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25- Reassurance and respect
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Strings of Fate 26- Schedules and sick days
I tap Darrien on the arm to let me see. He moves to the side a little to reveal Maggie's grandson Logan. The eleven year old looks pale and sweaty. His blond hair is almost plastered to his head. He's bundled up in a thick jacket and looks completely miserable.“Logan!” I shove Darrien out the way, he moves aside which is good because me pushing him likely had little effect.“Sweetie, are you okay? You look a mess. Where's your mum? What are you doing here? You didn't walk here did you?” I stop myself to give him a chance to answer. His usually confident tone that reminds me so much of Maggie is quiet.“I'm too sick for school so mum drove me here because she has to go to work. I knocked and waited a while but I don't think Nana is home. Do you think you could call her for me please?” The poor thing looks dreadful. I've always liked Logan. He was only nine the first time we met and although my unusual eyes made him uncomfortable at first, he got used to them and now he treats me norma
Strings of Fate 27- Fate and family
I decide I can't stand it anymore.“Okay, spill. What is it?” I demand. Darrien turns to face me, his expression serious.“Miss Gale-” I cut him off.“Ryann.” I remind him. He grimaces.“Miss Ryann.” I sigh, it's progress at least.“You should not invite men into your room so easily. Particularly other Shifters. I believe it will upset Alpha Kane. He's a good man, I don't like to see him disrespected.” He states bluntly. I stare at him in shock. I did not see this coming. Does Darrien think Bellamy and I are... I don't know what exactly, but the way he's staring is heavy with implications.“We were just watching a movie. Besides, that has nothing to do with Bellamy.” I say stiffly. Darrien raises an eyebrow.“With all due respect Miss Ryann. His scent is all over you and your room.” he points out. I flush red. I had no idea that Shifter's sense of smell was powerful enough to identify different scents on people, although realistically I probably should have worked that one out on my o
Strings of Fate 28- Babysitting and board games
A couple hours later, Darrien and I are sitting playing Monopoly at the table when there's a knock at the door. Darrien answers it and returns with a package of food. I'm grateful for the diversion because he is absolutely dominating the game. He is far more competitive than I would have expected. He drops the package on the bench and I open it up. I find three, tightly sealed containers of what looks like chicken soup as well as some fresh, warm bread. This meal was clearly chosen in consideration of Logan. I shoot Bellamy a quick text.Ryann- The food arrived. It was very thoughtful of you. Thank you.Bellamy-You're welcome. :)I transfer the soup into proper bowls and Darrien finds a knife and slices the bread. I place one bowl of soup on a tray and pour another glass of orange juice. Darrien adds a couple slices of bread to the tray.“Thanks, you sit and eat. I'll take this to Logan.” Darrien nods. I carefully carry the tray to my room and place it on the bedside table. I pat Loga
Strings of Fate 29- Rewards and rom-coms
“I am so sorry Ryann, I came as fast as I could an- oh...” she stares up at Darrien. She seems a little intimidated, I'm not sure if it's because of his size or just his generally severe demeanour but she freezes and stops mid sentence.“Let her through Darrien, it's just Maggie.” he steps aside and she tentatively enters. I notice a bit of effort to her breathing and frown. We traded floors so she could avoid coming up these stairs so often, but she seems to be struggling even more than she used to. Or maybe it's just because she was in a hurry. I hope for the latter.“Maggie, this is Darrien. He's friends with Bellamy, the Shifter guy who scared Paul off. You met him yesterday morning briefly.” I explain. Maggie seems a little suspicious.“Right... you seem to be having a lot of Shifters over recently. Not that I have any objections to that of course dear. I am a little curious how you all met, and what this young man is doing here. Forgive me sweetheart but you have never been one
Strings of Fate 30- Dates and dinner
I stare at the message for a moment. Before this, all the meals we've shared together have been purely because we were already in the same place. Was he going out of his way to specifically invite me for dinner? I remember what Darrien said about Bellamy seeing me as his mate sooner than I expect. Surely he isn't trying to ask me out. I take too long to reply and Bellamy texts again.Bellamy- My sister wants to go out this evening and prefers to take Darrien. Your evening guard won't be by until around eight. I've been stuck working all day and am due for a break for dinner. This kills two birds with one stone.Ahh, that explains it. I release a breath that I didn't realise I was holding. I'm not ready for him to try and ask me out. Another text from Bellamy comes through.Bellamy- ??? Pick you up in an hour???Ryann- Okay, see you soon.I quickly update Darrien on the plan.“I'm just going to take a quick shower and get dressed, Logan has been in my room all day so I never got to cha
Strings of Fate 31- Dinner and dominance
“It's not a problem.” I say. I place a hand over Bellamy's arm to reassure him that I can take care of this. She clearly meant no disrespect... to him. The hostesses eyes zero in on where I'm touching him. Releasing his arm, I push up the sleeve of my dress. It's difficult since it's fitted, but the fabric is stretchy so I manage to get it rolled up all the way so that my mark is visible.“Is this enough evidence for you?” I ask her, keeping my tone pleasant. While I would usually keep my eyes down, this time I am sure to make proper eye contact with her so that she can feel the full force of my unnatural eyes. I can see her discomfort as her eyes flit to the floor. I can feel the second she gives in. Her expression remains polite, but where she stood up straight before, she keeps her head bowed slightly. She also refuses to make eye contact again as she mutters something about the evidence being sufficient and shows us to a table. She then leaves us to consider the menu and promises
Strings of Fate 32- Fighting and flirting
Bellamy nods.“Yep, the Alpha position is not technically handed through family ties, but it is quite common as dominance runs in families, although there is a big nature versus nurture debate about it all. Megan is much higher in the pack hierarchy than Tristan is. Marrying her would definitely raise his status, and should something happen to me, he would be a serious candidate for the new Alpha.” I frown.“What about Megan? Couldn't she be the Alpha. Or is there some annoying, guys only type rule happening here?” Bellamy laughs.“Don't worry, we aren't being all sexist about this. Women can be Alpha. Technically whoever I end up with would be considered the Alpha female. There's a reason I'm expected to hurry up and find a mate. Usually the job of Alpha is considered a job for a pair. That's why if something were to happen to me and Megan took over, marrying her would make Tristan the Alpha. Really it should be phrased as 'one of the Alphas' as in plural since there are basically tw
Strings of Fate 33- Sharing and staring
The car has barely stopped moving when I climb out. Bellamy follows me but once again I refuse to take his arm. I make my way up the stairs on my own although Bellamy still follows close behind me. I ignore him. Waiting by my door is Shaun. My new guard for the evening. I greet him and unlock my door. I step inside then turn and stop, standing in the doorway so Bellamy can't follow.“I'd invite you in but I am apparently not intelligent enough to make decisions about these things.” My tone is falsely polite but I'm sure Shaun can tell that. Oh well. I fumble with my purse and pull out thirty dollars. I thrust the cash into Bellamy's chest. He catches some of it but a couple notes fall to the ground.“For my share of dinner.” I then step back and slam the door shut in his face, locking it behind me. I pause to take a few deep breaths. I can hear Bellamy talking through the door, but not to me.“Unless it is for the sake of her safety, you are not to enter her home, even if she invites
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