Strings of Fate

13- Gifts and guards

Here.” She hands me a folded square of paper. I unfold it and read.

*Ryann,

Since you will be attending my sister’s engagement party and will be assisting me with the matter we previously discussed, it is only right that I provide you with the appropriate attire for the occasion. As such, I hope that while you are shopping with Megan today you will choose a dress for yourself which I will pay for. (Megan has my credit card)

Bellamy

I am gaping at the note, totally confused. What the actual hell is this? Is Bellamy just super generous all of a sudden? Or maybe he is trying to bribe me to cooperate more or something. Either way, it is completely unacceptable. He might be my fate but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable going around spending his money. Particularly since we aren’t actually together yet. I drop the note and turn to Megan, about to voice my objections when she hands me a phone. My phone which she apparently took from my bag while I was reading.

“I added my brother’s number. I figure you’re planning to call him now right?” she grins at me as I roll my eyes but nod. I flick through my contacts and find his name. I hit the call button and wait. It rings only a few times before he answers.

“Alpha Kane speaking.” he says formally.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I state firmly, not bothering to say who is calling or anything. It should be obvious, well unless he often offers to buy random women dresses which I suppose is technically possible. But it doesn’t seem likely.

“Good morning Ryann.” he responds, keeping his tone pleasant.

“You can’t just buy me a dress.” I repeat stubbornly.

“Of course I can, I gave Megan my credit card. What’s the problem?” I roll my eyes.

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13- Gifts and guards

“I mean that I won’t accept it. There is no reason why you should pay for a dress for me so I

can’t accept it. It feels like you’re trying to bribe me or something.”

“Ryann.” He responds, his tome serious.

“I am not trying to bribe you into cooperating with me. You wouldn’t even need a dress if it weren’t for my sister and me so it is only right that I provide it for you. Benides that, I want

are going to provide and for the information you have already given me.” I am mott

that to help you, it isn’t right. I feel like

quiet for

a compromise?”

in mind?” I ask,

dress and-“I

not a compromise, that’s the exact same thing!”

let me finish.. I’ll pay for your chess

2012 MOOT

what you want help with

when you finish shopping and I’ll come meet

a click and realise that he has hung up on

looking

too dimacted willing to Bellamy. I climb out. We are at a cute little cafe and I know there is a huge mll only a few sineers away. We pide a table and sit. Dumien sits with us but angles himmelf away a little aus if trying to give un sore privacy. I appreciate the effort, even if it gives only the slight illusion that he in ‘t watching on.

13- Gifts and guards

with whipped

don’t you think.” Megan comments. I nod my agreement. I wouldn’t really know, I’ve never really had the income required to spend much time trying on dresses. Half the time I order my clothes online or pick them up from thrift stores. Neither of those options tend to leave much opportunity for finding a perfect fit. It takes only a minute. for the food to arrive and we dig in. I notice Darrien eyeing off the scones and I quickly stick one on a plate and place it on the table in front of him. He gives me a grateful smile before taking a bite. I’ve never been particularly good at making new

or something right? I guess that takes the pressure off a little. I already know that I can trust you.

with me.” I inform her. We chat for a little while getting to know each other. It seems we like all the same shows, although in my opinion she ships all the wrong couples in everything, which is fine I guess, she is entitled to her own opinions. Even if they are wrong. I am polishing off my second scone when my phone chimes informing me that I have a text. I glance at the screen, prepared to ignore it if it’s just the phone company

Hope you’re having a nice time. Don’t forget to ask Megan about

night.

type out

Ryann- Okay.

leans over to glance at my phone. She seems to

some things. So shoot, you said there

It is incredibly irritating and I’m no good at taking orders so it was causing some… friction.

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13–Gifts and guards

trouble explaining it and that I should ask you. The entire debate was something about him offering me his arm and needing to protect me from things which is totally ridiculous if you ask me.”

and my brother have been arguing a lot?”

me or is he really

can be awkward like that. When he feels bad he just acts repentant and then tries to give you a gift or something.

“I guess so. P

keeps acting all overbearing all of a sudden?” Megan