Strings of Fate

73- Presents and potions

I run a hand through his hair in a way I hope is soothing and he sits up, dropping his own

hands from his hair.

“It’s really okay Bellamy. They weren’t a real threat to you and you kept me safe. They’re doing this because they’re scared. They know they screwed up. I’m not saying what they did is okay, far from it. But if I remember correctly, they were hired by someone. It wasn’t personal, it was just a job to them. So treat this like a job too. Accept the IOU but give the condition that they need to provide any information they have about who hired them. That’s who we should really be angry at. In the long run, they’re nothing.” Bellamy looks up into my eyes. and I hold his stare. I can see the conflicting emotions in his eyes as he wages an internal battle. Finally I can see a resolution as he straightens his spine and it looks like a burden has been dropped from his shoulders.

“You’re right. I’ll do that. I’ll send the message in the morning. Thank you.” Decision made, Bellamy looks far less anxious. I guess the indecision was difficult for him. He is a pretty decisive person. He doesn’t like to waste time going back and forth. I’m sure he already considered the idea that I ended up suggesting, but I think hearing from someone else gave him the confidence he needed to decide. I can’t believe he was actually worried I would be unhappy with him for not hunting down those Vampires. I have a fairly good idea on how to reassure him though. I hope he likes it.

“Wait here a second, I’ll be right back. Don’t move.” I point at him and give him a mock glare. He makes a show of becoming a statue in place. I dash to the kitchen, almost stacking it as I turn through the doorway. I grab the little blue box and run back to Bellamy. He’s waiting with a curious expression. I stand in front of him, but I feel uncomfortable, like a schoolgirl standing in front of a teacher about to give a presentation. Seeing my hesitation, Bellamy opens his arms to me, a clear offer. I step forward and awkwardly let him pull me into his lap. He positions me sideways with my legs over the armrest on one side so that I can see his face properly. My anxiety must be showing because Bellamy begins rubbing soothing circles on my back. I take a steadying breath and force myself to speak.

“I know I haven’t always been the most… receptive… to your advances and my awkwardness. has probably caused at least a little bit of insecurity on your end. I wanted to get you this gift, partly because it’s a tradition that’s important to you, and partly because I want you have the same reassurance that I have every day.” I can’t help but glance at the string

to

1/4

connecting the two of us. Solid and unbreakable. It’s only a few inches long when we sit this close. I hold out the box to Bellamy and his eyes light up. He takes the box eagerly, like a kid at Christmas he looks up at me, clearly asking permission to open it. I nod nervously. He opens the box and pulls out the braided string bracelet. It glints slightly, the spells on it just

of magic. I

of magic. I go straight into my explanation

confused.

force, and it should grow or shrink to adapt to whatever form you happen to be in. There’s also a safekeeping spell. It shouldn’t fall off or come off unless you intentionally remove it…” Bellamy is staring at me wide eyed and not saying anything. I keep babbling awkwardly,

have the same reminder that I do. A solid,

you want. I mean you don’t have to wear it but I-”

with a kiss.

Really.” He slides it onto his right wrist

other Shifter men who’ve received a gift they can wear in both forms. This is honestly so thoughtful. I suspect when everyone finds out about us they’re going to be jealous. I bet you’re going to start a trend of spelled gifts.” Bellamy

are technically in the recliner this time, but I’m not sure that’s exactly how it’s intended to be used.” she comments teasingly. I move to scramble out of

proudly and I groan in embarrassment.

head to the side.

didn’t realise you had decided on

2/4

73–Presents and polic

in far more detail and the usefulness of each spell as well as the meaning behind the bracelet. He tells her about it in such excruciating detail that I start to get embarrassed again. I stop him when I realise

and reaches out as if to touch the bracelet but Bellamy pulls it back against himself defensively

his breath.

it. It’s yours. I won’t touch