“It's not a problem.” I say. I place a hand over Bellamy's arm to reassure him that I can take care of this. She clearly meant no disrespect... to him. The hostesses eyes zero in on where I'm touching him. Releasing his arm, I push up the sleeve of my dress. It's difficult since it's fitted, but the fabric is stretchy so I manage to get it rolled up all the way so that my mark is visible.“Is this enough evidence for you?” I ask her, keeping my tone pleasant. While I would usually keep my eyes down, this time I am sure to make proper eye contact with her so that she can feel the full force of my unnatural eyes. I can see her discomfort as her eyes flit to the floor. I can feel the second she gives in. Her expression remains polite, but where she stood up straight before, she keeps her head bowed slightly. She also refuses to make eye contact again as she mutters something about the evidence being sufficient and shows us to a table. She then leaves us to consider the menu and promises

The car has barely stopped moving when I climb out. Bellamy follows me but once again I refuse to take his arm. I make my way up the stairs on my own although Bellamy still follows close behind me. I ignore him. Waiting by my door is Shaun. My new guard for the evening. I greet him and unlock my door. I step inside then turn and stop, standing in the doorway so Bellamy can't follow.“I'd invite you in but I am apparently not intelligent enough to make decisions about these things.” My tone is falsely polite but I'm sure Shaun can tell that. Oh well. I fumble with my purse and pull out thirty dollars. I thrust the cash into Bellamy's chest. He catches some of it but a couple notes fall to the ground.“For my share of dinner.” I then step back and slam the door shut in his face, locking it behind me. I pause to take a few deep breaths. I can hear Bellamy talking through the door, but not to me.“Unless it is for the sake of her safety, you are not to enter her home, even if she invites

I suddenly realise that Bellamy is still talking.“So we're okay then?” he questions.“Yeah Bellamy, we're okay.” Now that we've made up, I'm sort of reluctant to hang up the phone. I'm still not ready to sleep yet.“Shaun mentioned you tested your dominance. I meant to help you with it earlier but we never really had the chance.” His tone is apologetic, but, as usual, he doesn't actually apologise.“Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal.”“But I was right, you are more dominant. We'll have to test you against Megan sometime, and me.” He comments. Okay, not good. I don't want to give him too much evidence about our fates just yet.“Um, yeah, maybe.” I say casually. A beeping sound comes from the phone.“I have another call coming through. I've been waiting for this call so I really need to get it...” Bellamy trails off. He doesn't sound like he really wants to hang up.“It's fine. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Bellamy.”“Goodnight Ryann.” The phone clicks as he hangs up. After

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 one at 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

I jolt awake as the bedroom door swings open.“Sorry, lost track of the time on the phone, I-” she stops herself.“Well, I guess you didn't even notice. I thought you looked a little tired. I guess a twenty minute nap isn't a bad thing.” She collapses onto the large bed beside me and snuggles in next to me. She smiles contentedly. Are all Shifters this cuddly? Or maybe it's just a Kane thing.“Was Bellamy here?” she questions.“I think I can smell him.” I shrug.“I ran into him in the hall. He was half-asleep. I think I must have woken him when I came up the stairs.” I keep my tone casual. Megan nods accepting my explanation. Wow, it is surprisingly easy to hide things from people when they aren't actually expecting you to lie. Not that I did lie technically, I just didn't go into a lot of detail. Okay, now I feel guilty.“Hey, Ry?” Megan sounds a little nervous. I smile at her use of a nickname for me.“Yeah?”“I know we haven't known each other long, but I was wondering if you would