Chapter 160

Strings of Fate 160- Warning and wearing The men shuffle their way out of Bellamy’s office. They look sufficiently subdued, I’m pretty sure I got through to them, or at least reminded them of their manners. Shelly lingers after leave. Once I hear the front door open and close, she speaks up.

thes “Thanks. They’re really not bad guys, I think they were more interested in competing with each other than they actually were interested in me.” She admits.

“Yeah, I kinda agree. But I’m sure you’ll find someone eventually.” I tell her, trying to force. some optimism into my tone. Now that this issue has been dealt with I’m moving back to stressing about my vision last night and the upcoming video call this afternoon. Still, I do my best to stay focussed on what she’s saying. I’m pretty sure she can tell that I’m distracted though. She thanks Bellamy formally and then heads out.

Bellamy immediately pulls out his phone.

“It’s been going off pretty much since they got here. But I’m fairly sure I know why…” He calls back.

“Hey Alex. Yes. Okay, one second, I’m putting you on speaker phone for Ryann.” He hits the speaker button then places it on the desk between us.

“Go on Alex.” Bellamy prompts.

“I spent the morning keeping an eye on reports and checking in on any Shifters in the area who fit the murderer’s preferred victim type and… well Miss Gale I’m very sorry to have to tell you that you were right. There was another murder.” Alex pauses, presumably to give up time to process before giving us any more information. Bellamy swears loudly and I just collapse into the seat Shelly vacated and lower my head onto the desk. I wish I could say I’m. surprised, but I’m not. I already knew, I had my freak out last night, I’ve already moved onto being a combination of angry and numb. Not to mention tired. So, soo tired. But at this point I’ve given up on being anything other than completely exhausted until Kiara is safe. Once Bellamy calms down a little, he asks Alex to continue.

“Another Shifter woman, but not one of ours. Which is why it took me so long to find out.

160. Warning and wearing She was a Canine Shifter. I don’t know much about her just yet. I’ll find out more just as soon as I can and the guys are going to go ch*ck out the crime scene, but from what was reported it looks pretty much the same as all the other murders. No forced entry, only one death with no obvious cause.” He sums up.

“They did find vomit at the scene. That’s different.” Alex comments. I don’t even lift my head from the desk.

“It’s Kiara’s I saw her thr up.” I mumble into the wood. Bellamy moves behind me and grabs my shoulders pulling me up into a sitting position. He starts massaging my n*ck and shoulders. I’m not even sure if he’s doing it to comfort me or for himself. I’ve noticed that he likes physical touch when he’s upset. I lean back in the chair and rest my head against his abdomen.

“Ah, right. Well, I’ll update you when I have any more information. Alpha, did you need anything else while I’m on the line?” Alex asks.

“No, thankyou Alex.” Bellamy answers and Alex hangs up with a click. Bellamy sighs.

“I’ll need to call the Alphas. At least now there’s no way that they can say this is unrelated to the Shifters, that’s two now. I don’t know if there’s anything they can do that we aren’t already doing, but at least they can be on the lookout. They can get their Shifters to be on their guard, keep an eye on the young woman. I’m concerned that it’s two Shifters in a row. Is that a coincidence or are the psychos targeting Shifters now?” Bellamy thinks aloud. His hands have moved to stroking and running through my hair. Damn that feels good.

“It’s stupid that it takes this much to get their attention.” I complain. Although my heart isn’t in it. Not because I don’t believe it, because I totally do, but because I am really struggling to think about anything other than what Bellamy’s fingers are doing in my hair. It’s a welcome change actually, not thinking. I actually groan when Bellamy finally steps away. He starts making phone calls to af for a meeting with the other Alphas. He starts with Alpha Kohen, probably because it’s the only call that won’t completely suck. As predicted, the call finishes quickly as Alpha Kohen goes to make arrangements for security for his Shifters almost immediately.

The next two calls take a lot longer. What I’m most horrified by is that Bellamy seems to be informing the Canine Alpha about his own Shifter’s death. I know we were on the lookout, but still, shouldn’t he know before we do? Then again, we did have one heck of a prior notice system.

160- Warning and wearing I spend some time going through more emails before Bellamy forces me to break for lunch. I reluctantly agree but honestly the thought of eating… ugh. I manage to force down a little but I’m too nervous.

Bellamy sighs and pulls out his phone.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

“Calling in reinforcements.” He says vaguely. I understand what he means when my phone vibrates.

COCK TALES Bellamy- Ryann needs distracting!

here.

at least another hour and a half. Someone help me out Megan- On it.

Before I can so much as write a response, Megan comes thundering down the stairs.

“Ry! Is something wrong? Tell me all about it. Also I’m doing some online shopping and I need you to vote yes or no for some items.” She insists. When she reaches the kitchen I can see that she is clutching her laptop and phone to her chest.

COCK TALES Amber- I vote yes to the blue one and the grey one ladies. Also the black skirt and the white wedge heels.

Darrien- Do you guys want me to bring anything? I could get you snacks?

Megan- YES TO SNACKS. BRING ICE CREAM. PLEASE AND THANKYOU Harry- I’m actually working right now. But it looks like you have this well in hand. If you buy anything S*xy I vote you have a fashion show and send pics.

Bellamy- No 160- Warning and wearing Darrien- Hell no.

Harry- You guys are no fun.

Bellamy- Hey Harry, made any progress with your little Witch yet?

Harry- I can’t work out if she hates me or is flirting with me. But at least I know she’s thinking about me.

So progress.

Bellamy-…

Darrien Delusional?

Amber- He’s OPTIMISTIC and not wrong. It’s a fine line between love and hate and all those cliches.

Megan- I’m choosing to see his attitude as persistent and romantic. Because the other option is creepy.

Don’t be creepy Harry.

Harry- Noted. I’ll do my best.

Megan sets up her laptop on the bench and she has about a hundred tabs open.

“I have been locked in the house far too long, so now we are online clothes shopping. So about half of this is stuff I want and I need you to tell me if it’ll suit me, and the other half is stuff I think we should get for you.” Megan explains. Bellamy suddenly looks over with interest.

“Megan, I’m kinda too broke for clothes shopping right now.” I point out. She rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, sure, whatever. Bels?” She turns to him and he grins.

“Go crazy. My treat for keeping you cooped up for so long.” Megan grins evilly and I look between the two of them shaking my head.

“But-” Megan cuts me off.

160- Warning and wearing “No buts. You work hard, you get money. It’s not like having you here costs us anything. really. So practically all your income is your own.” She answers gleefully.

“Plus it’ll make Bellamy happy to get you clothes. You know, the whole courting thing.” She reminds me. I look at Bellamy doubtfully. He nods.

“It would please me if you would let me get them.” He agrees. I raise an eyebrow suspiciously.

“But you already did that.” I point out. He shrugs.

“Yeah, but you didn’t know it at the time. Besides, it’s sort of an ongoing thing. I want to keep proving myself.” He leans over Megan’s shoulder to see what she has on the screen.

“Get that one.” He comments cheerfully. I glance over and see he’s looking at this cute grey dress.

Okay well apparently this is happening no matter what I do. How am I being completely steamrolled?

Although I have to admit it’s getting easier and easier to accept Bellamy’s gifts. I just don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.

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