102- Roles and regulation

Bellamy growls and I turn to him with eyebrows raised.

“She’s disrespectful.” He grumbles. I shrug.

“She’s busy. She has a hard job and doesn’t waste time on niceties. I like her.” I conclude. He tilts hishead.

“I believe she likes you too actually. She doesn’t usually give out her number. People have to book herthrough her assistant who generally chases off the time wasters.”

“Ah that makes sense. I’m kind of flattered that she approved of me.” I smile.

“I still don’t like her attitude though. If she were anyone else… or less skilled…” He trails off.

I cross my arms over my chest.

“Speaking of attitudes. You’ve been irritable since you came upstairs to get me. Bossy too. I am notloving it. Is something wrong?” Bellamy sits on the edge of the desk and leans his hands on his knees,sighing.

“You’re right. I’m just frustrated. I want to DO something to fix this and I replace I’m just sitting arounduselessly. I can’t even comfort you properly because I’m too busy getting worked up. It’s just notsomething I’m good at.” He sits quietly, looking a little defeated. I consider what Megan has told meabout male and female Shifters and the differences in their roles. He wants to actively fix things andprotect me. He wants to provide for me physically and he’s good at it. From what Megan has said it’susually the instinct of the female Shifters to take care of issues that require patience, caring andconsidering feelings. The two are meant to balance eachother out. I don’t know how well I can do any

of those things, but it does help me understand Bellamy’s frustration right now. He wants to take care ofeverything immediately and he’s being forced to wait.

“I do understand why you’re frustrated, really I do. I’m frustrated too. But that doesn’t make it okay foryou to snap and glare at people. Try to be aware of that.” I keep my tone friendly, but firm. As the Alphait is far too easy for him to take his bad mood out on other people who

102- Roles and regulation

don’t really have much of a chance to push back. Bellamy’s expression stays frustrated for a fewmoments then suddenly brightens. He gives me a satisfied smile.

“You’re proving again that you are so good at being the Alpha female. Worrying and taking care ofpeople’s feelings, even if that means telling me to back off is part of the job.” he says proudly. I scrunchup my face.

“Really? That’s kind of weird.” I comment. Bellamy shrugs.

“Someone has to stop me from being too much of a tyrant and I’m afraid that job falls to you.sweetheart. I’m sure you’ll do great.” He assures me. I roll my eyes.

“While we’re on the topic. Other than preventing you from becoming a complete dictator, what exactly isthe role you’re hoping I’ll eventually take on? I’m hoping the entire thing might seem less intimidating if Iactually know what’s involved.” I admit. I’m nervous but I do

my best to force some optimism and cheer into my voice. I’m pretty sure Bellamy sees right through itthough because he begins running a hand from my shoulder, down my arm and back up again in anot–so–subtle attempt to help me relax.

“It’s a little hard to explain as a specific list of duties. But basically the Shifters come to the femaleAlpha with the kinds of problems they wouldn’t bring to me. Petty arguments, concerns or fears theyhave as well as with the relationship problems they have with each. other and with non–Shifters. TheAlpha female is also who they would see if they objected to a ruling that I have made on something andwant to have it appealed. Obviously you could refuse, but basically if they have a problem withsomething I do then it would be up to you to talk to me about it and either change my mind or explain tothem why the decision should be enforced. Additionally, if a Shifter should do something wrong it wouldbe up to both of us to decide on the consequences, although in minor disagreements and relationshipissues your would be able to manage those yourself. Enforcing those decisions becomes my job.”Bellamy pauses to take a breath and examine my face to see how I’m taking things before hecontinues.

“Basically, my job is to keep everyone safe, provided for and in line. Your job would be to make sureeveryone is content, secure and getting along.” He sums up. It doesn’t escape my notice that halfwaythrough his explanation he swapped from talking about the ‘Alpha female’s‘ role and began talkingabout my future role. Still, most of what he said doesn’t sound too awful. Although he still hasn’t reallyexplained it in terms of specific tasks. Just a general description of the responsibilities.

102- Roles and regulation

“Okay, but how does it work? For example, the solving people’s arguments thing. How would I evenknow about them?” I try to clarify. Bellamy shrugs.

“Every Alpha female does things differently. Some held official sessions where people would come andbring their issues to be resolved. Others maintain close relationships with everyone and stay availableso that people will bring their issues to them in a less formal manner. Some hire counsellors and makesure they are available to the Shifters, some investigate rumours. It doesn’t really matter, you just replace a

way that works and manage it how you feel comfortable. You won’t have to do it all alone.” He saysquietly. My expression must show how freaked out I am because he falls silent. I sigh.

“It sounds like a lot of work.” I state dully. Bellamy nods.

“It is. There’s a reason it’s considered a full time job. It’s also the reason why the other Alphas aredispleased that I haven’t named the Alpha female yet. The job isn’t being done the way it should. I dowhat I can and Megan helps me out a bit. But even though she’s my twin sister, she’s not the Alphafemale so she doesn’t have the authority to manage everything, particularly complaints about me. Notto mention she isn’t actually interested in the role. She has her own stuff, I don’t want to give her toomany duties and limit her freedom to make her own future.” Bellamy confesses. That actually makesme feel simultaneously better and worse. Worse because I’m thinking about the Alphas again and howBellamy needs his mate. But better because Bellamy is clearly caring about his sister and doing hisbest at a role that does not come naturally to him and the place isn’t falling apart. So with their help Iwould probably be able to manage it. Eventually that is.

“You’ve gone quiet.” Bellamy remarks. I give him a weak smile.

“Just thinking. Thankyou for explaining a bit.” I’m going to have to think about how I would want to dothings if I ever actually do take over the role properly. I’m not sure about the super formal sessions but Iwouldn’t want people coming and harassing me at all hours for help either. It’s something I might haveto consider further before I’m ready to make any decisions. In the meantime, I guess I’ll work onlearning what kinds of help and support people actually want.

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