Strings of Fate

25- Reassurance and respect

“Are you sure…” Bellamy trails off. I nod. He gives in pretty much immediately. Well that was casy. I sort of expected him to argue a little more. Well, whatever. He settles back into the bed. I crawl over the end of the bed and back into my spot. He flicks the lamp off and the room looks totally black as I adjust to the sudden darkness. A few mater I begin to make out a few shadowy shapes. I glance at Bellamy beside me, he doesn’t seem to be asleep. yet. He notices my movement. Except I only really moved my eyes. This tells me two things. One; Bellamy has much better night vision than I do which is hardly surprising for a feline Shifter. Second; he was using the night vision to watch me.

“You’re still awake?” He whispers.

“Yeah, I guess.” I reply.

“Umm. Ryann?” he starts. I wait for him to continue.

“You’re the only person other than my sister who doesn’t use my title.” he suddenly states. I’m confused. I thought it sounded like he wanted to ask something. That wasn’t really a question.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” I reply, hoping he will explain himself. Lucky for me, he keeps talking.

“It’s meant to be a sign of respect.” he explains then falls silent for a minute. I wait but he doesn’t say anything so I break the silence.

“Are you saying you want me to stop using your name and use your title instead?” I ask.

Bellamy quickly objects.

“No, definitely not.” he assures me.

“Oh good, because I don’t think I would have been able to do it.” I decide. Bellamy might be the Alpha, but he isn’t my Alpha.

were telling my sister there’s a difference between being

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nod, well aware that he can see it

I wrong?”

I mean, that’s not what 1” he

stunned into silence. What kind of

tell, people use my title to show respect, Shifters defer to me and are painfully polite to me. But you never really have, So I was wondering if that meant that you don’t really respect me…” he trails off. I sit up on my elbow

know you first as Bellamy Kane the crazy guy who woke the whole building, then as Alpha Kane the lunatic who had

rather negative light you’ve cast me in here and the fact that you keep calling me names, I take it that the answer is no, you

back is

guy who was willing to be open minded enough to trust in my unique magics. The idiot who fought Vampires then got upset because I was uncomfortable around him while he was NAKED. Bellamy, the complete oddball. who protected me from a pair of shoes. So yes Bellamy. I do respect you. But my opinion has nothing to do with your position as Alpha so it never occurred to me to use your title.” Bellamy turns back to face me. I wish I could see his face but it’s too dark. It’s kind of unfair because I know he can see mine and that knowledge makes me blush. It’s easy to be honest in the dark, at least until I remember that he has stupid night vision. I’m interrupted from my thoughts by Bellamy. He grabs me and pulls me into a hug which catches me completely by surprise. He

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like this.” I lie still and accept the hug. After a minute I start to wonder if he’s actually planning to

whisper. He doesn’t answer. Apparently now that his thoughts are settled he’s fallen asleep again. Oh well, I suppose I don’t really mind staying where I am all that much. It close my eyes and it doesn’t take long

okay. Usually mornings and I are not all that compatible. Wait, maybe I overslept and it isn’t even morning anymore, that would explain it. I grab my phone. It’s 8:45am. No that’s still early enough to be horrible most of the time. I wonder what time Bellamy left? I notice a bit of paper on my bedside table that I don’t remember leaving there. Another

*Ryann,

find another guard outside your door who will stay with you until someone comes to

Bellamy

you too, and not just because you’re

nice of him to leave a note for me. It wonder who is babysitting me now. Wait, he said the guard was outside my door. As in, outside outside or in the living area outside? I climb out of bed and open my bedroom door. I can’t see anyone. Has Bellamy

around

can just come inside. I open the front door and immediately Darrien turns to face me. Well,

Megan?” I ask, curious.