Strings of Fate (Ryann and Bellamy) novel Chapter 9

Bellamy sounds incredibly embarrassed. My eyes are wide. He couldn't possibly have figured it out could he?

“Um...” I am unsure how to ask my question but Bellamy catches on fast.

“It is generally accepted that a Shifter should have a mate before taking over as Alpha. Due to my parents' sudden passing, I had to take over early. It has caused some... friction... among the other Shifter groups. They don't respect me as they should because of it. Some demand that I should step down and allow a mated Shifter to replace me, one of the Betas. I have no intention of doing so and most feline Shifters here follow me easily enough. But a mate would simplify things. If you say you're here for me, my sister will believe it.” Bellamy pauses before speaking again, his voice halting.

“Do you- oh no, I promised not to ask. Never mind.” I released a deep breath. If Bellamy outright asks me who his soul mate is, or if I am his soul mate, I am really not sure I can lie to him. I really don't want to have to. That's why I made one of my conditions that he not ask. I just nod and take his arm as he leads me back towards his office. The silence is awkward so I decide to break it.

“So, how many feline Shifters are there?” I ask, curious. Bellamy shrugs.

“I'm not entirely sure. There are about three-hundred living in the compound walls, but there are plenty of others who prefer to live alone or in smaller family groups.” This confuses me a little.

“I thought all the Shifters lived in groups? Aren't you Alpha over all the felines?” I question. Bellamy shrugs.

“Not everyone. There are too many Shifters for that, and we don't force people to live here. There are Shifters all around the world after all. I am still Alpha over all the felines though. You are right in saying that. The most dominant Shifter in each group of felines is a Beta who acts as Alpha over that group when I am not available. But ultimately, they all listen to me. At least they are supposed to.” I am fascinated, Shifters don't usually share a lot about themselves with non-Shifters, so most of this is entirely new to me. I'm surprised that Bellamy is being so open about it all. When we walk past where the group of Shifters had assembled earlier I can see that they have all scattered and gone about their days. I sigh internally, if only it were that easy. I have the next couple days off work. That is assuming that I still have a job. I really hope Bellamy was serious when he said he would be able to make sure I don't get in trouble. Finding a job is hard when you're a Magic who doesn't fit in. Borderline is owned by a human but backed by Magics, so it is one of the only places in town that hires humans and Magics as well as having both as customers. I am so lost in my thoughts that I barely notice when Bellamy leads me into his office. He offers me a seat and this time I take it. He picks up the phone. It rings for a few seconds.

“Hey Megs. Can you come down to the office? I have someone here I think you should meet... Yes it is about the Alpha issue we discussed before. Yes. That's fine. Okay I'll see you in a few. Bye.” Bellamy hangs up the phone and groans.

“She is going to be a nightmare about this.” I don't need to ask what he's talking about. I might not have any siblings (that I am aware of at least) but even I can see that interfering in her brother's love life would be hilarious to any sister. I giggle a little under my breath and Bellamy shoots me a glare.

“It's sweet of you to sacrifice your dignity for your sister's sake.” I comment and his glare softens a little. A few moments later the door to the office swings open and Megan strides in, already talking as she enters the room.

“Hey Bels! I'm here.” Her eyes land on me.

“This is the person you wanted me to meet?” I hold my breath for a moment, wondering if she will recognise me as her waitress from the other night. It becomes pretty clear that she doesn't. I'm okay with that. I stand and offer her my hand.

“Hi, I'm Ryann Gale. You're Megan right?” I try to sound calm but I am more than a little excited to meet her. She takes my hand, but instead of shaking it she uses it to pull me closer. She stares at my eyes.

“Wow, your eyes are so trippy. I kinda love them.” she remarks. I could love her just for that one statement. I have always been insecure about my unusual eyes. They freak people out so much that I have developed a habit of avoiding eye contact most of the time. She releases my hand.

“Thank you.” I smile at her. She smiles back and I feel so comfortable around her already that, for once, I don't drop my gaze. It occurs to me that I don't automatically drop my gaze around Bellamy either, but I think that has more to do with stubbornness than comfort.

“So, you're the one my brother has called in to help with his situation? Are you guys dating or something?” she demands. I go white and stare at her in horror. We might be soul mates and sure we are destined to end up together. But Bellamy has been a bit of a jerk. The idea of dating him right now is awful. Bellamy rescues me.

“She isn't even a Shifter Megan.” he points out. I cringe internally. So he only dates Shifters then? He is in for a rude awakening when he does learn the truth. Maybe I should just never bring it up. Ever.

“So what? There's no rule saying you can't date a human.” she points out. I like her more and more every moment. I decide now is a good time to interrupt.

“I'm not human actually. I'm a Magic.” I inform her. Her eyes light up with curiosity.

“Oooh really? What kind?” I shrug.

“I don't really know. I'm an unknown. I know what my power is. I just can't find anyone else with the same power.” I explain. Megan grins.

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