Indianna had gone to school with the others and regretted it deeply. She felt very ill, and it only got worse as the day went on. She joined Stacey for lunch but couldn't bring herself to eat any food, and she spent the whole time watching Brooke who was grumpily sitting with Alec who didn't look pleased either. Kal was sending Alec glares whenever he could, he had been told about Alice being Alec's mate and he most definitely did not approve.
"Are you coming over tonight?" Stacey asked after finishing her salad.
Indianna frowned. "I don't know, I'm really not feeling well-"
"But you promised!" Stacey gasped. "Jason will be so disappointed."
Indianna gritted her teeth and forced a smile. "Actually, I'm sure I can come for a bit."
Stacey grinned. "You're so amazing, Indie. I've always wanted a sister and now I have one!"
Indianna wiped her clammy forehead. "I'm glad you're happy, Stacey," Indianna said softly.
"And just think, when the babies are born I can look after them for you, to give you a break! It's what sisters do!"
Indianna's hands went protectively to her stomach. She knew she wouldn't want to let her children out of her sight, but she smiled and nodded. "That's so thoughtful of you."
Stacey smiled. "I'm so excited to meet them. So is Jason! Babies are so adorable."
Indianna wanted to be sick.
"Are you okay?" Stacey asked. "You look awfully pale."
"Fine," Indianna said. "It's just the pregnancy."
"You must be under so much stress," Stacey said. "Maybe you should come at stay at ours for a bit, have some time away from that awfully busy house. You can take some time to relax."
"Oh, that's so kind of you to offer," Indianna said, trying her best to sound sincere. "But the pack house is my home, I'm needed there."
Stacey frowned. She didn't seem convinced. "Jason was telling me, your pack isn't known for its friendliness. Is it wise to raise children around people that are dangerous?"
"They're not dangerous," Indianna said immediately. "They're my pack, and they will be my children's pack."
"But they are dangerous," Stacey insisted.
"How?" Indianna asked. "Did they murder my mate and kidnap my best friend?" Indianna regretted the words as soon as they came out. If Stacey was upset about something Indianna had said then Rogue would find out. "I'm sorry," Indianna apologised. "My hormones are all over the place and so are my moods. Don't take it personally."
"It's fine," Stacey smiled. "I've got to get something from my locker before class, come with?"
"Of course," Indianna sighed and forced her aching body to stand. Her world span and a wave of heat washed over her but she managed to put one foot in front of another and follow Stacey out of the canteen.
"So, I was thinking- Indie, babe, are you okay?" Stacey frowned at Indianna as she stumbled and reached out for the wall to support herself. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm fine. I just feel a little sick." Indianna gasped and closed her eyes. She couldn't see straight and the world was moving. She could feel herself sweating and her head was filled with a loud noise that was making her ears ring. "I'm fine, just a little dizzy. I think-"
"Indie!" Stacey cried out as Indianna fell to her knees.
"I, I just need to-" Indianna fell unconscious before she could say anything else.
*
"Is she going to be okay? The babies could be harmed. What's wrong with her?" Stacey was whispering to Rogue, panic clear in her voice. "She just collapsed in front of me, Jason! I didn't know what to do!"
"You did the right thing by calling me," Rogue said. He looked over at his sister that was unconscious, lying on the couch in his house. "She'll be fine. Eventually."
"Do you know what's wrong with her?"
"It's the mate bond," Rogue muttered. "She's feeling it."
"But how? That's impossible, right?"
"It should be," Rogue sighed. "I'm going to need you to keep a closer eye on Brooklyn. If she starts showing any of the same symptoms that Indianna is you need to tell me straight away."
Stacey nodded and smiled. "Of course, anything for you. So, how are you going to help her?"
Rogue gritted his teeth and frowned, looking intently at Indianna. "Do you think she's suffered? Do you think she's broken?"
"She's not who she used to be," Stacey said. "I watch her when she's with her friends and she doesn't smile. She barely laughs. She's not happy. I think her children and her loyalty to that barbaric pack is the only reason she is here."
"Many wolves die after the loss of their mate," Rogue said.
Stacey frowned. "But she-"