Strings of Fate

108- Horror and helping

“When did you learn all this?” I ask, baffled. Megan laughs.

“It’s something my mum used to tell me as a kid. When we were little it was unclear if it would be me or Bellamy that came out as more dominant and became the Alpha. We are twins after all. It wasn’t until our teenage years that it became clear. So we were both taught as if we might end up in charge one day.” She pauses.

“Honestly, I’m glad it’s not me. Bellamy likes running things, I don’t mind as much. Which is probably why things turned out this way.” I tilt my head in question.

“You didn’t know as children?” I ask. She nods firmly.

“Yeah, most Shifter children grow into their positions in the hierarchy. There’s a whole nature. bs nurture debate, how much of it is genetic and how much depends on who raised them. Bellamy and I are dominant, but is it because we have Alpha parents or because we were RAISED by Alpha parents. It’s hard to say. Sometimes a shift in personality causes someone to become more or less dominant over time. Often an older Shifter will become less dominant as they become more accepting and passive and allow the younger generation to take over.” I listen in fascination. I hadn’t realised that this was something that could change. But wait…

“If that’s the case, how is it that mates are always equal?” I ask. Megan shrugs.

“Not sure, it could be that being with the right person balances you out. Brings out different sides of you. But it’s not like it’s something we can really test for sure.” Huh, that’s new information. I feel my phone vibrating.

Harry- Hah awesome..

Harry-

are you still there?

Harry- You guys are having an in–real–life conversation without me again, aren’t you

Harry- We need to all catch up in person sometime, partly because I haven’t actually met you. Megan and partly because I’m pretty sure I’m missing half the gossip right now.

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108- Horror and helping

Ryann- OMG you’re right. Sorry, we got sidetracked. Yeah we should definitely all catch up.

Megan- And soon!

Harry- Good, I’ll figure something out and get back to you. For now, enjoy your conversation and good night you traitors.

Harry-

Ryann- Night Harry.

Megan- Night!

conversation is interrupted Megan and I abandon the game that we were losing VERY badly and decide to wrap up the night. She was out all day and is super tired so I agree to let her sleep. I head into Bellamy’s room and find him lying in bed reading a book. He immediately slides a bookmark between the pages and drops it on the bedside table when I walk

your game?”

we failed at it terribly, but it was fun anyway. Have you been

bit gift crazy for a while and decide against commenting on the new pillows. I remember touching them while out then walking away. Bellamy must have gotten them anyway. Despite only just sitting down, I get up again and go look for my pyjamas. I actually have no idea where Bellamy put them. I check the closet. I’m sorting through the drawers that he cleared for me earlier and I find them. I get changed in

you hear about that double murder, Megan told me earlier. Apparently

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108- Horror and helping

I ask. Bellamy clutches me tighter and I can feel

the male victim was a guest lecturer at Megan’s

said it was all anyone was talking about

okay, but alive at least? They wouldn’t take her if she was dead… would they?” I ask, my voice quiet. Bellamy is

answer.

snuggle in closer to

police will

tone is

it’s not likely, but I’ll sleep better if there’s hope. The poor thing.” I

is really bothering you, isn’t

alive, and even if she is found safely, what is she going to have left? Someone broke into her home and killed both her parents. She’s going to be an orphan, probably end up in one of the group homes or foster care and… it’s just sad.” I tell him. He strokes

It

we could do to help.” I

stop by that house. They could probably at least tell the police what species the kidnapper is?” I suggest nervously. This is the first

they could. Maybe you should ask Aaron. He’s your guard.

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108- Horror and helping

anyway he could go

he would mind? It’s not really his

happy to help. Send him a message and ask.”

ask? Is it because he

Why is he so determined