Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan
Chapter 126

Strings of Fate

126–Meditation and murder

Over the next week the papers report two. more murders. Both of the victims were women in their twenties with dark hair. Unsurprisingly, with each murder Bellamy became more and more on edge. In fact everyone did. Megan and I stopped going on outings other than the occasional walk around the inside of the Shifter compound with our guards to accompany us. I was alright, honestly I don’t replace it all that stressful staying inside for a while, but as a Shifter, Megan has definitely started getting antsy. She wants to go out and run, see people, whatever. Bellamy has also been antsy but aside from absolutely necessary trips, he’s been staying home with us. Actually, he barely lets me out of his sight and when Megan is in her room and not downstairs with us, he checks on her constantly. He has increased security around the compound and checks the locks on the houses doors and windows several times a day. The papers didn’t provide a cause of death, but in his paranoia, Bellamy had Aaron and Alex investigate. Aaron checked the crime scenes while Alex hacked something and got ahold of the official reports. The cause of death in both murders was unknown and suspected as Magical in nature. The coroner couldn’t replace a single injury or reason for the deaths, but in both cases there were clear signs of a struggle. Both women died in their homes, but oddly enough from what Aaron reported back, it looked like the women both let the killer in and only began to fight back afterwards. Aaron also reported the same magical scent from the Brooks‘ house and my place. Once Bellamy confirmed that these murders were linked I’m pretty sure that was the last time he left me alone for more than forty seconds. Even when I’m in the shower I can hear him hovering by the door and he knocks every minute or so to check that I’m alright. It’s sweet of him to care, but it’s starting to grind on my nerves a little bit. I’m not used to this much attention and I’m feeling a little claustrophobic. Staying in the house isn’t a problem for me, but I would really like a bit of time to myself every now and then, I did try suggesting this to Bellamy once but the look of fear on his face stopped me in my tracks. It’s not forever and I can deal with it for now.

I’m still not sleeping well and having dreams about Kiara every night. She is still in her now very ratty pyjamas, she looks thin and almost sick. Her hair is dirty and tangled and the bruise on her cheek is barely improved. It breaks my heart every time I see her. Sometimes she is crying, absolutely bawling her eyes out, and other times she looks like a broken doll. Practically empty inside. Those are the worst moments to see because they make me worry that she’s broken forever, that even if we replace her it will be too late and she will never recover.

During the day I’ve been practising meditating, trying to focus on her and see her on purpose but so far I haven’t had any success. I’ve tried over and over to replace this ‘connection‘ that

Amber swears must exist between us, but I have no idea what I’m even looking for. Maybe if I

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126- Meditation and murder

knew what the connection actually was… but as it is, I’m just focusing on whatever similarities I can replace. We’re both orphans now, but I highly doubt that’s the connection. I keep coming back to her eyes, they’re pale, a lot like mine. I replace myself meditating and thinking of staring into her eyes and sometimes for half a second I think it’s working, but then… nothing. Maybe I just want it to work so badly that I’m imagining things. I don’t know.

I’m in the middle of one of my ‘attempting to meditate‘ sessions in Bellamy’s office, trying to tune him out where he is sitting working. He’s quiet but I really do feel like this is something that might work better alone. It’s late morning and I’m getting nowhere so I’m almost relieved when my phone goes off.

Shaun- Hi! I was wondering if you wanted anything for lunch, I was getting something for myself and thought you might be hungry?

Hmm… that’s… unusual? Not that he would bring food, he does that pretty regularly. Bellamy has been getting him to pick up take out and groceries for us this week because he isn’t too keen on letting delivery drivers anywhere near the house, just in case that’s how the killers have been getting the women to answer their doors. No, what’s unusual is that he is offering. Usually he waits until Bellamy asks him to get something.

“Bel, did you ask Shaun to get us lunch?” I ask. He looks up distractedly from his work.

“No, why? Did you want something?” He grabs his own phone as if to call.

“No, no. He just messaged me offering to grab food.” I explain. Bellamy’s brow furrows.

“Why is he offering you food?” He

spunos

grumpy and I remember how obsessed he is with

buying me food. Does he see this as Shaun trying to get in his way?

“I’m not sure, maybe he wants to ask a favour or something and is trying to get in good?” I suggest. Suddenly I recall what Amber said about giving him her number and my face lights.

1. up.

“Oh! I bet he wants to ask about Amber. She says he hasn’t spoken to her since the day they met, but he has walked past Borderline at least twice this week that she knows of.” Bellamy

relaxes a bit.

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126- Meditation and murder

“That’s probably it. He can bring lunch if he wants.” He agrees.

Ryann- Sure, how about Thai?

Shaun- Done and done. Won’t be long! 🙂

True to his word, Shaun shows up twenty minutes later with an armful of Thai takeout. Honestly he got enough for several people. Way more than was needed. He must be nervous. He hands me the foo

then hovers awkwardly, obviously hoping for an invitation to join us

for lunch.

“Wow, look at all that food. No way we can eat all this alone. Why don’t you stay for lunch?” I

offer and Shaun jumps on the offer.

“YES. I mean, yes please Miss Gale, that would be great.” I have to fight the urge to snicker. He’s being kind of adorably awkward. Megan and Bellamy join us in the living room and we all sit down to eat. Shaun is definitely acting weird and it’s not just me who sees it. Megan makes eye contact with me several times throughout the meal and gestures towards Shaun, clear question in her eyes. When we finish eating, Shaun sits, clearly not sure what to do. I notice him glancing at Bellamy and I realise he might be uncomfortable asking in front of

others.

“Hey Shaun, can you help me with the dishes?” I ask and he eagerly agrees. Bellamy stands to follow me but I wave him off. He raises an eyebrow but stays where he is. I’ve just started. washing and handed Shaun a towel to dry dishes when finally he speaks.

“Uh, Miss Gale?” he starts.

“Yes Shaun?”

“Well… I um… you remember how I picked up your friend Amber the other day?” YES! He’s going to ask! Finally! I decided to try and make it easier for him.

“Yeah of course, she mentioned how friendly you were. What about it?” I prompt.

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Strings of Fate

127- Calling and convincing

He is quiet for a moment, then he pushes his shoulders back and blurts out;

“I–want–to–ask–her–out–will–you–give–me–her–number–please?” He says it all in one breath waiting.

and then I’m pretty sure he doesn’t take another one. He’s just holding his breath,

“Sure.” I agree easily. He drops the towel on the ground in shock. I think he expected me to

say no.

“Really? Don’t you need to check with her or something?” He asks doubtfully, like he thinks I might be messing with him. I can’t help but laugh.

“She already agreed. She told me the day you met that when you got up the nerve to ask for her number, I should give it to you. She’s an Oracle, remember? I’m pretty sure she’s waiting for you to call.” I tell him. His answering grin is blindingly bright.

“Really?”

“Yes really. I’ll give it to you as soon as we finish the dishes.” Let me just say, I have never seen someone dry dishes as fast as Shaun is right now. We have the job done in no time and I read out Amber’s number for him to add to his phone.

“Thanks Miss Gale. Now I just have to get up the nerve to actually call her.” He looks a little

ill at the thought.

“She wouldn’t have given you her number if she was going to reject you Shaun. Have a little

confidence.”

“She didn’t give me her number, you did!” he objects. I shrug.

“She gave it indirectly. She has been waiting all week. Don’t make her wait too long. Good luck!” A look of grim determination crosses his face and he nods.

“Right. I’m just going to go do that now. Thanks again.” He leaves in a hurry after that. So much of a hurry that he doesn’t even stop to say goodbye to Megan or Bellamy. I return to

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127- Calling and convincing

the living room and replace Bellamy smiling and Megan practically bouncing in her seat.

“Oh my gosh did that really just happen? Shaun and Amber?” She looks thrilled and I laugh.

“Yep.” I confirm.

“That’s so CUTE!” She half squeals.

“WAIT! Are they fated? I don’t want anyone breaking his heart. Or hers… or anyones.” She rambles. I glance at Bellamy who just shrugs. He doesn’t seem to have an opinion on if I should tell Megan or not. I mean, Amber already knows, but what about Shaun… In the end I decide that Megan doesn’t need the worry right now, particularly regarding her friends‘ romantic relationships. Besides, it’s not like Shaun is making a secret of his intentions. The way any relationship works is that it either ends or it doesn’t. If they’re already choosing a relationship then really all I know is that it won’t end, or that if it does it will start again? It

doesn’t tell that much.

“Yeah, they’re fated. Amber knows but Shaun isn’t quite there yet so keep it to yourself for now, yeah?” Megan promises and then skips upstairs to grab her phone so she can text Amber a congratulations. The two have been growing close all week in our group chat. Sure enough,

a few seconds later my phone vibrates.

COCK TALES

Megan- AMBER! Shaun just asked Ry for your number!!! You guys are going to be so CUTE together!!! <3 <3 <3

Amber- Hahaha, thanks. I can only see a few weeks ahead usually but I think it will

He’s going to call later tonight and I can’t wait, he’s going to be so awkward about it. It’s adorable. Or it will be adorable at least. 🙂

go

well.

Ryann- LOL and people think I have spoilers. He will be lucky if he ever manages to surprise

you.

Amber- I’m surprised all the time, I just get surprised early and then I’m not surprised when the actual surprise comes, if that makes sense.