Strings of Fate

146- Brats and bartenders

“So, how are you all enjoying playing house? I think I might be a little jealous, living all by my lonesome.” Harry says, his tone full of false sadness. Megan rolls her eyes.

“Liar, you love living alone.” She accuses. Harry shrugs.

“True, I have always enjoyed my bachelor pad. No women.” He jokes. Darrien raises an eyebrow.

“I doubt that.” he mutters grumpily. Megan elbows him and Harry just winks.

“I prefer not to bring women back to my place. Too much chance of them finding their way. back again. It’s better they don’t know where I live.” he comments. This time, both Bellamy and Darrien look at him in disgust. Shifters apparently aren’t into that whole lifestyle. I suppose it makes sense. They mostly live in large family groups. Bringing home a different woman every night probably doesn’t work as well when you live with your parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives. I decide to intervene before the guys decide they hate Harry before they know anything other than his more shallow side.

“You just like having your own room. You always said as a kid that you would never share a room again when you became an adult.” I remind him. Harry shrugs.

‘Share a room with five other guys and see if you ever want to share a room again.” He points.

out.

“You and Ryann grew up in the same place, right?” Bellamy asks. Leave it to him to instantly pick up on the chance to ask questions about my childhood.

“Yep. She was just as much of a bossy brat then as she is now.” Harry answers. I glare at him.

“Hey, rude!” I object.

“What do you mean by that?” Megan asks. Harry leans in, elbows on the table and lowers his voice like he’s sharing a secret, or at least some really good gossip.

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146- Brats and bartenders

playground. At least until we hit our early teens… then things changed I

But that’s over now too so there’s no need to worry about it” I conclude, putting an end to the topic. Our teenage years were about the time that Harry and all the other Incubi came into their own magic. The home we lived in was about eighty percent Incubi and Succubi. They have a tendency to leave unclaimed children behind, more than most. Their abilities don’t work on eachother. So The Incubi all suddenly began paying a lot of attention to me. But since I could see their strings I always rejected them which didn’t leave me very popular. The Succubi didn’t appreciate that all the guys would give attention to the non–Succubus girls so they didn’t like me either. There were other kids there, but most of them moved to other homes as they grew up. Shifters almost never end up in group homes, they’re too family oriented. Witches and their covens also tend to take care of each other’s kids. Children with Oracle abilities are usually adopted young because they’re pretty rare and most people THINK that they want to know the future. They’re usually wrong, but at least the kids find families. Straight up Human kids have separate homes they go to. Which pretty much just left me as a loner. I spent a lot of time reading and working as soon as I was old enough so that I would be able to move

notice Darrien nudging her arm in what I suspect is intended as a comforting motion. Great, I made everyone feel awkward. Bellamy sits up straighter at her comment though. I look up at

know you want to.” I tell him. He

table.

to move in permanently!” He blurts out. Megan squeals in

Why didn’t you tell

anyone yet, but I’ve spoken to Maggie and Bellamy said he’s arranged for someone

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140–Brats and bartenders

looks absolutely thrilled.

I will continue seeing you around then.” Darrien remarks, a pleased smile on his face. Hmm, if Shifters live in family groups, I wonder if he will move in with us too someday. I know he mostly lives alone right now, Bellamy mentioned once that he moved here a few years ago without his family. I think he’s mostly on his own. I don’t think it’s super common for Shifters

good for you both I guess.” Harry comments. He looks

have to invite me over for a proper housewarming.” He says cheerfully. He’s talking to me, but he’s watching

come visit sometime.” He answers,

Cam should be working and I want to… say hi.” He says

is Cam?”

chairs. and stretch around, trying to see the bar,

bartender?” I ask pointedly. I swear Harry blushes a little and I can’t help but giggle. He

glances with me. Bellamy and Darrien both look

this particular bartender?”