C75

"Do we know what time he is coming?"

At the mention of Rogue Harry slammed a glass down onto the kitchen counter, his knuckles turning white as he gripped it tightly. "Can two minutes not pass without the mention of him? We're going to have to endure him for a whole damn evening, we don't have to-"

"Harry!" Greyson said sharply, his voice raised and stern. Surprisingly, Harry stopped talking and looked at Greyson with narrowed eyes.

"What?" Harry spit out through clenched teeth.

"You need to remain calm tonight."

"Calm? You're really telling me to remain calm?" Harry hissed. "Are you fucking joking, Greyson? After all that he has done you want me to remain calm? I don't know how I'm going to stop myself from reaching across the damn table and ripping his head off if he even looks at Brooklyn. Don't you fucking telling me to stay calm-"

"Harry!" Indianna shouted, cutting Harry off. She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a warning look, looking far from impressed. "Watch your tone when you're talking to Greyson. There is no need to be disrespectful. I will not allow it. I understand that you are angry, but that is no excuse to be rude to your Alpha."

Harry opened his mouth, looking like he was going to argue, but Greyson spoke before Harry had the chance.

"We are all stressed. We are all on edge and we all have reasons to hate Rogue. You are not the only one who has suffered at the hands of Rogue, Harry. I know Brooklyn has been through some horrific events and I know that you only care about her and no one else, but tonight you are going to not only think about yourself and your own feelings, you are going to take into account that other members of your pack will also be having one of the worst nights of their lives sitting alongside Rogue. They are going to be struggling to control their anger. They are going to be dealing with the same emotions as you, but they are going to deal with it, just like you are going to do because if we do anything but that then Rogue will make life even more hellish for us. And it's bad enough as it is. You are going to grit your teeth and deal with it. You are not going to argue with me and you most certainly are not going to argue with your Luna. Tonight is not the night to cross me, Harry. Do I make myself fucking clear?"

A deathly silence consumed the room. Greyson and Harry stared at each other, both dominant and both clearly trying to contain their anger and frustration. Harry was stubborn, he didn't want to give in, but Greyson's words had been soaked in power and authority that Harry felt himself being compelled to lower his gaze, his head bowing to the floor ever so slightly. It was the closest thing to a sign of respect that Harry was ever going to show, especially in front of a crowd of people. Harry's hands were clenched into tight fists by his sides, his hands shaking. Every fibre within him hated submitting, but Greyson was the Alpha and Harry had no choice but to obey, especially since Greyson had infused his words with so much power only an Alpha could have. Harry was bonded to the pack, and therefore Greyson and he couldn't go against his Alpha's, not when every muscle and nerve in Harry's body was telling him to submit to his leader.

Indianna had reached for Greyson's hands and he welcomed her touch eagerly. Just the simple feeling of her skin against his relaxed his mind and filled his head with a sense of serenity. Indianna was his drug, and without her he didn't know how he would cope. He knew that he most probably would have lunged at Harry if it wasn't for Indianna's delicate fingers intertwining with his. She held onto him with slight force, but he needed the firmness to keep him tied into reality and to stop his anger from taking over him, just like he was telling Harry to not do.

*You know he's just worried about Brooke,* Indianna said to Greyson through their mind link.

*And I'm worried about you, our children and the whole damn pack and I'm trying to keep it together so he can too,* Greyson said dismissively.

"Why does Harry look like he's going to murder someone?" Brooklyn appeared at the door of the kitchen, staring at Harry with raised eyebrows, looking unimpressed. She was wearing a pale pink stress and her curly hair was styled into a ponytail. Harry's eyes widened at the site of her and Indianna had to agree, she did look beautiful, even when her eyes were still puffy and red from crying. "Harry, what have you done?"

"Why do you always assume the worst of me, babe?" Harry questioned, speaking for the first time since his and Greyson's exchange.

"Because you can be rather rude," Brooklyn said simply and she walked up to Harry, reaching out to take his hands. He visibly relaxed at her touch. "And I can only imagine what you've said to Greyson. He looks like you've just shat in his hands and made him clap."

A chortle came from across the room and Kirstie slapped her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles. Laura hushed Kirstie disapprovingly, but Kirstie still chuckled into Mac's shoulder.

"You have a way with words, Brooklyn," Harry muttered, but he was looking at Greyson cautiously.

"You don't have to worry, Brooke, everything is fine." Greyson gave Harry a look. "Isn't it, Harry?"

Harry nodded shortly and the conversation was swiftly changed when Kal and Kimberly entered, both looking wonderful. Kal had a pale blue button up shirt that matched Kimberly's skirt and Indianna couldn't help but wonder if Kal had any choice in his outfit. "It smells absolutely divine, Laura!" Kal called. "Do you know what would make it smell even better? If we slip a bucket load of poison into Rogue's food, don't you agree?"

"Kal," Indianna said softly, her voice warning. "Watch what you say, he could turn up at any time."

"I'm just trying to stay optimistic," Kal grumbled.

Greyson abruptly pulled away from Indianna and walked over to the kitchen counter, grabbing a glass out of the cupboard and pouring himself a glass of whisky. He knocked it back in one and poured another, raising the glass to his lips and sipping it this time. He sighed and tapped the counter with his fingers anxiously. "I hate waiting on him," he muttered and he took out a second glass, pouring whiskey into it. He turned and held it out to Harry, eyebrows raised.

Harry approached Greyson, taking the glass and speaking quietly. "Truce?"

Greyson nodded and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "We're all snappy and on edge today. Let's just get through it together."

"Oh, what I would do for a drink," Brooklyn said and pouted, rubbing her stomach. "I would do anything to wake up tomorrow and forget today."

"You two can't have one, but that isn't going to stop me," Kimberly spoke up and walked over to Greyson, holding out her hand. "Pour me one."

Greyson turned to look at Kimberly, eyebrows raised. "Pour your own."

Kimberly rolled her eyes and took the bottle of whiskey from Greyson. "Fine. I-"

Kimberly was cut off when Ace suddenly pushed himself off of the counter and looked towards the door of the kitchen, eyes narrowed.

"What's wrong, Ace?" Indianna asked.

"I..." Ace's skin turned pale and Indianna picked up the sound of his heart racing. His eyes darted between her and the door, panic covering his features. "I can hear Tai."

"But you took her to Ellie's house-"

"And Rogue."

Before anyone had time to react there was a chilling shout from outside and Indianna's stomach churned uneasily. "Oh, little sister! We have arrived!"

Indianna looked over at Greyson for assurance. He threw back the last of his drink and in two strides he was by Indianna's side, holding her hand and walking out of the kitchen with her, ready to face Rogue. Ace was inches behind them, eager for them to move quicker so he could get to his mate.

As they walked through the house, followed by everyone else, Indianna focused her hearing and she frowned when she could hear Tai, sounding like she was putting up a struggle and swearing an awful lot. When they reached the front door and descended the steps Indianna stopped in her tracks when she saw Rogue, Stacey, Raiden and Tai standing on the grass. Rogue was gripping Tai's neck tightly and her arms were pinned behind her back, but that didn't stop her from trying to free herself from Rogue's grasp. Raiden was stood off to the side, eyes cast to the floor, still looking as empty as he did the day that he found out the truth about Brandon. Stacey was next to Raiden, inspecting her nails, her eyes glancing over Rogue every so often, not looking concerned in the slightest.

There was a fast movement out of the corner of Indianna's eye and Greyson dropped her hand to grab Ace who had tried to move past them to get to Tai. Greyson locked his hands around Ace's wrists and held him back, shoving him towards Harry who gripped him immediately, stopping him from moving. Greyson leaned close to Ace, his eyes stern. "Do not be stupid," he hissed.

Ace wasn't looking at Greyson. His eyes were locked onto his mate and he was attempting to pull himself free from Harry's grasp. "She's not safe with him! I have to-"

"You have to shut the hell up and let us deal with this. I'll make sure she's not harmed," Greyson said firmly.

"You don't even like her! You're not going to keep her safe. You-"

"Watch your tone, Ace. I know she's your mate, but I'm still your Alpha," Greyson snapped. "Of course I will make sure she is safe. She is your mate, therefore, she is apart of my pack. Hey, Ace, look at me!" Greyson gripped Ace's chin tightly. "You have my word that I will keep her safe. It's my job as Alpha, and as your friend."

Indianna looked away from Greyson and Ace and took a deep breath, slowly walking up to Rogue who was smiling at her. "Nice of you to join us, little sister. I see that your mate is struggling to control his pack members."

"Jason," Indianna said cautiously and she looked at Tai who's eyes were blazing with anger. Tai didn't looked scared, she wasn't someone who scared easily, she looked furious and Rogue's tight hold around her neck was doing nothing to make her back down from struggling. "What are you doing? Please, can you let Tai go."

"She's a feisty one, isn't she?" Rogue observed.

"Go to hell," Tai spat.

"Quite a temper," Rogue tutted. "Consider yourself lucky that I've not harmed you, girl. I've done much worse to sweet Brooklyn over there when she did absolutely nothing to annoy me."

"J-Jason, Tai has nothing to do with this, nor Raiden-"

"Lies!" Rogue snapped. "Do not lie to me, sister. I know all about these two that you tried to keep a secret from me, and I said that I wanted your friends and family to be here, and considering that this one is your Beta's mate I think she more than qualifies for a seat at the table."

"We weren't keeping them a secret from you. We-"

"That's quite enough," Rogue said simply. "It's Christmas. Today is about family. I do not want to disagree."

"Then how about you let her go?" Greyson approached them and stood by Indianna, standing in front of her ever so slightly. "And we can all go inside."

"Ah, Greyson." Rogue looked Greyson up and down and smirked. "Don't you look the picture of health."

"No, thanks to you."

"Now, now, there's no need for the bitterness in your tone, Greyson. Where's your Christmas spirit?"

"I promise it will fucking flow of out me if you let Tai go."

*Watch it,* Indianna warned.

"She put up one hell of a fight," Rogue said and he leaned in close to Tai, whispering in her ear. "I wonder how long it would take for me to break you."

"You would die from old age before you'd even get me to shed a tear," Tai growled.

Rogue laughed. "Good luck with this one, Greyson. She's not friendly is she."

"Would anyone be friendly after being kidnapped by a raving lunatic?" Tai exclaimed. "Let me the hell go!"

"Please, Jason." Indianna spoke softly. "Let's all go inside."

Rogue ignored Tai and Indianna and looked around, scanning the trees carefully. "I was hoping that Brandon would be here by now. I brought him a Christmas present." He nodded his head to Raiden. "Brandon has been boringly dull recently and it didn't take me long to figure out why. And it looks like poor little Raiden has been rather down as well. It's time we fixed that. Sister, dear, you look surprised? You must know that I'm aware of a lot more than you think I am, did you really think that-"

"Raiden?" Brandon emerged from the trees and immediately spotted Raiden who perked up instantly at the sound of Brandon's voice. "What... Jason- Tai-"

"Brandon!" Rogue called, smiling widely. "Perfect, everyone is here. Brandon, I brought your mate along for you so you can sort out your silly little argument that is making you both miserable."

"I..." Raiden stumbled over his words, looking at Brandon with glazed eyes. "I can't. We, I... No-"

"You're going to talk to him or I'm going to hurt your sister," Rogue said sternly. "What would you prefer, Raiden?"

Raiden blinked and looked between Tai and Brandon. He looked truly heartbroken. He lowered his head, his shoulders slumping as he nodded.

"No! Brandon can go to hell!" Tai called. "Don't-"

Rogue rolled his eyes and harshly shoved her toward towards Greyson and Indianna. She stumbled into Greyson who easily caught her, steadying her on her feet.

Rogue clapped his hands, grinning wickedly. "I'm famished. I think it's time for food!"

Tai went to turn on her heel, eyes alight with anger, but Greyson held her tightly. "You're going to go to Ace, keep quiet and get through this fucking nightmare like the rest of us. I don't care how pissed you are, reign it in and don't make anything worse."

"Once I'm angry it's rather difficult for me to calm down," Tai muttered.

"I don't care. I'm not letting your own anger be the reason that Rogue harms you," Greyson snapped. "Now, go to Ace because he is currently yelling many profanities at me in my head and that is not like him."

Indianna let out a sigh of relief when Tai made her way over to Ace, but she gasped in shock when she was suddenly seized by Stacey, who linked her arm through Indianna's and pulled her back towards the house. "Merry Christmas, babe! How are you? How are the babies? Omg, if they kick today you have to let me know, I want to feel my little niece and nephew! I'm so excited to spend the whole evening with you! Now that Greyson is back I've hardly seen you, it's totally not fair. Bros before hoes, you know? Besides, you know how much of an ass Greyson is I'm sure you'd die for as much time away from him as you can!"

*And you seriously don't want to kill her?* Came Greyson's voice in Indianna's mind.

*Don't start.*

"How kind is it of Jason to bring Brandon and his mate back together. They're clearly miserable without each other. He's so thoughtful bringing Raiden here tonight, isn't he? Whatever Raiden's issue with Brandon is will easily be resolved, Brandon's done nothing wrong at all. I bet it was probably something Brooke said, she's always causing drama-"

"Did Jason get you anything nice for Christmas?" Indianna tried to force her voice to sound as enthusiastic as she could as she cut Stacey off, not wanting to hear talking about a situation that she had no idea about. Instead, she directed the conversation to focus entirely on Stacey, hoping it would please her enough to distract her from talking falsehoods about Greyson, Brooklyn, Raiden or anyone in the pack.

"Oh, of course he did!" Stacey gasped. "Look at this. He got me..."

Time went past and soon enough everyone was sitting around the dining table, filling their plates the mountain of food that Laura had cooked with the help of everyone else. There was a low hum of conversation, awkwardness hung in the air, no one sure of how to act around Rogue in this peculiar situation.

Indianna was sitting next to Stacey who was beside Rogue, and Greyson was next to her, his hand on her knee, rubbing circles onto her bare skin. Harry, Brooklyn, Ace and Tai were sat opposite them. Both Harry and Tai had tense expressions and both were being calmed by their mates beside them. At the far left of the table sat Brandon and Raiden, after forcing Raiden to sit beside Brandon, they eventually started to talk, but Indianna couldn't make out if their conversation looked positive or not, they both seemed extremely awkward and tentative. Sitting next to them, to the side of Rogue, was Kal, Kimberly, Alice and Alec, who were conversing quietly and it seemed rather civil, which was impressive considering Kal was still holding a grudge against Alec. To the side of Greyson sat his family and Oscar and so far, no one, not even Greyson, Harry and Tai, had lost control.

"So, sister, how long is it until you are due?" Rogue asked, leaning to glance at Indianna.

"Seven weeks," Indianna told him, after swallowing a mouthful of food.

"Not long now," he nodded. "You know, twins are quite likely to be born premature. It could be sooner than you think."

"I hope not."

Rogue smiled. "Time will tell. I know that Stacey can't wait."

Greyson's hand tensed on Indianna's leg as Stacey grinned brightly, nodding her head excitedly. "I've already bought them matching outfits for you. Jason and I chose them together."

"That's lovely, thank you," Indianna said, forcing a smile.

"I have heard that you are not the only one who is pregnant?" Rogue said and Indianna immediately looked across to Brooklyn who froze, fork raised halfway to her mouth. Indianna then looked at Harry who had gone rigid, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed. "Congratulations, Brooklyn."

Brooklyn blinked, swallowing nervously. "Thank you," she mumbled quietly and she glanced at Harry who was now staring directly at her, trying his hardest to remain in control. Indianna felt Greyson shift impatiently beside her.

"So, is it a boy or girl?" Rogue prodded and he smiled when he laid his eyes on Harry, knowing that all Harry wanted to do was harm him, but he couldn't. Rogue enjoyed seeing Harry fight for control.

"We don't know," Brooklyn answered and underneath the table she was holding Harry's hand tightly. Squeezing it so she was cutting off the circulation. Harry could hear Brooklyn's heart thumping and knowing that she was frightened made him even angrier.

"And are you sure that the child is yours?" Rogue directed the question at Harry and a silence washed over the already uncomfortable room.

"What did you just say?" Harry spoke through gritted teeth, his tone venomous.

"I asked if the child that your mate is carrying is yours?" Rogue repeated, raising his eyebrows curiously.

"Jason, that is really not appropriate-"

Rogue raised his hand to silence Indianna, not removing his eyes from Harry who was now shaking, seething in silent anger. "Well?"

"Are you accusing my mate of cheating on me?" Harry growled. Brooklyn was looking between the two of them, eyes wide, a single tear on her cheek. She was too shocked to talk. Too scared.

"Of course not," Rogue said smoothly. "It is very obvious how much the poor girl loves you. I can't for the life of me figure out why, though."

"Enough," Greyson snapped.