Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan

81- Pants and painkillers 

As I enter, Megan whirls around to face me, she’s holding an armful of clothes that she appears to be stacking away and she stops mid–note of whatever tune it was she was humming. She looks surprised to see me. 

“Ryann? I didn’t realise you were still here. I thought Bellamy must have taken you home already. Are you only getting up now? It’s almost eleven.” she rambles cheerfully. She drops her armful of clothes onto a large pile on her bed and pulls her curtain open a little. I flinch at the bright morning light and shield my eyes, groaning. 

“Of course I’m still here. And I drank waaaaay too much last night, of course I’m only getting up now. It’s a miracle I’m up at all.” I grumble. Megan tilts her head in confusion. 

“Are you really feeling that bad?” she asks curiously. I roll my eyes and regret the motion. Now that I’m standing up I feel a lot worse. Also her room is way too bright. 

“Of course I am! Aren’t you?” I demand. She shrugs nonchalantly. 

“Nope. my metabolism burned off the alcohol ages ago, and my hangover was over before I even woke up.” She smiles sunnily and I glare at her. 

“Ugh. I hate you.” I glance down at my legs which are a little cold without the blanket covering them. 

“Do you have pants I can wear?” I ask. Megan chucks a pair of comfy looking leggings at me. 

“Your work stuff is over there. But I would definitely suggest a shower and a fresh uniform for work tonight.” She looks me up and down with a raised eyebrow and I sigh. 

“Duh, but I’ll do that when I get home. I don’t start work til five so there’s no rush.” I check my pile of clothes and make sure my work stuff is all there. I have spares to wear tonight but I don’t want to lose anything. I also find my phone underneath the pile of clothing. I have three messages from Aaron. 

Aaron- What time today? 

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81- Pants and painkillers 

Aaron- Are you home? 

Aaron- Confirmed you are with Alpha Kane. Let me know when you’re ready to leave. 

I send off a quick text letting him know I only just woke up and will let him know when I am ready for a ride home. I also apologise for not making arrangements sooner. He once again sends a thumbs up. 

“Well, since you’re in no hurry. Let’s have a late breakfast together. I want bacon and eggs. I’ll cook!” She volunteers. Well if she’s offering. I’m not sure how my stomach will cope with food. right now, but worst case I throw it up. I feel sick anyway so it’s not like it can get much worse. I follow Megan downstairs after pulling on her leggings. They’re a little loose on me but they’ll stay on, no one can see anything much above my knees anyway because Bellamy’s 

top is big on me: In the kitchen, I plant myself on a seat at the bench and rest my head. against the cool marble of the countertop while Megan makes herself busy booking. I thought the smell of food might make me ill but it actually smells so good and my stomach is growling. I think I skipped dinner last night now that I think about it. Alcohol is not a meal 

replacement. Drinking on an empty stomach was probably not the smartest plan I’ve ever had. Although technically it was more Megan’s plan than it was mine. I’ll just blame her. The clink of a glass next to my head makes me turn my face sideways, sliding my cheek on the counter. I can see Bellamy’s distorted figure through the glass of water he’s just placed beside me. I sit up and he holds out a hand offering something for me to take, a happy smile on his face. I open my hand and he drops two white pills into my palm. Oh, blessed painkillers. I down them and the water quickly. 

“Thankyou” I murmur. Bellamy leans down behind me and places a kiss on the side of my throat, lingering a moment before backing away. I can’t help but shiver. 

“You’re welcome.” He responds quietly. He stays long enough to steal a piece of bacon. directly from the pan, probably burning his tongue in the process if the wince he makes while. chewing is anything to go by. He then excuses himself to his office and leaves us to our meal. 

I eat more than I thought I would, although not even half as much as Megan. Shifter metabolisms must be hell on a grocery bill. Once I’m sufficiently fed and Megan is satisfied with my description of what happened last night (definitely the watered down version because I don’t think I could actually admit most of it out loud just yet.) I excuse myself to go see if Bellamy is free to talk. It’s been more than twenty four hours since I found that letter and I suspect he isn’t going to be pleased that it took me so long to mention it. I just 

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Emergency calls only MO 

81- Pants and painkillers 

076% 11:47 

hope he doesn’t get too overprotective and bossy because I feel entirely too crappy to argue with him right now. Bellamy’s office door is cracked open and I can see him glaring at some document before he sighs and signs it. I knock on the doorframe while poking my head in. Bellamy straightens up in his seat and flashes me a gorgeous smile. 

“Feeling any better?” he asks. I shrug. 

“I wouldn’t say I feel better, but I’m awake at least.” I pause before continuing. 

“And I know you said it’s fine but I really am sorry about last night. I’ll make it up to you.” I promise. He raises an eyebrow suggestively. 

“I told you not to worry about it. It was nothing a cold shower couldn’t fix. While I don’t believe there’s anything to make up, I am interested to hear how exactly you’re planning to do that.” He winks at me and I roll my eyes. 

“I take it back, I’m sorry you had to survive a cold shower, but you’re getting way too much 

enjoyment out of my embarrassment, you clearly aren’t suffering.” Bellamy smirks at me and we both fall silent. Bellamy looks at the door pointedly, I’m still just poking my head in. 

“Are you coming in or not?” he prompts and I take a step in and close the door behind me. Okay I just need to tell him. Rip it off like a bandaid and hope for the best. He’s in a good mood this morning though and I hate that I’m probably going to ruin it. He must read something in my face or posture because he furrows his brow and frowns at me. 

“Is something wrong? Tell me.” He demands. I sigh. 

“I need to tell you something.” Something sparks in his eyes and he tilts his head to the side. 

“So there was something you wanted to say last night after all?” I nod. 

“Yeah, I just got a bit… sidetracked. Apparently I lack focus when I’m drunk.” I blush, remembering how I basically banged on his door demanding to speak to him, then just jumped him instead. I open my mouth to explain about the letter but the words just won’t come. I don’t want to upset him. I must look distraught because in a quick movement, Bellamy is out of his seat and standing in front of me. He takes my right hand between both. of his and runs his thumb over the back of my hand. 

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“Ry, darling, what’s wrong? I need you to tell me so I can fix it.” I burst into tears. He’s being so nice and I don’t deserve it. He immediately wraps his arms around me and pulls me tight against his chest. He makes light shushing noises and strokes my hair over my neck. We rock and sway slightly in place as he tries to calm me. Once I manage to get a hold of myself, he releases me and steps back enough to crook his finger under my chin and pull my chin up to meet his eyes. 

“Tell me.” He insists. I drop my gaze immediately. 

“You’re going to be mad at me.” I mutter quietly. 

“Ry, I won-” he begins, but I cut him off. 

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep Bellamy.” I respond flatly.