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

of the playground. At least until we hit our

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

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 sits up

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

table.

out. Megan

this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?” She demands excitedly. I smile

to Maggie and Bellamy said

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140–Brats and bartenders

looks absolutely thrilled.

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

going fairly well, good for you both I guess.” Harry comments. He looks a

housewarming gift. You’ll have to invite me over for a proper housewarming.” He says cheerfully. He’s talking to me, but he’s watching Bellamy, clearly hoping for a reaction. Bellamy scowls for a second, then smooths his face over and answers.

come visit sometime.” He answers, only

you want to eat? I can go place our orders. Cam should be

Who is Cam?” She

our chairs. and stretch around, trying to see the bar, annoyingly we can’t see much

THE bartender?” I ask pointedly. I swear Harry blushes a little and I can’t

exchanges excited glances

something special about this particular bartender?” Darrien asks,