Strings of Fate

20- Attacks and awkwardness

I look to Bellamy and find he is fighting off two other men. The men are all pale and have near black eyes, although I could be mistaken in the dark and under this much pressure. Bellamy lunges at one of the men, attempting to knock him down, but a flash of fangs causes him to stumble back as they graze his arm. Vampires. We are being attacked by Vampires. Why are we being attacked by Vampires? Vampires don’t care about anything but their next meal! Why would they come after us? Coincidence that we happen to be out at night? But this area has always been relatively safe, and what Vampire in their right mind would attack a Shifter Alpha? I mean seriously, Vampires? Properly aware of the situation, Bellamy is more careful in his next attack. He freezes however, when the Vampire who is holding me tightens his grip and pushes my head to the side, baring my neck. I can feel the Vampire’s breath on my skin, it’s cold enough to make me shiver. Bellamy growls at him and glares. The Vampire doesn’t need to say anything, the threat is clear enough. I know I can’t just stand here and wait. Bellamy is clearly at a disadvantage and sadly my own powers are not terribly useful in a fight. I meet Bellamy’s eyes. His expression is one of pure fury, although his face softens a little as he meets my gaze. His golden eyes are practically glowing in the darkness. I can see claws emerging from his hands and fangs sprouting from his mouth. I guess I won’t have to ask Megan what he looks like in his feline form after all. I’m about to see it first hand. The Vampires are distracted by the transformation and I take advantage of their inattention. The Vampire holding me has loosened the hand which is pinning my arms to my sides enough that I can slide one loose. Without stopping

o give him a chance to catch me again, I blindly swing my hand backwards in an effort to stab him in the eye. It works better than I could have expected and the Vampire releases me as he clutches his eye, swearing violently. I do my best to stumble away from him. I’d like to go run and hide, or help Bellamy, or do something even remotely useful. But honestly, my legs are shaking and my knees are about to give way. I’ve never been involved in any kind of fight before and I am definitely not prepared for this. A steady growl draws my attention back to Bellamy. He is fully transformed now and even I can’t argue that it isn’t impressive. I can’t say for sure with my limited knowledge of Shifters and felines in general. But he looks like the pictures I’ve seen of black panthers, only bigger. His eyes still glow gold and it takes only half a second for him to turn his attention to the Vampires. If it’s at all possible I would swear they go even more white than they already were. The one I stabbed in the eye swears again.

“This isn’t worth the prize we were promised. Let’s just go.” The other Vampires voice their agreement and the three of them run away quickly. I expect Bellamy to chase after them, as angry as he seems. But he waits for them to be out of sight before racing to my side. I am at

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20 Attacks and awkwardhenn

the base of the stairs and until this second I hadn’t noticed that I have collapsed down onto the bottom step. I’m leaning against the side of the building and shaking. Bellamy stops a few feet away from me and hesitates. He tilts his head to the side as he looks me over, searching for any injury I assume. He takes a step closer, and even in this feline form, I can see concern in his eyes. I burst into tears. Em mortified by my own behaviour. I didn’t even get hurt! But 1 can still feel the Vampire’s stone cold grip around me and I can’t shake the fear. At my tears, Bellamy freezes. I lean forwards and hide my face against his fur and wrap the other around him. I’m shivering, and although I wouldn’t say the weather is warm, it is not cold enough to warrant such a reaction. I barely notice as he shifts back into himself, too caught up in my own thoughts.

“Ryann?” his voice is wary, I can’t help but cry harder. Bellamy pulls me into a tight hug against him and sits on the step, cradling me carefully. After a few minutes, I start to pull myself together and embarrassment hits me at the position we are in. I pull away from him. and open my mouth to speak but all that comes out is a squeak as I realise that after shifting back, he is naked. Well I suppose that answers one question about Shifters. Not knowing what else to do, I push him away from me and wrap my arms around myself. My eyes hit the ground and stay there as I attempt to stop my mind from analysing the glimpse of him that I

did see.

inside.” I

spare clothes from the car. I’d rather if you can stay here where I can see you.” Bellamy responds, his voice is hard and he sounds unhappy. I nod, keeping my eyes on the floor. I listen to the car door opening and closing, then the rustle of clothing as Bellamy gets dressed. Oh damn, he was naked, and hugging me. This is so awkward. I stand up as I hear him approach. I’m still shaky and stumble slightly. Bellamy reaches forward to steady me but I

my little table. Bellamy closes and locks the door behind us then stands

as they arrive. Just put up with me being here for a few more minutes, okay?” I can’t think of another way to describe his tone other than dejected. It takes

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ZV- AllOUND 01| @WNWDIUness

First surprise, then confusion. I’m not

means from everything that frightens you. Myself included.” He

I demand. Bellamy seems at a loss

I tried to help. I just assumed…” he trails

stupid.” I say bluntly. He stares at me and

Vampires, did you even consider that they might

look at me!” Bellamy reminds me.

eyes.