Page 98 of Tethered Fates

“Kai, lad,” Apollo interrupts. “Turn it down a notch. It’s alright—”

“IT ISN’T!” Kai shrieks. “Don’t do it again, Golden! Ever!”

Hurt flashes in Golden’s eyes. He gives Kai a shaky nod, then sinks back into his seat.

I try to say something, but I’m stopped by Kai, who awkwardly stretches to check me over. “Are you okay, Teagan? Does your head hurt?”

“I’m okay,” I mumble, blinking.

Kai frowns at my wording.

I shake my head, clear away the last traces of fog. “I mean, I’m feeling better,” I promise, glancing at Golden, who looks like a kicked puppy, then back to my brother. “It actually kinda helped.”

Kai waits a beat, then his shoulders slump before he turns back around.

I remember Sen compelling Carter, how Carter jolted from the force of it, and his bleeding nose. So while I might not want to be compelled again without my knowledge, Golden didn’t hurt me, and I know he didn’t do it on purpose.

Carefully, I pick up his ball of yarn that’d fallen between his combat boots and place it in his lap. He doesn’t move for a moment, then takes the offering, giving me a sad, apologetic smile.

Soon, we’re leaving the countryside and aiming towards the city’s glow.

Kai lets out a big shuddering sigh like he’s on the verge of tears. “Golden, I…I’m sorry, mate.”

“It’s okay, we’re all stressed,” Golden replies quietly. “And I shouldn’t have done it.”

“It’s okay,” I tell Golden.

“It isn’t,” he mumbles.

“Still. That was so fucking unfair of me,” Kai whispers, and I can see his arm moving up and down as he tugs his braids. “Why can’t we all just be safe for five fucking minutes? You, me, Teagan. Thomas was in a bloody train crash.”

“Wait, what?” I shoot forward, the seatbelt digging into my chest.

Kai waves it away, but he’s trembling. “He called me yesterday. He’s fine. Apparently, he got off before it happened with some guy,” Kai scoffs. “But…I just want everyone to be safe. But no one is, and it isn’t fair.”

“That isn’t possible,” Kate tells him. “Even if this wasn’t happening, the world isn’t a safe place. All you can do is look out for the people you love. Which is what you’re doing now.”

I unsnap my seatbelt.

“Put that back on!” Kate orders, but I ignore her to throw my arms around Kai.

He lets out a wet sigh and grips my forearms, pressing his cheek into mine.

“Kate’s right. Maybe we’re fucked,” I tell him.

“Not exactly my wording,” she grumbles.

“But we’re fucked together,” I finish.

“That’s a horrible visual,” Apollo mumbles.

Golden shushes him. “Shut up, they’re having a moment.”

Kai chuckles. “I guess we are.”

“Put your seatbelt back on,” Kate orders.

“Thanks, little bro. I love you.” Then Kai twists to get a better look at Golden and Apollo. “And I love you guys, too.”