The Two Alphas' Fated Witch

Ground Rules

Dying leaves, starry skies, and silent farms sail past my window as I lean against the cool glass. As I exhale, fog obscures my view, but I couldn't care less. Joey is driving us back to the cabin, still speeding like a maniac, but my brain is working so fast my stomach doesn't have the energy to feel queasy.

I can't stop thinking about our conversation with Mrs. Santiago and Cassie. It's a lot to take in. I had thought we were just going to discuss my training, my mistake, and how I was going to make amends. I wasn't prepared to learn that my life was in danger as well.

After Joey's statement, and a few failing arguments from Cassie, it was decided that I would be safer staying with the boys. Mrs. Santiago will come over to train me, and Cassie will keep looking into ways to help, but ultimately their cabin has better security than Santiago Orchards. Apparently, not only is it's existence known to a select few, but there's a 24 hour detail on watch at all times, both human and werewolf. Not to mention how state-of-the-art the cabin is, as I saw earlier.

But that doesn't change the facts. I am currently the Dual Clan Alphas' Mate. Joey and Eric said only their Betas know as of right now, but they aren't taking any chances. Until I can break the bond, that log cabin will be my home. My fortress. And my prison.

"Ali, we're here."

Sure enough, turning towards the front windshield, I can see the wooden exterior of the two-story building. I didn't get a good look at it when we left, and with how dark it is tonight, I can't really make much out. But it really does look like your average middle-of-nowhere residency. The perfect safe house to hide within.

I sigh and exit the car. Grabbing the bag I brought with some clothes I usually keep at the Santiagos, I shut the car door and head inside. As I walk towards the entrance, I can't help but wonder if there's already someone out there, hunting me down. Pinpricks tickle the back of my neck, and an image of a sniper rifle aimed at my skull suddenly appears in my head. I walk a little faster until I'm inside.

The place is the same as it was this afternoon. The common area hasn't change, nor the furniture. But now that I'll be staying here for gods know how long, it feels completely different, almost oppressing.

Well, we better get used to it.

"So," I sigh, wanting to break the silence. "Is there a room you want me to stay in? I can sleep on the couch, if you want."

Eric turns on the lights while Joey heads for the kitchen. "Nah, you can stay in the same room as before. It's one of our guest rooms, anyway."

Of course it is. I nod, but remain unmoving. With all that we've learned tonight, things have definitely changed between us. Gods, we were fine just four hours ago. How did things get so awkward so fast? Is it all because we now know for certain that I am a witch?

Joey clears his throat. "Do you...want something to drink?"

His question finally snaps me out of it, and I reply, "Water, please."

"Sure thing."

While he gets me a glass, I head to my new bedroom. Just like before, there's a huge bed, a bureau, and an armchair waiting for me inside. There's also another door further in. Must've missed that when I woke up. I check inside and find a full bathroom, fully stocked. At least that answers that question.

"Guess we forgot to mention each room has its own bathroom."

I jump at the sound of his voice being so near. When did Eric come in? I didn't even hear him enter the room! And why is he so freaking close?!

I quickly close the bathroom door and get some space between me and him. My heart is beating so hard, it feels like it's gonna explode. "Okay, no. This is not happening."

Confused, he comes closer to me. Even Joey has entered the room, holding my glass of water. "What are you talking about?"

Are they f*****g kidding me right now?! "Look, I understand the circumstances, but if I'm going to stay here, we need to set some ground rules."

"Like?" Eric asks, taking a step forward.

"Like no coming into my room without asking first. Now get out, both of you!" Turning Eric around, I push him all the way through the door and out of the room, making Joey step outside as well.

"Hey, wait a minute!" He turns around as I close the door behind me. "Why not?"

"Why not? Because some people like to have some privacy, and most don't like it when two almost strangers walk in and out whenever they please!"

"We aren't almost strangers. We're Fated Mates, remember?"

I roll my eyes at Eric. "Yeah, that's kind of hard to forget when it's the reason I'm gonna be living here! Now, just... don't go in there! Please?!"

"Okay, okay," he chuckles, raising his hands in defeat. "We won't go in your room without asking first."

I exhale a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Even Joey is smirking a little at me. Handing me the glass, he asks, "Any other 'ground rules' you wanna implement?"

Taking a sip, I try to think if there's anything else. Then, a thought comes to mind. One I definitely don't like. "I want a lock for my door. On the inside."

They both become very serious as I say this. "Why would you want that?"

I try to hide behind my glass, but there is no way the clear liquid is concealing the red I can feel creeping up my neck. "For reasons..."

"Ali-"

"I just want to make sure no one goes in there unannounced, okay?"

They look at each other, shocked. "Why the Hells would we do that?" Eric asks.

"I don't know. Maybe for some weird, Fated Mate reason? I have no idea how you guys will act, due to this freaking bond." Gods, this is so embarrassing. I push past them towards the fridge, as if I'm getting more water. Even though I took less than three sips.

They stay where they are, completely frozen. The quietness is deafening, and I know I'm only getting redder by the second. "It can be a simple latch for all I care," I call over my shoulder, "But-"

I'm interrupted by cackles of laughter coming from behind me. Now infuriated, and red for a completely separate reason, I turn around and glare at the two of them. Eric has an arm on Joey, holding himself up. He's almost wheezing at this point, and Joey isn't really any better. He's actually wiping tears out of his eyes. I didn't even know he could laugh so hard.

I have to fight the urge to throw my glass at the two of them. "Seriously?! It's not funny!"

"Oh come on, Ali!" Eric finally chokes out while he tries to breathe. "You really think we're gonna do some perverted wolf-s**t to you?!"

"Sorry, but he's right," Joey shakes his head, still chuckling a little. "We aren't like that. Even if we are Fated Mates, consent is still necessary."

"Not to mention some form of attraction!"

Eric's words hit me hard. He's right. Even if we are bound to each other, I doubt they are even remotely attracted to me. How could they be? Not only have they had each other for gods know how long, but I'm not really anyone's type. I'm fat and short, with frizzy brown hair and dull grey eyes. I've got a decent rack, but that's just because of my weight. They, on the other hand, are the epitome of Alpha males, both in human and wolf terms. There is no way in all the hells that these two would ever find me sexually attractive. This thought cools my mad blushing pretty quickly, as well as my heart rate. I take another sip of water, letting it sink in.

As we all calm down, another reason comes to mind. "Still," I force myself to say, staying firm on this subject, "There are going to be times I need to be alone. And I need to know I will stay alone until they're over."

This seems to sober them the rest of the way. Joey tries to refuse again. "Ali, we're sorry, but we can't-"

"You have three options." My eyes are burning with determination, as well as remnants of my previous embarrassment. "One, I go outside and you don't follow me when I tell you to."

Eric glares. "Not a chance-"

"Two, you get me the lock I'm asking for. Or three, I use myself as a barricade. And I've already proven I make a pretty effective one."

"What are gonna do?" Eric exclaims, jokingly. "Sleep on the floor?"

"If that's what it takes."

A war between our glaring eyes wages. I can feel the wave of tension hitting me, trying to make me submit, but it won't work. I know why I need this, and if they want me to stay here, having my own secure safe space is a must.

Finally, to both my and Eric's surprise, Joey groans. "Fine! We'll get you your stupid lock."

I grin. Eric is now glaring at his partner, but I'm too busy mentally celebrating my mini victory. Who says a fat girl can't stand up to Alpha wolves?!

"However, we have a few ground rules, too."

Well, so much for that celebration. I sigh. "I guess that's fair. And what would those be?"

"First, no cooking."

"Done." Not really into setting the places I live on fire, so that's an easy one.

"Second," Eric states, "No phone."

This one, however, surprises me. I look at him, shocked. "Are you serious?"

"Completely. If someone tries to track you, your phone will be the first thing they use. We'll get you a new one, with a top-of-the-line security system, but no using your current one."

I exhale angrily, but I can't help feeling a little excited about getting a new phone. Plus, they're argument is pretty sound. To be honest, I've been thinking my father was tracking my phone for a while, so-

"And lastly," Joey continues, "No leaving this house without discussing it first. Understood?"

I look back at the two of them, meeting their gaze. They already know my answer to that one, so all I do is nod.

"Good. Now, who's up for a movie night?"