Page 88 of Tethered Fates

“Did you paint some of these, Teagan?” I ask when I hear him approach.

He doesn’t say anything, which isn’t unusual. But when I look at him, his eyes are so wide they could pop out of his head. His chest is heaving too fast, then stopping for a beat too long, while clutching his skateboard like it’s a shield.

Something is wrong.

So like a shark scenting blood, I slowly turn.

A young man with pale brown skin stands at the entrance. His head is shaved and dyed purple. He’s tall, handsome, and his interest in me is a flashing neon sign. When he casts a look at Teagan, that interest turns into a mocking sneer.

Carter. Teagan’s bully. I’m certain of it.

And I’m going to fucking kill him.

“Teagan!” Carter strolls over. “Wow, it’s been way too long! I haven’t seen you since…” A cruel laugh bursts out of him. “Well, since you pissed yourself.”

My hands itch to wrap around Carter’s throat. Instead, I move—standing in front of my mate and staring down this piece of shit.

“You must be Carter,” I say with an inviting smile.

He stands taller, all but flutters his eyelashes. “You know about me?”

“Of course I know you, Carter.” I hold back a shudder at the thought of having to flirt with him, but vampires hide in plain sight. So while he might smile like he’s caught me in a trap, I’m going to show him who the real predator is.

“Don’t make a noise or move.” I push out my compulsion. It doesn’t leave me like a gentle whisper; it slams into Carter with the force of a fist. He jolts, a trickle of blood rolling from his nose.

The scent of his fear is delicious.

I turn back to Teagan and cup the back of his neck. Instantly, his breathing returns to normal.

“Slick,” he whispers, eyes wet.

“Sweetheart.” I pull him into my chest and glance around to make sure no one is paying attention to us. “There are some times when you need protecting. This is one of them.”

“Ain’t that the bee’s knees…” His whisper muffles against my shirt.

I glare at Carter. “Follow me.”

Taking hold of Teagan’s hand, I lead him outside, Carter trailing behind us, then round to the back of the store.

Carter stops when we do, his nose still bleeding. His eyes the size of saucers.

“You hurt my Teagan.” I lose all charm, become a blade that only wants to cut.

Carter starts to cry.

“You can speak now.”

“Oh my god, what are you! We’re friends, aren’t we, Teagan? My best friend! Don’t let him hurt me. I never wanted to hurt you. I thought we were having fun. It was just fun—” Carter blubbers.

“You will tell the truth.”

A second trail of blood spills out the other side of his nose. Carter tries to keep his mouth closed, but he’s soon spilling his guts. “Do you have any idea how much I hate you, Teagan? I hate you so much it makes me want to fucking vomit!”

Teagan presses into me, his shoulders trembling.

“Everything you do is so fucking annoying. And you’re just so bloody talented! But the worst part is you wouldn’t even admit it!”

Teagan pushes out of my hold to face Carter, and I realise he is shaking from anger. “I know I’m talented, Carter,” he says in his quiet rasp, strong as steel. “But we all were.”