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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permanent living situation where she can go to school and make friends

in the meantime I can do my best to make things

I are planning to go and do some clothes shopping today. Did you want t-” I don’t manage to finish the sentence before Megan

seat with

coming!” She squeals out the words. Yeah she has definitely been cooped up for too long. She pauses long enough to ch*ck with Kiara though which I appreciate.

mind if I come too do you? I love shopping, it’ll be a lot of fun. Promise!” Megan gives what I can only describe as wide kitten eyes. Kiara gives her a serious nod. Megan grins happily and pushes her chair back with a

we can go, you’re ready right Darrien?” She asks as

you this happy.” He says

Aaron winks at her. I

corny.” I agree with her.

I should work on my lines.” He

you dare. I can barely keep from running away when we’re both being awkward. You’re not allowed to be smooth or corny.” I insist and Bellamy bursts out laughing. Even Aaron is smirking at me and Kiara 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 the back of the car with Megan and Kiara (We decided to let Darrien take the front since he is much

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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 woman who

was a very long and roundabout way of saying you really want me

and this doesn’t even count because it’s basically your money even if my name is