Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan

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.” 1 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 

two should be phrased as ‘one of the Alphas‘ as in plural since there are basically 

two of them. A Shifter has the same authority that their mate has and they are allowed to speak on behalf of their mate.” How did we get back to discussing Bellamy’s relationship issues? I was trying to avoid this kind of discussion. I sigh internally. All I’m getting from this is that if I tell Bellamy about our red thread, I’ll get power and a whole bunch of responsibilities that I really don’t actually want. Yippee. 

“So basically if Tristan marries Megan, you should probably watch your meals and avoid. wandering alone in dark creepy alleys because he’ll be after your ass.” I sum up. Bellamy 

shrugs. 

“That’s about it.” He agrees. 

“Wow, sucks to be you right now.” I sit back in my chair, comfy now that I’ve finished eating. 

“I disagree, right now I’m having a nice dinner with a beautiful girl. I’d say this is actually at pretty good day.” The smile he is giving me is all charm, his golden eyes are focused on me and he looks as handsome as I’ve ever seen him. I really wish he would stop. I kind of awkwardly laugh and avoid his gaze. I let my long hair fall into my face slightly to hide. Sensing my awkwardness, Bellamy changes the topic.. 

1/5 

“Would you like something for dessert?” I shake my head. 

“Nah, I’ve been promised cookies in exchange for playing babysitter and nurse today. I’ve gotta leave space for those. If you’re nice I’ll even let you try a few. Maggie makes the best. cookies.” I smile at him, pushing my hair from my face a little. I feel much more confident with this kind of conversation. I’m surprised to find Bellamy is frowning, his eyes are narrowed at me. 

“You were very cosy with Darrien today.” I roll my eyes. 

“Didn’t we already have this discussion?” I remind him. He shakes his head. 

“That’s not what I meant to say. I understand that Darrien is your friend and that you trust. him because of what he will be to my sister one day. But you really shouldn’t let men you barely know into your home.” I glare at Bellamy. 

“Like you can talk. You’ve stayed the night twice now.” I’m working hard not to raise my voice in the restaurant. Bellamy looks mad. 

“That’s… well it’s different. Just, promise me you won’t invite anyone else into your home like that. Not even the guards I assign you. It’s… inappropriate.” I cross my arms and angle myself away from Bellamy. 

“I will invite whoever I want into my home. I get to decide who I am going to trust. It’s my decision, not yours.” I say stubbornly. Okay, so I have no intention of inviting anyone weird into my home or anything like that, but still, I don’t appreciate Bellamy trying to boss me around. He glares at me and opens his mouth to respond. He never gets the chance as the oblivious server takes this moment to bring us our bill. I reach for it. It is definitely my turn. to pay for a meal. It’s gone in a flash, Bellamy using his superior Shifter speed and reflexes to take the bill before I get the chance. He slips some cash inside and hands it back to the server and tells her to keep the change. Throughout the entire interaction he never takes his eyes. off me. Irritated, I stand up to leave. I wonder if I could just call a taxi, it would be more comfortable than a car ride with Bellamy right now. As Bellamy stands, the annoying hostess from earlier approaches us. She looks nervous and has a scrap of paper in her hand. When she speaks, she stares at the floor. 

“Alpha Kane, I was hoping you would accept this.” She holds out the paper. I can see a phone. 

2/5 

number. Is she seriously trying to give him her number right now? This isn’t a date, but she doesn’t know that. It’s like she has no dignity at all. So much for sisterhood, it’s clearly every girl for herself in this world. I glance over at Bellamy he looks pissed off, but then again he was already angry at me so it’s hard to say if this is actually a change or not. I step forward since I’m the one being insulted here. I hold out a hand for the paper. She looks horrified, but when Bellamy gives her a small nod, she relents and reluctantly hands me the paper. I paste on a smile. 

“It’s so sweet of you to give Bellamy your number. I’m sure it will be useful if for some reason he has trouble contacting your older brother or something.” Okay, so that was a little petty I know. But she’s being super rude to me. I basically just pointed out that she is a stranger to Bellamy and clarified that he and I are on a first name basis. I glance back at Bellamy and see a small smirk sneaking through his angry expression. He decides to make the point a little clearer. He leans–in closer to me and lowers his voice, it looks like his words are only for my ears, but the woman has Shifter hearing just like Bellamy and he knows it. 

“Let’s go back to your place. You promised me dessert.” he asks. I have to fight not to blush. I know he’s just talking about cookies, but the way he said it, it’s hard not to think that he’s implying something else. Is this what he sounds like when he’s flirting? Maybe I don’t need to worry he’s overly interested in me because I’ve never heard him speak in that kind of tone before. Obviously he is doing so for the benefit of the hostess. I try not to be too awkward and ruin the point he is trying to make. I find I’m struggling to find words so I just nod. The hostess gapes as Bellamy steps close to me and places a hand on my lower back to guide me towards the exit. Knowing that the hostess is still staring, I not–so–subtly drop the piece of paper with her number on it onto the floor by the doorway. 

As soon as we’re out of sight, I yank myself away from where Bellamy’s warm hand rests on my back. 

“I haven’t forgotten that I’m annoyed at you. I just didn’t like her attitude.” I inform him. I ignore the arm that Bellamy offers me and storm over to where the car is parked. He hits the beeper and I open the door and climb into my seat before he gets a chance to try and open the door for me. Bellamy climbs into the driver’s seat but doesn’t start the car. 

“Why are you so angry? I’m the one who just had my protection thrown back in my face.” I practically growls. Oh right, I ignored his arm again. Well, he kind of deserved it. I roll my eyes at him and angle myself away from him to look out the window. 

3/5 

“Because you’re being a controlling jerk again.” I try and keep my voice calm. I don’t really succeed. 

“I’m trying to keep you safe.” I can’t see his face but Bellamy sounds super mad. 

“No, assigning me guards is keeping me safe. Telling me not to invite them into my home is controlling. They’re guards that you chose. Clearly they aren’t a danger to me so your only concern is what is and is not appropriate. Well, it doesn’t matter because what I do is up to me and it is for me to decide if I think it is acceptable to invite someone into my home.” The more I talk the louder my voice gets. 

“I just-” Bellamy starts but I cut him off. 

“Tell me one reason why I shouldn’t invite them in that is relevant to my safety.” I demand. Bellamy hesitates. 

“I suppose I am just a little concerned that the men might expect more than you intend.” his words are quick, like he knows I’m not going to like them but he’s decided to get them out anyway. 

“I am not a child Bellamy. I am capable of dealing with men without a babysitter. I’ve been. doing it all my life, I don’t need you to manage my relationships. Now take me home.” Bellamy starts the car but we don’t move. 

“Ryann I-” I shake my head. 

“I’m done talking right now Bellamy. So just drop it.” Finally he gives in and drives me home. 

4/5