Caught by the Alpha's Gaze

Chapter 7 Please, sugar. Stay.

"Hello."

At the start of Indianna's second class, Ace, Greyson's friend, slid into the seat next to her as she reached into her bag for her notebook. Indianna sat up quickly, eyes wary.

"Please don't stay silent around me," Ace said with a soft chuckle. "I know you talk to Greyson, and I'm a lot nicer than he is."

But you can't talk to me in your head, Indianna thought. She was shy, but not with Greyson. Was it because he made her angry? Or because he could get inside her head? Or was it just... him?

"Indianna?"

She forced a nervous smile. "Yes?"

Ace grinned, relieved she wasn't shutting him down. "How are you finding it here so far?"

Indianna paused. "Invasive."

Ace raised an eyebrow knowingly. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely, continuing when it was clear she wouldn't elaborate. "Greyson mentioned you weren't feeling well. Feeling better now?"

"I'm fine," she said quietly, lying. The ache in her head hadn't completely left.

"Are you sure?" Ace asked. He seemed genuinely concerned, and Indianna studied him, trying to gauge his honesty. He seemed kind. But he was friends with Greyson.

"Do you know?" she asked suddenly, her stomach twisting.

"Know what?" Ace raised a bushy brown eyebrow.

"About... Greyson. In my head?"

"Ah." He swallowed, eyes flicking away awkwardly. "Yes, I know."

"Right."

"I hope that's okay."

"Nothing about this is okay," Indianna said truthfully.

"It will make sense," Ace reassured her. "In time."

"Can you tell me how it's possible?" she asked, eyes darting to his as she chewed the end of her pen.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

"Why not?"

"Greyson's orders," he said simply. "I wish I could help you feel at ease."

"Orders?" Indianna echoed. "From Greyson?"

"He will tell you when the time is right."

"Eventually?" she pressed. "He said some strange things to my mother. I want answers. Now."

"What did he say?"

"I'm surprised you don't know. Greyson seems to know more about me than I do."

"It will all be explained. At the right time."

Indianna rubbed her eyes tiredly, taking a deep breath and trying to push down the anger forming inside her. She looked away at her notebook, silently signaling she was done talking. If she continued, she wasn't sure she could remain calm.

"Indianna, please... I really want to get to know you. I'm sorry if everything seems confusing—"

"Can you give me answers?"

When Ace didn't reply, she nodded and stayed quiet for the rest of the class. He may have been nicer than Greyson, but knowing things about her she didn't made her uncomfortable. She preferred the silence.

During lunch, Indianna went to the library. She left her lunch in her locker, avoiding Greyson. She kept her head down, navigating through the crowded halls. Everyone seemed to know who she was, and she felt judgmental stares and whispers follow her. The boys' eyes lingered, but no one approached.

She guessed she had Greyson to thank for that; anyone who spoke to her ended up on the receiving end of his temper.

Brooklyn appeared, her eyes lighting up. "Indie! Hi! Haven't seen you all morning! How are you? Want to join us in the canteen?"

Indianna hesitated. "Oh, no... thank you. I have... homework."

Brooklyn pouted. "You said that the other day. Most teachers aren't even assigning homework yet. Are you avoiding me?"

"N-no!" Indianna stammered. "Not you... people... I... I'm sorry."

Brooklyn smiled. "I understand, sweet. But it's always good to try to get to know people. You'll feel more comfortable. Besides, the canteen is more entertaining than the library. Dull here, isn't it?"

"It's peaceful. I like it," Indianna murmured.

"Okay," Brooklyn conceded. "But promise me you'll let me introduce you to my friends soon?"

"Er..."

"Please?" Brooklyn crossed her fingers. "They're all friendly. Nothing like Greyson. They hate Greyson. Pinky promise: no Greyson zone."

Indianna sighed, nodding slowly. "Okay."

Brooklyn squealed. "You won't regret it! I have to run—I told Harry I'd meet him ten minutes ago, and he's got the patience of a toddler. See you later!"

Once Brooklyn left, Indianna made her way to the library and sat at an empty table near the back. Alone.

"You really aren't a people person, are you?"

Indianna jumped. Cassie, the brown-haired girl she'd bumped into earlier, had sat across from her.

"Sorry?"

"You're new, and you turned down the invitation to sit with one of the most popular girls. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard your conversation with Brooklyn. You must really dislike people to say no. She's actually nice, considering who her boyfriend is. Why not join her?"

"I'm better off alone," Indianna admitted.

"I get it. I'm a lone wolf myself," Cassie smiled. "But how did you get Greyson interested in you?"

Indianna flushed. "What? No! He... no!"

Cassie laughed. "Come on! Greyson doesn't talk to girls emotionally. He only uses them for... you know. The only girl he actually talks to is Brooke."

Indianna blinked. "Did you say... s*x?"

"It's no secret Greyson treats girls like s**t," Cassie said. "But showing real interest? Never."

"He's not interested in me," Indianna said quickly.

So, what am I doing then, sugar?

Indianna nearly screamed. Greyson. In her head.

Cassie smirked. "If you say so."

"So... he sleeps around a lot?"

"Um... yes," Cassie admitted.

This girl needs to shut up.

Indianna hesitated, then asked Greyson silently, So, is it true?

"I don't want his attention," she told Cassie honestly. "I want him to leave me alone."

Take the hint, Greyson.

I'm not going to.

"That's new. Girls throw themselves at him even knowing they'll get hurt."

Why are you talking to this nerd, sugar?

Leave me alone.

She's a freak. Don't associate with her.

And I should associate with you?

Yes.

Piss off, Greyson.

Ouch. That was rude.

So was calling Cassie a freak.

Indianna refocused on Cassie. "I'm not good with people. Especially people like Greyson."

"I totally agree. I'm one of the few girls who wouldn't go near him or his friends."

Indianna laughed quietly.

I really dislike her.

She rubbed her head. "Sorry, I've got a headache."

I'm flattered, sugar, Greyson said.

"So, nothing between you and Greyson? At all?" Cassie asked.

"No. He's an ass."

Cassie laughed, drawing the librarian's glare. "He really is. From what I've seen, Ace is nice, Kal is sarcastic and annoys teachers, and Harry is the quiet, mysterious type who argues with Brooke."

Yeah, it's f*****g annoying, Greyson muttered.

"But they seem happy," Cassie said, pulling out her notes. "I need to work. Mind?"

Indianna shook her head, thinking over what Cassie had told her.

You should join us in the canteen, sugar. I want you to come.

Indianna rolled her eyes. I want answers, but we don't always get what we want.

Ah, but I get what I want, Indie.

Prepare to be disappointed.

I won't be. I always get what I want.

If only I could be so lucky.

Join us. Talk to people. Make friends.

No.

Sugar, in case you forgot, I can make you feel extreme pain. Come to the canteen, or you might find out how that works.

You're blackmailing me?

Seems like it. Not sure how it works exactly, but I'm sure it will hurt if I get angry enough.

You're evil! Indianna snapped. That's abuse, Greyson!

I don't want to hurt you, sugar—

Then don't!

She wanted to scream, to fight. She hated how he had access to her, how he had control.

You don't need to hurt me to get what you want! Greyson, you're scaring me!

A silence fell. Greyson was weighing his options. She knew he never took no for an answer.

If you start hurting people to get what you want, that's a very dark path, Greyson.

Indianna let out a sigh of relief when the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. She gathered her bag and stood, waiting for Greyson to say something.

Saved by the bell, sugar.

"Indianna!" Brooklyn's voice rang out as she spotted her in the girls' changing room. "Over here!"

Indianna glanced at Brooklyn and the three girls laughing nearby. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Hello."

"Girls, this is Indianna—the new girl!"

A tall girl with short brown hair eyed her up and down with a cheeky grin. "Oh, we know," she said, winking. "Greyson seems to have taken an interest in you."

Indianna's cheeks flushed. "N-no. He—"

"I'm teasing," the girl laughed. "Kind of. I'm Sasha. Sorry Brooke's gotten her claws into you—you're not escaping her now."

Brooklyn's jaw dropped, and Sasha grinned at her. "You made friends with me, remember?"

"And we don't regret it for a second," Sasha added with a smile.

"Okay, okay, enough about you," another girl said, bouncing over with curly ginger hair and dimples. "I'm Alice, and I'm everyone's favorite."

Sasha scoffed.

Alice shot her a look. "I am. It's the truth."

"Alice is Kal's sister," Brooklyn whispered to Indianna.

"Oh, yeah. If you have any problems with that i***t, don't come to me," Alice said. "I want nothing to do with him."

Indianna raised an eyebrow.

"I'm joking. Well... not really. I want nothing to do with him, but if he hassles you, I'll sort him out."

Indianna nodded slowly. "Okay."

The final girl, petite with long dark hair that shimmered almost blue, spoke gently. "It's wise to ignore Alice sometimes. I'm Violet. Lovely to meet you."

"Hi," Indianna said quietly, glancing between the three girls.

"Indianna's going to take some time to warm up to us," Brooklyn said. "But we're friendly. And we try to avoid Harry and Greyson like the plague."

Sasha, Alice, and Violet shared a look and chuckled. Brooklyn rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up," she grumbled, turning to Indianna. "Do you have a gym kit?"

Indianna shook her head.

"No worries. I have a spare. You can borrow mine until you get your own."

"Thank you," Indianna said.

Brooklyn handed over the kit, frowning slightly. "It might be a bit big for you."

Indianna, slim and long-legged, nodded. "It's fine. Thanks, Brooke."

Sasha gave her a pair of spare trainers, and Indianna changed into the red shorts and white T-shirt with the school logo. She pulled the drawstring tight, and the shorts stayed in place.

As she adjusted the T-shirt, Brooklyn gasped. Indianna froze as the girl's eyes fell on a scar on her stomach, then the matching one on her wrist.

"It's nothing," Indianna muttered, rubbing her wrist. "It happened when I was younger."

"That's why you don't like the word 'bite,'" Brooklyn said softly.

Indianna looked away, pulling on the borrowed trainers.

"I'm sorry," Brooklyn said quickly.

"It's fine. I'd just rather not discuss it."

Brooklyn nodded. "Of course. I'll shut up. You can tell me to be quiet anytime—I ramble sometimes, or so everyone says."

Indianna smiled at her, and Brooklyn returned it warmly. "Thank you."

"Ready, girls?" Sasha called. "Gym starts in a minute."

Indianna sat on the bench between Brooklyn and Violet, Sasha and Alice in front. She noticed the teachers were late, as usual.

"So, Indianna," Sasha said, eyes on her. "How did you get on Greyson's radar?"

"I... nothing!" Indianna stammered.

Sasha groaned. "You're going to give us another reason to interact with them, aren't you? First Alice with her brother, then Brooklyn with Harry, now you with Greyson."

"Um... no."

"You don't talk to Harry," Brooklyn pointed out.

"Because he's terrifying, and he holds a grudge!" Indianna admitted.

"Grudge?" she asked curiously.

"I may have crashed my car with Brooke in it. She ended up in the hospital," Sasha said, guilt flashing in her eyes. "Unless you're Harry, that's all in the past. I keep my distance."

"And I avoid Kal unless necessary. He's a d**k," Alice added. "Brooke is the only reason I see him. Everyone fears them but also loves them. We're probably the only ones who don't."

"We can hear you!" Alice called as Kal approached with Ace, Harry, and Greyson. Indianna shrank back, refusing to look at Greyson.

"And I love you too, sis," Alice muttered.

"Go away, Kal," Alice snapped.

"But I just love being in your company!" Kal grinned, crouching and wrapping his arms around her, shaking her. "We're besties!"

"Get your slimy hands off me!" Alice groaned. "My fist will be besties with your face if you don't stop!"

Kal laughed and released her but not before kicking her in the back.

"Oi! You asshole! That hurt!"

"Oh, relax. Just a nudge," Kal scoffed.

"A nudge? I'll show you a nudge, you disgusting worm!"

Harry rolled his eyes and held out his hand to Brooklyn.

"We were having a conversation before you guys showed up. Can we go back to that?" she said.

"I guarantee it's better now that I'm here," Kal grinned.

"It most definitely is not," Alice protested.

"Guys," Brooklyn groaned. "Go bother someone else."

Harry cleared his throat. "Come here, babe."

"Go away, Harry."

"Brooklyn."

"What, Harry?" she smiled innocently.

"Don't be difficult."

"Don't be demanding."

"You're making me angry, babe."

"Shocker."

"You two arguing? Never happens," Greyson rolled his eyes. "Either stop it or deal with it."

"This is none of your business, Grey—hey!" Brooklyn was pulled away by Harry before she could finish. Seconds later, Indianna saw them kissing in the corner.

One down.

Indianna jumped at the voice in her head and looked at Greyson.

What do you want, Greyson?

Alice is next, he said as Kal spoke to Alice.

"Hey, sis," he grinned. "Your shoes? Yeah... I may have dropped them in dog s**t. Check your locker."

Alice's eyes went wide. "You did what?!" She grabbed him by the ear and dragged him out.

Sasha is next.

"I'll make sure they don't murder each other," Sasha said and left after them, leaving Violet and Indianna with Greyson and Ace.

"I have to go," Ace said kindly, smiling at Indianna. "Lovely to see you."

When Ace left, Violet glanced nervously at Greyson. "Er... I—"

Greyson cut her off. "Was just leaving? Brilliant. f**k off."

Indianna's mouth dropped. "That's rude."

"I don't care," Greyson said, narrowing his eyes at Violet. "Go. Now."

Violet gave an apologetic look and left. Indianna groaned, covering her face.

"What do you want, Greyson?"

"To talk." He sat next to her. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"The truth?"

Indianna sighed. "Like crap."

"Elaborate, sugar."

"My head hurts, I feel sick, and I'm burning up," she grumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"Have you eaten today?"

"No."

"You need to eat."

"I'm not hungry. I'd just throw it up."

"Indianna, trust me, you need to eat."

"I don't want to, Greyson. Just leave me alone."

"I can't do that."

Indianna pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "Our conversations are repetitive."

"Why's that?"

"You tell me what to do, I never listen, and nothing changes."

"Seems about right," he smirked. "But things would be smoother if you did as I say."

"I won't do anything you say until you give me answers."

"I'll give some if you eat," Greyson said, raising an eyebrow.

She watched him warily. "I don't believe you."

"Sugar," he said, staring deep into her eyes, "you have my word."

Indianna thought for a moment and nodded. "Fine."

Greyson smiled and held out his hand. "Come with me, sugar."

She ignored it, walking past him toward the gym exit. Greyson chuckled and caught up.

"People are staring," she whispered.

"Ignore them," he said. "Nosy bastards."

A loud bang stopped her mid-step. The lights flickered, and thunder rumbled. Outside, the sky darkened and the rain poured.

"Get away from the windows," Greyson said, sliding an arm around her waist, pulling her back as lightning flashed.

"It's just a storm," she said, aware of his touch.

"Not just a storm," he said, looking down at her. "These ones can break windows and hurt people. Stay inside."

"Okay, but we don't need your arm around me."

Greyson smirked and let it drop. "Let's go, sugar."

"Where?"

"Away from doors and windows. You don't want a tree smashing through and hitting you."

"I'll go to the library then—"

"Nope. You're coming with me."

"The library is safer!" she protested.

The windows rattled with thunder. Greyson shook his head. "The library is across the school. You're safer with me. Now."

The lights went out, plunging the hall into darkness. Indianna shivered, glancing at Greyson. "Fine."

"Take my hand, sugar," he said. "I'll guide you."

Her hand found his, and she let him lead her down a hallway lined with lockers, away from windows. Other students huddled with phone lights. Teachers appeared, guiding the scared and confused.

Greyson sat, and Indianna crouched next to him. "Here," he said, draping his hoodie over her shoulders.

"I don't—"

"Just take it. You're shaking," he muttered. She let the warmth envelop her, grateful.

"Thank you," she murmured, leaning back.

"Tired?"

"Exhausted," she admitted. "Can we leave school?"

"If you want a flying tree to kill you, sure. Otherwise, stay put."

"Well, we're stuck. Give me some answers."

"I don't think I should."

"Greyson! You said you would!"

"Yes, if you ate. Which you haven't."

"This freak storm is stopping me."

"Shame."

"Nightmare!" she gasped. "Please? You were going to tell me later, why not now?"

"You're not ready," he murmured.

"Ready for what? You can't decide that."

"I know more about you than you know yourself," he said firmly.

"How?"

Greyson smirked. Indianna stood. "Whatever, I'm leaving—"

He grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

"Greyson, get off!"

"Not safe. Wait for the storm, then run if you want. I won't stop you. Just stay safe until it passes."

Indianna glared, furious.

"Please, sugar. Stay."