This book is authored by Kit Bryan.

I'm an ordinary waiter, but I can see people's fate, including Shifters.

Like all children, I was tested for magic when I was only a few days old. Since my bloodline is unknown and my magic is unidentifiable, I was marked with a delicate swirling pattern around my upper right arm.

I do have magic, just as the tests showed, but it has never lined up with any known Magic species.

I can't breathe fire like a dragon Shifter, or hex people who piss me off like Witches. I can't make potions like an Alchemist or seduce people like a Succubus. Now I don't mean to be unappreciative of the power I do have, it's interesting and all, but it just really doesn't pack much of a punch and most of the time it is just pretty much useless. My special magical skill is the ability to see threads of fate.

Most of life is annoying enough for me, and what never occurred to me is that my mate is a rude, pompous nuisance. He's an Alpha and my friend's twin brother.

1- Wine and witches

I pause for a moment to adjust my uncomfortable high heeled shoe. It's black to match my waitresses’ uniform which I honestly find to be too provocative for what is supposedly an upscale restaurant. Sex sells I guess, not that I would ever let a customer touch me that way.

Borderline is one of the few places in the city that allows both normal customers and Magics, so despite the long hours, barely adequate pay and uncomfortable uniform, it is perfect for me as one of the only places that will hire someone who is marked but has no marketable magic skills.

Like all children, I was tested for magic when I was only a few days old. Since my specific bloodline is unknown and my magic is unidentifiable, I was marked with a delicate swirling pattern around my upper right arm. While labelling everyone according to their species might seem concerning, it actually saves a lot of lives. Most species have weaknesses that are much easier to avoid if they aren't shoved in your face by some oblivious person who has no idea the damage they're causing.

I don't know a lot about the marks themselves, only that they are applied magically and that everyone has one unless they are one hundred percent, normal human. Normal humans make up about fifty percent of the population in big cities like this.

Some magics are easy to identify. Shifters inherit their abilities from their parents, so they are marked as Shifters from birth on their arms with varying marks depending on their individual species. Witches and Sorcerers also inherit their power from their parents and are easily identified. People like me however are harder to categorise.

I was left outside the hospital for magical beings when I was only a few hours old. After days of tests to confirm I was not any of the known species but that I did in fact have magic. I was marked as an unknown. Now that might sound all cool and mysterious but believe me it is not. Humans and Magics don't tend to get along all that well. No humans will accept me because I am marked as a Magic, and no Magics will accept me because I don't fit in with any of their groups.

I can't even find any other unknowns in this city as most people get their marks adjusted as soon as they are old enough to identify their powers for themselves. My life is not so easy. I do have magic, just as the tests showed, but it has never lined up with any known Magic species. For this reason, I have been unable to get my mark adjusted. This might not be a problem if my magic was something dramatic and powerful that demanded respect, but this is not the case.

I can't breathe fire like a dragon Shifter, or hex people who piss me off like Witches. I can't make potions like an Alchemist or seduce people like a Succubus. Now I don't mean to be unappreciative of the power I do have, it's interesting and all, but it just really doesn't pack much of a punch and most of the time it is just pretty much useless.

My special magical skill is the ability to see threads of fate. Now when people think of the threads of fate they always think of the red thread that is meant to tie them to their destined soul mate and blah blah blah. Yes I can see them. But there are other threads too, in different colours with different meanings.

There are blue threads connecting people which seem to represent that the pair are fated to be friends. This doesn't mean they won't have other friends or anything like that. Just that those specific people are destined to meet and that they will become close friends eventually.

Another thread is the black one. This one shows up between people who are fated to be enemies. I tend to avoid people who display too many of these threads. If someone has a lot of fated enemies they probably aren't the kind of person I want to be around anyways.

Occasionally I come across other threads, but I don't always know what they mean, and since I don't exactly have a guide book with colour coded charts I have no idea how to figure it out unless I plan to stalk people and their friends and figure out the relationships between them all.

I suspect that green threads are for fated mentor/mentee relationships. I often see them connecting young people to old, students to teachers or children to grandparents. The only other thread I am fairly sure of is white. I rarely see people with white threads, and when I do they tend to be doctors, fire fighters or other do-gooder types. My best guess is that they are fated to save the people they are tied to with white threads.

I see these threads constantly and it is a confusing mess, all the threads twisted around each other. Sometimes people mix up their blue threads with their red threads and end up in relationships that are doomed to fail. A lot of people have only one or two threads, or sometimes none at all. No one ever has more than one red thread though. One soul mate per person, no need to be greedy.

My saving grace is that I don't see the threads between people unless the two people are fairly close by each other, say a few blocks maybe. I don't know if I can see my own threads. I never have before, but that doesn't mean anything. I might not have any, or maybe I have never been close enough to anyone for my threads to be visible before.

I'm fairly sure that everyone has a red thread, even if they haven't met the person yet. I can also tell if the people whose fate is predicted by the thread have already met. If the thread is light and floaty like it's caught in a breeze, I know that they have not run into each other and solidified the relationship yet. If it is more solid and the thread is tight, I know that they have.

Now this might sound like a cool ability. It really isn't that great. Fate knows what it's doing and doesn't need any help from me, so basically all I can do is watch the threads and judge people silently for things they don't even know exist. Aside from being pretty useless as far as abilities go, it is also pretty distracting.

It's hard to pay attention to someone's face when you are busy staring at the shiny threads that are trailing off from their hearts which no one else can see. For the most part, I try to ignore them. As I am a bit of a social reject, most people don't go out of their way to interact with me when they can avoid it. Because of the threads, I have a bit of a reputation at work as a daydreamer.

The sleeves of my work top are long which cover my mark. The swirling patterns in my mark are supposed to represent the threads of fate, there are three of them in red, black and white. The mark is actually quite pretty but it is nothing compared to seeing the real threads. Still, at work I keep it covered and as long as people don't look too closely at me, I usually can pass for an ordinary human which makes serving human customers far easier than serving the Magics who tend to be stuck up towards humans.

I have rather pale skin and I am quite average in height and physique. My hair is straight and long, down past my waist. It is a dark midnight blue colour which most people assume is dyed but upon close inspection it is clear that I never have any regrowth or anything like that because it is in fact my natural hair. My matching eyebrows are another clue.

My eyes are also blue but they are so pale that most people think they are colourless. If I didn't have pupils I would probably look completely blind. They make people uncomfortable as they look a bit unnatural. It is for this reason that I have developed a habit of staring at the floor when I greet customers. This might be a problem in a human establishment, but in a place where Shifters and other Magics frequent it is almost expected as a way to avoid any confrontations or battles of dominance.

I did try wearing contacts a few months back but I found them too uncomfortable, besides, it would be too expensive for me to maintain. A throat clearing behind me jerks me from my brooding and I almost stumble as I turn on the spot in my high heels. I definitely lack the grace that some Magics are naturally blessed with.

I cringe slightly under the glare of my shift manager Anthony. I must have paused longer than I thought. I straighten my back and grab the tray of dirty dishes I had placed down a minute ago and continue on my way to the kitchen to swap it for a tray of food to deliver to table twenty.

I am just placing the last glass of wine down in front of a coven of Witches who are in the middle of their monthly 'girls night' when I notice for the first time, a blue thread drifting gently from my own chest. I slip with the glass and accidentally spill a little wine. Luckily the Witches are already sloshed enough not to notice my blunder.

I subtly wipe away the spill before hurrying away from their table. I trace my eyes along the thread. It is leading out the door of Borderline and out onto the street. I ache to follow it and meet whoever it is attached to. Due to my odd marking I have never really had any good friends, at least not since I was a kid. A fated friend is pretty much my dream come true.

For a moment, I consider ditching the last couple hours of my shift and going anyway. But it is a Saturday night and we are only halfway through the dinner rush. I would lose my job which I really need. I take a deep breath and remind myself that the thread means it is fated. I will meet and befriend the person eventually, even if I don't go searching for them.

I resign myself to waiting and hope that the person doesn't take too long to meet me. I've been lonely for a long time. Aside from having no real friends, I don't even date. In fact the idea is laughable. Even if there were someone willing to date me, I can see that there is no red thread between us which basically means the relationship is ultimately doomed. Even worse, I can see their actual red thread which means I know who they should be with.

No, dating is definitely impossible. I will just have to wait until my red thread appears.

2- Shifters and Scribbles

Trying to distract myself from the mysterious blue thread, I work harder than I ever have in my life. Sadly, my tips don't show it. The customers who come here really do tend to be rather snobby. I am watching the clock as I work. About an hour has passed when I finally allow myself to glance at my blue thread again.

I gasp as I realise that the person it is connected to is in the restaurant right now. It leads to a woman sitting at table thirteen. She looks to be in her early twenties like me and has pitch black hair with a slight wave to it cascading down her back. It is only a couple inches shorter than mine. Her skin is tan and even from over here I can see she is absolutely stunning.

Trying to keep my nervousness from my face, I approach the table to take her order. As I come close, she looks up and meets my eyes and I am surprised to see they are a golden yellow colour. I glance down at her arm. She is wearing a gorgeous black dress that is probably worth more than I make in an entire month. Thankfully, it is a halter neck which leaves her arms totally clear so I can see her mark.

Her marks are black and the design wrapping around her arm is striking, I notice there are slashes through it that look like they might be meant to look like claw marks. Combining that with her golden eyes, it is pretty clear that she is a Shifter. This concerns me a little, as Shifters don't tend to befriend people who aren't also Shifters. In fact, even amongst themselves, Shifters are picky about who they associate with. You would rarely see a feline Shifter befriending a canine, rodent or reptile Shifter for example.

I start to feel disheartened when I remind myself of the blue thread which is already solidifying and becoming more stable after this slight interaction. Our friendship is already certain. I need to have faith in that.

I am about to ask for her order when a not-very-subtle cough from the man seated across from her draws my attention. I had been so caught up in the Shifter woman, my friend-to-be, that I hadn't even noticed she was with someone.

Looking at the man I am first struck by how classically handsome he is. Or at least how handsome he would be if he dropped the stuck-up expression that he is directing at me. He has hair that was somewhere between blonde and bronze and, like the woman, has yellowish eyes, although his tip more towards orange than gold. He is wearing a suit so I can't see any markings, but I would put money towards him being a Shifter as well.

Trying to play it cool, I take their orders and flee to deliver their slip to the kitchen. I fetch the bottle of wine the man requested and as I bring it to their table, I take the time to check them for threads.

There are no threads linking the two of them at all. I can't see any threads coming from the woman apart from the blue one linking her to me. The man also has a thread. It is solid and red and leads out towards the door and out of sight. He has already met his soul mate. I guess that the two of them are friends, or perhaps co-workers or something.

A few minutes later I bring out their food before continuing around to my other tables. I work hard not to be my usual clumsy self, something which is even more difficult than usual as I am completely distracted watching table thirteen out of the corner of my eye. It is terribly busy and more often than not, I am unable to keep them in sight.

I clear away the plates from their meal and I am about to take their orders for desert when suddenly the man shifts out of his seat and onto his knee beside the woman. I freeze, confused. What on Earth is happening here?

I open my mouth to ask if everything is okay when the man pulls a ring out of his pocket. My eyes widen, the woman gasps and pulls a hand up to cover her mouth. I am so caught up in her reactions that I don't even hear the words as the man proposes.

I do however see as she accepts. There are tears running down her face as she leans forward to kiss the man and he places the ring on her finger. A round of applause goes around the restaurant as everyone begins to congratulate the 'happy couple.'

Under Anthony's orders, I fetch them a complimentary desert as congratulations from the restaurant. I am numb. This is entirely wrong. He is not her soul mate, he has another soul mate. He has already met his soul mate, so how can he be proposing to another woman right now?

What should I do? Should I be doing anything? I usually try not to interfere. These threads are fates, so they don't need my assistance. But if this woman really is fated to be my close friend, can I really let her marry someone who already has a soul mate? It can only end in heartbreak.

Before I get the chance to talk myself out of it, I scribble a note to her on a scrap of paper I find behind the bar.

You don't know me, and I'm sorry that I can't explain this properly in a note. You should know that the man who just proposed to you is not the right man for you and while it may be unpleasant to hear, I thought I should tell you now in an attempt to spare you more pain in the future. One day I hope to explain myself properly but for now this is all I can do.

I am truly sorry.

I hesitate, unsure if I should sign the note. I have no idea how this woman is going to react. I know she will be my friend eventually, but she isn't yet and I don't want to push my luck.

I am not brave enough to write my name and sign the note properly, but I can't bring myself to make the note entirely anonymous either. I quickly scribble my initials at the end of the note. R.G. For Ryann Gale.

Next I have to figure out how to slip her the note in a way that won't alert the man. I decide to try and slip it into her bag which is sitting by her foot under the table slightly.

I grab their bill and make my way back to their table. As I go to place the little folder with the bill inside on the table, I make sure to 'accidentally' slip and drop it on the floor. I bend to pick it up and quickly slip my note in the woman's bag before I get to my feet, apologise and place the folder on the table directly between them.

The man reaches for the folder. but the woman waves him off.

“Don't be ridiculous Tristan. I have plenty of money, it makes sense for me to pay. Besides, once we marry, what's mine will be yours. So, it doesn't really matter at this point.” She decides.

She grabs her bag and rummages inside. I hold my breath. I was counting on her not finding the note until she gets home. I release the breath as she pulls a purse from her bag, not noticing the note. She pulls out a shiny silver credit card and hands it and the folder back to me with a smile.

I quickly go to ring it up. I glance at the name on the card. Megan Kane.

As I return the card to her, I give her a bright smile. She might not know it yet and she might not be my friend, but from the moment she entered this restaurant, I became her friend and I intend to be the best friend she could ever have.

The pair of them leave, arm in arm. I have to resist the desire to chase after them and introduce myself to Megan properly. I remind myself once more that we are fated to be friends. I will see her again.

3- Comfort and cookies

I finish the last few hours of my shift in a blur. Despite the unexpected proposal, I am over the moon. My first real friend at last. Anthony gives me a funny look as I give him a cheerful wave on my way out, something I have definitely never done before.

My feet are killing me as I begin the fifteen-minute walk to my apartment. I've only been walking about five minutes when I give up on my heels entirely and just take off my shoes and carry them. I walk along the pavement in my stockings and hope that there isn't any broken glass or sharp rocks on my path.

It's just after ten pm when I reach my home. I sigh and begin to climb the stairs. I live on the third floor of a tiny, cramped and somewhat rundown building. At least the rent is cheap and the landlady is the sweetest woman. Probably the closest thing I have to an actual friend.

She is a little old lady, human, but unusually accepting of Magics. She lives off the rent from the residents of the building and spends her days in her own little apartment on the bottom floor. I used to have the bottom floor, but about a month ago it became clear that Maggie, the landlady, would not be able to manage the stairs much longer. I offered to swap with her.

The climb is annoying, particularly after a long day at work. But I am only twenty-two years old. Not nearly old enough to complain over something as easy as a couple flights of stairs. Trading apartments with Maggie did come with one nice advantage. Maggie spends almost all of her free time baking and making different treats which she is very happy to share with me.

She will bake during the day and sell most of what she makes at a local market in the mornings. It doesn't really make her any money, but it covers the cost of the ingredients and lets her enjoy her retirement.

I finally reach my floor and find a plate of chocolate chip cookies covered in glad wrap sitting on the ledge of my window with a little note taped to it.

Trying a new recipe. I asked Logan to take these upstairs for you. Let me know what you think.

– Love Maggie

Logan is Maggie's grandson. He lives with his mum a few streets over. He often stops by to visit Maggie after school. She always provides him with treats in exchange for his assistance with running a few errands for her, like delivering cookies to my apartment. He is eleven years old and still eager to please so it is a perfect arrangement for them both.

I have also noticed a green thread connecting Maggie and her grandson. They are part of the reason I suspect it represents some kind of mentor type relationship.

I grin and let myself into my apartment, grabbing the plate on my way in. I dump my keys on the little table which I keep pushed up against the wall of the living/dining/kitchen type area. I never have guests so the table is barely ever used.

My apartment consists of a joint living/dining/kitchen area. A tiny bedroom and a balcony. There is a laundry room on the bottom floor connecting to Maggie's apartment which all the building residents share.

The building has four floors so aside from Maggie and I there are three other people living in the building. A young couple on the top floor, Ren and Kiara. They are newly married but without their parents’ approval. They don't have much, but they seem to be happy. I can see the red thread connecting them so I know they made the right decision in choosing each other.

On the floor between myself and Maggie there is currently a middle-aged man named Paul. He is recently divorced and seems to have gotten the worse side of the divorce arrangement. We have had a revolving door of residents on that floor in the two years since I moved in here, no one seems to stick around for long.

I suspect Paul might last longer than most. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing. Maggie spoke with him when he moved in and warned me that he has expressed a dislike for Magics. She figured I might prefer to avoid him or at least keep my mark covered to avoid trouble. I agreed with her. There is no reason to invite disaster.

My apartment may not be five star, but it is safe and comfortable and gives me a place to call my own. I was raised in a Magics orphanage where I stayed until I was eighteen. I moved around between crappy apartments for a couple years before settling here.

My time in the orphanage was not pleasant as I did not fit in with the other Magics there, not that there were a lot of us. Most Magics band together in groups. A Shifter child would never be sent to an orphanage, they would be taken in by other Shifters. Witches also like to keep together in their covens.

Sorcerers like to take apprentices and will often take in young Sorcerers if they are available to train and raise in their own image. They tend to be a little self-obsessed in my opinion. No, the few Magics who end up in orphanages are mostly Succubi and Inccubi (their parents are notoriously promiscuous after all) as well as Magics who can't be identified, and most of those tend to figure out their powers fairly young and then are adopted into appropriate families.

Exhausted from a long shift, I pull my hair back into a low ponytail and change into my fuzzy, pink, unicorn adorned, flannel pyjamas and bunny slippers. I set a packet of instant noodles to heat in the microwave of my rarely used kitchen and sit and eat my cookies as I wait. They are amazing.

Note to self, tell Maggie how amazing these cookies are.

I glance at the microwave and notice it only has a few seconds to go. I launch myself from my seat and dash over, sliding slightly as I hit the button to stop the machine before it lets out the incredibly annoying high-pitched screech that someone deemed an appropriate way to signal it is complete.

I eat quickly and burn my tongue a little as I down the last of the broth from the bowl. I swallow a few mouthfuls of water and leave my dishes by the sink before making my way through my bedroom to the bathroom where I brush my teeth before I stumble back to my bedroom.

It is tiny but cosy. I have filled it with every kind of fluffy blanket, pillow and beanbag that I can afford. Every time I decide to treat myself, it is to some new comfort object. Some people buy makeup and fancy clothes, others buy books or movies. I get comfy, squishy objects.

Okay and a N*****x subscription, but I only pay for half of that. Maggie and I share a N*****x account. She has no idea how to work most technology, so I set it up and pay for it, but she deducts a little of it from my rent in exchange for her own profile on it.

I once snuck a look to see what she was watching and had a private little giggle when I realised that she uses it to watch almost nothing but rom-coms. Not that I blame her, I watch them too, probably more often than most.

I don't have a very good TV, instead I have a laptop which is probably the most valuable item I own. I worked extra shifts for months to save up for it. I shift the laptop from where it sits in the pile of blankets and pillows on my bed and place it on the little side table.

I only have one side table which I got discounted because it was originally part of a set but the other one got damaged. This is perfect for me though because the room only really has space for one.

I have a queen-sized bed which I have up against the wall in the corner of the room to make a cosy little corner of pillows and happiness. The bedside table fits in on the other side and leaves just enough space for my little dresser where I keep my clothes, and the few cosmetic and jewellery items that I own.

With the laptop out of the way, I quickly place my cheap, flip phone on to charge (something I only own so work can contact me. Or Maggie on occasion) then I collapse into my bed and bury myself under the piles of blankets.

The thread connecting Megan and I has faded for now which tells me that she isn't close by. I close my eyes and relax, and it takes me barely any time at all to fall asleep after my long and emotionally exhausting evening.

4- Slippers and surprises

I wake to a loud banging sound. It takes me a moment to realise it is someone knocking really, really loudly on my front door.

I groan and pick up my phone to check the time. Eight twenty-two AM. Who could possibly be visiting me?

Maggie should be at the markets right now and Logan on his way to school, besides, neither of them would ever knock so... aggressively.

I force myself to climb out from under my covers and shiver as the cool morning air hits me. I glance in the mirror as I pass it and realise my ponytail from the night before has twisted and now sits awkwardly on one side of my head with half my hair pulled loose in a weird loop. I pull the tie from my hair and slip it over my wrist. The banging continues.

“I'm COMING, chill out already would you.” I grumble. Oddly enough the banging does actually stop. Whoever is on the other side of the door clearly has great hearing if they heard what I just said. That or they gave up on me answering and went home. I hope for the latter because I really want to just go back to bed.

I shuffle to the door and swing it open. My actions might seem a little reckless, I probably should have glanced through the window to see who it was at least before answering. But I am tired and not awake enough to consider things like my own safety.

In fact I feel that the person on the other side of the door should probably be the one who is afraid of me considering how irritated I am.

Standing in my doorway is a man that I can only describe as breathtaking.

He is tall and muscular with black hair that has a slight wave to it and golden eyes. A glance at his arm tells me he is a Shifter.

In fact, he is the same kind of Shifter as Megan. He is wearing blue jeans, a black button up shirt and is standing with his arms crossed, his expression impatient.

I open my mouth to speak when I notice something that my sleepy brain hadn't registered until this moment.

I rub my tired eyes as I stare. There is a red thread coming from the Shifter man's chest.

The truly surprising part of this is that it leads straight across to mine. I stare up at him with wide eyes, not sure how to react.

My soul mate is a Shifter?

And he is standing right in front of me. Half of me wants to throw myself at him. I am so excited to meet him at last.

The rest of me wants to go build a blanket fort and hide. I'm not sure I'm ready for a soul mate just yet, and I barely know this guy. I chastise myself internally. I am being ridiculous. This man has no idea that we are tied by the red string of fate, I need to treat him normally and get to know him, not act all creepy.

This reminds me that he is still standing and staring at me, his nostrils flaring slightly as he looks me over. He doesn't seem impressed with my unicorn flannels and bunny slippers. Go figure. I pull myself together enough to act (mostly) normal.

“Um, good morning?” I greet him, my voice a question. When he speaks his tone is stern and all business.

“Are you R.G?” he demands.

“Excuse me?” I ask. He rolls his eyes.

“Are you being deliberately stupid or are you really this slow? Are you the R.G who wrote this note to my twin sister Megan?” he demands again, this time waving the note I had written the night before in my face. I flinch back as it comes a little too close. Rude much?

“Oh, that. Um... yes? My name is Ryann Gale.” I introduce myself.

“I'm Bellamy Kane. We need to talk.” Without asking, he pushes his way past me and enters my apartment. My temper rises at the intrusion.

“What are you doing? This is my home, you can't just let yourself in!” I try and keep my voice firm but when he turns and fixes me with his golden eyes I shrink back.

The look he gives me is imperious and I automatically drop my eyes to the floor as is my habit. Then I force myself to look back up again. He doesn't notice me looking up because he's already looked away from me.

He's being rude, I refuse to show that he's scaring me, even though he most definitely is. He glances around and after realising that since my couch is currently piled high with laundry, the only place to sit is the little table with its two chairs he points to it.

“Sit.” he orders. I glare at him. Who is he to order me around like this? How can someone this obnoxious possibly be my soul mate? Maybe I'm still asleep. I pinch my arm and my eyes water a little from the sting of pain. Okay, not asleep then. I cross my arms and stare at the man, although I avoid his eyes.

Bellamy Kane.

He seems like someone who is used to getting his own way. Usually I am not the type to pick fights. If someone wants me to sit, I'll probably do it, because really, why not? But if this man is my soul mate then I refuse to allow him to treat me as anything but an equal, even if he doesn't know it yet. He won’t hurt me, at least I’m mostly sure he won’t. I don't think I could ever fall for someone who would hurt me, so it stands to reason that he wouldn't.

“Mr Kane, you can't just barge your way into my home and order me around.” He rolls his eyes at me again.

“Would you rather I phrase my demand sweeter, and have no doubt this is a demand not a request. Miss Gale, would you be so gracious as to take a seat so that I can speak to you properly about the rather vague note you left for my sister last night.” He phrased the words politely, but his tone is sarcastic and still every bit as demanding.

I want to keep arguing but I also really want to know more about Megan. I hope the note didn't upset her too much. I decide to give into his demands this once and sit down. I try to retain whatever dignity I have left as I take a seat.

“Are you happy now?” I gesture at the other chair for him to sit down too. He sits across from me and I do my best to appear confident and put together. Well, as put together as one can look with bed head and bunny slippers.

“Why did you leave my sister that note?” he questions. I shrug.

“I saw that man, Tristan was it? Propose to her. I know it's not right so I wrote her a note.” The Shifter narrows his golden eyes at me and suddenly I am certain that he is some kind of feline Shifter. Something about his eyes is so cat-like.

“And how did you 'know it's not right'?” He mimics me in a childish tone. I sigh. Explaining my magic is always frustrating. People either think I'm making it all up, since no one else has the same power as me, or they think I'm odd and start to interrogate me wanting to know about their friendships and relationships.

“I know it's not right because of my magic.” I state, trying to keep my voice even. He leans in closer to me.

“But you're human. You smell human.” he informs me, his expression looks like one of disgust. Since I know that humans don't smell any worse than Shifters, just different, I know the disgust is at the idea of me being human, not my actual smell. I raise an eyebrow.

“Stop sniffing at me, and I'm not human.” I state firmly. He crosses his arms over his chest again.

“Then what are you?” he demands. I shrug.

“Beats me, if you can figure it out let me know.” I say casually. His eyes open in surprise.

“You are an unknown Magic?” His tone is incredulous. He inhales deeply again, if I didn't know he was a Shifter I wouldn't really think it odd, but now I know he's... sniffing... It's my turn to roll my eyes.

“I know, I know. Big shock right? How can this be and blah blah blah. I am an orphan and even though I know my power, it doesn't fit into any species, so I'm stuck as an unknown.” Okay, so maybe that came out a little more aggressive than I intended.

What can I say, I have issues and he touched a nerve. He ignores my sass and continues his interrogation. It is far too early for this.

“What is your power then?” I give a brief explanation of my ability to see the threads of fate and a run down of the common types.

“Tristan has a red thread but it isn't linked to Megan. I usually try to ignore this kind of thing. Fate always sorts itself out after all. But I have a blue thread, the friendship one, linked to Megan. If she is fated to be my friend then I don't want her to suffer when I can prevent it.” Mr Kane seems doubtful of my explanation.

“You can see if people are fated to be together, and you believe you are meant to be friends with my twin sister?”

Twin?

Well that's unusual. Magics don't often have twins, but when they do, they're powerful.

I nod at him. Now might be a good time to mention that I can see a red thread connecting the two of us. I glance up at his expression which is still suspicious.

Or maybe not.

5- Neighbours and nastiness

The more time I spend with this Shifter, the more I begin to think fate got it wrong.

I wonder if there is a way to break threads or get rid of them in some way. I've never seen it happen before. Even in death people are tied together.

I once walked past a cemetery and saw an old man visiting his wife's grave. The red thread still flowed from his chest and vanished down into the ground connecting him forever to his beloved. It was depressing but also sort of romantic in a morbid kind of way.

I glanced back at the man sitting at the table across from me. I can't imagine being linked with him forever. I really hope fate knows what it's doing, giving me this man as my soul mate.

“Yes, I will be friends with your twin sister. It is fated.” He scowls at me.

“You aren't even a Shifter, why would fate want you to be friends with my sister?” Now it’s my turn to scowl back at him.

“What does that have to do with anything? Everyone has a fate Mr Kane, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. When I look at someone, I see the threads of their fate, not their species.”

I am feeling incredibly annoyed. This man is my soul mate, how can he be such a jerk? This was definitely not the first meeting I expected when I finally met the holder of my red thread.

I had hoped for something a little sweeter, maybe cute or romantic. But no, I get yelled at and insulted. Yay for me. He stares at me for a moment.

“Bellamy.” he suddenly states.

“What?” I am totally confused, he already told me his name, didn't he? The Shifter looks very serious.

“Call me Bellamy. Mr Kane was my father.” His expression is sad. I don't know what happened to his father, but I am certain that he can't be alive and well, not with his son looking so miserable. I nod.

“Fine. Bellamy then. You can call me Ryann.” I offer, mostly because it would be super awkward for me to use his first name while he uses my last name. Besides, the guy is my soul mate, we're going to have to pass the awkward 'using each other's names' stage eventually, why not get it out of the way now?

The Shifter- I mentally remind myself to call him Bellamy, seems relieved that I agreed so easily and... is he breathing weirdly deep?

Maybe it's a Shifter thing, I heard they can tell a lot about how a person is feeling and reacting from their scent... which is kinda weird but I guess it would be useful.

“Well Bellamy, now I have some questions for you.” I begin. He looks annoyed. You would think I had just told him he had a dentist appointment or something.

“Wow, calm down would you. I'm not asking anything difficult, at least it shouldn't be.” hesitantly, Bellamy nods and gestures for me to continue.

“Well, first I really would like to know how you found me. I didn't even put my full name on the note, and you didn't know it until I told you, so I doubt you got my details from anyone at Borderline.” I reason. Bellamy shrugs.

“Your scent was all over the note. I assumed that it was placed in my sister’s bag at the restaurant since that's the only place she went that evening, so I went there. It didn't take me long to find you from there. Your scent was... exceptionally easy to follow.” he observes with yet another deep breath. I shrug.

“Maybe it's because I walked home barefoot.” I say nonchalantly. He seems confused.

“Barefoot? Why would you do that?” he asks curiously. I point to the heels I had abandoned in the doorway.

“Because those shoes are evil and I am pretty sure they were biting my feet off or something. Sadly, they are part of my uniform at work.” I explain. He raises an eyebrow.

“Biting your feet off? Surely they can't be THAT bad...” he trails off. I lift my foot up and pull off my bunny slipper to reveal the blisters and red marks that marr the pale skin of my foot.

“They are definitely that bad.” I state as I hold my foot up so he can see. It is almost comical how horrified Bellamy looks. He actually leans forward and grabs my foot, pulling it towards himself.

He seems to realise how weird that is because he suddenly freezes and, almost as quickly as he grabs me, he releases me again.

There is an awkward silence as I pull my bunny slipper back over my foot. I decide to move on to my next question and try not to think about the fact that he figured out my location by scent. It kind of seems like an invasion of privacy or something, but who am I to talk. I literally spy on everyone's personal relationships constantly. Besides, I did leave a note.

“I... how did your sister react when she saw the note?” I find I am actually terrified to hear his response. I don't want her to hate me. Bellamy drops his gaze to the floor.

“She hasn't actually seen it. I scented something different in her purse, you I suppose, and I took it before she saw. She was excited and didn't seem to notice it.” I'm not sure if I'm disappointed that my warning never made it to her or relieved.

“I'm surprised you took the effort to track me down.” I comment. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

“She's my sister, I had to know if there was anything to the note. Besides...” he hesitates.

“I'm not too sure about Tristan. I've never really bonded with him.” I interpret that as his tactful guy way of saying he hates Tristan and thinks he is a total ass. I open my mouth to say so, but I am interrupted by someone at the door.

Paul is standing with his arms crossed over his chest in my doorway. We have been so busy arguing, neither of us thought to close the door. Bellamy is on his feet in an instant and steps forward to meet the stranger. Paul speaks, his tone is one of complete disgust.

“A Shifter?” he bites out, staring at Bellamy's mark.

“I thought you were such a nice girl Ryann, I hope you don't intend to have Shifters coming at all hours in my building.” He snaps. Bellamy takes a step closer, his stance is defensive. I get to my feet and stand between them.

“Bellamy, ignore my neighbour. It seems he has poor manners. Paul, get out of MY apartment. This building belongs to Maggie, not you and there is no reason why I can't invite whoever I please.” I remind him. So Bellamy is a bit of an ass, but I'm not going to let my neighbour be insulting because of his species. Paul glares at me.

“Well sorry for coming to check on you after this brute almost knocked your door down. I could hear it from downstairs. Magics really all act like rules don't apply to them, don't they?” he directs the last statement towards Bellamy who looks like he wants to knock Paul out.

I don't really blame him. Paul is grating on my nerves too.

Without saying anything, I push the sleeve of my pyjamas up as high as I can on my arm. It's just enough that the bottom of my mark is visible. Paul's expression darkens.

“What the hell? Maggie promised that everyone in this building was safe. I guess a little old lady is pretty easy to fool huh?”

I snap. It's one thing to insult Bellamy, I barely know him. Insult me?

Sure, why not. It's not like there aren't tons of people doing it already, I can take it. But Maggie? She is the best person I know, and I can't stand to hear him speak about her that way. I probably shouldn't get physical but I just can't help myself. My hand flies before my brain registers that it's moving and I slap him hard across the face.

6- Abductions and alphas

Paul swears and raises a hand towards me, but it never connects. Bellamy catches him by the wrist and holds him firmly. When he speaks his tone is deadly.

“Get out. Never speak with Ryann again. I suggest you look into finding other accommodations since you are so against the presence of Magics.”

He doesn't make any threats, but his tone and the look in his eyes is enough. Bellamy releases Paul who backs away before fleeing down the stairs to his own apartment.

I had hoped that this neighbour might last a little longer than the last few, it seemed it wasn't going to happen.

Note-to-self: apologise to Maggie for scaring off her residents. I sigh.

“I shouldn't have done that. He didn't need to know that I'm a Magic. Now Maggie is going to have to get a new resident for the second floor again. She did warn me that he didn't seem terribly open minded.” I grumble, more to myself than to Bellamy.

He shrugs. Suddenly he seems a lot less hostile, in the last minute he's changed from opposition to ally.

Although I'm not sure he's noticed the difference, but even his posture is different. Where before he was puffed up and seemed to be carefully watching me for sudden movements, now his shoulders have dropped and it feels like he is actually studying me rather than watching for signs of danger or deception.

“The guy deserved what he got.” he seems distracted. He is staring at my arm, or more specifically where my sleeve has fallen down to cover my mark.

I tug it down further and glare at him. None of this would have happened if he hadn't been banging down my door. He could have just knocked like a normal person. I really, really just want to go back to bed. I've been awake less than half an hour and already my life is falling to bits. I knew today wasn't going to be a good day.

“Was there anything else you needed?” I demand impatiently. Bellamy looks confused.

“Was there anything else you needed from me? Because if there isn't then I have things to do and would appreciate it if you would just leave already.” Things to do, like sleeping, or watching N*****x for a few hours before work tonight.

I also just really want Bellamy to leave. He might be tied to me by a red thread, but I was not prepared for this much emotion this early in the day and I don't think I am prepared to spend any more time with him.

We're fated to be together, I figure that means I don't need to rush anything.

Bellamy opens his mouth to speak but I interrupt.

Rude?

Yes. But he's the one who invited himself in. I put a hand on his arm and pull him towards the door a little. Surprised, he lets me lead him out the apartment. I'm not sure he even realises that's what I'm doing.

“I think we're done here. I can't deal with you right now, so it is time for you to leave.” I tell him firmly. I step back inside.

“Have a nice day Bellamy. I'm fated to be friends with your sister so I'm sure I'll see you around. Bye. “With that I close the door in his face. Moments later he is banging on the door again.

“Ryann! Open the door, I'm not done talking to you.” He shouts through the door.

“Well I AM done talking to you. Go away Bellamy.” I call back. He swears under his breath.

“We aren't done here. You will talk to me, and soon.” He answers. I peek through my little window and I see him climbing down the stairs. I watch him leave.

In fact, I watch until he has left the building and has made his way down the street and around the corner. I can see quite far from the third floor after all. I breathe in a sigh of relief. I feel totally drained and it is far too early to consider the ramifications of finding my soul mate.

So, I shuffle my way back to my room and climb into my bed where I curl up and quickly fall back to sleep. Sleep doesn't bring the peace I had hoped for however as, even in my sleep, I can't seem to stop replaying the moment Bellamy stepped between Paul and I or his promise that we would talk again soon.

Two full days pass by uneventfully before I see another Shifter. I am at work once again. I'm covering a lunch shift. It's rather last minute as I was scheduled for a day off, but Anthony called this morning and asked me to cover for someone who is sick.

I don't think he has ever spoken to me as politely as he did when he was asking for a favour. I don't particularly want to be here, but, as always, I could use the extra money so I suck it up, although my feet are already killing me in these blasted heels. I mentally curse whoever thought it was a good idea to force us to walk around in these death trap stilts. I hope that person stubs their toes on every possible surface every day for the rest of their lives. I paste on a fake smile so I can take the order of the human businessmen at table fifteen.

“Hi there, and welcome to Borderline. My name is Ryann and I will be your server today. Can I start you off with any drinks?” None of the three men answer me. They are too busy staring at something. Is there something interesting going on behind me? I hear someone clearing their throat and slowly turn around. I find two burly looking men waiting for me. They're both wearing jeans and dark t-shirts.

“Ryann Gale?” One of them asks. What the hell is going on? I nod warily.

“Good. If you would please accompany us.” The man holds out his arm for me to take. His tone is polite, but I can tell that he isn't asking so much as telling me to come with him.

I glance around, trying to spot Anthony but he is nowhere in sight. He probably wouldn't be much help anyways. I still don't take his arm. I don't particularly want to be kidnapped and killed or whatever.

“Who are you and why should I go with you?” I demand.

“I apologise miss Gale. My name is Shaun and this is Aaron. We are from the local feline Shifter pack. Our Alpha has requested your presence immediately.” Shaun takes a step closer so he is way in my personal space.

It becomes clear that there is no way to avoid leaving with these men without causing a scene which isn't really something I want to do. Doesn't this place have security? I notice the other server eyeing me but not with concern, she looks angry. Does she think I planned this? Seriously! I make one last attempt.

“As you can see, I am working right now. If you could come back in a few hours...” I trail off, the Shifters just stare at me.

7- Demands and denials

“Or maybe I can just tell my shift manager that I have to leave...” Shaun grabs my hand and places it on his arm.

I want to yank it away but I feel like I probably shouldn't antagonise this guy, at least not until I'm sure he's not a threat.

Seeing no real option but to go along with it, I leave my arm there and allow him to lead me from the restaurant. There is a black car parked out front. Shaun opens the door for me to get in and climbs in beside me. Aaron makes his way to the drivers seat.

I rack my mind to consider why a Shifter Alpha would want to see me. Something to do with Bellamy of course, but what?

Had he made some complaint about me? Or had he somehow figured out that I was his soul mate and planned to drag me kicking and screaming to the Shifter compound?

The fact that he has involved his Alpha is hardly promising. I don't know a lot about Shifter politics and rules, but I do know that, to a Shifter, their Alpha is the highest authority that they answer to.

If I am going to be dragged in front of the feline Alpha, I really would have appreciated some warning, maybe a chance to change into something other than my awful work uniform.

The car ride is awkward, but thankfully short. We pull into the feline Shifter compound. I've never been here before, not that I have ever actually wanted to visit or anything. But even if I did, Shifters are rather private and it is rare for them to invite non-Shifters into their gates. I wonder if it's because they have some huge dramatic secret they're keeping from the rest of the world. Or maybe they just don't like random people wandering onto their land and trying to snap photos of them in their animal forms.

I know that a few years ago there were a bunch of humans who were arrested for poaching Shifters. They claimed that the fur and scales gathered from Shifters were of higher quality than a normal animal.

Additionally, Shifter blood and bones are apparently quite useful in potions and as magical tools for Witches and Sorcerers. I find it all rather creepy. Why would you want to drink a potion with blood in it? Maybe if you were a Vampire I guess.

But I'm getting distracted. I notice my blue and red threads are visible again, so Bellamy and Megan must both be relatively nearby.

I peer out the window to see what I can of the feline Shifter's home. They have a huge amount of land and there are trees everywhere. I suppose so they can run and hunt naturally as cats.

We drive past the trees and come to what is basically a single long street full of houses which I suppose is where all the Shifters live. At the very end of the street is the biggest house of them all and it's very clearly where we are headed. The houses on this street are all quite large and would cost a fortune, apparently Shifters make a lot more money than I had previously assumed. Not that I spend a lot of time considering Shifter finances, I have my own to worry about after all, but I guess it makes sense considering how much land they own.

As I predicted, we stop at the largest house at the very end of the street. Shaun climbs out the car and offers me an arm to help me out. I feel a little spiteful considering that they have basically kidnapped me, so I ignore his arm and get out on my own.

I wonder when Bellamy is going to show up. He has obviously got to be the one who started whatever drama I am caught up in. It isn't fair if he gets to avoid everything. Aaron steps around the car to join us and once again Shaun takes my hand and places it over his arm to lead me along.

I roll my eyes and allow it. It's just not worth the effort to argue. I try and think about what I know of the feline Shifter's Alpha. I think he is an older gentleman. He is pretty well known and I have never heard any crazy stories about him going on rampages or anything like I have for the canine Alpha. Hopefully, he won't be too bad.

Suddenly, I recall another story from the news a few months ago. A Shifter Alpha and his wife were both killed in an awful car accident.

Was that the feline Alpha?

I'm not sure. We walk through the house, we pass a door where my blue thread leads through. Megan must be through there somewhere. Shaun leads me to an ornate looking wooden door at the end of a ridiculously long hallway.

I hear a familiar voice from behind the door and my red thread leads straight to it. So apparently Bellamy is here. I knew whatever this is was his fault. Shaun opens the door and enters without knocking. I expect to see at least two people in the room and I am surprised to find only Bellamy. He is on the phone but as we enter he apologises to the person on the other end and hangs up. He stands to greet us.

“Alpha Kane. We have bought Ryann Gale here, as you requested.”

I try and keep my complete and utter shock and horror from my face.

BELLAMY is the Alpha?

Of COURSE he is.

Because if I'm going to have a soul mate, it has to be with the most complicated guy in the immediate area doesn't it? I sigh internally. I probably need to pay better attention to Shifter politics, I get the feeling I am going to be mixed up in them plenty sometime in the future.

Still, Bellamy is the Alpha. Does this mean I should be treating him with more respect or something? I disregard the idea immediately. He isn't MY Alpha. Besides, he basically just ordered me kidnapped. Not cool.

“Thank you Shaun, Aaron. You may leave.” Both men give him a deep nod before turning and leaving the room. It occurs to me that Aaron literally didn't speak to me at all. He must be a very quiet person, or maybe he's just shy.

I decide to play it cool for now and to see what Bellamy wants before I chew him out for kidnapping me and potentially getting me fired for skipping work.

I put my hands on my hips and stare him down, keeping my face as blank as possible. Bellamy gestures for me to take a seat opposite his desk but I shake my head.

“I would rather stand.” I manage to get out without saying anything particularly aggressive to him. So a win for my self-control I think. Bellamy moves to sit on the corner of his desk.

“I have decided that if you really have the power you claim to have, then I should use it. You will spend some time and confirm the relationship, threads you called them? Between my sister and Tristan. If it is true that he has another soul mate then you will help me locate and identify this person.” He explains.

I stare at him incredulously. Does he honestly think I won't have a problem with his demands, or being kidnapped? He literally just said he wants to 'use' me. I'm not a toy he can pick up and play with!

“No.” I state simply. His eyes shoot up to mine, he looks angry. I work not to drop my gaze as I usually do.

“No?” he repeats.

“Exactly. No.” Okay, so I planned to hold my temper but I just can't do it.

“Why on Earth would I do anything you tell me to do? You're ordering me around like I should care about what you think. No. I have no intention of listening to anything you have to say. You show up at my home and invite yourself in. Then, when I tell you to leave, you yell at me, and now you have basically kidnapped me! I was at work. I am probably going to lose my job now because I left early. What gives you the right to do any of this?” I demand. Bellamy glares at me.

“I am the Alpha here and leading people is my job.” He states boldly. I roll my eyes.

“You aren't my Alpha and you're definitely no leader. You're only a leader if people choose to follow you, I had no choice in coming here. That makes you less of a leader and more of an asshole.” I explain.

Bellamy stands and steps closer to me, glaring down at me.

“You didn't exactly leave me any choice. You refused to speak to me when I was at your house.”

“Because you pushed your way in and demanded my time. Did it never occur to you to ASK me, or maybe invite me to meet up with you? If you recall I got myself into this mess because I want to protect your sister. I'm not going to suddenly abandon that. I am perfectly willing to help your sister. What I am not willing to do is run around after you and obey your every order like some kind of pet.”

I expect Bellamy to be fuming by now.

Instead of yelling back at me, he takes a step away and turns away from me. He sighs deeply and begins pacing the room. He walks back and forth at least three times before he turns back to face me.