Page 86 of Tethered Fates

The sun sets, the air leaving my lungs becoming clouds, unlike Kai’s. Which is strange, but I don’t mind anymore.

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Sen

“So we’re just going to wait?” I ask Vidar once the room has cleared out. Teagan missing from my side like a bruise I can’t help but press.

“We won’t have to for long. Summer is impatient, and we’re the only ancient vampires close to the demon doorway.”

I hum in agreement.

The conversation I had with Lucero in my car swims to the surface now that I have a quiet moment with my Maker. It hadn’t been a fun one, but it’d been necessary.

So when Vidar asks, “What’s on your mind?” I, for some reason, decide to be honest.

“I left ten years ago because it was easier. Because watching you deteriorate, as with Lucero and Rurik, was too much. And nothing I did was helping.”

Vidar is a strong man, and ten years ago—longer than that, really—he was a broken shell of himself.

“I told Lucero I left to save myself, but that wasn’t the whole truth.” I pause, think of when my Teagan was so brave in telling me his truth. “I left because I was scared.”

“I never blamed you.” Vidar’s reply removes the fist squeezing my lungs. A pressure I hadn’t noticed until it was gone. “You are my first offspring.” He smiles, and my throat tightens. “I love you. Even in my apathy, I loved you, Sen.”

I let out a long breath that turns into a chuckle. “You certainly have changed, Maker. I’d like to say you’ve done good work, but let’s be honest.”

“It’s all Kai,” Vidar finishes for me.

“Would you change anything?” I ask. “Having a soulmate is amazing, yet it holds you down all the same.”

“Yes,” Vidar answers truthfully. “I would’ve claimed him sooner.”

My Maker claps my shoulder, and I take it as my cue to find Teagan, my steps a little lighter as I follow my mate’s addictive scent towards the garden.

Only to find someone else standing at the side of the closed doors, just out of reach of the setting sun’s thin rays.

Draped in shadows, even Ramy’s profile is beautiful. Not like a person is beautiful—his beauty is genderless. Like velvet or jewels. It’s simply one of his defining characteristics.

As I approach, I see that through the glass-panelled door, Teagan and Kai are huddled on the bench, their backs to us.

“Ramy.” I stand beside him. “The boy Vidar made into a vampire on a whim.”

“That was years ago now,” Ramy says, his attention locked on the brothers. “We haven’t talked much, have we?”

“Who can find the time when I’m always saving pretty boys from blood mages? One must have their priorities.”

He huffs slightly, unamused.

“Was I everything you expected?” I grin, tucking my palms into my pockets. “Or are you still disappointed by our immortal family?”

His dark gaze travels to me, and in that moment, I realise what Ramy’s hidden foliage scent is—roses, of course, always have thorns. “This family is everything I’ve ever wanted.”

“Lucky you, honey.”

He rolls his eyes, but offers a small smile. “You have a soulmate now, you know.”

I wink. “Teagan is very adventurous.”

Ramy looks me up and down. “And what makes you think I’d want to be adventurous with you?”

I grab hold of my heart. “Ouch. I thought you were nicer.”