"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-"

The boy was cut off by a very familiar voice. Indianna turned to see Greyson, his eyes dark and locked on the guy holding her. "The girl asked you to let her go."

The boy scoffed without facing him. "Fuck off, mate, I'm busy."

Greyson raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp on the back of the boy's head. "Big mistake," he murmured. Indianna gasped as she saw Greyson's fingers wrap around the boy's throat.

The boy froze, eyes wide with fear as Greyson pressed closer. "Let her go," he whispered, his tone dark and menacing. The shiver it sent down Indianna's spine had nothing to do with her illness.

Immediately, she was released. She stumbled backward, crying out in surprise as she bumped into someone. Panic set in-whether from shock or feeling ill, she wasn't sure-but the person steadied her.

"Relax," a calm voice said. Indianna looked up into the kind eyes of Ace, Greyson's friend. The nice one. "Relax, it's just me. I'm not going to hurt you. Are you-"

Indianna's attention was ripped from Ace when she heard a loud crash. She looked over to see Greyson had thrown the boy into a row of lockers. He crumpled to the ground in pain.

"Mate, I'm sorry-"

Greyson grabbed the boy off the floor and shoved him up against the now-dented lockers. "Don't fucking call me mate," Greyson hissed.

"What happened?" Brooklyn appeared at Indianna's side as a crowd began to gather around Greyson and the boy. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

"I..." Indianna looked back at Greyson and cringed as he punched the boy, the force making the boy's nose bleed.

"Apologise to her!" Greyson growled, and all eyes turned to Indianna. Her eyes widened, her skin paler than she thought possible. "Apologise now, Josh, or I'll make sure you won't live to see the sun! Now!"

"Fuck!" Josh shouted, prying at Greyson's arm that was across his throat. "I'm sorry! Fuck, I'm sorry!"

"I don't think you mean it," Greyson hissed, applying more pressure to Josh's throat.

"I do!" Josh yelled, eyes wide with fear. "I'm sorry! I am!"

"Better," Greyson snapped, dropping Josh to the floor. "Now get out of my sight before I do something I will not regret!"

Josh scrambled away within seconds, eyes darting nervously toward Indianna. Her mouth fell slightly open, staring at Greyson in shock. She hadn't thought he could be that terrifying.

"What?" Greyson barked, glancing at the crowd of curious students. "Move along!"

"What happened?" Brooklyn asked as the crowd started to disperse.

"I..." Indianna's eyes stayed locked on Greyson as she stepped backward. "I... I have to go-"

"Indie, wait!" Before she could turn, Greyson gently grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

"No, no, I need to-"

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Greyson said seriously. "Josh is a sick bastard. He won't bother you anymore."

"O-okay," Indianna stuttered, unsure how to view Greyson after witnessing that.

"You can stop looking at me like I'm going to hurt you," Greyson said, raising an eyebrow.

Luckily, Kal and Harry approached before Indianna could respond.

"Dude!" Kal exclaimed, grinning at Greyson. "We heard what happened!"

"What exactly happened?" Brooklyn asked, looking around as Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Josh was being inappropriate and manhandling Indianna," Ace explained.

Brooklyn's eyes widened. "God, he never learns! He's such a creep! Are you okay, Indianna?"

All eyes turned to Indianna. She groaned inwardly. "I'm fine, thank you. I think I'm going to go."

"Indie, are you really alright?" Greyson asked, scanning her up and down-not in a sexual way, but in concern. "You really look like shit."

"Thanks," Indianna said bluntly.

"He could have said it more politely," Brooklyn said, giving Greyson a look, "but he's right. You don't look well."

"I'm fine, really," Indianna insisted, turning and walking away.

She wasn't fine. The incident had distracted her briefly, but now her symptoms were flooding back-her head was pounding, she was sweating, and her whole body ached.

Go home, sugar. You're ill.

Indianna groaned. No...

Go home, the voice repeated. Now!

Make me. Indianna ducked into the girls' toilets as a sharp pain shot through her head. She cried out, clutching the sink. Stop it! Stop it, please!

The pain ceased, and the voice spoke again. I apologise. That was not intentional. As I've mentioned, I get angry easily, and I can't always control what I do when I'm angry, sugar.

You need to learn! Indianna shouted. God, you can't keep doing that!

Go home, and I pinky promise I'll work on it.

You're crazy!

Go home!

No!

I won't tell you again.

Tell me who you are, and I'll go home, Indianna said, attempting reason.

The voice scoffed. Not happening.

Then I'm not going home.

I can make the pain worse, sugar. Don't make me.

You're blackmailing me? Indianna gasped.

You are in no fit state to be at school. If blackmail is what it takes, then that's what I'll do.

You're evil.

I'm trying to look out for you.

By hurting me?

Are you going to go home?

No, Indianna said stubbornly.

The sharp pain returned, making her double over. When it passed, she noticed Brooklyn crouched in front of her, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Indianna, sweet, what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"My head," Indianna whimpered, groaning as she pulled herself up. "I had a really bad pain in my head."

"I have painkillers if you need them," Brooklyn suggested.

"Thank you, but no. It's gone now."

I don't like hurting you, sugar. I don't want to.

Then don't!

It's extremely hard to control, especially when I'm trying to help you and you're not listening.

Help me by leaving me alone!

Indianna groaned, rubbing her head. She refused to let the voice win-she would not go home.

"Maybe I should get the nurse?" Brooklyn said softly, looking at her unsurely.

"P-please don't. I'm fine."

"Lessons have started," Brooklyn said gently. She studied Indianna carefully. It was easy to tell she was ill. "You really don't look well at the moment."

"I'm fine."

"You seem to say that a lot, sweet," Brooklyn said. "I'm starting to think you aren't actually fine."

"But I am-"

"No. You're ill. You need to go home and rest."

You should listen to her. She's right. Don't make me force you, sugar. Neither of us will like it.

Indianna sighed, nodding. "Fine. You win," she whispered-not to Brooklyn. "I'll go home."

Indianna had been home for a few hours, lying on the couch, feeling like death. She tried to sleep when the doorbell rang, making her head throb. Her mother, Iris, answered.

"Hello, Mrs. Hughs."

Indianna became alert at the voice.

"I'm a friend of Indianna's. I just wanted to check in and see how she's doing."

"That's very kind. I'm glad she's making friends. What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't."

There was a pause before Iris spoke again, cautiously. "You seem familiar."

"I'm sure I do."

"What is your name?"

"Greyson Evans."

Iris gasped, and Indianna heard a thud. "You need to leave."

"Not very polite, Mrs. Hughs. My foot hurts now. Why don't you open the door fully and let me in?"

"Get out," Iris said firmly. Surprisingly, Indianna found herself agreeing. She couldn't face Greyson now-she had spent hours comparing his voice to the one in her head.

"Let's have a chat, Iris," Greyson said, stepping closer. Indianna closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

"Indianna is sleeping. You should leave," Iris said.

"Sit, Iris," Greyson commanded, taking a seat. He gestured to the couch beside him.

"What do you want, Greyson?" Iris asked meekly.

"I want an explanation."

"You're not getting one."

"I get what I want," Greyson snapped. "The more I understand, the easier it will be for her."

"I can deal with her when the time comes. We don't need your help."

"You do, Iris. This is going to happen to her very soon. She didn't randomly get ill. It's time."

"No, it's too soon!" Iris gasped.

"No, it is not."

"She's nearly eighteen. She has time-"

"She does not."

"Yes, she does!" Iris cried, panic rising in her voice.

"Do not raise your voice at me, Iris. I am here to help."

Iris sighed and looked at her daughter. "We shouldn't have come here."

"Did you really think you could help her go through this alone?" Greyson asked.

"Yes. I did."

"Then you are stupid," Greyson scoffed. Iris gasped. "You're a fool if you believed you could help her."

"How dare you-"

"How dare you," Greyson growled. "You came onto my land with her and expect us not to interfere? It's my duty to look after my own. Pack or not. The moment you crossed into this town, you signed her over to us. She belongs with us."

"W-what? No!" Iris cried. "H-how?"

"You two belong to no one. She needs a pack, and you happen to live where there is a very powerful one. Mine. I choose who's in my pack, and when the time comes, she will join mine. You have no say."

"You can't do that! She's my daughter!"

Greyson raised his eyebrows. "And?"

"We'll leave. We won't cause trouble. We'll leave tomorrow."

Greyson laughed. "Don't be a fool, Iris. If you try to leave this town, you'll never see her again. I promise."

"You're evil! You can't do that!"

"I'm trying to look out for her. I'm being nice, giving you time with her. But once it's time, she won't see you as often."

"You can't do this!" Iris pleaded.

"Do not push my boundaries, Iris. You know who I am. I'm not always this nice. Accept the time I'm giving you with her."

"She's scarred," her mother whispered. "Please."

"Her wrist."

"Not just physically. Mentally," Iris said. "She's been through a lot. You know what happened to us? The attack changed her. She used to be full of life, confident, bubbly. That day, I lost my daughter. She's a shell now. You can't just shove this life onto her."

"I'll deal with her. She'll be fine."

"She won't. I'm her mother. I can't even reach her anymore. I'm trying now, but she wants nothing to do with me."

"Trust me, Iris. She'll be fine with me. I'll get her through this."

Iris paused, narrowing her eyes at Greyson. "Why? Why are you interested in her?"

Greyson looked over, and Indianna sighed. "I think you know."

Indianna twitched, feeling both Greyson's and her mother's eyes on her.

"She's waking up," Iris said, and Indianna knew her pretending to be asleep was over.

Indianna opened her eyes and blinked, staring at Greyson. He was looking directly at her, arms crossed over his chest.

"W-what are you doing here?" she asked, sitting up on the couch.

"I came to see how you were," Greyson said.

"I'm fine."

"I think that's a lie."

"Greyson, you've seen her-you can leave now," Iris said. "She needs to rest."

Greyson raised his eyebrows at Iris, almost warningly, but he stood. "I hope you feel better, Indie," he said. "I'll see you soon."

Indianna fell back onto the couch and rubbed her eyes. She was glad the exchange hadn't lasted long; her head hurt even more, and she felt extremely confused.

Iris looked at her questioningly. "He's your friend?"

"No," Indianna answered immediately. "He's not."

"Then why would he check up on you?"

"He beat a guy up today in front of me. He must have felt bad," Indianna shrugged.

"You need to stay away from him, Indianna."

"Since when do you care about me, Mum?" Indianna snapped suddenly. "Why do you suddenly care? You've been distant for years-you can't decide out of the blue to start being a decent mother again."

"I do care about you, Indianna," Iris said softly. "Please know that."

Indianna sighed and stood, fanning herself with her hands. "Do you?" she asked, heading for the door. "That's nice to know."

She made her way to her room and sat on the window sill, opening the window wide, hoping the cool air would soothe her burning skin.

She thought back on the conversation she had overheard and frowned, trying to connect the dots but coming up empty. She desperately wanted to sleep, but her thoughts kept her wide awake. She wanted answers. Her mother was hiding something from her, and Greyson knew things about Indianna she didn't even know herself.

How?

Indianna sighed as pressure began forming in her head. She knew the voice was back. What do you want? she asked before he could speak.

That's not a very nice greeting, sugar.

I'm not in the mood.

Well, I was going to supply you with some answers, but seeing you're like this, I think I'll leave it.

No! Indianna shouted. What were you going to tell me?

It can wait.

Tell me!

Why should I, sugar?

Because I deserve to know something! Anything! Even my mother is keeping secrets from me! My head is all over the place, and I'm freaking out!

I didn't think you were really asleep.

Indianna froze, her breath catching in her throat. It's you. It really is you.

I said I'd give you some answers, sugar.

Indianna gripped the window sill, steadying herself. She had a feeling it was him, but saying his name aloud still shocked her. She swallowed nervously. Greyson?

Hello, Indie.

Indianna couldn't speak. She sat frozen in shock. Even though she had suspected Greyson before, realizing that the voice in her head was actually him left her completely speechless.

Sugar? Greyson urged, sensing her shock. Talk to me.

I...

You're shocked.

No kidding.

There's no need for bad language.

Indianna narrowed her eyes. Tell me... how is this possible?

I can't answer that yet.

But you said you'd give me answers!

I already told you who I am.

I really wish you hadn't.

Greyson's low chuckle echoed in her mind. Now, that's not very nice, sugar.

What were you saying earlier... with my mum?

I can't answer that either.

You're messed up, Greyson. Seriously messed up.

How so?

The way you talked to my mum... that wasn't right.

Care to elaborate?

You said I 'belong to you' and something about crossing the border into your land. And what the hell is a 'pack'?

You're full of questions, sugar.

And you find that annoying?

No... quite the opposite. But do you have to ask so many?

Indianna's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe this boy. This is your fault! You can't just start talking to a girl in her head and then call her annoying for asking questions!

You're talking a lot. You're angry, Greyson observed.

Yeah, you think?

You're way more talkative in your head than in person.

And what does that matter?

Just an observation.

Indianna huffed and rubbed her eyes. She couldn't deal with him right now-he was infuriating, and she wasn't sure if it was intentional. If you're not going to answer my questions, then don't talk to me.

Then I'll see you tomorrow, sugar.

I'm sick. You blackmailed me into going home today. Who says I'll even be better tomorrow?

I do.

Greyson was right.

The next morning, Indianna felt better. Her head no longer pounded like a drum, and she didn't feel like she was constantly going to be sick. She was well-rested, though her temperature was still a little high. That meant there was no avoiding school.

She had to see Greyson.

She sighed and climbed out of bed, heading to the bathroom to shower and get ready. She washed quickly, changed into a pair of jeans and a vest top, and slipped on sandals. The sun was shining brightly when she opened the curtains, glancing at her reflection in the window. She looked tired and worn out, but it was a definite improvement from yesterday.

She suddenly felt a shift in her head and sighed, knowing Greyson was in her mind.

I told you you'd feel better, he said.

I don't want to talk to you, Indianna said immediately. But I'm going to have to see you at school, so it's not like I have a choice whether I speak to you or not, is it?

Correct. See you soon, sugar.

"I don't like being called sugar," Indianna muttered under her breath as she walked into the kitchen where her mother was eating breakfast.

"Good morning, Indie. Feeling better today?" Iris asked.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure-"

"Yes, mum," Indianna interrupted sharply, grabbing an apple. "I'm freaking amazing. Can we go?"

Iris frowned. "There's no need for attitude, Indianna."

"How long is your caring going to last, mum?" Indianna snapped, her temper short from Greyson and her rough night. "In a few days, you'll act like I hardly exist. Just stop pretending. Being mother and daughter died when Dad did." She blinked, shocked she had said all that, but she didn't regret it. "I'll be in the car... Iris."

The drive to school was silent and awkward. Indianna scrambled out of the car as soon as it stopped and rushed inside, heading to her locker while cautiously scanning the halls, hoping not to spot Greyson.

Josh, the boy from yesterday, blocked her path.

"It's Indianna, right?" he asked, his eyes pleading. "Relax, I just wanted to apologise." His bottom lip had stitches, and a faint bruise ran across his cheekbone.

"Stay away from me," Indianna muttered, trying to pass him, but he stepped in her way.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" He sounded desperate but far from sincere. "Just... make sure he knows I apologized-"

"Josh." Ace appeared, and Indianna stiffened. If Ace was here, Greyson couldn't be far. "Greyson told you to stay away from her," Ace said calmly, stepping between them.

"Fine. Whatever. I tried," Josh muttered, puffing out his chest, then turned and walked away.

Ace rolled his eyes and smiled warmly at Indianna. "You okay? He didn't bother you too much, did he?"

"I'm fine," she mumbled, walking off, wondering what Ace knew. Did he know Greyson could get into her mind? About all the secrets hidden from her? She had a feeling he did.

At her locker, she groaned. Greyson was leaning against it, talking to Kal. Instinctively, she turned away, but Brooklyn and Harry appeared, blocking her escape.

"Indianna!" Brooklyn called brightly.

"Yeah," Indianna muttered, glancing at Greyson, who was watching her intently.

"That's great, sweet. Feeling better? How's your head?"

"It's fine now," she said, not telling the full truth. "Thanks, but I need to go." She excused herself and hurried down the hall, trying to create space between her and Greyson.

She yelped as she crashed into someone. Papers flew, books tumbled. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry!" she gasped, bending to gather them. A mousy brown-haired girl crouched opposite her, stacking the fallen books, smiling kindly.

"So am I! I wasn't looking where I was going," the girl said. "Hi, I'm Cassie. You must be the new girl?"

"Indianna," she said shyly, handing over papers. "Really, I'm sorry."

"It's fine! Nice to meet you, Indianna. Even if you did knock my homework over."

Indianna chuckled. "I wasn't paying attention-sorry!"

"Don't worry! I drop everything all the time because I'm clumsy. I probably would have dropped something today anyway." Cassie laughed, eyes widening as the bell rang. "Shoot, I'm late! Gotta run, but it was nice meeting you!"

Indianna followed her to class and spotted Cassie at the front, organized and neat. She slumped to the back, hoping Greyson wouldn't notice her.

He did. Slowly, he walked to her desk and rested his arm across the back of her chair. She knew it was to keep her from leaving. He was trapping her, staring directly at her.

"Good morning, sugar," he said.

Indianna sighed and scowled. "Don't call me sugar."

"Sugar it is then," he grinned.

"You're an ass."

"Oh, sugar, I should get you some soap," Greyson whispered in her ear. "To wash out that dirty mouth of yours."

Indianna's jaw dropped. Greyson smirked. "I thought that would leave you speechless."

"You can't say things like that!" she gasped, blushing again.

He leaned back, chuckling. "I wanted to apologise, Indie, for the pain I caused. I didn't mean to, but you weren't listening, and I got angry. I couldn't control it." His dark gaze met hers. "I don't like it when people don't do as I say. Self-control is something I need to work on-especially with you."

"I never would've guessed," she murmured, looking away.

No need for sarcasm, sugar, Greyson said in her head.

"Don't do that!" she snapped, heart pounding. "That's not right!"

Why not? he asked, grinning. "It mixes things up a bit. I'm not one for boring, sugar."

"Greyson," she hissed, temper rising, "don't talk to me if you aren't going to give me answers!"

He raised an eyebrow. "You're talking a lot today."

"Well, you said it-it's my anger!"

"Do I make you angry, sugar?"

"More every second."

"Fantastic," he said, grinning. "I'll give you answers... when the time is right."

"Tell me now!"

"No."

She clenched her fists. "Fucking hell, Greyson!"

"You're not very polite, sugar," he teased.

"Are you really surprised?" she snapped.

"Acting like what?"

"You're intolerable," she groaned.

"You aren't making things easy either, sugar," he countered.

"Fine. Then leave. I wouldn't care."

"Ah, but I would," he murmured. She looked to the door, hoping a teacher would come. Students were staring-some envious, some glaring.

"Ignore them, sugar," Greyson whispered in her ear.

"Why are they glaring at me?" she asked nervously.

"Because you're talking to me," he said.

"My goal was to blend in, not attract attention."

"Blending in went out the window the moment I saw you, Indianna Hughs."

She looked down at her hands, silent, thinking of her wrist scar. Wolves, she whispered.

Greyson stiffened. "What did you say?"

"They travel in packs, don't they?" she asked quietly.

"They do," he said slowly.

"You mentioned a pack earlier. Greyson... is this about the wolves that attacked me? And... killed my father?" Her voice cracked.

Greyson was silent a moment. "Not really."

"Not really?"

"That's what I said."

"Why were you talking about a pack?"

"I can't say."

Indianna sighed. "Of course you can't."

The teacher entered, and Indianna turned her attention to the front, but she could still feel Greyson's eyes on her the entire time.