Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

203- Beads and bonding

“Well, I think that it might actually be nice having an extra person around the house. Extra security and company. Besides, you spend most of your time here anyway. Might as well save you the commute. That is, as long as no one else has any objection?” I say pointedly looking at Megan. Sure, Bellamy could object but I already know that he won’t. Megan briefly makes eye contact with me, gives a slight nod, then finds something to stare at on the ceiling. She is clearly trying to look like she doesn’t care but she is blushing bright red. True to form, Darrien is watching her closely trying to work out how she really feels about my suggestion. Realising that she isn’t going to provide any input, he decides to push it a little.

“Megan? I would like to hear your opinion. I am still courting you and I don’t want to screw anything up by making a decision like this without your input.” Darrien says clearly. His voice is mostly calm with just the slightest hint of anxiety as he monitors her reaction. Megan reluctantly turns to face him. She is bright red all over and looks awkwardly towards Bellamy and I, although mostly Bellamy. I think she feels weird having discussions like this in front of her brother, which I guess is fair.

“Well… I suppose I wouldn’t mind having you around more. It would save time if you didn’t have to come and go so much. It is logically a good idea.” She hedges. Darrien presses on.

“So you want me to stay?” He repeats. Megan lets out an exasperated sigh.

“Yes, I want you to stay.” She grumbles out. Darrien beams his delight.

“Then that’s what I’ll do.” He digs back into his breakfast with renewed vigour.

During this conversation, Kiara and Aaron have both been eating and have finished their meals. It seems like they spent the last few minutes just exchanging mocking and silly faces. Aaron is surprisingly good with children it seems. For how serious he pretends to be with. adults, he breaks that facade with Kiara and it’s adorable. Kiara tugs on my sleeve to get my attention and tilts her head in a way that I interpret to mean she wants to know how long we’re going to sit here and when she gets to go shopping. I can’t help but smile. She’s been through a lot, but it seems like she’s doing her best to push through. I doubt she is feeling as cheerful as she is acting, and she still isn’t speaking which in itself, speaks volumes. It probably doesn’t help that she’s in a temporary situation with a house full of strangers. As much as I am reluctant to let her leave, it would probably be easier for her to be settled in a

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Beads and bonding

permanent living situation where she can go to school and make

in the meantime I can do my best to make things

Megan. Kiara and I are planning to go and do some clothes shopping today. Did you want t-” I

seat with excitement.

she has definitely been cooped up for too long. She pauses long enough to ch*ck with Kiara though which I

Promise!” Megan gives what I can only describe as wide kitten eyes. Kiara gives

gonna go get my stuff then we can go, you’re ready right Darrien?” She asks as she is already heading

ready for anything that makes you this

Aaron winks at her. I laugh.

was pretty corny.” I agree with her. Bellamy slings an arm over my

work on my lines.” He jokes and I narrow

is letting out a high pitched giggle that might be one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard. I can hear Megan coming back down the stairs ready to go if the stomping of her shoes is anything to judge by. Kiara hops up and slips on the very oversized shoes I got out for her earlier and Bellamy chases us out of the house, promising to take care of the dishes himself and ordering us all to get ourselves some nice things. Before he closes the door he presses a credit card into my hand. I drop it into my handbag but I don’t really intend to use it. I still have a bit of money on my own card since I haven’t actually had to pay for anything myself in weeks. Bellamy must anticipate my reluctance though because when I’m in

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and bonding

don’t want to use it but you’ve been earning your money just as much as I have. You helped us catch a Shifter who was committing murders and kidnapping, that alone is worth whatever you might spend on something nice for yourself. But you also help with the Alpha stuff, you do more than you know. If you really feel guilty about it you can always spend the evening answering however many emails and messages you need to answer to make yourself feel better. I suspect that once we sort things out for the Shifter

That was a very long and roundabout way of saying you really want me to spend money on

this. It’s a courting thing. I like spending money on you, and this doesn’t even count because it’s basically your money even