A Secret Alpha Mate

13 - Adrastea

Isla

Hello, Isla.

“Hi,” I replied out loud. The voice in my head laughed.

You can speak to me in your mind.

Oh, hi, can you hear me? - I tried.

Loud and clear. My name is Adrastea; if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m your wolf.

My name is Isla, but I guess you already knew that.

Yes. I have been with you these past eighteen years but have just awoken. I feel what you feel, and I can see all of your memories.

Even my memories as a child? I have no recollection of anything before arriving in the packhouse, and even then, it’s blurry - I was almost nervous to ask.

Yes, I can access them. Give me a moment.

My stomach erupted in nervous and excited butterflies. I was finally going to get some answers about my parents and my life before Silver Moon. I waited patiently until she came back from wherever it was she went.

So, I don’t have any memories from you earlier than four years old - She sounded a bit sad.

Oh, I was young, and Abigail thinks it might be trauma. You know who Abigail is, right?

Yes, she’s incredible; I’m glad that you have her. I should still be able to see all of your memories, though, even if you were suppressing them. I'll work on it.

I’ll see if Abigail has any insight. So, how does this work? Do I always have access to you to talk to you whenever I want?

Yes, I’ll be here for you always now. When we shift, we will be even more connected.

Ah, shifting, I almost forgot about that -Will it hurt really bad?

I’m not sure. I’ve never experienced it before, either. But I will be with you the entire time.

Would you mind if we held off just for a little before we shift?

Whatever is most comfortable for you, take all the time you need.

I smiled - I really like you.

She laughed again - the feeling is mutual.

Abigail walked up to me and squealed in delight, grabbing my elbows abruptly, cutting off my conversation with my wolf.

“You have your wolf!” She exclaimed.

“Yes, she just spoke to me for the first time. How did you know?” I eyed her; did I look different?

“Your eyes cloud over like when you’re mindlinking someone when you talk to your wolf.”

Mindlinking, I almost forgot. I wondered if I could try it, but then I remembered I wasn’t technically a part of the pack, not in the way that the ranked members could command me. So I wouldn’t be able to mindlink them either. There was no harm in trying, though, with Abigail. If it didn’t work, then nothing would change anyways.

Hey, Adrastea?

Yes, babygirl.

I jumped, still not used to having a talking voice inside my head - Babygirl?

It’s something I’m trying out.

Not too sure about that one - I laughed - So how do we mindlink someone?

Clear your mind. Focus on them and then speak as if you’re speaking to me. It comes naturally the more you practice.

Okay got it, thanks.

That’s what I’m here for, babycakes.

That’s even worse.

Fine fine, I’ll think of something else.

I tried to clear my mind and focus on Abigail, who was busy wiping down the counter next to me. I was glad she was busy because I was sure I looked weird staring at her with such concentrated focus.

Abigail?

Abigail looked at me, her mouth open, “How did you do that?”

So, it worked? I'm really mindlinking you?

Yes, you are! But how?

I have no idea.

We were mostly done setting up for dinner prep. All the stations were ready to go for the multiple courses The Luna had ordered. Some of the Omegas that finished upstairs came bustling down. They were loudly talking amongst themselves.

“They are so hot.”

“I wish I got to escort them to their rooms; why didn’t I get so lucky?”

“I can’t wait to see if any of them brought my mate with them.” An older female said quietly.

Meghan came in behind them, quickly shutting everyone up. “You know your evening assignments by now. I expect them to be executed flawlessly. Each course will be served according to the timetable listed here.” She pointed to a large list plastered to the back of the kitchen doors,

“Those serving, get changed into your uniforms now. The first course is to be served in two hours, and you need to head up to the dining room immediately for a final check.” Some of the Omegas drifted away excitedly to get presentable, chattering amongst themselves.

Everyone went back to work on the last few things here; the bustle resumed around me. I would think hosting big events could be sort of fun if the circumstances were different and we had better leadership to guide us through it. I couldn’t help but think how Janice would have handled this, but I quickly pushed that thought away. We had Meghan now. All I could do was accept it and make the best of it.

“Isla?” Meghan sauntered over to me; speak of the devil.

“Yes?” I kept my voice even, almost polite.

“Your task today is in the training field at midnight sharp.”

“Midnight?” I asked; I couldn’t help the hint of dread that crept into my voice. I thought that I would be done with this ‘special task’ by then, so I would be able to sneak out with Abigail once dinner was cleared and the kitchen cleaned.

“Yes, you are to go alone and be there at midnight. If you are doing any other tasks, pass them over,” she said deadpan; it was weird to hear Meghan without any emotion in her voice, namely anger or rage.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just yourself.” I nodded, and she turned on her heel walking away.

I must have looked really upset because Abigail approached me with a knowing look. I explained the time of my task and that we would have to hold off on my birthday lake visit.

“I’ll wait up; as soon as you’re back, we can sneak away for an hour or so. Tomorrow will be rough, but we can do it; we've been through much worse.” I nodded enthusiastically, feeling some of the dread wash away. I was grateful to her for giving up sleep in order to make my birthday special.

I threw myself back into work, trying not to think about what punishment awaited me this evening, focusing instead on meeting up with Abigail and dipping my tired feet in the cool lake while the moon danced across the water.

I started to feel Adrastea pacing around in my head. She seemed to be getting increasingly anxious by the minute. It was an uncomfortable feeling.

What are you doing? Is everything okay? I asked.

I think so. I’m just having trouble accessing your memories, and something is just feeling off.

It’s okay, don’t worry about it, especially not right now. We can figure it out later, and honestly, you’re stressing me out a bit.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

It’s okay; just try to stay calm today for a bit, please.

I'll do my best.

Even though she said she was not trying to access my memories anymore, the anxious feeling didn’t leave me.