Chapter 44

“Tai, you know what I mean,” Raiden said. “You push people away, you always have—”

“Can you blame me?” Tai said and stopped in her tracks. She whirled around to glare at her brother. “You have no idea what it’s like to be me! I don’t push everyone away for fun! I do it because it’s the safest thing to do! I thought you understood that!”

“I do, Tai,” Raiden said. “I do, I’m sorry! Tai, you need to stay calm—”

“I know!” Tai growled. “But that’s easier said than done!”

“Just take deep breaths,” Raiden said soothingly and put his hand on his sister’s arm. “Fight it, you know you can.”

Tai shook her head and shoved Raiden away from her. “You don’t want to be near me, Rai. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m staying. I’m here for you.”

Tai squeezed her eyes shut and gasped. “It’s happening,” she whispered. “Shit, Raiden, get out of here—”