Strings of Fate

102- Roles and regulation Bellamy growls and | turn to him with eyebrows raised.

“She's disrespectful.” He grumbles. | shrug.

“She’s busy. She has a hard job and doesn’t waste ton niceties. | like her.” | conclude. He tilts his head.

“I believe she likes you too actually. She doesn’t usually give out her number. People have to book her through her assistant who generally chases off the twasters.” “Ah that makes sense. I'm kind of flattered that she approved of me.” | smile.

“| still don’t like her attitude though. If she were anyone else... or less skilled...” He trails off.

| cross my arms over my chest.

“Speaking of attitudes. You've been irritable since you cupstairs to get me. Bossy too. | am not loving it. Is something wrong?” Bellamy sits on the edge of the desk and leans his hands on his knees, sighing.

“You're right. I'm just frustrated. | want to DO something to fix this and I find I'm just sitting around uselessly. | can’t even comfort you properly because I'm too busy getting worked up. It’s just not something I’m good at.” He sits quietly, looking a little defeated. | consider what Megan has toldabout male and female Shifters and the differences in their roles. He wants to actively fix things and protect me. He wants to provide forphysically and he’s good at it. From what Megan has said it’s usually the instinct of the female Shifters to take care of issues that require patience, caring and considering feelings. The two are meant to balance eachother out. I don’t know how well | can do any of those things, but it does helpunderstand Bellamy’s frustration right now. He wants to take care of everything immediately and he’s being forced to wait.

“I do understand why you're frustrated, really | do. I'm frustrated too. But that doesn’t make it okay for you to snap and glare at people. Try to be aware of that.” | keep my tone friendly, but firm. As the Alpha it is far too easy for him to take his bad mood out on other people who 102- Roles and regulation don’t really have much of a chance to push back. Bellamy’s expression stays frustrated for a few moments then suddenly brightens. He givesa satisfied smile.

“You're proving again that you are so good at being the Alpha female. Worrying and taking care of people’s feelings, even if that means tellingto back off is part of the job.” he says proudly. | scrunch up my face.

“Really? That's kind of weird.” | comment. Bellamy shrugs.

“Someone has to stopfrom being too much of a tyrant and I'm afraid that job falls to you. sweetheart. I'm sure you'll do great.” He assures me. | roll my eyes.

“While we're on the topic. Other than preventing you from becoming a complete dictator, what exactly is the role you're hoping I'll eventually take on? I'm hoping the entire thing might seem less intimidating if | actually know what's involved.” | admit. I'm nervous but | do my best to force soptimism and cheer into my voice. I'm pretty sure Bellamy sees right through it though because he begins running a hand from my shoulder, down my arm and back up again in a not-so-subtle attempt to helprelax.

“It’s a little hard to explain as a specific list of duties. But basically the Shifters cto the female Alpha with the kinds of problems they wouldn't bring to me. Petty arguments, concerns or fears they have as well as with the relationship problems they have with each. other and with non-Shifters. The Alpha female is also who they would see if they objected to a ruling that | have made on something and want to have it appealed. Obviously you could refuse, but basically if they have a problem with something | do then it would be up to you to talk toabout it and either change my mind or explain to them why the decision should be enforced. Additionally, if a Shifter should do something wrong it would be up to both of us to decide on the consequences, although in minor disagreements and relationship issues your would be able to manage those yourself. Enforcing those decisions becomes my job.” Bellamy pauses to take a breath and examine my face to see how I'm taking things before he continues.

“Basically, my job is to keep everyone safe, provided for and in line. Your job would be to make sure everyone is content, secure and getting along.” He sums up. It doesn’t escape my notice that halfway through his explanation he swapped from talking about the ‘Alpha female's’ role and began talking about my future role.

Still, most of what he said doesn’t sound too awful. Although he still hasn't really explained it in terms of specific tasks. Just a general description of the responsibilities.

102- Roles and regulation “Okay, but how does it work? For example, the solving people’s arguments thing. How would | even know about them?” | try to clarify. Bellamy shrugs.

“Every Alpha female does things differently. Sheld official sessions where people would cand bring their issues to be resolved. Others maintain close relationships with everyone and stay available so that people will bring their issues to them in a less formal manner. Shire counsellors and make sure they are available to the Shifters, sinvestigate rumours. It doesn’t really matter, you just find a way that works and manage it how you feel comfortable. You won't have to do it all alone.” He says quietly. My expression must show how freaked out | am because he falls silent. | sigh.

“It sounds like a lot of work.” | state dully. Bellamy nods.

“It is. There's a reason it's considered a full tjob. It's also the reason why the other Alphas are displeased that | haven't named the Alpha female yet. The job isn’t being done the way it should. | do what | can and Megan helpsout a bit. But even though she’s my twin sister, she’s not the Alpha female so she doesn’t have the authority to manage everything, particularly complaints about me. Not to mention she isn’t actually interested in the role. She has her own stuff, | don’t want to give her too many duties and limit her freedom to make her own future.” Bellamy confesses. That actually makesfeel simultaneously better and worse. Worse because I'm thinking about the Alphas again and how Bellamy needs his mate. But better because Bellamy is clearly caring about his sister and doing his best at a role that does not cnaturally to him and the place isn’t falling apart.

So with their help | would probably be able to manage it. Eventually that is.

“You've gone quiet.” Bellamy remarks. | give him a weak smile.

“Just thinking. Thankyou for explaining a bit.” I'm going to have to think about how | would want to do things if | ever actually do take over the role properly. I'm not sure about the super formal sessions but | wouldn't want people coming and harassingat all hours for help either. It's something | might have to consider further before I'm ready to make any decisions. In the meantime, | guess I'll work on learning what kinds of help and support people actually want.