Caught by the Alpha's Gaze

"Hello, Indianna."

Indianna looked up in surprise when Greyson sat next to her in their next class-French. She quickly lowered her gaze the moment their eyes met, fidgeting nervously in her seat. She didn't say anything.

"Now, this is the part where you say hi back," Greyson said in a low voice. "Otherwise, it's considered rude, Indianna."

He smirked, his dark eyes glinting with amusement as Indianna's eyes widened and she forced out a quiet, "Hi."

"I don't think I introduced myself in our last class. I'm Greyson Evans."

He spoke with a confidence Indianna had never known. It was obvious he wasn't used to being questioned-or challenged. He was used to being in control. And he liked it.

"Yeah... Brooke told me," Indianna said softly.

She was certain she wouldn't forget who Greyson Evans was anytime soon. Just having him this close made her nervous. Her skin buzzed from their proximity, and he seemed to take over all her senses. She could feel his body heat, smell his cologne, and when he spoke, all she could focus on was his deep, velvety voice.

"Brooklyn," he murmured, nodding.

His gaze lingered on her, studying her carefully. He noticed how she avoided eye contact.

"You'd do well to stick with her. Brandon, however... he's a miserable jerk."

Indianna glanced at him briefly. "He seems nice."

Greyson rolled his eyes. "Not everyone in this town is who they say they are, Indianna."

Her brows furrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just be careful who you make friends with," he said firmly.

Indianna hesitated. Why did he care?

"But Brandon and Brooke-"

"They're good people," Greyson cut in with a dismissive wave. "I just don't like Brandon. It's not them I'm talking about."

"I haven't met anyone else."

Not unless she counted the voice in her head.

"I'm not surprised."

"Why?"

This time, she met his eyes.

"You're not exactly approachable, are you... Indie?"

"Indie?"

Greyson ignored her reaction.

"I get it. You're shy. You're not used to people, are you?" He leaned back slightly, still watching her. "I plan to change that, though. It's not every day I get to help a social outcast."

"What? I'm not a-"

"I'm teasing," he interrupted with a quiet chuckle. "Relax."

Then his expression shifted-something darker, more intense.

"Besides... do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position right now?"

Indianna blinked. "No?"

Greyson leaned closer.

Her breath hitched.

"With a snap of my fingers, I could have anything I want," he whispered. "People are terrified of me... but they want me too. And here I am-talking to you."

"Oh... okay."

Indianna didn't know what else to say. She wasn't good at conversations-especially not with someone like him. Confident. Cocky. Completely sure of himself.

"So, Indie," Greyson continued when she stayed quiet, "why did you move here?"

"My mom wanted a change of scenery," Indianna answered.

But her voice had gone distant.

She didn't want to talk anymore.

She wanted to be left alone.

She could feel the stares around the room-students watching, whispering, wondering why Greyson Evans was talking to the shy new girl.

And she hated every second of it.

"Do you live with your father?" Greyson pressed, fully aware of the students whispering about the two of them.

He didn't care.

"No," Indianna answered after a pause, fiddling with the ring on her finger. "He's not with us."

"Away," Greyson murmured, raising an eyebrow. "Okay."

"Why are you talking to me?" Indianna asked suddenly, surprising even herself with the confidence in her voice. She knew boys like Greyson. They didn't waste time on girls like her.

"Because I want to," he said simply. "And I always get what I want."

There wasn't a hint of doubt in his tone.

Indianna frowned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn't understand what he wanted-but she nodded anyway.

"Okay."

"What's this?" Greyson asked suddenly, grabbing her wrist and turning it over.

Indianna froze.

Her face went pale, eyes wide as her entire body tensed. Her pulse spiked under his grip.

"G-Greyson... let go of me."

"What is it?" he repeated, watching her closely.

"You're making me uncomfortable!" She tried to pull away, but his grip didn't loosen. She swallowed hard, meeting his dark eyes. "You can see what it is," she whispered shakily.

Greyson blinked once. "How did you get it?"

Indianna's voice hardened, a bitter edge slipping through. "How else do you get a bite mark scar? You get bitten."

"You were attacked?"

Silence.

"Answer me, Indie. I don't like being ignored."

Indianna gulped, looking away. He was starting to scare her-but she knew the easiest way out was to answer.

"Yes," she said quietly. "I was attacked."

Greyson let go.

But before she could move, she shot out of her seat-only for him to block her path instantly.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, smirking down at her.

Indianna stared at him, shock turning into anger.

"Are you insane?" she hissed. "Do you enjoy terrorizing new girls? Is that what gets you-"

She groaned in frustration when he blocked her again. Pressing her palm to her forehead, she exhaled sharply.

"Please. Just let me pass."

"Don't move," Greyson said, his voice turning sharp.

"You can't tell me what to do!"

Her temper snapped.

The quiet, shy girl faded-replaced by something fiercer.

"Move!" she snapped.

Greyson's jaw tightened as he grabbed her arm again, holding her in place.

"I said," he whispered in her ear, his voice low-dangerously close to a growl, "don't move. Now sit down... and do as I say."

A shiver ran down her spine.

She was scared of him.

But her anger burned hotter.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Indianna shot back. "My father? You don't get to order me around. You're insane. Move-or I will scream."

For a second-

Something changed.

The coldness in Greyson's expression faded, replaced with something softer. Not kind... but different.

His grip loosened.

Indianna pulled her arm free.

"It's anger," he said after a moment, studying her.

She blinked. "W-what?"

"Anger," he repeated. "That's what brings out your confidence. It makes you stand up for yourself."

Indianna stared at him in disbelief.

"You did that on purpose?" she demanded. "You were trying to piss me off?"

Greyson's lips twitched. "I wanted to test a theory."

"You were scaring me!"

"I wanted to see how long it would take."

"That's cruel!"

"Don't worry about it," he said dismissively, dropping back into his seat. He gestured beside him. "Are you going to sit down?"

"Tell me, Greyson!"

"It's not the right time."

Indianna froze.

The same words.

The voice.

It's you.

She stared at him, saying it in her mind.

Greyson didn't react. His face stayed blank.

Slowly, she sat back down-missing the faint smirk tugging at his lips.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Indianna jumped.

The voice echoed clearly in her head.

Her eyes snapped to Greyson.

There it was again-that presence. Like someone pushing into her mind, forcing their way in.

"Are you okay, Indie?" Greyson asked casually.

Indianna narrowed her eyes, staring at her hands. "I'm fine," she muttered.

You do know what I'm talking about, she pushed back.

No. I'm afraid I don't.

Then tell me who you are-and what you're doing in my head. If you're in my mind... does that mean-

Yes, the voice cut in smoothly. I can read your thoughts.

"Oh my gosh..." Indianna whispered. Who are you?

I can't tell you yet, Indie.

Her breath caught.

She looked up at Greyson.

He was on his phone.

Then slowly-he turned to her.

"Do you want something, Indie?"

"I-uh..." She shook her head quickly. "No. Nothing."

You're going to drive me insane, she thought.

Glad I could help, sugar.

Sugar?

Is there a problem with that?

Yes. I don't like it.

Then it's perfect.

Indianna clenched her jaw.

She barely knew him-but she could already imagine that smirk.

She already hated him.

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

Stay out of my head. Leave me alone.

You're no fun.

Get out of my head!

I'll be back, sugar.

The presence vanished.

Just like that.

Indianna let out a slow breath.

It was only second period...

And she already felt exhausted.

"Are you alright, Indie?" Greyson asked.

Indianna rubbed her eyes, tired.

"I honestly have no idea."