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

other children and making sure they got along. She was practically queen of the playground. At least until we hit our early teens… then things

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

enjoying living with us? On my part I’m loving it. I enjoy having you around all the time, even if it is only temporary.” She rambles uncomfortably. I notice Darrien nudging her arm in what I suspect is intended as a comforting motion. Great, I made everyone feel awkward. Bellamy

you want to.” I tell him. He beams at me before turning to the

table.

agreed to move in permanently!” He blurts out. Megan squeals in delight and claps. her

you tell me?” She demands

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

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140–Brats and bartenders

looks absolutely thrilled.

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 to move away from their families unless they don’t really have one. I think

both I guess.” Harry comments. He

gift. You’ll have to invite me over for a proper housewarming.” He says cheerfully. He’s talking to me,

come visit sometime.” He answers, only a hint of reluctance in his tone.

orders. Cam should be working and

is Cam?” She

Megan and I both immediately sit up in our chairs. and stretch around, trying to see the bar, annoyingly we can’t see

ask pointedly. I swear Harry blushes a little and I can’t help

the bartender.” He answers. Megan exchanges excited glances with

there something special about this particular bartender?” Darrien