Strings of Fate

39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

olt awake as the bedroom door swings open.

I jolt

“Sorry, lost track of the time on the phone, 1-” she stops herself.

“Well, I guess you didn’t even notice. I thought you looked a little tired. I guess a twenty minute nap isn’t a bad thing.” She collapses onto the large bed beside me and snuggles in next to me. She smiles contentedly. Are all Shifters this cuddly? Or maybe it’s just a Kane thing.

“Was Bellamy here?” she questions.

“I think I can smell him.” I shrug.

“I ran into him in the hall. He was half–asleep. I think I must have woken him when I came up the stairs.” I keep my tone casual. Megan nods accepting my explanation. Wow, it is surprisingly easy to hide things from people when they aren’t actually expecting you to lie. Not that I did lie technically, I just didn’t go into a lot of detail. Okay, now I feel guilty.

“Hey, Ry?” Megan sounds a little nervous. I smile at her use of a nickname for me.

“Yeah?”

“I know we haven’t known each other long, but I was wondering if you would be my bridesmaid? I’m only planning to have one.” I am in complete shock. That was so completely unexpected.

“I, I’d love to. But don’t you have someone else you should ask before me? Someone you’ve known longer or something?” I hate myself for asking that. What if she changes her mind. I desperately want to be her bridesmaid. Megan sighs.

“No, I know it hasn’t been long but you’re already my best friend Ry. The Shifters here all treat me differently. They always have, it used to be because of my parents, now because of Bellamy. They’re kind to me, and they like me and I do consider them friends. But they never relax around me. Not like you do.” Megan blushes and falls silent. Megan is so friendly and

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

occurred to

so differently, we

common.” I comment.

than to be your bridesmaid. You’re my best friend too your know.” I add. Megan squeals and throws her arms around me so tight that I can barely breathe. I can’t stop

me and sits up. I do the same. She

am too, I get to be her bridesmaid and now we’re getting ready for her engagement party together. Still, there’s a bit of a damper on my mood since I know Tristan is wrong for her and if Bellamy and I succeed in our plans, there will be no wedding. But

curls and then pinned one side away from my face. She then added some kind of glitter to my hair which stands out against my dark hair and against the blue makes it seem like the sparkles are little stars. I’m wearing more makeup than I ever have in my life but surprisingly I love it. I’m starting to think it’s not make–up I dislike but poorly done make–up AKA make–up done by myself. Dark black makeup with a subtle sparkle in it around my eyes makes them stand out, yes. But for once I don’t hate it. My eyes are dramatic looking but so is everything else I’m wearing. Somehow, using makeup skills that I definitely lack, Megan has managed to make my pale skin look flawless like a

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

her dress matches the lipstick she skilfully applied. Her dress is elegant

although hers is gold to match her accessories. Her

around the room grabbing her things and putting together a little clutch with all the items she deems essential for her evening. Lipstick, phone, concealer in case touch ups are needed. Bandages for her heels in case her shoes

ready yet? Megs you said you wanted to leave early.” He

“Almost ready. 1

calls back. He sighs from behind

will.” He grumbles. I can hear him head back

so I might be more like ten minutes.” Megan

hair.

you head downstairs and placate the guys?” I shrug and grab my clutch. Tristan is meeting us at the hotel so at least I won’t have to chat with him awkwardly. I head out the room and start to make my way down the stairs, going slowly so as not to trip in my heels or catch my skirt which I am holding out of the way with one hand. I can hear Bellamy and Darrien talking in the kitchen. Bellamy has his back to me and is looking at something on a laptop

said she might be more like ten minutes.”

take this long?” he

me

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39- Bridesmaids and ballrooms

more force than is strictly required. He stands

offers. I blush and stare