"They're going to think I'm some sort of mental person," Indianna mumbled, rubbing her scarred wrist with her hand.
"No they won't. You are their Luna and they will do everything possible to help you. The bond pack members feel towards their Alpha and Luna is indescribable. I don't know if Kal or Greyson have told you this, but pack members are super protective of their Luna. It's embedded in werewolf DNA. You are one of the most important people in this pack, one day you will bring pups into this world and they will be next in line for the Alpha title, you are vital for the continuation of the pack. Because of this pack members are drawn to protect you, whether they realise they are doing it or not. No one is going to judge you. They're going to want to help you. Protect you. Make you feel comfortable and at ease."
Indianna gulped and looked at Brooke. "Why will they want to do that for... Me?"
"Hun, did you just hear anything I just said?" Brooke said with a laugh. "Indie, I'm telling to truth. No one is going to judge you, force you to talk to loads of people or put unnecessary pressure on you."
Indianna chewed on her lip nervously and sighed. "Promise?"
"I promise, Hun. Being the mate of the pack Warrior has its perks, if anyone does make you uncomfortable I've got mad skills," Brooke grinned and punched the air.
"Mad skills?" Indianna repeated with a laugh and Brooke chuckled.
"Okay, that's a lie. Harry is teaching me how to fight, but it's not good learning from the best fighter in the pack, I always end up on my ass! I'm only little, I can't punch for shit!" Indianna laughed again and Brooke jumped up from the bed and held her hand out. "Ready, Indie?"
Indianna took a deep breath and grabbed Brooke's hand and stood up. Brooke smiled comfortingly and linked her arm through Indianna's, walking to the door. The pack house was empty as they made their way through the corridors and Indianna took the moment of peace to try and calm her breathing.
She suddenly wanted to be near Greyson. To feel his touch and let the sparks run up and down her body. She felt very on edge, knowing that she was going to walk into a room full of strangers. She needed Greyson to sooth her nerves. Make her feel safe.
She hated that she wanted him.
Indianna gulped when she heard Greyson's voice and her eyes landed on a large set of doors that were getting closer every step she was taking.
"Respect her space, respect her," Greyson was saying. "She needs time to get comfortable and open up. If I see anyone making her uncomfortable I will not be happy. You may do it by accident so just be careful. Give her time and she will feel at home soon enough."
Indianna and Brooke stopped by the door and Indianna took a deep breath as Brooke started to push the door open. Indianna peeked through the gap and she gasped when she saw the amount of people in the hall they were about to enter.
"Brooke!" Indianna whispered, grabbing Brooke's hand in panic. "Everyone is going to be looking at me... I can't."
"You can, Hun," Brooke said soothingly as Greyson started to talk about Rogue.
"He is our top priority!" Greyson announced. "Kill on sight. He needs to be taken out as soon as possible."
Indianna zoned Greyson's deep and raspy voice out and focused on Brooke. "You'll be fine," Brooke said softly, pushing the doors open the whole way.
Greyson's eyes snapped to Indianna's and he nodded slightly to Brooke who shrugged and squeezed Indianna's hand comfortingly. Indianna looked around the large hall and gulped when she saw every single pair of eyes trained on her. There was an aisle running down the middle of the hall and Brooke nudged Indianna, walking down the aisle.
"Everybody!" Greyson called, holding his hand out to Indianna to help her up the stairs and onto the stage. Indianna gripped his hand tightly and he pulled her into his side, wrapping his arm around her protectively. The sparks shot down her arm and calmed her slightly. She leaned into Greyson's chest and warily looked out into the large crowd.
She was terrified.
She hated how she was meant to have so much responsibility over these people. How she was meant to lead them. Bond with them.
The thought of having to make relationships and open up to that many people scared her.
"Everyone," Greyson repeated and ran his fingers up and down Indianna's arm. "I'd like to introduce your Luna and my mate: Indianna Hughs. Indie, meet the the members of your pack." Every single pack member rose from their seats and bowed their heads to Indianna, making her frown.
"No," Indianna said quietly, looking up to Greyson. "I don't want people bowing to me."
"It's respectful," Greyson said into her ear.
"I don't like it. I don't want them bowing."
"Everyone, you heard your Luna," Greyson called and it was then when Indianna remembered about the heightened hearing of a werewolf. "She doesn't want you to bow." The pack all sat back down and Greyson kissed Indianna gently on her forehead. "You are all dismissed, but don't forget training tomorrow!" Greyson called and the pack all rose and headed for the door.
Indianna sighed loudly and elbowed Greyson in the ribs. "I hate you."
"No you don't," Greyson smirked and they made their way down from the stage. "See, it wasn't that bad."
"I don't like people!" Indianna snapped. "Of course it was bad!"
"You didn't do anything."
"And even that made me want to shit my pants," Indianna muttered and Kal snorted, overhearing their conversation.
"You were fine," Brooke assured Indianna and smiled at her as Harry wrapped his arms round Brooke's waist.
"Alpha," a woman called and made her way over to Greyson and the others.
"What, Marianne?" Greyson asked and the woman- Marianne- looked at Indianna with wide eyes. Indianna squirmed uncomfortably under her gaze and Greyson stiffened. "What did I just talk about, Marianna?"
"Oh my, I apologise, Luna, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, it's just... You look so much like him," Marianne said softly and Indianna frowned. "Your father."
"You knew him?" Indianna whispered.
"Our packs used to be close, even though we were a continent away from each other. Your mother and I were close friends. I knew your father well. He was a great man, I am awfully sorry for what happened to him. He didn't deserve it."
Indianna nodded and scratched the scar on her wrist. "He didn't."
"I was wondering if your mother was in town," Marianne said. "I would love to see her again."
"She is," Indianna said stiffly.
"Her mother and her aren't close," Greyson explained. "However I will arrange for one of the guards we have placed on her to take you to her house."
"Thank you, Alpha," Marianna smiled and looked at Indianna. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"Yeah," Indianna mumbled. "You too."
Marianne walked off and Greyson looked down at Indianna. "You okay with her seeing your mum?"
Indianna shrugged. "I don't control who my mother sees."
"Oh shoot!" Brooke exclaimed suddenly, looking at her phone. "I'm late for work, I've got to run."
"I'll take you," Harry said and Brooke waved her hand dismissively.
"It's fine, I can walk."
"Do you really think I'm going to let you walk through the woods alone when Rogue is out there?" Harry said. His expression was blank, but Brooke knew he wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Lead the way," she sighed and Harry put his arm round Brooke's shoulder and they walked out of the room.
"You hungry?" Greyson asked Indianna and she shrugged.
"A little."
"Come on then," Greyson said and held his hand out.
"I remember the way," Indianna said with a small smirk and walked past him.
Greyson chuckled and shook his head, catching up to Indianna in a few short strides. The corridors were busy and full of life when Greyson and Indianna exited the room and Indianna grabbed Greyson's hand, liking how the tingles calmed her nerves. *They aren't going to hurt you, sugar. You don't need to be scared.*
*Greyson, shut up,* Indianna muttered. "I know I don't, I just can't help it."
It was empty in the kitchen and Greyson let go of Indianna's hand to search through the cupboards. He grabbed a bunch of ingredients and put a frying pan on the hob. "Omelette alright?" He asked and Indianna nodded. Greyson started to cook and Indianna watched in
*Thanks,* Greyson said and Indianna went red, glaring at Greyson.
"Shut up," she muttered and Greyson smirked, sliding a plate in front of her.
"Done," he said, handing her a knife and fork. "Eat up."
"Greyson," Indianna said after a moment. "Where are your parents?"
"On holiday," he said. "They should be back in a few weeks."
"Oh," Indianna nodded and started to eat her food. She was halfway through her omelette when she frowned and dropped her knife and fork.
"What's wrong?" Greyson asked.
"I smell something," Indianna said and scrunched her nose up. "Blood. I smell blood."
*