Strings of Fate

9- Fate and friendships

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

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assonbilitationdioniconsertthat they have all scattered and gonectinthedayys.Ilsith introrailly, iffamilyitt were that easy. have themext couple dayssoffworks.Tiaatissaassuming

I

that I still have a job.lollype Bellamy was serious wherleesaidwouderto

multe sure–ll dimitt gratiinttrouble.finding job is hard whenyourrem Magicwhitoddesmitifit Bortleine is owned by a humanthuttbacked by Magics, smittissoneofthisconttyplaces intto thutt hiiress humans and Wingies as well as having inthisscustomers llammscolostinmy

havingthinthas

thoughts that I barely notice when Bellamy leads smeeintiohis sofffice Hefferrsmesseatar

this time ll take it. He picks up the phone. Ittrings for few seconds.

“Hey Miers. Cum you come downto the office??have someoneclercellhindoyoushouldine

Yes it is almut the Alphaiissue we discussed before: Yess.Thats fine.Okaysseeyoutinmit

Bye. Bellamyhangs up the phone and groanss.

She is goingtoleamightmare about this donneettaskanthaestingabout.!] might not have any siblings (thatliamaware of fattleastuternicansseet that interfering herbornthers lovellife would he hilariousstocanyysisterr.ligiggiteallittleumden mytbreath and

shunts me

comment and his

as she enters the

“Hey Bels!I’m there.” Herrevesstandtomme.

is the person you wantedimentcomes??“myythreathfforaamiontent, wondering if she will recognise messher waitresssfromtheentier might.Etbecomespretty clear thatishe

excited to meetther Sleetakossmyvliant,utinsstaatioissakingiitssheuses it to pulli

are scotrippy.lindaletten sierrenzaties.locould love her just for

statement:have always sheernisseurcationummy mussualeyes. They freakipeoplecounts much thatthiave developedaliatiftoffawoddinggoyeccontact

2

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

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

this.” I don’t need to ask what he’s talking about.

in her brother’s love life would be hilarious to any sister. I giggle a little under my breath and Bellamy shoots me

for your sister’s sake.” I

a little. A few moments

office swings open and Megan

talking as she enters

Her eyes land on

hold my breath for a moment, wondering if she will recognise me as her waitress from the other night. It becomes pretty clear

than a little. excited to meet her. She takes my hand, but instead of

stares at

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

hand.

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drop my gaze. It occurs to me that I don’t automatically drop my gaze around Bellamy either, but I think that has

called in to help

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

him right now is

dates Shifters. then? He

1. up. Ever.

saying you can’t date a

every moment. I decide now is

a Magic.” I

What kind?” I

know. I’m an unknown. I know what my power is.

the same power.” I

hair and eyes

aren’t dating my brother then that must be why you’re here?” she prods. I smile at her brightly.

fascinated.

see relationships?”

are fated to happen. People have

has deemed important for some reason.” I

seems very