Caught by the Alpha's Gaze

Chapter 8 Storm

"How long are we going to be stuck here?" Indianna wondered, glancing up at Greyson. He just shrugged.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"It's been two hours," she muttered, tugging at her hair in frustration. "I—oh... uh-oh."

"Sugar, are you okay? You look like you're about to—"

"Sick." Indianna scrambled to her feet and rushed toward the girls' bathroom just a few meters down the hall. She stumbled into a stall and dropped to her knees, retching violently into the toilet.

"Indianna?" Greyson's footsteps echoed as he approached the stall.

"Go away!" she groaned, gagging again.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine! Don't come in!"

But before she could protest further, Greyson pushed the door open. "Clearly," he said, and she felt his warm fingers graze her neck as he lifted her hair from her face.

"Greyson, please—I don't want you seeing me like this," she complained.

"Deal with it, sugar."

Indianna vomited once more, then sank back onto her heels, taking a shaky breath. "Oh my god," she muttered, gratefully taking the tissue he offered. "Thank you."

"Are you done?"

"I hope so."

"Come on, up you get." Greyson helped her to her feet, holding her close. "You're definitely going to need food after... that."

"God, just the thought makes me nauseous," she groaned, rinsing her mouth at the sink. "I just want to go to sleep. I feel like death."

"Let's head back into the hall. You can sit down," he said.

Indianna didn't complain. Back in the hall, she slumped into a seat and closed her eyes, sleep taking her almost instantly. She ended up dozing soundly on Greyson's shoulder.

Greyson looked up as footsteps approached.

"Greyson."

"Hello, Brooklyn."

"Greyson... she's ill, isn't she?"

"Yes."

"Is it... serious?"

"Yes."

"Is she...?"

Greyson paused. "Yes."

"But she doesn't know?"

"No."

"Why aren't you telling her—"

"Don't say anything. She's waking up."

Indianna stirred, eyes fluttering open. She yawned and narrowed them when she realized she was leaning on Greyson's shoulder. Quickly, she sat up and glanced at Brooklyn, who was sitting opposite them.

"Hi, Indianna. Are you feeling any better?" Brooklyn asked gently.

Indianna shrugged. "Not really," she mumbled, checking the time on her phone. Two hours had passed while she slept. "Is the storm still going on?"

"Yeah," Brooklyn nodded, shifting uncomfortably as thunder rumbled. "But I heard the teachers say it should be over soon. Thank God. I hate storms."

"Good," Indianna said, frowning as Greyson stared at Brooklyn with that knowing expression.

Brooklyn's eyes flickered to him, then quickly looked away. "Can I get you anything, Indianna?"

"Actually, yes," she said.

"Of course. What would you like?"

"Answers." Indianna looked at Brooklyn, who paled, then back at Greyson, who rolled his eyes. "I heard you two talking. You both know things about me that I don't. I'm pretty sure all your friends do too. So, tell me."

"Indianna, this is getting very repetitive," Greyson sighed. "I'm not telling you anything. Neither is Brooklyn."

"I would if I could," Brooklyn said, shooting Greyson a pointed look. "But I wouldn't even get two words out before he stopped me."

"That," Greyson nodded, "is correct."

Indianna narrowed her eyes. "How far does your authority spread?" she asked. "You seem to have everyone under your thumb. Will no one go against you?"

"You will," he said simply.

"But it's not helping me at all," she muttered, pushing herself off the floor. "I'm going."

"Where?"

"Away from you," she said honestly, throwing his jacket at him. "Just leave me alone."

"Sugar—"

Indianna grabbed it back from the floor, glaring at him. "I've told you not to call me that!"

"Stop."

"No, you stop!"

Greyson caught her wrist, holding her still. "Just because you're not near me doesn't mean I can't talk to you," he said quietly. You can't get away from me.

"Greyson!" she exclaimed, closing her eyes in frustration. "Please. I've had enough of you! Just give me some f*****g peace!"

He narrowed his eyes at her, but after a few moments, he released her arm, letting her walk away.

Brooklyn, who had watched the exchange, sighed. "She needs to know the truth."

"Leave it, Brooklyn," Greyson snapped.

"Why? Why won't you tell her?"

"The time isn't right."

"Greyson, if you wait for the right time, it's going to be too late. She's going to hate you."

"What is this place? Your safe haven?" Cassie asked, sitting next to Indianna. "You're in here a lot."

"I guess it's something like that," Indianna mumbled, glancing around the library. She liked it here. She liked the peace.

"What are you reading?"

Indianna held up her book. To Kill a Mockingbird. Cassie scrunched her nose.

"Oh God, I hate that book. It's so boring!"

"I quite like it," Indianna said. "I like the way it's written from Scout's point of view. Everything is so simple, from a child's perspective."

"Boring."

Dread filled Indianna as Greyson sat down across from her and Cassie. He laced his fingers on the table and leaned forward, eyes fixed on Cassie. His smile wasn't genuine. "It's Cassie, isn't it?"

Cassie blinked in shock, barely nodding.

"Wonderful. Now f**k off."

"Greyson!" Indianna gasped. "You can't say that! Cassie, I'm sorry—"

"Leave," Greyson interrupted. "Now."

Cassie disappeared in a blink, not daring to anger him.

"Oh my god," Indianna groaned, covering her face. "What is wrong with you? I told you to leave me alone."

"I don't do what I'm told, sugar," he replied.

"Why are you doing this, Greyson?" she asked. "It's exhausting. Why are you interested in me? I'm nothing special."

Greyson gently lifted her hands from her face and tilted her chin to look at him. "That's exactly why I'm interested. You have no idea just how special you are, sugar."

"Can you ever give me a straight answer, or do you enjoy giving answers that create more questions?" she asked, pulling away. His touch made her dizzy. She couldn't think straight.

"I'm not leaving, so we may as well talk," he said, smiling.

Indianna closed her eyes, refusing to engage. She wouldn't talk to him unless he gave answers.

"Sugar, talk to me. It's rude."

She opened one eye, arching an eyebrow. He gritted his teeth, a small chuckle escaping.

"We've already established I'm not a patient man."

She stayed silent.

You can't ignore me, sugar.

A sudden announcement over the school speakers made Indianna jump:

"ALL STUDENTS MAY LEAVE THE SCHOOL PREMISES. THE STORM HAS NOW ENDED. ALL STUDENTS MAY GO HOME. I REPEAT, ALL STUDENTS MAY VACATE THE PREMISES. THANK YOU."

She scrambled up, grabbing her bag and following the rush of students down the stairs and into the car park. A fallen tree blocked part of the way, and the rain began to fall harder. She dug her hands into her pockets, hoping to avoid calling her mother.

A familiar voice stopped her. "Get in."

Indianna froze, turning to see Greyson in a car parked beside her. She rolled her eyes and kept walking.

"It's raining and you're sick! You'll feel even worse if you walk home in this."

"I'm fine!"

Sugar, I'm trying to be nice.

I wasn't aware you were capable of being nice.

Funny, he muttered. "Indianna, get in the goddamn car." He maneuvered the vehicle across the pavement, blocking her path. "Now. Please?"

Indianna pursed her lips but, seeing no escape, sighed and walked around the car. She slid into the passenger seat, slamming the door behind her.

"I'll pretend you didn't do that," Greyson muttered, waiting for her to buckle up before reversing.

Silence stretched between them.

"You're coming out with me tonight," he finally said.

Indianna didn't respond. He didn't take his eyes off the road.

"I can't guarantee it'll be worth your while, sugar."

She pursed her lips.

"I'll pick you up at seven."

"You will do no such thing."

"I will. Come to dinner with me, and I promise I'll answer some of your questions."

Greyson smirked, reading her hesitation. She wanted to refuse but wanted answers more. "You promise me?"

He stopped outside her house. "Yes. I promise. Some answers tonight."

"Fine. I'll go."

"You didn't have a choice, but I'm glad I won't have to drag you later."

Indianna glared and swung the door open.

"Do I not get a thank you?" he called.

She shut the door in his face.

"7 PM!" Greyson yelled through the window. "I don't like to be kept waiting, sugar!"