Strings of Fate

37- Bears and birds
The first voice is male, but so high pitched that at first I’m not sure.
“You can hardly be surprised, Alpha Kane, that someone keeps arranging these attacks on you. As the youngest Alpha and an
unmated
eat that, you’re sure to be seen as the most vulnerable.” The voice declares, the tone is snide and I instantly dislike whoever the
man is that is speaking. The next voice is also male, but far more quiet. I struggle to catch the words.
“There is nothing that Alpha Kane can do to change his age other than wait. It is the second matter that is of more concern. He
should find a mate. Perhaps then his position would not offend people as much. It would also secure his position. Perhaps then
the attacks would cease, or at least become less frequent.” The second man suggests. His manner doesn’t seem outright rude
like the last man. More bored, like he just doesn’t really care all that much. A third man speaks. His voice is loud and boisterous,
but seems friendly, at least in comparison
to the last two.
“Give t
the guy a break. We all know the difficulties in finding an appropriate mate. Not one of us had found our partners at his age.” The
friendly man seems to be siding with Bellamy in this argument, not that Bellamy has actually spoken yet. Still, I’m fairly sure he
appreciates.
the friendly man’s point.
“You act like my brother isn’t even trying to find his mate.” Megan declares, her tone
irritated.
“He might have better chances if his dates weren’t being crashed by mercenary Vampires!” She argues. Date? Is she calling me
Bellamy’s date? Is that what she thought was happening? I suppose it’s better than her knowing that Bellamy and I were spying
on HER date. But I don’t think I like the suggestion. I’ve already decided that I’m not ready to date Bellamy and I am not ready for
her to know that it’s even a decision I’ve been making. I wait for Bellamy to object, but no such objection comes. Darn it.

“Which brings us back to the original issue. While I so appreciate everyone’s commentary on my personal affairs, I would rather

we stick to the original reason for calling this meeting. Someone, a Shifter, has been meddling. Arranging for people to attack
and spy on myself and those I have taken under my protection. This is not acceptable.” Bellamy sounds mad. The first man, the
one with the whiny high–pitched voice answers him.
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37- Bears and birds
“You can’t be implying that any of us are involved.” Bellamy’s answer is firm but polite.
“All I am saying is that there are Shifters involved in this matter. I have concluded that they are not feline Shifters so I have
brought the matter to you. You will of course want to investigate. If any of your Shifters are conspiring without your knowledge
you will want to punish them accordingly.” All three of the voices give their assurances that they will investigate the matter,
although only the friendly one sounds truly genuine. It isn’t until I hear footsteps that I realise the door is about to open and I am
going to get caught eavesdropping. I want to leave but I know it’s already too late as the door swings open. I am being stared at
by a tall, lanky looking man.
“Who are you?” He demands. His high pitched tone shows him to be the first man with the bad attitude. I open my mouth, not
sure how I’m going to explain myself but Darrien answers
before I can.
“May I introduce Miss Ryann Gale, Alpha Kane and Miss Kane are expecting her.” A funny look flashes over the man’s face at
my name. Did Bellamy or Megan mention me by name?
“I am the Canine Alpha, August Wright.” His voice is prideful, he clearly thinks me below him. He continues, not giving me a
chance to answer.
“Alpha Kane mentioned a Miss Gale was present during the recent attempts on his life. I can only assume he was referring to
you. I’m sorry for you. You must have been terrified.” His voice is polite but definitely insincere.
“Thank you, but no, I had Be- Alpha Kane with me.” I mimic his tone. So yeah, that’s a lie. I was totally terrified. But I’m not
admitting it to this asshole. Alpha Wright steps forward, he seems to expect me to move out of his way so he can pass, although
there is plenty of space for him to step around me. He frowns when I don’t immediately scamper away. I notice him. trying to
catch my gaze. Well, if ever there was a time to test my dominance this would be it. I meet his eyes and hold steady. He looks

shocked when I don’t immediately submit. I feel pressure but I can stand it. He jumps as a hand touches his shoulder and we
both break eye contact at the same time to see who it is. I guess I won’t be finding out who Is more dominant today then. Still, I

made my point. I am not some little girl that he can walk all
over.
“You’re blocking the doorway.” The voice of the quiet man complains. Alpha Wright steps
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37- Bears and birds
around me and with one last irritated glare, storms off down the hall. With him out the way I can see the man behind him, he is
short and thin but somehow doesn’t look frail. If anything I would say he looks agile. I step to the side a little to let him pass and
he steps to the opposite side a little to go past me. He walks past me without a word, but I do catch him glancing at me out the
side of his eye as he passes.
“That was the Avian Alpha, Galvyn Breeze. He isn’t very chatty.” Darrien comments. Megan’s head peeks around the door.
“Ryann? You’re here! Come in. We’re just finishing up here.” I head in and Darrien follows. Bellamy is chatting with a man who
towers over him. He is huge and generally imposing. This has to be the Alpha for the Bear Shifters. I can’t think who else he
could be. Both men stop talking as I enter. Bellamy smiles.
“Ryann, good morning,” he looks exhausted. There are dark shadows under his eyes that are even worse than mine. It almost
makes me feel a little better about how dreadful I probably look.
“Morning.” I answer him answering with my own smile. The giant of a man speaks.
“Aah, so this is the girl who has been caught up in Shifter power struggle.” He turns to me and holds out a hand for me to shake.
I take it, his huge hand completely covers mine. He shakes my hand enthusiastically.
“I’m Alpha Kohan Aspen, of the Bear Shifters in case you didn’t guess already. You can call me
Kohan. Nice to meet you.” His expression is open and friendly and I take an instant liking to
him. I smile.

“I’m Ryann Gale. Pleased to meet you.” I allow him to catch my gaze for a second but neither of us attempts to hold it.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I start, my tone apologetic. He waves me off.
“Nah, I was just leaving. I promised my mate Kelly that I would be home right away. She wanted to come to the meeting but she’s
pregnant and has some awful morning sickness.” He gives Bellamy, Megan and Darrien all nods in turn before heading for the
door. He pauses as he passes me and gives a friendly wink. I can’t be sure, but I think I hear him mutter under
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37–Bears and birds
his breath.
“Good luck.” What is he wishing me luck with? And why? Or maybe I imagined it? That
seems more likely.