Caught by the Alpha's Gaze

"She's shy," Brooklyn shrugged, glancing at Indianna, who looked like she wanted to be anywhere but in the classroom with them.

"Well, come on. I don't bite," Greyson urged, and Indianna stiffened-just like before.

"Don't talk about that," Indianna said. Her voice was still quiet, but firm.

"Struck a nerve, have I?" Greyson wondered. He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Somebody likes it rough."

Indianna Hughs had always been the quiet one-the shy one. She stayed in the background, blending in, never getting noticed. She liked it that way.

So when she was forced to move schools, she wasn't happy. Everyone notices the new kid-and she didn't want that kind of attention, especially not from Mr. Bad Boy, who already seemed a little too interested in her.

"You'll be fine," Indianna's mother said, waving her hand dismissively.

Indianna looked out the car window, raising her dark eyebrows at the large red-brick building in front of them.

"Just be social and make friends!"

"Social," Indianna muttered as she grabbed her bag from the back seat. "Sure."

She climbed out of the car, ignoring her mother's cheerful goodbye. The door slammed behind her as she glanced up at the school. The parking lot was crowded with students-laughing, talking, existing like it was easy.

Students who noticed Indianna.

She groaned quietly and swung her bag over her shoulder. Lowering her gaze, she made her way up the steps and into the bustling corridors. Her teeth clenched as she flinched every time she accidentally brushed shoulders with someone.

If she couldn't see them... maybe they couldn't see her either.

She knew that was stupid.

The town Indianna and her mother had moved to wasn't small-but it wasn't big either. People didn't all know each other personally, but they could recognize a new face from a mile away.

And that made her anxiety spike.

She hated being noticed.

Her grip tightened around the strap of her bag as she pushed through the busy hallway. She had come to the school a few days earlier, and the principal had shown her around, so it didn't take long to find her locker.

She fumbled with the lock before finally opening it, quickly grabbing the neatly stacked textbooks and stuffing them into her bag.

Indianna hated that she could feel everyone's curious gazes on her. She hated that she stood out.

She swallowed nervously and looked at the crumpled piece of paper in her hands, scanning her timetable. Her first lesson was History.

After stuffing it back into her pocket, she braced herself and walked down the rowdy corridors, hoping to find her class quickly-just so she could have a moment of peace before being surrounded by a room full of strangers.

Indianna let out a quiet sigh of relief when she finally made it to the classroom. It was relatively empty.

Perfect.

She made a beeline for a seat at the back. No eyes on her.

Her shoulders relaxed as she leaned back in her chair.

One year, she told herself. Just one year.

She only had to survive one year in this town. Then she'd graduate... and she'd be free.

"Hi!"

Indianna's heart jumped as a blonde, curly-haired girl suddenly appeared beside her. She had a bright smile and kind brown eyes.

"You're Indianna, right? The new girl? You moved here with your mom?"

Indianna stared at her, wide-eyed.

She had wanted to go unnoticed-but clearly, that wasn't happening.

"I'm sorry," the girl said quickly, noticing her discomfort as she sat down beside her. "I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to introduce myself. I know what it's like to be new here-I moved last year. I'm Brooklyn, but everyone calls me Brooke."

Indianna nodded, staring down at her hands. She picked at her chipped nail polish, silently hoping Brooke would leave.

She wasn't good with people.

She preferred being alone.

Brooklyn blinked, waiting. When the silence stretched too long, she chewed on her lip.

"Not a people person?" she guessed. "That's okay. People say I talk enough for two anyway."

Indianna glanced at her briefly. Brooklyn was smiling.

"You can talk to me," she added gently. "I promise I don't bite-unlike some people in this school."

Indianna stiffened.

"No," she whispered quickly. Her voice was soft, almost fragile.

Brooklyn frowned. "No?"

"Don't... talk about that. Please."

"Talk about what?"

"Biting," Indianna muttered, forcing the word out like it burned. Her fingers tightened around her wrist, panic flashing in her eyes.

"Oh-I'm sorry," Brooklyn said quickly. "I didn't realize. I talk too much sometimes and say stupid things-I'll just... stop now-Brandon! Thank God."

A guy walked over to them. He had the same curly blonde hair and brown eyes.

"Brooke, you're not scaring the new girl, are you?" he teased with a grin, looking at Indianna curiously.

Everyone here was curious about her.

To them, she was a mystery.

And people in small towns loved solving mysteries.

"No!" Brooklyn laughed, hitting his arm as he sat down. "Well... not on purpose. Indianna, this is Brandon-my cousin. Brandon, meet Indianna."

"Hi," Brandon said warmly. "Nice to meet you."

Indianna forced a small smile. "Hello."

"She's a little shy," Brooklyn added.

"Give it a few minutes with you and that'll change," Brandon joked, nudging her.

Indianna glanced at the clock.

Seven minutes had passed.

If the whole year dragged like this... she wasn't sure she'd survive it.

"Oh, great," Brooklyn muttered.

Indianna looked up as three boys walked into the room.

The shift in the atmosphere was immediate.

Brooklyn slouched in her seat, avoiding eye contact. Brandon's jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists.

Two of the boys walked ahead-one ginger, laughing loudly, and another with brown hair and dimples.

But the third...

He stayed behind them.

Dark hair. Blank expression. Eyes like cold, endless pits.

Indianna's heart started racing.

She didn't even know him-but something about him felt wrong. Dangerous.

Tattoos covered his arms, and for a second, she forgot they were the same age. He carried himself differently-like he owned the room.

The other two seemed normal.

He didn't.

She looked away quickly when his gaze swept across the room.

Everyone was staring.

Not admiration.

Fear.

"What?" he snapped suddenly.

The single word cut through the silence like a blade.

The entire class immediately looked away.

Indianna felt chills run down her spine.

His voice was deep. Sharp. Controlled.

Not kind.

Never kind.

"Who are they?" Indianna whispered to Brooklyn once they sat across the room.

Brooklyn shifted, turning her back to them. "People you should stay away from."

She pointed subtly. "The ginger one is Kal. The brown-haired one is Ace. And the dark-haired one is-"

"Greyson Evans," Brandon cut in with a scowl. "Stay away from him."

"He's not a good person," Brooklyn added. "He doesn't care about anyone but himself and his friends. He's dangerous. The worst kind of trouble."

"I can hear you, Brooklyn," a slow, deep voice called out.

Greyson.

Brooklyn turned, forcing a sweet smile. "Just telling the truth."

"I'd love to hear more," Greyson said, raising an eyebrow.

"I doubt that."

"Brandon," Greyson added lazily, "if you keep glaring, I might punch you."

"Greyson!" Brooklyn snapped.

He smirked. "What? You know I don't care."

The tension snapped tight.

Then-just like that-he lost interest.

"As you can see," Brooklyn muttered, turning back, "he's an ass. Stay away from him."

Indianna hesitated. "Why don't you?"

Brooklyn blinked. "What?"

"Your boyfriend... he's their friend, right?"

"B-boyfriend? No!" Brooklyn stuttered.

"Harry, right?"

"Observant."

Indianna jumped.

Greyson was suddenly behind her.

Her voice died in her throat.

"Now," he said, slowly looking her up and down, "who are you?"

"I think it's better if you don't know," Brandon muttered.

Greyson ignored him.

"She can speak for herself."

"She's shy," Brooklyn said quickly.

"Come on," Greyson said, smirking. "I don't bite."

Indianna stiffened.

"Don't talk about that," she said, her voice quiet-but firm.

Greyson's smirk deepened.

"Struck a nerve?"

He leaned closer slightly.

"Somebody likes it rough."

"Jesus, Greyson!" Brooklyn snapped.

But he wasn't looking at her anymore.

He was staring at Indianna.

Studying her.

Like he already knew something.

"Indianna..." he murmured.

Then quieter-

"Hughs."

Her breath caught.

"What?"

He smirked. "So, she speaks."

"What did you say?"

"It was nice meeting you," he said slowly, dragging out her name before walking away.

But not before whispering something to his friends.

They all looked at her.

At her hand.

Her wrist.

The scar she was hiding.

Later, as the classroom noise faded into the background-

What happened to your wrist?

Indianna froze.

Her head snapped up.

The voice was clear.

Too clear.

Not outside.

Inside her head.

+

[EDITED VERSION : I updated Shy and changed the book name to match this platform. The story you love is still here-just improved! ]

"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."

Indianna had made it to lunch, and she couldn't be happier.

All she wanted was to find a quiet corner in the library and be by herself for the first time that day. During her third lesson, Ace-Greyson's friend-had tried talking to her, and then Brandon in the fourth. They both seemed nice, but Indianna hated the attention.

She was better alone.

Being alone was what she was good at.

The voice hadn't spoken to her again, and Indianna smiled as she opened her locker.

Maybe she had just been nervous. Maybe she imagined it.

She crossed her fingers, hoping that was the case.

She placed her books inside, and as soon as she shut the locker-

"Indianna!"

She jumped.

Brooklyn stood there, grinning.

"You scared me," Indianna said, letting out a breath, and Brooklyn gave her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry," she laughed.

Indianna found herself wondering if Brooklyn was ever not happy. She had yet to see her without that bright, bubbly smile.

"So," Brooklyn continued, "I was thinking... since you don't really know anyone yet, do you want to sit with me and my friends at lunch?"

"Oh..."

Indianna bit her lip, shifting awkwardly. She avoided eye contact.

"Um, thanks, but I was actually going to go to the library."

"You don't want to meet everyone?"

Brooklyn's smile faltered slightly, and guilt tugged at Indianna-but she still shook her head.

"I... I need to get some work done," she said quietly, making up an excuse.

Brooklyn's attention suddenly shifted to something behind her.

"I told you that you were a social outcast."

Indianna turned.

Greyson stood there, looking down at her, one eyebrow raised in amusement.

"Greyson!" Brooklyn snapped. "Don't be rude!"

He smirked. "What? It's the truth."

"You're an asshole, but you don't see me saying that every five seconds!"

"I already know what you think of me, Brooklyn," Greyson said, brushing it off. "Now why don't you run along so I can talk to your new friend?"

Brooklyn crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You're such a dick."

Greyson's eyes darkened slightly. "Watch your mouth," he warned. "I was just with Harry. He's looking for you. Might want to find him before he finds you."

"Tell him to piss off," Brooklyn muttered.

She turned back to Indianna-but then Ace and Kal walked up, followed by another guy.

Blond hair, pushed back, a few strands falling forward across his cheekbones.

And his eyes-

"Speak of the devil," Greyson murmured, glancing at Brooklyn.

He turned to greet the blond guy, who was already staring at Brooklyn.

She avoided his gaze completely.

"Indianna, do you want me to show you the library?" Brooklyn said quickly, stepping aside-

But the blond guy moved faster.

He stepped in front of her, shaking his head, and placed his hands on her hips, gently pushing her back against the lockers.

"Harry, I-"

"You've been avoiding me," he said quietly, narrowing his eyes. "You know I don't like being ignored, babe."

"I haven't been ignoring you," Brooklyn said, forcing a sweet smile. "Why would I? You're such a delight to be around."

Her tone was light-but edged with sarcasm.

"Now do me a favor and leave me alone so I can show Indianna to the library."

Harry finally looked at Indianna, like he was only just noticing her.

"Find your own way to the library," he said, barely sparing her a glance.

Then he turned back to Brooklyn-

And her mouth dropped open.

"You can't-" Brooklyn started, but Harry cut her off by leaning down and kissing her.

Indianna noticed immediately how Brooklyn relaxed in his embrace, their lips moving in sync. Brooklyn gripped his arms, and Harry tangled his fingers in her curly hair. It was as if the world had disappeared around them-they were completely focused on each other.

Indianna looked away, awkward at watching their intimate moment. She caught Greyson rolling his eyes at the couple.

They only pulled apart when Kal, the ginger boy, made gagging noises and pretended to be sick. "God, you'd think you two don't spend every night going for it-"

"Kal!" Brooklyn cried, eyes wide. "Stop talking!"

Indianna realized no one was paying attention to her, so she stepped back slowly, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Greyson, however, had noticed her immediately. He turned his head, eyebrows raised.

"Going somewhere, Indie?"

Her cheeks flushed as all eyes turned to her. This was exactly what she hadn't wanted.

"Er... yeah. The library. I'm just..." She took another step back, pointing behind her. "Gonna go."

"I don't mind showing you where to go," Brooklyn offered kindly, stepping away from Harry.

"No," Harry interjected, blunt. He wrapped an arm around Brooklyn, holding her to his chest. Brooklyn narrowed her eyes and elbowed him lightly in the stomach. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, making her roll her eyes-but a faint smile tugged at her lips.

"It's fine," Indianna said quickly and hurried away, pushing past the guilt of being rude. She focused on weaving through the crowded school corridors, desperate to get away.

Indianna felt utterly exhausted when she finally sat in the library. She let out a long sigh, closing her eyes as she basked in the quiet. For the first time all day, she felt at ease-surrounded by books and the few students who had come to the library during lunch. Even the smell of dust and the stuffy ventilation somehow calmed her.

She was alone.

Sugar?

Indianna sighed. The voice didn't make her jump this time; she had been expecting it. She chose to ignore it.

Indianna, don't ignore me.

Indianna scowled. Leave me alone, she told the voice, reaching into her pocket for her phone to distract herself.

The voice didn't give up. Indianna?

She shook her head, scrolling through her messages, ignoring it.

Indianna! The voice exploded in her head, so loud that her brain rattled. She gasped as a sharp pain seared through her skull. It passed quickly, but she felt disoriented and rubbed her eyes, trying to focus.

Did you do that? she asked cautiously. Did you hurt me?

A silence.

I think I did.

You think! Indianna's mind screamed. You think? That hurt! You hurt me!

I can find it hard to control my anger sometimes, sugar. It'd be wise to do as I say, and we can avoid that in the future.

You hurt me because you got angry? Indianna hissed. What the hell is wrong with you?

This is new for both of us, sugar. I didn't plan on causing you pain, but you made me angry, and it just happened.

Are you even going to apologize?

Are you going to apologize for ignoring me?

That's not fair! You're insane! What do you want with me?

I can't tell you.

Why the hell not! Indianna's frustration flared.

I want to tell you, sugar-

Stop calling me that!

Don't interrupt me. I want to tell you, but I don't know if you're ready.

Indianna frowned, rubbing her temples. Ready for what? she finally asked.

The truth.

What do you mean?

I can't tell you until you're ready, sugar.

I'm scared. You're scaring me, Indianna admitted. Her head was a storm of emotions-anger, fear, confusion.

I'm sorry, Indie. It's not my intention.

Answer me one question?

That depends on the question.

Do you go to this school?

The voice paused. Yes, I do.

Are you in-

Only one question, sugar.