Mythical Link ▸ Link Neal {Book One}

Sixty Two

     "If you thought going to the paranormal convention was stupid, I think this basically takes the cake," Alex mumbled under his breath as another car whizzed by the two of them, the headlights causing his eyesight to go hazy. Mike rubbed his eyes and made a sound, realizing this was definitely a mistake, and they should have stayed right where they were. Rhett sounded like he was about to blow a fuse and it's common knowledge that you shouldn't tick your bosses of.

     At the time, he had no trouble at all convincing Alex that it was a good idea that they walk back to the office. It only took them approximately 15 minutes to drive to the warehouse, factoring in the crazy traffic. Everything's died down since then, and the weather was still warm enough that their button up long sleeves and jeans would be sufficient enough. The only thing they didn't think about was that it takes longer to walk than it does to drive, and they had no weapons to defend themselves against humans and werewolves alike.

     They trudged on for another five minutes before Alex stopped and doubled over, rubbing his hands on his thighs. "This was definitely a terrible idea. I feel like we've been walking for miles through the desert with no food or water in sight."

      Mike rolled his eyes and chuckled slightly. "Dude, the warehouse is still in sight," he said as he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. 

     Alex straightened up abruptly and groaned. "Terrible. Terrible! This is terrible!" Alex was interrupted from his complaining by his phone blaring. He took it out and relief flooded his face when he saw that it was Rhett. "Hey man! I've never been so glad to hear from you in my life!"

"Yeah. How far away from the warehouse did you two boneheads manage to get?" 

     Alex made a face as he could hear Link laughing in the background. Heat started to build up in his cheeks and he coughed. "Not too far. We're literally a block away from Chevron."

     "Great. Go in there, and for the love of all that's holy, don't move!" 

     Alex nodded his head as if Rhett could see him. "Gotcha man. See you guys in a bit." He snuck his phone back into his pocket nonchalantly and turned on his heel to start walking toward the gas station. Mike sprinted a little ways to catch up to him, an amused smirk on his face. "You did this on purpose, didn't you? You wanted to see Rhett get upset!" 

     Mike's smirk morphed into a snicker. "Heh heh. You rhymed."

     "Dude, shut up." They grinned as they walked briskly to the next corner. It was eerily quiet on the streets with little to no traffic, the only sounds heard being their footsteps against the sidewalk and their breaths. Upon looking ahead, they realized that there were no cars in the parking lot and Alex's stomach sunk to his feet. If the gas station was closed, they were going to have to come up with a plan B and plan A usually shreds without falter. So he braced himself.

     As they were crossing the street they looked left and right, and up the street a little ways to the left was a 2007 Ford Roush Mustang, painted black with the windows tinted. It was the only vehicle parked on the street at 8 pm, and it made both the guys' hackles raise. Maybe it was pure instinct to think that a random car painted black with tinted windows being the only vehicle on the road when it was dead quiet at night was suspicious. 

     They didn't waste another second scurrying toward the door of the gas station like they had ants in their pants. Alex took hold of the door and let Mike in, and just as he was about to follow, he heard a car door open and shut. His eyes widened and he flew in after Mike, taking him by the arm. "Dude, I heard the car door open."

     "Lovely! We're going to die in a gas station," Mike cried. Alex started scoping through the gas station, taking up a myriad of snacks into his arms. Mike's right eyebrow shot up and he walked slowly toward Alex, watching as he added frosted fruit pies and combos to his pile. "What on earth are you doing?"

     "This is gonna be our last meal, man. We have to have no regrets," Alex said as he reared away and started heading for the register. Mike shook his head and began to follow, his attention turning toward the door when the bell above it sounded. 

     Two guys walked in that looked to be no less than 25 years old, dressed casually as Mike and Alex were. They wandered through the station in the opposite direction of them, and Mike's attention was diverted back to Alex as he unloaded his armful onto the counter. He leaned over the counter, peeking his head around. "Hello? Is there anyone here to check me out?" 

     Mike started laughing and Alex turned to his side and playfully punched him in the arm.

     "I'll happily check you out," a male voice from behind them sounded, and the both of them swiveled on their heel.

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