Seduced by My Childhood Sweetheart’s Brother
Chapter 27

27- Fate and family

I decide I can’t stand it anymore.

“Okay, spill. What is it?” I demand. Darrien turns to face me, his expression serious.

“Miss Gale-” I cut him off.

“Ryann.” I remind him. He grimaces.

“Miss Ryann.” I sigh, it’s progress at least.

“You should not invite men into your room so easily. Particularly other Shifters. I believe it. will upsetAlpha Kane. He’s a good man, I don’t like to see him disrespected.” He states. bluntly. I stare at him inshock. I did not see this coming. Does Darrien think Bellamy and I are… I don’t know what exactly, butthe way he’s staring is heavy with implications.

“We were just watching a movie. Besides, that has nothing to do with Bellamy.” I say stiffly. Darrienraises an eyebrow.

“With all due respect Miss Ryann. His scent is all over you and your room.” he points out. I flush red. Ihad no idea that Shifter’s sense of smell was powerful enough to identify different scents on people,although realistically I probably should have worked that one out on my own. Does this mean thateveryone can tell when I’ve been spending time with Bellamy? Why

didn’t he say something? The jerk. I feel so awkward, and Darrien definitely thinks Bellamy and I arehooking up.

“That’s not what it’s like. He’s just been hanging out to keep an eye on me, just like you are

now.” I argue.

“Besides, your warning is unnecessary. I don’t generally invite strange men into my room or bed.” I lookaway, feeling awkward.

“You invited me to sit on the bed.” He argues. I roll my eyes.

“It was a completely different scenario.” My message tone goes off and I grab my phone,

27- Fate and family

eager to seize the distraction.

Bellamy- I’ve arranged for lunch to be sent to you all at around 12. I didn’t mean to offend. you before.

I laugh at the message. So Bellamy has reverted back to giving me food as an apology. Well I supposeI overreacted a little too.

Ryann- Sorry I overreacted a bit. You were just trying to help.

I send the message, then send another as an afterthought.

Ryann- Why didn’t you mention that Shifters would be able to tell we’ve spent time together from myscent??? It’s super awkward.

Bellamy- I forgot you wouldn’t know and I was in a hurry this morning. That does explain the strangelook my sister gave me when I got home though.

Ryann-…..It’s probably almost as uncomfortable as the look Darrien gave me.

Bellamy- Oops.

I drop the phone back to the table. This is going to be hard to explain to Megan. I’m surprised shehasn’t called or texted to ask about it already. Darrien looks curious.

“Bellamy ordered lunch for us at around 12. I don’t know what though.” Darrien nods.

“I think Alpha Kane must be very fond of you.” He comments pointedly. Nervously, I ask;

“What makes you say that?”

“He treats you special, he’s always in a good mood after he’s around you, he’s overly concerned aboutyour well–being. Not to mention, he’s made sure that everyone at the compound knows that you arefree to come and go as you wish. I don’t know any other non- Shifter with that privilege, and he’s onlyknown you for a few days.” he lists off. I had no idea about that last one. Bellamy never mentioned itand I haven’t actually tried to go to the compound on my own. I’m lost in thought and am pulled back toreality when Darrien

continues.

“He definitely seems attached to you. In fact he treats you like-” He cuts himself off and his eyes gowide. I can see the wheels turning in his head as all the little pieces fall into place.

“You asked Megan if Shifters can have non–Shifter mates.” he says slowly. I try and laugh it

off.

“Weren’t you pretending you don’t listen to our conversations? And yeah, if I’m going to replace his mate ithelps to have the facts.” I try and explain it away. He shakes his head.

“I’ve heard Alpha Kane and Megan discuss your abilities. You don’t need any of that information to replacehis mate.” he states firmly. What? Bellamy said that my powers weren’t going to be made publicknowledge. I guess I should have known that Darrien wouldn’t really count. He is pretty much Megan’sshadow after all. I stand up and walk into my kitchen area, trying to put a little space between us.Darrien stands up and follows me. He’s so huge that it makes me feel even more crowded despite theadded distance. So much for that plan.

“I was just curious.” I try again. Darrien shakes his head.

“You’re his m-” I cut him off.

“Don’t say it!” I demand in a harsh whisper. Being careful not to raise my voice and wake

Logan.

“I’m right though aren’t I? Why haven’t you told him?” Darrien asks.

“Why haven’t you told Megan how you feel?” I swing it back to him. He jerks back as if I slapped him.

“How…” he trails off. I give him a weak smile.

“It’s pretty obvious. At least it is to me.” Darrien returns to his seat. He leans his head in his hands andlooks miserable.

“By the time I realised how I felt, she was already with Tristan. Now she’s engaged and it’s too late.” Iwonder if I should tell him about his tie to Megan. I decide that might be a little too.

direct. I try another method. Maybe if I just give him a bit of hope,

“I wouldn’t give up just yet. Megan… well, Tristan isn’t the one she’s fated to be with. Fate alwaysworks things out in the end.” Darrien is suddenly in front of me, he grabs me by the

shoulders and makes me face him.

“You’re sure of this?” He looks desperate. I nod. He looks so hopeful. I’m glad I was able to help a little.

“Is she my fate Ryann?” Darrien’s tone is almost pleading. I can’t bring myself to look him in

the eyes.

“Yes.” I finally blurt out, almost against my will. So much for being subtle about it. He went. ahead andjust asked me.

“But you need to keep quiet about it, at least for now. She isn’t ready to hear it. But I promise. to dowhat I can to help. Bellamy is going to help too.” Darrien seems reluctant. He thinks over my words.

“Is that why you haven’t told Alpha Kane that you’re his mate? You don’t think he’s ready?” hequestions. I shrug and look away.

Maybe, he doesn’t really know me, even if his instincts are driving him towards me. Not to mention he’salready under a lot of pressure to pick a mate, I don’t want that to influence his decision. Or maybe I’mthe one who’s not ready. I’ve only known him a few days.” I mutter, more to myself than to Darrien.

“You don’t plan to tell him then? I’m sure he would be glad to have you as his mate. Do you have someobjection to him?” I shake my head.

“That’s not it. I will tell him, eventually. But I barely know him. I’m not ready to suddenly be his mate.” Itry and explain. Darrien frowns.

“He would never force you to be anything you aren’t ready for.” he assures me.

“I’m not ready for him to think of me as his mate. He wouldn’t be able to help that.”

27- Fate and family

“Ryann, I think you’ll replace it won’t take long for him to begin thinking of you that way regardless of if youtell him or not.” I sigh.

“I know. But I need more time. Fate always sorts itself out in the end, most of the time trying to hurry italong does more harm than good.” A horrifying thought occurs to me.

“You won’t tell him will you?” I stare up at Darrien. He contemplates it for a moment before shaking hishead.

“It should come from you. Although I can’t say that I’ll lie to him if he asks me outright. He is my Alpha. Idon’t believe it is likely that an occasion should arise where he would ask me though.” I close my eyes,relieved.

“Thank you Darrien. You know, I didn’t think you were this talkative. I’m sort of surprised.” I

comment. He shrugs.

“I don’t usually have so much to say.” I nod.

“Fair enough. Well, at least I was right about one thing. We are definitely going to be good.

friends.” Darrien smiles at me.

“Actually, I think we will be family. But yes, we are friends.”

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