Seduced by My Childhood Sweetheart’s Brother
Chapter 32

32- Fighting and flirting

Bellamy nods.

“Yep, the Alpha position is not technically handed through family ties, but it is quite common asdominance runs in families, although there is a big nature versus nurture debate about it all. Megan ismuch higher in the pack hierarchy than Tristan is. Marrying her would definitely raise his status, andshould something happen to me, he would be a serious candidate for the new Alpha.” 1 frown.

“What about Megan? Couldn’t she be the Alpha. Or is there some annoying, guys only type rulehappening here?” Bellamy laughs.

“Don’t worry, we aren’t being all sexist about this. Women can be Alpha. Technically whoever I end upwith would be considered the Alpha female. There’s a reason I’m expected to hurry up and replace a mate.Usually the job of Alpha is considered a job for a pair. That’s why if something were to happen to meand Megan took over, marrying her would make Tristan the Alpha. Really

two should be phrased as ‘one of the Alphas‘ as in plural since there are basically

two of them. A Shifter has the same authority that their mate has and they are allowed to speak onbehalf of their mate.” How did we get back to discussing Bellamy’s relationship issues? I was trying toavoid this kind of discussion. I sigh internally. All I’m getting from this is that if I tell Bellamy about ourred thread, I’ll get power and a whole bunch of responsibilities that I really don’t actually want. Yippee.

“So basically if Tristan marries Megan, you should probably watch your meals and avoid. wanderingalone in dark creepy alleys because he’ll be after your ass.” I sum up. Bellamy

shrugs.

“That’s about it.” He agrees.

“Wow, sucks to be you right now.” I sit back in my chair, comfy now that I’ve finished eating.

“I disagree, right now I’m having a nice dinner with a beautiful girl. I’d say this is actually at pretty goodday.” The smile he is giving me is all charm, his golden eyes are focused on me and he looks ashandsome as I’ve ever seen him. I really wish he would stop. I kind of awkwardly laugh and avoid hisgaze. I let my long hair fall into my face slightly to hide. Sensing my awkwardness, Bellamy changesthe topic..

“Would you like something for dessert?” I shake my head.

“Nah, I’ve been promised cookies in exchange for playing babysitter and nurse today. I’ve gotta leavespace for those. If you’re nice I’ll even let you try a few. Maggie makes the best. cookies.” I smile athim, pushing my hair from my face a little. I feel much more confident with this kind of conversation. I’msurprised to replace Bellamy is frowning, his eyes are narrowed at me.

“You were very cosy with Darrien today.” I roll my eyes.

“Didn’t we already have this discussion?” I remind him. He shakes his head.

“That’s not what I meant to say. I understand that Darrien is your friend and that you trust. him becauseof what he will be to my sister one day. But you really shouldn’t let men you barely know into yourhome.” I glare at Bellamy.

“Like you can talk. You’ve stayed the night twice now.” I’m working hard not to raise my voice in therestaurant. Bellamy looks mad.

“That’s… well it’s different. Just, promise me you won’t invite anyone else into your home like that. Noteven the guards I assign you. It’s… inappropriate.” I cross my arms and angle myself away from

Bellamy.

“I will invite whoever I want into my home. I get to decide who I am going to trust. It’s my decision, notyours.” I say stubbornly. Okay, so I have no intention of inviting anyone weird into my home or anythinglike that, but still, I don’t appreciate Bellamy trying to boss me around. He glares at me and opens hismouth to respond. He never gets the chance as the oblivious server takes this moment to bring us ourbill. I reach for it. It is definitely my turn. to pay for a meal. It’s gone in a flash, Bellamy using hissuperior Shifter speed and reflexes to take the bill before I get the chance. He slips some cash insideand hands it back to the server and tells her to keep the change. Throughout the entire interaction henever takes his eyes. off me. Irritated, I stand up to leave. I wonder if I could just call a taxi, it would bemore comfortable than a car ride with Bellamy right now. As Bellamy stands, the annoying hostess fromearlier approaches us. She looks nervous and has a scrap of paper in her hand. When she speaks, shestares at the floor.

“Alpha Kane, I was hoping you would accept this.” She holds out the paper. I can see a phone.

number. Is she seriously trying to give him her number right now? This isn’t a date, but she doesn’tknow that. It’s like she has no dignity at all. So much for sisterhood, it’s clearly every girl for herself inthis world. I glance over at Bellamy he looks pissed off, but then again he was already angry at me soit’s hard to say if this is actually a change or not. I step forward since I’m the one being insulted here. Ihold out a hand for the paper. She looks horrified, but when Bellamy gives her a small nod, she relentsand reluctantly hands me the paper. I paste on a smile.

“It’s so sweet of you to give Bellamy your number. I’m sure it will be useful if for some reason he hastrouble contacting your older brother or something.” Okay, so that was a little petty I know. But she’sbeing super rude to me. I basically just pointed out that she is a stranger to Bellamy and clarified thathe and I are on a first name basis. I glance back at Bellamy and see a small smirk sneaking through his

angry expression. He decides to make the point a little clearer. He leans–in closer to me and lowers hisvoice, it looks like his words are only for my ears, but the woman has Shifter hearing just like Bellamyand he knows it.

“Let’s go back to your place. You promised me dessert.” he asks. I have to fight not to blush. I knowhe’s just talking about cookies, but the way he said it, it’s hard not to think that he’s implying somethingelse. Is this what he sounds like when he’s flirting? Maybe I don’t need to worry he’s overly interestedin me because I’ve never heard him speak in that kind of tone before. Obviously he is doing so for thebenefit of the hostess. I try not to be too awkward and ruin the point he is trying to make. I replace I’mstruggling to replace words so I just nod. The hostess gapes as Bellamy steps close to me and places ahand on my lower back to guide me towards the exit. Knowing that the hostess is still staring, I not–so–subtly drop the piece of paper with her number on it onto the floor by the doorway.

As soon as we’re out of sight, I yank myself away from where Bellamy’s warm hand rests on my back.

“I haven’t forgotten that I’m annoyed at you. I just didn’t like her attitude.” I inform him. I ignore the armthat Bellamy offers me and storm over to where the car is parked. He hits the beeper and I open thedoor and climb into my seat before he gets a chance to try and open the door for me. Bellamy climbsinto the driver’s seat but doesn’t start the car.

“Why are you so angry? I’m the one who just had my protection thrown back in my face.” I practicallygrowls. Oh right, I ignored his arm again. Well, he kind of deserved it. I roll my eyes at him and anglemyself away from him to look out the window.

“Because you’re being a controlling jerk again.” I try and keep my voice calm. I don’t really succeed.

“I’m trying to keep you safe.” I can’t see his face but Bellamy sounds super mad.

“No, assigning me guards is keeping me safe. Telling me not to invite them into my home is controlling.They’re guards that you chose. Clearly they aren’t a danger to me so your only concern is what is andis not appropriate. Well, it doesn’t matter because what I do is up to me and it is for me to decide if Ithink it is acceptable to invite someone into my home.” The more I talk the louder my voice gets.

“I just-” Bellamy starts but I cut him off.

“Tell me one reason why I shouldn’t invite them in that is relevant to my safety.” I demand. Bellamyhesitates.

“I suppose I am just a little concerned that the men might expect more than you intend.” his words arequick, like he knows I’m not going to like them but he’s decided to get them out anyway.

“I am not a child Bellamy. I am capable of dealing with men without a babysitter. I’ve been. doing it allmy life, I don’t need you to manage my relationships. Now take me home.” Bellamy starts the car butwe don’t move.

“Ryann I-” I shake my head.

“I’m done talking right now Bellamy. So just drop it.” Finally he gives in and drives me home.