Strings of Fate

59 – Sleeping and shrieking

“So Bellamy was telling me about some of the things Shifter men do to court women. Food and clothes and stuff. You had to have known this whole time!” I complain. Megan smirks.

“I figured if it was meant to be you would already know and if it wasn’t… Then why force him to go through the rejection? Besides, I only knew about him buying you a dress, Darrien has been filling me in about your meals together though. Did you really throw money at him?” She asks. I frown.

“Darrien wasn’t even there for that part. He left when we went to dinner.” I point out. Megan

shrugs.

“Just assume all the guards gossip. Except maybe Aaron. He barely even talks. I think I’ve mentioned before that Shaun is a gossip. He told Darrien and Darrien told me.” I groan. So much for privacy. I think Aaron might be my new favourite purely for his apparently unique. skill of keeping his mouth shut.

“I get the feeling I’m going to end up being embarrassed by all you guys a lot in the future. Well since I’m already bright red I might as well just blurt out whatever. How am I meant to respond to Bellamy?” I ask. Megan tilts her head to the side.

“Respond?” She questions.

“Yeah like if the guys have their three main courting things what do female Shifters do? The whole thing seems important to him so I’d like to know. At very least I don’t want to be unaware of my actions, regardless of what I choose to do.” Megan nods at me.

“That’s a smart attitude and yeah it would be important to him, particularly with how much attention his relationships receive. I never bothered with… my ex. Bellamy always did grumble about that. So the women have three traditions also, aside from accepting the man’s courting stuff. First one is to give the man a gift. Something that he can keep to remind him of your affection. Second one is to show that you care for his family, it’s a lot like the one men have expect more about caring than protecting and providing. Last tradition is a public act of some kind to demonstrate your commitment and acceptance of their courting.” We both eat another brownie before continuing.

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59 – Sleeping and shrieking

I’m not so sure I can do

for his family one, literally just making brownies with me today would have counted, not to mention everything else we’ve done together. So hey you’re already a third of the way there.” She

occurred to me. That’s… good I guess, although it would have been nice to know before I somehow unwittingly reciprocated.” Megan shrugs and

just leaves, a gift right? What kinds

a reminder of a date they’ve been on, a personal item of their own, something they know the man has been wanting for a while. Handmade gifts

common.” She suggests. I

the guy can wear? Wouldn’t it be best if it was

ruined when we shift. There’s a reason most Shifters don’t bother with jewellery except for special occasions. Even wedding rings and stuff are usually only worn on special days.” Megan is sounding increasingly tired and yawns again. We discuss a few ideas for gifts but nothing sticks out at me. We fall silent for a bit as I continue thinking about it. I’m about to ask her about spelled gifts when I realise she has fallen asleep. I grab the plate of brownies off her lap and carefully place it on

to bed now but my phone is turned up. Please tell me if she needs anything. I can be there in less than ten

alright. She’s just fallen asleep now. I don’t want to risk waking

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59 Sleeping and shrieking

Darrien responds immediately.

Darrien- Thankyou

did I wake

couldn’t sleep.

you can do right now. Rest and take

I’ll see you later.

come

downstairs. I glance at Megan but she doesn’t stir. I try and tune it out but my curiosity takes over and I find myself carefully climbing out of Megan’s bed. As I open her door I can hear the muffled yelling is actually more of a piercing shriek. I step into the

1. door or just head into the kitchen. Bellamy’s office door swings open with a bang and an older woman backs into the