Strings of Fate

11- Arguments and agreements

Bellamy immediately turns to me.

“Are you okay?” he asks in a hurry.

“Of course I am. He’s an Incubus sure, but he isn’t going to hurt me.” I assure him. Bellamy looks doubtful.

“You sure he didn’t try anything? You know how Inccubi, can be.” His voice is thick with implications. I glare at him.

“Now that’s just rude. He’s a person like anyone else. He has a soul mate just like anyone else. I’m not sure who, I don’t know if they’ve met yet. It just takes a while for Inccubi, and Succubi to settle down is all. He’s basically harmless.” Bellamy looks confused.

Π

“I’ve e seen people run into Inccubi, and leave with them after only a minutes conversation once they turn on their charm. It doesn’t seem to affect you at all.” I shrug.

“Harry wasn’t really trying. Inccubi like games. As long as you let them know that you aren’t playing, they lose interest.” Bellamy nods.

“Fine, it’s good that you aren’t really affected by them. Just remember that I promised to see you home.” he reminds me. I glare at him.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Bellamy opens his mouth to argue but stops himself.

“Oh just forget it. It’s not worth the argument.” The awkwardness is terrible and made worse. by the fact that Bellamy is still sitting close beside me. He hasn’t returned to his original seat. I’m saved by the pretty girl from the counter coming and placing our food on the table in front of us. I pick up my fork and start eating. I’m finding it really difficult to ignore how crowded I feel with Bellamy sitting next to me, particularly with the empty seat directly across from us. Bellamy doesn’t seem to share my problem. He just settles into the seat further. I watch him out the corner of my eye as I eat. I am pretty sure this is the most relaxed and happy I’ve seen him all day. That must be some seriously good steak I guess. I endure the rest of the meal in the most frustrating silence. If this is what life is going to be

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I should return him. Am I being

about Bellamy. Seeing that Bellamy has also finished eating, I gesture for him to get up so we can leave and begin standing slightly so I can slide out of my seat once he moves. Suddenly, Bellamy grabs

I

that offering you my arm is offering my protection right? It’s sort of connected to that. It might seem paranoid, overprotective or like I think you need a

head

have no idea how to explain this. I would never have to explain this to another Shifter.” he grumbles. Honestly, that stings

far.

glare at him and push against his chest slightly. He doesn’t budge. He raises his eyes to the ceiling. I’m pretty sure he’s praying for patience, or

it is he does to

that. I was just trying to say that this is part of Shifter culture. I’ve never had to explain it before and

take

this?” I suggest. I’m sure Bellamy will jump at the

bound to come up again at some point. Particularly if you’re going to be friends with my sister. Maybe… Maybe you could ask Megan about it tomorrow? She can probably explain it better than I can since she’s on the receiving end of this pretty much all the time.” I can tell from his tone that Bellamy is nervous just suggesting I discuss it with his sister. Whatever it is that I’m apparently not getting must be really important to him if he is willing to encourage me to discuss his behaviour with his sister of all people. I suppose since he is my fated mate I’m going to have

to be rather

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thoughts that it takes Bellamy clearing his throat to remind me that he is still waiting for me to respond. I sigh

to Megan about it tomorrow. She promised to help me learn more about Shifters anyway.” Bellamy releases the breath he was holding. Finally he stands up and moves so I can slide out of the booth. We make our way to the counter and I start to get my purse out to pay.

pay and we can call it even okay?” I frown but decide to let him pay if

this

my building moved out the day after he met you. I was surprised how fast he managed it. Maggie is already advertising for a new tenant. Hopefully it will be someone nicer this time.”

not someone you should be forced to

too upset. She had already noticed he seemed a bit judgey and she is far too sweet to deal with that kind of behaviour.” I