“Oh shit Bellamy I’m so sorry. Was the woman a feline Shifter? It was a woman again, right?” I confirm. Bellamy gives a solemn nod. “Was she someone you knew well?” I ask, almost afraid to hear the answer. Bellamy shrugs.“I’ve met her, I’ve met most of the local feline Shifters. She didn’t live here in the compound. She has a large family and they run a moving company on the other side of town. They live down that way. I think the last time I saw her would have been Megan’s engagement party, and I don’t think I said more than two words to her.” Bellamy looks guilty. Clearly he is blaming himself for something. “This isn’t your fault, you know.” I tell him, running a hand over his arm in an attempt to soothe him. Bellamy shakes his head.“I’m Alpha, so I’m responsible for her safety, even if she doesn’t choose to live here. I should have made sure all women who are the killer's target type came to the compound, or assigned them guards, or SOMETHING.” He reasons. I

I scroll through my contacts, dial Maggie’s number, then wait anxiously for her to answer. It rings so long that for a moment I think she isn’t going to pick up and I’ll have to try again later, but in what I imagine is probably the last ring before it goes to voicemail, she answers just in the nick of time. “Hello dear, I’m just working on a new scone recipe. So let me know if you can’t hear me well. I’ve got you on speaker. But there’s no one else here so you can speak freely.” She says cheerfully. “Oh, cool. Your scones are always amazing. Actually everything you make is amazing. Before I get into the reason I called, how are you? How have you been?” I don’t want her thinking that I only call because I need to know something, she is my friend after all. “Oh sweetie, I’ve been alright. Logan is having a few issues at school though.” She adds. I frown. “How can he be having issues? He is so smart and well behaved, honestly he is practically the perfect child.” I

Harry sends through the address of a bar slash pub type of place and tells me that he will be there at six. I pass the information on to Bellamy and Megan and she contacts Darrien. Megan then insists on dragging me upstairs and picking out something cute to wear to dinner. When I object, she reminds me that it’s not like she’s getting to go out much lately and to let her have this. I give in. I know when to pick my battles and this one isn’t worth the energy. If she wants to pick out my clothes and put my hair in some overly complicated twin braids, then I’m happy enough to go along with her. I have to reluctantly admit that it is kind of fun. I do find myself about ready to poke Megan with a stick though when she rejects five outfits for herself in a row. “Is there a reason that you’re freaking out and have suddenly become completely incapable of picking so much as a pair of pants?” I demand, hands on my hips. We’re literally just going to a pub with friends, I’ve never seen h

A general understanding seems to come over Bellamy and Darrien, suddenly the two men are waving Harry away to go order the food and drinks. Apparently they’re eager to help if it means having Harry flirt with someone other than Megan and I. Although Bellamy does try to give Harry a credit card to pay for the meal. Harry waves him off and insists that he can afford to shout everyone dinner and that this one is on him. Bellamy reluctantly gives in, not wanting to make a scene. It’s kind of funny. Bellamy is the Alpha at the table, but I don’t think anyone can really tell Harry what to do. He isn’t one to listen to anyone’s orders. Megan and I both crane our necks trying to see Harry talking to the bartender, Megan actually stands up to see better.“I can see her!” She says excitedly. Not even pretending to be subtle, I also stand up and peer over towards the bar. Harry is talking to a woman with blonde hair that has adorable beachy waves. If they’re natural I might have to hate he

At my announcement, Megan gasps and nudges Darrien who smiles. Bellamy gives little visible reaction, but I can feel him relaxing beside me, so apparently he’s happy to hear it too. Harry looks stricken. I know I just confirmed something that he already suspected, but I’m not sure he totally believed it would really be true. His brow furrows and he eats his dinner in near silence, nodding along with the conversation while his mind is clearly elsewhere. I’ve almost finished eating when I decide to check how he’s dealing. “Harry? Are you alright? I didn’t mean to send you on an existential crisis or anything. You don’t need to freak out too much. It will all work out eventually..” Harry’s headjerks up to look at me, like he had forgotten that I was actually here.“Sorry babe, I was just thinking that it might be worth changing my approach with her. Clearly what I have been doing isn’t working very well.” He says pointedly, taking a sip of his drink. I had forgotten that his d