Caught by the Alpha's Gaze

"How was school?"

Indianna's mother, Iris, stood by the door when Indianna arrived home. She was smiling kindly, but Indianna didn't return it. She had a complicated relationship with her mother, and lately, she was growing tired of it. Iris had been wonderful when Indianna was younger-adored her, doted on her, did everything she could. That changed after her father died. Since then, Iris had retreated into herself, and the warmth she once showed Indianna had faded. She still cared, but Indianna often felt unwanted.

On the rare days Iris seemed interested in her life, Indianna knew it wouldn't last. Tomorrow or the day after, Iris would return to wandering the house, lost in her own thoughts, and their conversations would remain basic and distant.

"It was fine," Indianna said, climbing the stairs to her new room, still cluttered with cardboard boxes filled with unpacked belongings. She collapsed onto her double bed, letting the soft duvet swallow her. Her eyes fluttered shut as she replayed the day in her mind, first thinking of the voice in her head, then Greyson, before realizing a strange pushing sensation in her skull-the voice was back.

Indianna's eyes snapped open. She sat up, bracing herself to confront the voice-but immediately felt the world spin. Nausea hit her like a wave. Her stomach churned, sweat beaded along her back, and she gagged. Her gaze landed on the door to her ensuite, swaying slightly as she rose cautiously.

"Oh no," Indianna whispered, stomach lurching as she scrambled to the bathroom. She fell to the floor by the toilet, gagging again. Seconds later, the contents of her lunch were in the bowl. Gasping, she clutched the side, gripping the seat to keep herself upright. Her body weakened further, and she groaned as she emptied more. Eventually, she collapsed back onto the cold bathroom floor, too weak to move. Darkness edged in.

Indianna woke with a start, jolting upright from the floor. Her skin was slick with sweat, her breathing ragged. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled back into her room. Outside, it was dark. Glancing at the clock, she realized she had slept all night on the bathroom floor.

Sighing, she returned to the bathroom and flicked on the light. Her reflection was pale, dark circles under her eyes making her look as bad as she felt.

She decided to shower, hoping the cool water would soothe her headache and calm her body. It helped briefly, but stepping out, the heat returned, stronger than the night before.

Dressing was slow and arduous. Any quick movement blurred her vision, and nausea churned in her stomach. She tugged a vest over her head, stumbled, and grabbed her bed for support. Eventually, fully dressed, she collapsed back onto the mattress, panting with effort.

Her body felt prickled by tiny needles, and she whimpered quietly. Hating this feeling, she reached for her shoes. She didn't want to go to school, but maybe a distraction was all she needed. Surely, she'd feel better once she was on her way.

Why are you going to school? You are clearly ill, sugar.

Indianna had been waiting for the voice. She'd felt him before she fell asleep, and since waking, his presence had lingered. Finally, you speak up.

Why are you going to school, sugar?

It's my second day. I can't skip already.

Yes, you can, and you should.

No, I shouldn't. Besides, I'm not staying at home with my mother.

You don't get along?

Indianna frowned. Not really.

That shouldn't be the reason you go to school.

It's not the only reason.

You should stay home, sugar.

I'm fine. This will probably all pass in a couple of hours. Her voice sounded like she was convincing herself more than the voice.

It probably won't.

Indianna ignored him and stood, bracing herself. I guess we're going to find out.

The sun was shining brightly, and it only made Indianna feel worse as she walked into school that day.

You shouldn't have come in, sugar.

If you aren't going to answer my questions, then don't talk to me, Indianna replied quickly, narrowing her eyes at the ground as she entered the building. Her temper was particularly short today.

"Hey, beautiful."

Indianna froze when a brown-haired boy stepped in front of her. Her eyes went wide.

"Are you new around here?" the boy asked, and Indianna felt immediately uncomfortable as his eyes shamelessly scanned her from head to toe.

She hadn't dressed as modestly as the day before because of her soaring temperature, but her shorts and vest top were not an invitation for him to leer like that.

"I'm sure I'd remember someone like you," he continued, smirking. He clearly thought he was charming, but Indianna just felt wary, the sleazy glint in his eyes putting her on edge.

"Sorry," she murmured quietly and stepped aside. "I have somewhere I need to be."

"Where are you in such a rush?" the boy said, placing a hand on her arm. Indianna stiffened, recoiling from his clammy touch. "I can show you around, sweet cheeks."

"I'm good, thank you," Indianna said, trying to step back-but suddenly, he pulled her forward. She crashed into his chest, dazed for a moment, before his tight grip on her arm snapped her back to reality.

"You should be more grateful!" the boy snapped. Indianna shrank as far away as she could. "A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be left alone-there are some mean guys around here."

"G-get off me!" Indianna whimpered, her heart hammering in her chest. She pushed at him, but he was strong.

"You need someone like me to look after you, darling." The edge in his voice sent fear coursing through her.

"P-please! Please, let me go!"

"You-"