Strings of Fate

23- Disrespect and dress codes

She seems nervous. I frown. Why do they keep assuming my automatic reaction is going to be hate. Seriously. They shift into cats, not horrifying monsters. I was so busy trying to figure this out that I forget to answer Megan who is getting increasingly agitated. Bellamy nudges me to get my attention. I whip my head around, somewhat confused as I had been so distracted. A quiet voice from behind Megan draws my attention. Darrien, I hadn’t even noticed him standing there. He’s smiling and his voice is amused.

“She’s just fine, Miss Kane. Look at her shirt.” Megan’s eyes drop to my shirt and she starts laughing. Darrien joins in quietly, he can’t seem to help himself. I turn to Bellamy.

“I meant for it to be funny, but this is a little much. I am completely regretting this shirt right now.” I whine. This sets him off laughing too. I cross my arms and glare at him.

“Okay, it’s not that funny.” I complain. Darrien gets control of himself first.

“Oh it really is. I don’t know anyone else who would dare wear something like that around. our Alpha. But it makes a statement.” Wow, I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard him say. I think about what he said. Okay now that is hilarious. I roll my eyes.

“Dare? He’s not that scary.” Darrien glances sideways at Bellamy then back to me.

“He’s Alpha.” I shrug.

“That doesn’t stop Megan from making fun of him.” I point out..

“Yes, but I’m his sister. It’s different.” Megan chimes in.

“Usually, no one would dare. Bellamy would not tolerate the disrespect.” She looks

thoughtful.

“Why aren’t you mad at Ryann Bels? It’s pretty unusual for you to just laugh this kind of thing off. But as far as I can see, Ryann has been getting away with pretty much anything.” Bellamy crosses his arms over his chest defensively.

“She’s not a Shifter.” He grumbles.

“That’s never made a difference before.” Megan argues in response. Bellamy seems to be growing increasingly agitated under his sister’s inquisition.

“It’s different okay.” He practically growls out. Megan opens her mouth to argue but I interrupt.

“There is a difference between being disrespectful and just messing around. Bellamy knows when I mean to be disrespectful. Anyways, you promised to show me around a bit today, or are we going to just stand here in the doorway all day?” I change the topic. Megan is easily sidetracked. Bellamy’s relief is visible.

“Oh my gosh. I was so worried about you I barely even thought about it. Yes, I want to show you everything. Also I thought I might introduce you to a few other Shifters. That is, if you don’t mind?”

“I’m cool with it.” I assure her. She grins at me, her golden eyes shining in the morning sun. Bellamy clears his throat to get my attention.

“Don’t leave the compound without saying something. Stay with Darrien. Call me if there’s at problem. Aaron will drive you to work this afternoon. Someone will come to collect you in the evening and to guard your door through the night.” He orders. I cross my arms over my chest. and raise an eyebrow at him. Bellamy sighs, rolls his eyes, but does give in a little.

“Will that be acceptable to you?” he asks. Obviously it’s less of a request and more of a demand. But I appreciate the attempt and it soothes my temper before it really even flares up. I sigh dramatically.

“Fine, at least I’ll be safe at work. No one would dare cause trouble in Borderline.” Bellamy smiles at me, glad I’m cooperating I suppose.

“That won’t be an issue I’m sure.” He assures me. With that, he turns and heads inside the house. Megan leads me in the opposite direction.

“We’ll finish up the tour back here for lunch.” She declares happily.

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The morning was leisurely and rather educational. Megan chattered away, telling me different details about Shifter’s lifestyles at the compound. Darrien trailed behind us as per usual and we finished the tour back at Megan and Bellamy’s home where Megan was excited to show me her bedroom. It looks a lot more mature than mine. All matching and put together. I blush thinking about how Bellamy saw my rainbow mish–mash of comfort items. But I don’t have time to be embarrassed for long as Megan continues with my tour. Megan and I are sitting in the kitchen eating sandwiches when Bellamy shows up again. Aaron is with him this time. He informs me that Aaron will drive me home and then to work once I am ready. I agree, hug Megan goodbye and promise to text her later so we can properly make our plans for getting ready for the engagement party Saturday. Megan returns to her room, excited about looking at wedding dresses online or something. Darrien follows after her. Bellamy walks me out to where a car is waiting. Aaron climbs into the driver’s seat while. Bellamy opens my door for

1. me.

“Make sure you call if there’s a problem.” He reminds me. I nod my acceptance. I am already thinking about work. I need to get home and change into my uniform, and those dreaded heels. Although at least I won’t be walking to work in them for once. I’m halfway home when I realise that Bellamy knew I had work this afternoon. I don’t remember mentioning my work schedule to him, so how did he know? I pretty much always work Thursday afternoons so I guess it wouldn’t be hard to find out. But who did he ask?” I get home, Aaron gives me his arm and escorts me up to my home where I quickly change and get ready for work. I had barely realised the time. It was probably a good thing that Bellamy came to tell me it was time to leave. But how did he KNOW? I’m still mulling on the topic when Aaron and I arrive at my work. I drop his arm as we enter the door and he steps back to stand slightly behind me. I repress a groan as I see Anthony approaching. He must be my shift manager today ast well. He’s the most irritating of the managers as he is the only human. Now, I have no problem with humans, but he must be a little insecure or something because he loves to lord. his power over any of the employees, particularly ones that are Magics. Still, I paste on a smile and greet him politely.

“Good afternoon Ryann.” He answers, his tone perfectly civil. Now that’s unusual. Usually he would just grunt and tell me to get to work already. Or ask if I’m running late. He must want something from me.

Can I help you Anthony?” I question. He shakes his head.

“I’ve been asked to inform you that your request for leave on Saturday has been approved.” He starts. I frown a little. I was planning to request Saturday off, but I hadn’t done it yet. I

23–Disrespect and dress codes

was going to ask today. If they refused I planned to use some of my sick leave and fake an illness or something. I just nod. No reason to argue when I’m getting what I want.

“I have also been asked to inform you about some modifications to our uniform policy. Apparently someone influential spoke directly to the owner.” He grumbles. I raise an eyebrow.

“Modifications?” I question Anthony nods.

“Today is the last day where high heels will be compulsory footwear for the female servers. From now on you will be permitted to wear any kind of black, closed toe shoes.” I gape at him as he turns and stalks off. He seems annoyed. This might be the best news I’ve heard in months. I’m totally floored as I realise there is only one person who could have arranged this. Bellamy did mention that he knows the owner. He also mentioned that he would contact my work to ensure I wasn’t in trouble for missing my shift. Apparently he also arranged for Saturday off for me and got the rules about high heels changed. Did he really pay that much attention to my complaints about my shoes? It seems almost impossible that he didn’t just listen, he actually fixed the problem. Someone taps me on the shoulder and I whirl around to face Aaron. He wordlessly passes me a folded piece of paper before giving me a deep nod and then leaving, his job apparently completed. I still haven’t heard a single word from him. I’m starting to wonder if he can actually talk at all. I unfold the paper and find another handwritten note from Bellamy.

“Ryann,

I hope you are not upset with me for interfering at your workplace. Please be assured that I did so in an attempt to help you rather than in some attempt to manipulate you. I like to consider myself a generally well rounded person. I am aware however, that one of my biggest faults is my pride. I have always found it difficult to apologise to people and this time is no different. I am writing you this note in the hopes that you will accept my gesture as an apology for the stress and fear that associating and assisting me has caused you. Specifically, the trouble I brought upon you last night when I got you caught up in the most recent attempt on my life. I am aware that apologies are best given face to face, but I find that I am not quite capable of doing so at this moment. I hope that you won’t hold my indirect methods

against me. Maybe one day I will be able to apologise face to face for whatever offence I have committed against you at that time. But for now, I hope that this is enough and that you are willing to accept it.

Sincerely,