The Two Alphas' Fated Witch

Mind-Link

"Do you want any coffee?"

We arrived back at the cabin in about half an hour. Sure enough, the place is still dark, and I can hear muffled snores coming from upstairs. I guess Eric really does like to sleep in. Joey took a quick shower while I turned on the lights and continued my bird watching.

Now, we're both in the kitchen. He's in a grey tee and some dark jeans, walking around barefoot. His hair is still wet, with droplets falling randomly from his jet-black hair onto the back of his shirt. The sizzle and scent of frying eggs and bacon fill the air as he asks me this question.

"No, thanks. I'll stick to water."

"Oh, you're one of those people." His back is facing me, but I can hear his smile.

I smile as well. "Yep. Never took to coffee. I like the smell, and the ice cream, but I just can't stand how strong it is."

"What about tea?"

"Too bland."

"Energy drinks?"

With that suggestion, I make a face, though he can't see it. He's too focused on his spatula and pan. "Too sweet. Plus, the last time I tried one, I got a massive headache just from tasting it."

The sound of him chuckling at my explanation rings through the air. His voice being so deep, it's almost hard to catch it over the myriad of pops and hisses coming from the bacon. But I'm just able to catch it, and my smile returns.

"I usually just drink water anyway." Taking a sip of my go-to libation, my curiosity gets the better of me. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What do you normally drink?"

He grabs a few plates, sets them on the table, and brings the simmering-hot pan to the bar. "Coffee, water, earl grey. When I'm at parties or out with the Pack, I'll drink a glass of bourbon or two, but I usually have to stay sober."

"Oh really?" My stomach yells at me to shut up, begging for the ambrosia that has been displayed before us. But I ignore it and ask, "How come?"

"Because there always has to be a babysitter for when someone takes one too many shots of vodka." He growls lowly while shaking his head. "You have no idea how messy of a drunk that man is."

"Hey, can we not spill my personal business this early in the morning?"

We turn to find Eric, finally awake, and stretching at the top of the staircase. His black tank top and plaid pajama bottoms are wrinkled and askew, which match perfectly with his messy curls sticking up everywhere.

"Morning, Sleeping Beauty," Joey says while pouring two cups of coffee. "You're up earlier than usual."

"How can I sleep with my reputation on the line?" he retorts languidly. "And you know no pet names until I get my coffee."

The newly awoken man slowly makes his way down the stairs, then grabs the stool beside me. Joey brings over the mugs and plants a small kiss on his partner's temple. "And you know I never agreed to that."

A short growl exudes from Eric's lips, but he drowns it in a few gulps of dirty bean water. "Ah, that hits the spot." Finally, he turns to me, all smiles and happy, like yesterday afternoon. "Morning, Ali!"

"Morning," I mutter, taking a bite of food. It's a little awkward seeing these guys act so lovey-dovey. They really are perfect together. The guilt from last night is slowly returning, and I try to bury it under a mound of eggs.

"Well, someone's hungry."

Now a new feeling sinks to the pit of my stomach, over taking my guilt. This is an old combatant of mine, one I'd prefer to not bring up at this time. Taking a gulp of water, I quickly change the subject. "So, what are we doing today?"

"After breakfast," Joey responds, taking the bait unknowingly, "I'm gonna head to the store and grab your latch, while you and Eric wait for Mrs. Santiago to show up for your training."

I beam at not only the prospect of learning magic, but also the gain of some peace of mind. "Thank you, by the way. I know you guys are really against it, but I appreciate you letting me have the lock."

There's a shared glance between the two of them. Eric sips some more of his coffee before replying, "It's fine, but could you tell us why you are so desperate to have a lock?"

"Like I said, I need my privacy."

"And that's why we agreed to staying out of your room without permission. But there's more to it, isn't there?"

I stay silent. This is getting a bit more personal, and I've only known these guys for about a day...

"Does it have anything to do with last night?"

My eyes snap to Joey, and sure enough, I can see the underlying hints of concern flecked in those dark chocolate saucers. Dammit, so they did feel my cry-fest last night! I take a deep breath, and sigh. I should probably tell them anyway, since it'll probably happen again. "It's a bit more than that, actually-"

Suddenly, both their heads snap towards the front door. Their scowls tell me something is wrong, but their lips remain sealed as their eyes glare at the entrance. I cut myself off, freezing instinctively. However, a few seconds later, they both relax a little. Eric turns back to his meal and Joey says, "Sorry, you were saying?"

"Oh no you don't," I exclaim, relaxing only slightly. "What was that?"

"Nothing. Your mentor just arrived on the property. Our wolves were alerting us."

At first, my previous excitement returns, and I glance at the door, as if Mrs. Santiago could step through at any time. But a realization comes to me, and I turn back towards them. I scan both their heads, but neither has an earpiece. I frown. "How?"

Eric taps his temple with a finger, then says around a mouthful of food, "Mind-link, duh."

Now I'm just more confused. "What's 'mind-link'?"

He stares at me incredulously then forcefully gulps down the bacon that he had just put in his mouth. "Seriously, girl? How did you even live in Crescent City for this long?! This is like Werewolf 101!"

I turn towards Joey and away from Eric, hoping to get some actual answers, rather than further insults to my intelligence. After a moment, he acquiesces. "Mind-linking is a means of communication between werewolves. We can use our inner wolves to talk to each other, without using our human mouths."

"Like telepathy?" I ask, trying to understand.

"In a way. Telepathy is with anyone and everyone. Mind-linking requires some connection between the two werewolves. Most wolves can only mind-link with family, lovers, and fellow Pack members."

"But we're Alphas," Eric continues. "As such, we can connect with everyone in our Pack, and even some Alphas outside of it."

My eyes widen as I begin to understand. "So no matter where they are, you can talk to your Pack members?"

"It's not that powerful," Joey chuckles. "But we can communicate with any of our wolves in Crescent City. That way, we know if any trouble rises, or any-"

Suddenly, Eric snaps his head towards his partner. After a moment between them, Joey grabs his mug, taking a gulp, and Eric does the same.

I look between the two of them, completely lost. "Any what?"

"Nothing," Eric says through clenched teeth, then sighs while turning to me with an obviously forced smile. "Don't worry about it."

"But I want-"

I'm interrupted by the sound of a car door shutting outside. Joey's dark eyes glance towards the entrance before coming back to me. "Looks like your mentor is here."