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

parade around organising the 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 changed I guess.” He stops, awkwardly, clearly

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

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.

go on. I know you want to.” I tell him. He beams at

table.

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

tell me?” She demands excitedly.

and Bellamy

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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.

guess.” Harry comments. He looks a little down and kind of distracted. He perks up

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

come visit sometime.” He answers, only a hint of

be working and I want to… say hi.” He

Cam?” She asks

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

a little and

answers. Megan exchanges excited glances with me. Bellamy

particular bartender?” Darrien asks, trying