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.

there’s a difference between being

1/4

well aware that he

was I wrong?”

mean, that’s not what 1”

into silence. What kind of a question is that? Bellamy keeps talking when

I can tell, people use my title to show respect, Shifters defer to me and are painfully polite 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

first met, YOU were the one 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 whole building, then as Alpha Kane the lunatic who had me kidnapped. I’ve never used your title because you

light you’ve cast me in here and the fact that you keep calling me names, I take it that

is to

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 stupid night vision. I’m interrupted

2/4

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

asleep again. Oh well, I suppose I don’t really mind staying where I am all that much.

completely alone so Bellamy must have left. My blankets are tucked nicely around me in a way that no one can manage without some kind of assistance. I sit up and stretch a little. This is weird, it’s morning but I don’t want to kill. anything. I actually feel pretty 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

*Ryann,

door who will stay with you until someone comes to relieve him later this evening,

Bellamy

I respect you too, and not just because you’re brave

said the guard was outside my

hang around outside all

it is can just come inside. I open the front door and immediately Darrien turns to face

usually with Megan?” I ask, curious. He