Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan
Chapter 20

20- Attacks and awkwardness 

I look to Bellamy and find he is fighting off two other men. The men are all pale and have near black eyes, although I could be mistaken in the dark and under this much pressure. Bellamy lunges at one of the men, attempting to knock him down, but a flash of fangs causes him to stumble back as they graze his arm. Vampires. We are being attacked by Vampires. Why are we being attacked by Vampires? Vampires don’t care about anything but their next meal! Why would they come after us? Coincidence that we happen to be out at night? But this area has always been relatively safe, and what Vampire in their right mind would attack a Shifter Alpha? I mean seriously, Vampires? Properly aware of the situation, Bellamy is more careful in his next attack. He freezes however, when the Vampire who is holding me tightens his grip and pushes my head to the side, baring my neck. I can feel the Vampire’s breath on my skin, it’s cold enough to make me shiver. Bellamy growls at him and glares. The Vampire doesn’t need to say anything, the threat is clear enough. I know I can’t just stand here and wait. Bellamy is clearly at a disadvantage and sadly my own powers are not terribly useful in a fight. I meet Bellamy’s eyes. His expression is one of pure fury, although his face softens a little as he meets my gaze. His golden eyes are practically glowing in the darkness. I can see claws emerging from his hands and fangs sprouting from his mouth. I guess I won’t have to ask Megan what he looks like in his feline form after all. I’m about to see it first hand. The Vampires are distracted by the transformation and I take advantage of their inattention. The Vampire holding me has loosened the hand which is pinning my arms to my sides enough that I can slide one loose. Without stopping 

o give him a chance to catch me again, I blindly swing my hand backwards in an effort to stab him in the eye. It works better than I could have expected and the Vampire releases me as he clutches his eye, swearing violently. I do my best to stumble away from him. I’d like to go run and hide, or help Bellamy, or do something even remotely useful. But honestly, my legs are shaking and my knees are about to give way. I’ve never been involved in any kind of fight before and I am definitely not prepared for this. A steady growl draws my attention back to Bellamy. He is fully transformed now and even I can’t argue that it isn’t impressive. I can’t say for sure with my limited knowledge of Shifters and felines in general. But he looks like the pictures I’ve seen of black panthers, only bigger. His eyes still glow gold and it takes only half a second for him to turn his attention to the Vampires. If it’s at all possible I would swear they go even more white than they already were. The one I stabbed in the eye swears again. 

“This isn’t worth the prize we were promised. Let’s just go.” The other Vampires voice their agreement and the three of them run away quickly. I expect Bellamy to chase after them, as angry as he seems. But he waits for them to be out of sight before racing to my side. I am at 

1/3 

20 Attacks and awkwardhenn 

the base of the stairs and until this second I hadn’t noticed that I have collapsed down onto the bottom step. I’m leaning against the side of the building and shaking. Bellamy stops a few feet away from me and hesitates. He tilts his head to the side as he looks me over, searching for any injury I assume. He takes a step closer, and even in this feline form, I can see concern in his eyes. I burst into tears. Em mortified by my own behaviour. I didn’t even get hurt! But 1 can still feel the Vampire’s stone cold grip around me and I can’t shake the fear. At my tears, Bellamy freezes. I lean forwards and hide my face against his fur and wrap the other around him. I’m shivering, and although I wouldn’t say the weather is warm, it is not cold enough to warrant such a reaction. I barely notice as he shifts back into himself, too caught up in my own thoughts. 

“Ryann?” his voice is wary, I can’t help but cry harder. Bellamy pulls me into a tight hug against him and sits on the step, cradling me carefully. After a few minutes, I start to pull myself together and embarrassment hits me at the position we are in. I pull away from him. and open my mouth to speak but all that comes out is a squeak as I realise that after shifting back, he is naked. Well I suppose that answers one question about Shifters. Not knowing what else to do, I push him away from me and wrap my arms around myself. My eyes hit the ground and stay there as I attempt to stop my mind from analysing the glimpse of him that I 

did see. 

“I’m going inside.” I manage to whisper. 

“Wait just a moment, I’ll grab my spare clothes from the car. I’d rather if you can stay here where I can see you.” Bellamy responds, his voice is hard and he sounds unhappy. I nod, keeping my eyes on the floor. I listen to the car door opening and closing, then the rustle of clothing as Bellamy gets dressed. Oh damn, he was naked, and hugging me. This is so awkward. I stand up as I hear him approach. I’m still shaky and stumble slightly. Bellamy reaches forward to steady me but I jerk away at his touch, still too embarrassed to look at him. I turn and climb the stairs and he follows close behind me. 

Once we’re inside, I flick the lights on and collapse into a chair at my little table. Bellamy closes and locks the door behind us then stands awkwardly by the threshold. The silence lasts for a full minute before he speaks. 

“I will call someone to come and guard your door. I’ll leave as soon as they arrive. Just put up with me being here for a few more minutes, okay?” I can’t think of another way to describe his tone other than dejected. It takes a second for his words to register in my brain properly. 

2/3 

ZV- AllOUND 01| @WNWDIUness 

“Leave? No, please don’t leave me.” I blurt out without thinking. I immediately blush red at my own words. I look up at him to see his reaction. A strange mix of emotions crosses his face. First surprise, then confusion. I’m not really sure what there is to be confused about. He did keep me safe after all, just like he promised. Bellamy steps closer to better look at my expression and I can’t help but duck my gaze, feeling awkward. He sighs. 

“Ryann, when I offered to protect you, that means from everything that frightens you. Myself included.” He says sadly. My eyes shoot up and I stand to face him better. 

You? Why would I be scared of you?” I demand. Bellamy seems at a loss for words. 

“I… it’s just… You won’t look at me. And you flinched when I tried to help. I just assumed…” he trails off. He assumed what? That I would be scared now that I’ve seen him as a giant cat? 

“Bellamy, don’t be stupid.” I say bluntly. He stares at me and I continue. 

“We were just attacked by a group of Vampires, did you even consider that they might be the reason I’m freaked out?” 

“But… you’re clearly avoiding me, you won’t even look at me!” Bellamy reminds me. I roll my 

eyes. 

Of course I’m avoiding you! I cried all over you! I’m embarrassed! And you were naked! What did you expect?” I glare at him. Bellamy stares at me in silence for a moment before braving a small smile. 

“If you really want me to stay then I’ll stay.” I find I can’t answer him so I just nod. 

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