C37

I am awfully awfully sorry for the EXTREME lack of updates. Uni has been absolutely crazy and recently I've started placement (I'm doing nursing and it's a crazy degree) so I'm working in a hospital and my life is all over the place at the moment, and I am so sorry for the lack of updates! I'm currently on Christmas break so hopefully I'll get a few more updates up for you guys as I've got time to chill until next year!

Sorry again!

And I hope you enjoy this update!

*

Indianna managed to talk to Brooke for about one minute at school. "I'm sorry," Indianna said. "I'm sorry for what happened at the diner-"

"Don't apologise, you're were just trying to help," Brooke said quickly. She glanced around cautiously, looking for Alec. "How's Harry? How's Ace? How's you-"

"Harry is Harry, and Ace and I are fine," Indianna said. "We're going to get you out of this mess, Brooke."

"Alec isn't doing this willingly," Brooke explained. "Rogue and Ben have his mate captive. It's why he's working for them. He's being used just like we are."

"That really helps, Brooke-"

"Leave now, before you make things worse for Brooke," Alec said and Brooke froze when he walked up behind her and narrowed his eyes at Indianna.

"We'll sort this out," Indianna promised and forced a smile before sighing in defeat and walking away.

"If you talk to any of them again I'll be forced to tell Ben."

"Is Ben going to know if you lie?" Brooke asked.

"I'm not risking my mates life," Alec snapped. "Now, let's get to class."

*

Tai was sitting alone when Ace joined her. She jumped when his arm brushed hers. "Hey," Ace said softly.

"You look like shit," Tai said, looking Ace up and down.

"Wow, thank you," Ace said and raised an eyebrow at her.

"You look exhausted. Why are you at school? You should be resting," Tai said.

"Please, don't tell me that. It's all people are saying. I'm fine."

Tai arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, I'm not fine. But I'm well enough to be at school."

"I don't believe you," Tai shrugged.

Ace decided to ignore what Tai said.

"What's going on with Brooke?" Tai asked.

"Nothing," Ace said. He looked to the front of class where Brooke and Alec where talking. "There's nothing we can do at the moment."

"If you need help, I'll be there," Tai said. "You guys need all the help you can get."

Ace smiled. "Thank you, Tai. That means a lot."

Tai shrugged her shoulders.

"What's happening with Brandon and your brother?" Ace asked quietly.

"They're with each other constantly," Tai cringed. "I've never seen Raiden like this with anyone. They must be mates."

"This makes things a lot more complicated," Ace sighed.

"I don't want Raiden involved in this mess," Tai said. "He's already done so much for me, he doesn't deserved to get dragged into this."

"What has he done?" Ace asked softly.

"That doesn't matter," Tai said dismissively.

Ace frowned. "The only good thing is that he won't be harmed. Brandon and Rogue are working together, and Rogue won't hurt Raiden if he's Brandon's mate."

"Good," Tai nodded.

"But there is the risk of Brandon turning Raiden against us."

"No," Tai said immediately. "Raiden would never go against me. We've been through too much together to abandon each other."

"Are you sure?"

"It's not like I've known him my whole life or anything, is it?" Tai said sarcastically. "Yes, I'm sure. Raiden has the best intentions. He's better than I'll ever dream of being."

"Don't say that," Ace frowned.

Tai sent Ace a look. "You don't know what I've done."

"Because you won't tell me," Ace said.

"You've got enough problems to handle right now, so if I were you I'd focus on that," Tai snapped. "Stop bugging me."

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to invade your privacy," Ace frowned. "It's just that we're mates-"

"You don't want to be my mate," Tai said.

"I think I do."

"No, you only think that because of the stupid bond. If you knew me really then you'd want nothing to do with me," Tai said and turned away from Ace.

Ace so desperately wanted to know what Tai was talking about.

He wanted to help.

*

"Indie, are you sure about this?" Kal said after school that day. He pulled his car to a stop outside Rogue's house. "Are you sure it's not just weird baby hormones that are making you want to do this?"

"Of course she doesn't want to do this," Kimberly muttered and rolled her eyes. "But she has too."

"I don't like it."

"Neither do I," Indianna sighed. She looked at Rogue's house.

"Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up later?" Kal asked.

"No." Indianna swallowed. "I'll ask Rogue to drop me home. I need him to think that I'm slowly trusting him."

"Good luck," Kimberly said.

"Keep the link open. Oscar and I will be here in an instant if you want us too."

Indianna forced a smile. "Thanks." She opened the car door and walked towards Rogue's house. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

"Sister," Rogue said as he opened the door. He leaned against the doorframe and smiled. "Part of me thought that you wouldn't show."

Indianna swallowed. "I said I would come," Indianna said.

"But you also lie," Rogue tutted.

"No, lies are what start all problems," Indianna sighed. "I don't want to lie to you. It makes things worse."

"Wise words," Rogue said and stepped aside. "Come in, little sister. Stacy is overjoyed that you're here." Rogue grabbed Indianna's wrist as she stepped through the threshold. "Do not disappoint her, little sister."

Indianna forced herself to look into his eyes. "I won't."

Rogue smiled. "Fantastic. She's in the kitchen."

Indianna nodded and made her way through the house. She walked into the kitchen and jumped when Stacy squeaked and hugged her.

"I'm so glad you're here, babe!" Stacy grinned. "I was just pouring myself a glass of wine! What's your fancy, red or white?"

Indianna rubbed her stomach protectively. "Neither."

"Oh, babe, I completely forgot!" Stacy gasped. "What can I get you instead?"

"Water is fine," Indianna smiled.

"Of course, you gotta keep the baby hydrated," Stacy smiled. "Oh, wait- babies."

Indianna didn't have to force her next smile. Every minute that passed she was happier that she was having twins. She loved that they would never be alone. They would always have each other.

"A girl and a boy?" Rogue called as he walked into the kitchen. Stacy passed Indianna a glass of water. "Congratulations, sister."

"Thank you."