Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

34- Crumbs and compromise

I immediately feel guilty.

“Sorry, I know my eyes make people feel awkward, I shouldn’t have asked I-” he stops me.

“Miss Gale, I submitted. I wasn’t uncomfortable. You’re just more dominant than I am. Alpha Kane must be correct about you. At the very least you’re more dominant than I am.” he explains. I frown.

“I don’t know, I’m not even a Shifter. This doesn’t make any sense to me.” Shaun shrugs.

“It makes sense to me. It explains how you talk back to the Alpha the way you do. I could never manage it. Not unless he allowed me to.”

“Which really ruins the whole point of talking back.” I comment. Shaun shrugs. I feel awkward again, I don’t want to participate in another conversation about my interactions with Bellamy. I decide to avoid further conversation by heading back inside. I grab the empty

plate from the windowsill where Shaun placed it.

“Well, thanks for your help. I should put this inside and attempt to get some sleep…” I trail off when I realise that Shaun isn’t actually listening. He’s tense and seems to be looking for

something in the street.

“Shaun?” I question. I place a hand on his arm to get his attention.

“Go back inside. I think someone might be out here. They left when they saw me but I think. it might have been Shifters, not feline though. Go in and lock the door until we know it’s safe.” He gently, but firmly pushes me inside and closes the door. I lock it and then stand there in shock. Still holding the crumb covered plate. I quickly put it in the kitchen before heading back to my room. I curl up under my blankets where I feel safe. About five minutes later, although it feels like an hour, my phone rings. Caller ID says it’s Bellamy. In my sort of out–of–it state, all I can think is that I need to take a photo of him for the caller I.D. I already set the one of Megan in her new dress as her photo. Oh shoot, the phone is still ringing. I should probably answer. I answer the call.

1/5

“Ryann! Are you okay? Why did you take so long to answer?” Bellamy sounds like he is freaking out a little.

“I’m fine. I was just distracted is all. I’ve literally just been sitting here.” When Bellamy responds his voice is much calmer.

“Shaun called and said he thinks there were other Shifters around. They’re definitely gone now and he will keep an eye out in case they come back so everything should be okay.” He pauses for a moment then groans.

“I wish I could come and check everything out for myself but there’s no time, I’ll have to just trust Shaun. He doesn’t recognise the Shifter’s scents, but he knows they aren’t feline. I’ll have to look into it immediately.”

still don’t really feel like chatting. I glance at the time,

reason you called…

to fight not to groan. Bellamy must be the only guy on the planet that actually WANTS to talk after an argument. I think I liked it better when he

the

try and keep my voice calm. No need to act like a cranky toddler who missed an afternoon nap.

now.

tonight knowing that you’re mad at me. I want to fix it but the more I think about it the less sure I am of why you’re mad and the

people into my own

people, I said men.” His response sounds like

2/5

obey you. Why shouldn’t I invite a man over? What do you know about my intentions?” Bellamy is quiet for a moment. I would think he hung up but I can still hear him breathing on the other end and… growling? Did I go too far? No he needs to understand this. I’m not some toy he

and will.

“Nothing.” He finally grunts.

I ask a little

makes this so frustrating!” We both fall silent. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say in response to his outburst. He

dinner?” he suddenly blurts

“What?”

for dinner. Why? Why is it such a big deal if I

take care

said you

“It’s implied.”

–

why shouldn’t I, particularly if I’m the one inviting you for dinner.” He caus it like it’s a logical conclusion. I

It’s… unbalanced if you pay all the time. I’ll owe you. I won’t be able

not asking you to pay me back. It’s a gift. You

3/5

sounds beyond confused. How is he not getting

right?” I state bluntly.

“Uh… yes?”

entire friendship will be unbalanced. Because what am I bringing to the table? If I don’t contribute then

You make me laugh, you try and understand and put up with my different culture I don’t think you realise how valuable that is. You treat me like a friend rather than just an Alpha. People spend all day following my orders and doing things for me. Can’t you let me have this one bit of chivalry?” I suddenly really wish I could see his face. It’s hard

means it.

logic here. But I’ll drop the dinner thing for now. It annoyed me, but