Strings of Fate

31- Dinner and dominance

“It’s not a problem.” I say. I place a hand over Bellamy’s arm to reassure him that I can take care of this. She clearly meant no disrespect… to him. The hostesses eyes zero in on where I’m touching him. Releasing his arm, I push up the sleeve of my dress. It’s difficult since it’s fitted, but the fabric is stretchy so I manage to get it rolled up all the way so that my mark is visible.

“Is this enough evidence for you?” I ask her, keeping my tone pleasant. While I would usually keep my eyes down, this time I am sure to make proper eye contact with her so that she can feel the full force of my unnatural eyes. I can see her discomfort as her eyes flit to the floor. I can feel the second she gives in. Her expression remains polite, but where she stood up straight before, she keeps her head bowed slightly. She also refuses to make eye contact again. as she mutters something about the evidence being sufficient and shows us to a table. She then leaves us to consider the menu and promises that a server will be with us shortly. I start reading over the menu but I can’t focus because Bellamy is looking at me.

“Why are you staring?” I demand. Bellamy jumps slightly as if he had been deep in thought.

“I’m not, of at least I didn’t realise that I was staring. I was just thinking. That woman, the hostess. She’s considered a rather dominant Shifter. Her older brother is one of the Betas.” I

don’t really understand what he’s trying to tell me. Is he upset that I wasn’t nicer to her? Or maybe he’s interested in her. I don’t give voice to either of these thoughts. I just shrug my shoulders casually.

“So?” I ask. Bellamy smiles at me, so he’s not upset I guess.

“So you had her submit to you in a matter of seconds. It suggests that you are quite dominant yourself. At least as much as her, probably more considering your friendship with my sister and the way you talk back to me all the time.” he explains. I frown, I’ve never considered myself a dominant person. Most of the time I’m quite shy, I keep my eyes to the ground and

avoid conflict. Bellamy notices my expression.

“You disagree? I don’t see how you can. You took her down with just a few seconds of eye

contact.” he points out. I shake m

head.

of character for me. Usually I avoid eye contact with everyone. My eyes are

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and make

They don’t know how to react so they avold you.

a server approaches us. I didn’t really read the menu properly. so I just pick the first thing that looks

avoid my

matter. It would suggest that those who are your equal in dominance have no problem with your eyes.” He sounds proud of himself for

a Shifter.” I

dominant in some way. Witches have covens and a hierarchy of elders, Oracles are ranked by their age, even Humans tend to divide themselves by the amount of power and authority they possess. All species do, it’s just more obvious with Shifters. We know what it means so we behave

until I met you and Megan, I have literally never met anyone else who is more dominant than me. That seems a bit

entirely possible that you’ve never run into anyone as dominant as yourself before. Or if you did they might not have noticed your eyes or

just avoid my eyes, I avoid theirs first. That’s hardly the actions of someone dominant. I’m not powerful.” Bellamy

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kind person because in the wrong hands your powers could be used to do an awful lot of damage. Not abusing power is not the same as having no power. We can

“What would that prove?”

sometimes. She stares me down but we both know that when it comes down to it,

he must be more dominant than I realised, he should be her equal after all.” He adds

doubt she’s ever tested him.” I’m relieved that the conversation seems to