"The Royals? It seems like you are still a kid after all. The Royals don't exist, Lily. They're fiction."
"Can you prove it?" Lily challenged. "And don't try and make me feel small by calling me a kid. You seem to have forgotten that I'm the reason you have your mate and your parents back. Although, it's not like you've even bothered to get back in touch with our parents."
Harry's eyes darkened. "Don't piss me off, Lily. It's not good for anyone when I'm angry."
"Then don't be an ass," Lily countered. "I've survived on my own for years. You don't know what I've seen and heard and I wouldn't be searching for the Royals if I didn't believe they could help us."
Harry's narrowed eyes flickered to the map and he sighed. "So, what are you planning?"
"I plan to find them and wake them up. They kept the peace once and I'm hoping they can do it again."
Harry scoffed. "This is ridiculous."
"I don't care what you think," Lily said dismissively and turned to Indianna. "I've told someone else, happy?"
"What about Greyson-"
"Greyson isn't going to care that my sister is running around on some wild goose chase looking for a fairytale."
"Harry, there's no need to be rude. Lily is trying to help," Indianna said firmly.
"This," Harry waved the map. "Isn't going to help."
"We'll see about that," Lily snapped and snatched the map from her brother. "I'll see myself out. Thank you for your help, Indianna."
"Lily-"
"I'll be gone for a while," Lily said and she looked at Harry. "While I'm away if you could give our parents even ten seconds of your precious time I'm sure they'll appreciate it. You may have forgotten what it was like to have parents, but they most definitely have not forgotten about you."
Harry's eyes darkened. "You don't know what you're talking about Lily."
"I think you'll find I do," Lily snapped. "You may have grown up without parents, but I grew up without anyone. If I can see mum and dad again after all these years then you can too! Don't leave it all to Brooklyn to build a relationship with them. You're not the only one with family issues, she has them too along with many other issues, yet she is working bloody hard to create a relationship with our parents, for you. Help her out Harry. You won't regret it."
Harry gritted his teeth and looked away from his sister. "Be careful on your hunt for fairytales, Lily, don't get yourself killed."
Lily raised her eyebrows, unimpressed at her brother's response. "How does Brooklyn deal with you," she muttered and shook her head. "Whatever. Look after yourself, Indianna. Maybe I'll see you again soon."
"Be safe," Indianna called after Lily as she left the room. Indianna found it hard to believe that Lily was only 15. She was just a kid, yet she had the confidence and experience of someone ten years older than her. Lily was a girl on a mission and Indianna hoped that her quest wasn't hopeless.
Only time would tell.
Later that day Indianna was in the kitchen with Laura, Kirstie and Mac. There was a comfortable silence as the four of them peeled and chopped vegetables. No one wanted to discuss the reason for why they were preparing dinner. The thought of Rogue sitting at the table, surrounded by her friends and family made Indianna feel sick.
The silence was soon broken when Kal arrived, barging through the door with his arms full of shopping bags. Kimberly followed behind him and they placed numerous bags full of groceries onto the dining table.
"Normally," Kal said, looking at the food with narrowed eyes, "the sight of all this food would make me very happy, however, I'm currently very unhappy. For the first time in my life I am not looking forward to Christmas dinner. Damn Rogue. He's a maniac and now he's a bloody Scrooge as well."
"Thank you, Kal," Laura called, reaching into one of the bags and pulling out ingredients. "And you too, Kim. We should have enough food now."
"Don't worry if you haven't. I'd happily starve if it means Rogue is out of here quicker tonight," Kal grumbled.
"Kal, sweet, we get it. You don't want Rogue here. No one does, stop moaning and suck it up." Kimberly placed her hand on Kal's arm and gave him a look. "We haven't got a choice."
"God, woman, let me complain!" Kal groaned but he grabbed Kimberly's hands and pulled her closer, kissing her cheek affectionately.
"Let's stop the moaning for now, yeah?" Kimberly suggested.
Kal's eyebrows raised and he smirked. "For now?"
Kimberly glared at Kal and hit his chest. "Shut up, you idiot and do something useful."
"Do as your mate says!" Kirstie called. "You can start peeling the potatoes."
Kal made a face. "I consume food. I don't make it."
Kirstie rolled her eyes and pointed to an empty kitchen surface. "Get working, Kalum!"
"What about her?" Kal complained, pointing at Kimberly. "Make her work too!"
"You're such a child," Kimberly said and shook her head. "And I'm going to help. I'll take over from Indianna."
Indianna looked over her shoulder, eyebrow raising. "I'm fine, Kim."
"No, you're pregnant and shouldn't be standing up for long periods of time," Kimberly said sternly. "Go and rest."
"Honestly-"
"She's right, dear," Laura interjected. "You've had a busy day already and tonight is probably going to be stressful. You need to relax while you can. For your health and the babies."
"But we have so much food to prepare-"
"We can get others to help," Kirstie called, her voice stern. "You're outnumbered, Indie. Get your butt out of here. You are carry my niece and nephew and I won't have you straining yourself."
Indianna held her hands up in surrender and stepped backward. "You guys win," she said but she found herself smiling at the thought of how many people cared. "I'll go and rest."
Kimberly grinned smugly and squeezed Indianna's arm when she walked past her. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling good," Indianna said honestly. "Thank you, Kim."
Indianna left the kitchen and exited the pack house. She spotted Harry and Brooke who were sitting on a bench, deep in conversation. Brooke's eyes were red and cheeks puffy, but she was smiling at something Harry had said.
Indianna wanted to wrap Brooke in bubble wrap and protect her from the night that was to come, but she knew she couldn't. Instead, Indianna looked away from Harry and Brooke and went down into the cells underground to where she could hear voices. Some familiar, some not.
Indianna found Greyson in one of the far cells with Ace, Oscar and Tai, who was tending to the freshly burnt brands of three men that Indianna faintly recognised from around town. Rogue's men.
Greyson, who was leaning against the bars of the cell, spoke up. "Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce your new Luna." Greyson turned and locked eyes with Indianna as she came into view. His hands found her waist as she neared and Indianna leaned into his side, their body's fitting together like a glove.
Greyson kissed Indianna's temple. "Sugar, meet the three men who we have successfully freed from Rogue's compulsion."
The three men bowed their heads upon Indianna's arrival.
"I'm glad you are in your right minds again," Indianna said kindly. "And welcome to our pack."
"We are forever indebted to you," one of the men spoke. "Whatever you need from us we shall to our best to provide."
"Your best is what we are going to need," Greyson nodded. "Now, you guys need to get going soon. We are expecting Rogue here tonight and we need you and your scents gone as quickly as possible."
"We have a route through the woods planned that will get you back into town unnoticed," Oscar told them.
"And remember to be careful. The brands will heal slower, even for werewolves. Don't let Rogue see that they are sore."
"We'll be careful. Thank you, Alpha and Luna."
"We will be in touch with further information when we have released more of you from Rogue's compulsion," Ace said. "The end is in sight.”