Strings of Fate

25- Reassurance and respect

“Are you sure…” Bellamy trails off. I nod. He gives in pretty much immediately. Well that was casy. I sort of expected him to argue a little more. Well, whatever. He settles back into the bed. I crawl over the end of the bed and back into my spot. He flicks the lamp off and the room looks totally black as I adjust to the sudden darkness. A few mater I begin to make out a few shadowy shapes. I glance at Bellamy beside me, he doesn’t seem to be asleep. yet. He notices my movement. Except I only really moved my eyes. This tells me two things. One; Bellamy has much better night vision than I do which is hardly surprising for a feline Shifter. Second; he was using the night vision to watch me.

“You’re still awake?” He whispers.

“Yeah, I guess.” I reply.

“Umm. Ryann?” he starts. I wait for him to continue.

“You’re the only person other than my sister who doesn’t use my title.” he suddenly states. I’m confused. I thought it sounded like he wanted to ask something. That wasn’t really a question.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” I reply, hoping he will explain himself. Lucky for me, he keeps talking.

“It’s meant to be a sign of respect.” he explains then falls silent for a minute. I wait but he doesn’t say anything so I break the silence.

“Are you saying you want me to stop using your name and use your title instead?” I ask.

Bellamy quickly objects.

“No, definitely not.” he assures me.

“Oh good, because I don’t think I would have been able to do it.” I decide. Bellamy might be the Alpha, but he isn’t my Alpha.

telling my sister there’s a

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around.” he starts. I nod, well aware that

was I

that’s not

out. For a moment I’m stunned into silence. What kind of a question is that? Bellamy keeps

to me. But you never really have, So I was wondering if that meant that you don’t really respect me…” he trails off. I sit up on my elbow to face

who asked me to call you Bellamy. You didn’t even tell me you were the Alpha until later. So, I know you first as Bellamy Kane the crazy guy who woke

the fact that you keep calling me names, I take it that the answer is no, you don’t think

back is to me.

not understanding me at all. What I’m saying is, I don’t really know Alpha Kane‘ so I can’t really see you that way. But, I do know Bellamy. The jerk who was so concerned about his sister that he bent down the door of a complete stranger and later arranged her kidnapping for the sake of that sister. The weird guy who was willing to be open minded enough to trust in my unique magics. The idiot who fought Vampires then got upset because I was uncomfortable around him while he was NAKED. Bellamy, the complete oddball. who protected me from a pair of shoes. So yes Bellamy. I do respect you. But my opinion has nothing to do with your position as Alpha so it never occurred to me to use your title.” Bellamy turns back to face me. I wish I could see his face but it’s too dark. It’s kind of unfair because I know he can see mine and that knowledge makes me blush. It’s easy to be honest in the dark, at least until I remember that he has

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I prefer you like this.” I lie still and accept the hug. After a minute I

I whisper. He doesn’t answer. Apparently now that his thoughts are settled he’s fallen asleep again. Oh well, I suppose I don’t really mind staying where I

okay. Usually mornings and I are not all that compatible. Wait, maybe I overslept and it isn’t even morning anymore, that would explain it. I grab my phone.

*Ryann,

will find another guard outside your door who will

Bellamy

should have mentioned this last night, but I respect you too, and not just because you’re brave enough to constantly

of him to leave a note for me. It wonder who is babysitting me now. Wait, he said the guard was outside my door. As in, outside outside or in the living area outside? I

hang around outside

can just come inside. I open the front door and immediately Darrien turns to face me. Well, of all the Shifters, I didn’t expect

with Megan?” I ask, curious. He