kai to say more, but when he doesn’t, I turn on my heel and storm out of the room, heading for the front door. My grip on my broken skateboard is so hard it could splinter.

Kai’s feet pound against the green runners as he follows. “I’m not trying to upset you, but you also need to bloody listen to me!”

I stay quiet. Why waste the air in my lungs explaining that I miss him and it feels like he’s pushing me away? That I’m sad and angry, and for some fucking reason I can’t stop thinking about Sen!

Kai grabs hold of my forearm and forces me to halt, moving around to face me. “Teagan, you know I love you so much, and Thomas, Mum and Dad, you’re my whole world.” He lets out a shaky breath. “But so is Vidar and… right now, I know what’s best for you. Okay?” he says, imploring me to listen.

“I ain’t five, Kai. I get that you’ve got a life outside me. I want that for you.” I wet my dry lips. “I get you’ve got secrets, everyone fucking does. But this is more. You’re not replying to messages, not turning up to work—”

Kai sucks in a breath, his eyes full of questions, like it’s crazy I’d check in on him when he’s spent his life checking in on me.

“And why did you forgive that asshole?” I throw a pointed glare at Vidar as he silently moves beside Kai. “He hurt you, you told me! You said he didn’t want you, when you’re so much better than he ever could be.”

Guilt flashes in Vidar’s grey gaze. A wiggle of doubt nudges at the back of my mind when he doesn’t try to hide it.

“Vidar is…” Kai sighs. “Vidar is my one true love.”

Vidar lays a hand on Kai’s shoulder in support, and I snort out a frustrated breath. Kai’s searched his whole life for his so-called one true love. So whatever ridiculous romance is happening between them might make sense to Kai and Vidar, but I don’t get it.

“Your brother and I love each other very much,” Vidar says.

I make a gagging sound, to which Kai rolls his eyes at me and, if I’m reading him right, a little bit at Vidar, too. At least I haven’t completely lost him.

“And as for Sen,” Vidar continues, “we’re only doing what’s necessary to keep you safe, Teagan.”

I let out a frustrated noise. “Safe from what?”

Kai reaches for his braids and tugs, his nervous habit.

“Once Sen isn’t so busy, maybe we can introduce you again,” Vidar adds.

I glare up at him, annoyed that neither of them seems to be taking me seriously. “So you fuck my brother, and suddenly that makes us family?”

Kai runs a hand over his face. “Teagan!”