Strings of Fate by Kit Bryan
Chapter 234

Megan 6- Dead and done

Tristan is dead. He’s dead and I killed him. I know I had no choice. But I didn’t want things to go this way. I prod him with my nose a little and confirm that he is one hundred percent, definitely dead. I climb off of him and shift back into my two legged self. I don’t quite know what to do. A shiver comes over me that has nothing to do with the temperature of the room, still I grab a tablecloth and wrap it around myself, trying to ignore how my hands leave bloody red fingerprints on the white fabric. I’m confused for a second when someone grabs me, but the familiar scent of Darrien surrounds me and I let him hold me for a minute. We

both had a scare and I could use the comfort. He is breathing heavily and hides his face in my hair. It’s a strange feeling, I don’t think Darrien has ever hugged me before.

ctually, I don’t think he’s ever touched me other than escorting me by the arm. I never realised how much bigger than me he is. Despite everything, he makes me feel safe. He always has. It’s why I agreed when he applied to be my personal guard. I never did replace out why he wanted the role. I just assumed that since Bels didn’t have a female Alpha that it was the most coveted position available at the time. I wonder if he regrets it now that Ryann is around. I wait for him to end the embrace and slowly realise that he isn’t going to. Not until I tell him to. I’m not even sure if the hug is for his benefit or mine. He’s a bit freaked out. That makes sense though, he’s a fairly dominant Shifter and he has similar protective instincts to Bellamy. He probably wants me close since he feels responsible for me. Touch is comforting to Shifters after all. I wait a little longer then extract myself from his grip. He lets me go easily.enough. Remembering how uncomfortable Ryann is with nudity, I replace another tablecloth for him to

cover himself with.

My head feels empty. I don’t think everything that has happened has been processed for me yet. I’m probably in shock. Later on I’m sure that I will have an absolute meltdown, but right now I just feel nothing. A glance at Ryann shows that she is on the verge of a meltdown herself. An inkling of concern flutters in my chest. Okay, so that’s an emotion I can deal with right now. I keep the rest locked down for later and focus on comforting my friend. I want to hug her, but I know I am covered in blood, she probably wouldn’t appreciate it. Not to mention she just saw me kill someone.

“Ryann? Are you okay?” I ask. She just shakes her head, staring at Tristan.

“What can I do?” Ryann can’t seem to replace words and she can’t seem to look away from… the body. I step in front of her, blocking her view and it seems to trigger something. All of at sudden she is throwing herself into my arms and I feel a sense of relief. She doesn’t hate me,

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Megan 6- Dead and done

she isn’t scared of me, she doesn’t even seem to care about the blood. She is shaking like a leaf. I stroke my hands through her hair, hoping that the blood has mostly wiped off onto the tablecloth I’m wearing. I’m still on high alert and I watch out of the corner of my eye as Darrien replaces something to cover the body with. He hides Tristan from view, although the blood seeps through and the smell of iron and salt is difficult to ignore. I do my best to keep my focus on Ryann, using her familiar scent and warmth to centre myself.

Eventually Darrien places a hand gently on my arm to get my attention. He’s hovering over me, much closer than he usually is. Actually. He seems a lot more expressive than he usually is too. I can see his concern and… something else. Something more than just worry about his charge. Does Darrien actually care about me? I mean we do spend basically every day together, and I have to admit to a certain level of fondness for him. Is it really surprising that he might be a little attached to me too? It just seems odd. I always thought of him as just doing his job. I don’t know how to interact with him as a friend. I could be wrong. Clearly I am a terrible judge of people. After Tristan, I don’t know how I am going to ever trust myself again. Luckily I have a best friend who can help. I glance at her and she smiles encouragingly.

“You can always trust him to keep you safe.” She promises, whispering in my ear while giving me a quick hug. I raise an eyebrow. That sounds like she’s thought about this before. I

suppose she knows I need reassurance. Still, it works. I relax a little and when Darrien grabs

my hand I let him hold it. He still seems anxious and the contact should help him feel better, and truthfully I appreciate the reminder that he’s here and keeping me safe. I squeeze his

hand as I flinch when my brother comes barreling into the room, a few minutes too late. He is

breathing heavily and his eyes fall first on Ryann, then to me. He looks pissed. I’m not surprised, but there’s nothing he can do now. But he won’t want to hear that. What he needs. is his mate, but I doubt he is willing to admit it. Ryann is going to have to make the first move, but it seems like something has changed in her today. She is being more open and honest. She told me the truth about Tristan even though she was worried it would hurt me and ruin our friendship. Maybe she’s ready to deal with Bellamy too. I keep my voice low and give her a reminder that she should trust herself and be brave.

“I trust your power, so you should too.” I tell her. Ryann seems to stand up a little straighter. Without hesitation she approaches Bellamy, takes him by the hand and leads him away.

“It’s about damn time.” Darrien mutters from behind me and I snort out a slightly hysterical sounding laugh. He glances over to where Tristan lies covered with the cloth. Blood is everywhere. He tugs on my arm.

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Megan 6- Dead and done

“Come on. Let me get you out of here.” He insists gently. I don’t fight him. I don’t even ask where we’re going. Ryann said I could trust him so that’s what I’m going to do. I’m too numb to make any decisions right now. I put all my focus on taking care of her and without her here I just don’t know what to do.

He doesn’t take me home and I’m kind of relieved. The house is still full of wedding stuff and I just want to get away from all of it. I want to avoid it and I want everything gone. I know I’ll have to deal with it eventually, but I’m not ready yet. Instead he takes me to his place. I’ve never been here before. It’s small because he lives alone. Something that isn’t too common for Shifters. But he moved here alone a few years ago. The place is oddly empty. Like he sleeps here but doesn’t spend any time here. Oh, he probably doesn’t spend time here. He’s usually with me during most waking hours. He can take time off if he wants to, but he never does. I don’t know the last time he actually used a day off or asked to leave early for something. He’s even been working with Ryann when I’ve been out with Tristan or when I wanted time to myself. Is Darrien a workaholic? Does he have any hobbies? Looking around his home I’m starting to think that he doesn’t. Weird..He sends off a few messages then turns.

his full attention back to me.

“Do you want to get cleaned up?” He offers. I shrug.

“I know I should. But I just… I don’t know. Do you think Ryann and Bellamy are okay?” I ask. He looks at me strangely, like he doesn’t understand why I’m thinking about them right now.

“I’m sure they are. Here, give them a call. Tell Ryann ‘I told you so‘ from me.” He hands me

his phone. I left mine home, I didn’t think I would need it. I confirm that they’ve made up, more than made up by the sound of it. I encourage them to spend time together. I don’t think I want to face them again right now. I love them, but they both knew about Tristan and didn’t say anything until today. I need some time to think about that.

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