Defeated

XXVI- Mate bond?

Brooke's heart had broken when she saw him. She was less than two meters away and her heart ached for him. She could have reached him in a matter of seconds and touched him. Embraced him. Instead, she swallowed and took a step back. She knew that Alec had no loyalty to her, he would tell Rogue if she broke the rules. He wouldn't risk Alice getting hurt. His priority was Alice. Just like Harry's priority was Brooke. Harry was heartless to pretty much everyone but Brooke. Brooke didn't doubt that he would kill Alice himself if it meant he could have Brooke back in his arms.

"No," Brooke whispered and shook her head. Kal frantically grabbed Harry's arms, stopping him from running to Brooke. "You can't. You have to stay away, my love."

"Please," Kal pleaded. "Harry, I know you care about me just enough to not go to her. I'm so sorry, Brooke."

Brooke smiled sadly. "It's fine, I love Alice. I'd do anything for her."

"Brooke, I am sorry for keeping you from your mate, but I'm not risking mine, so let's go," Alec snapped. "Now. I do not trust your mate."

Brooke wiped her damp eyes and turned her back on Harry. Every cell in her body was telling her to turn around and run to him. "You shouldn't. Just be glad you can trust me otherwise Alice would have no hope."

"I'm glad she has people that care for her."

"She's an extraordinary girl. She's loved by many."

"And they all hate me," Alec chuckled.

"Yes," Brooke said. "But I understand your situation. They do too, but we want to fight. You don't. The pack are fighters, we don't give up. What you're doing, giving into Rogue. That's giving up."

"It's working for me," Alec shrugged. "You guys aren't doing too great."

"We'll think of something."

Alec scoffed. "If you were going to, you would have by now."

Harry watched Brooke get into Alec's car and drive away.

"I'm sorry, man," Kal whispered.

"Shut it," Harry growled and stormed over to his car. They waited for Kimberly to join them and they drove home in silence.

Ace and Tai were sitting on the porch, talking quietly. Ace looked up when Harry, Kal, and Kimberly reached them. He frowned. "Where's Indie?"

"Ah," Kal said. "She, er, collapsed at school."

"What?" Tai gasped. "The babies-" Tai cut herself, surprising herself that she cared.

"She's with Rogue," Harry explained. "As much as he's a monster, we all know he doesn't want those babies harmed. He will make sure she's okay."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Kal muttered. "I'd much rather she'd be home."

"No," Ace sighed. "Harry is right. Even though he has inflicted so much pain on Indianna, I think physically he doesn't want to harm her."

"Just emotionally," Kal said and clenched his hands into fists. "The bastard."

"What was wrong with her?" Tai wondered.

Kal paused. "From what Stacey described over the phone to Kimberly... It almost seemed like she was suffering from the effects of the mate bond."

"That's impossible," Ace frowned. "When Greyson died all of the side effects from being away from him died with him."

Kal held his hands up. "I'm not saying it was, it's just what it sounded like."

Ace sighed. "Let's hope she comes home soon."

"Changing the conversation," Kal said suddenly. He looked at Tai. "Are you feeling a little less murderous now?"

Tai narrowed her eyes at Kal. "If you don't mind your own damn business I'll come for you next time I lose control."

Kal whistled. "Calm your temper. I was just asking."

"I should get you home. I'm sure your brother is worried about you."

"Are you sure you want to go home to a guy that is shacking up with Rogue's suck up," Kimberly said, raising her eyebrows.

"Raiden isn't the person to be concerned about," Tai said firmly. "He's innocent."

"Oh, I'm sure," Kimberly said.

"Kimberly," Ace said. "Don't."

Kimberly shrugged her shoulders and linked her arm through Kal's. "Just speaking the truth."

"Can't say I disagree with her, man," Kal admitted. "You know how the mate bond affects you. We have no idea what Brandon is telling Raidon about us."

"He's my twin," Tai said. "He would never betray me. He would always choose my side. You don't know what we've been through together." Ace gave Tai a curious look which she ignored. "Can you take me home, Ace?"

"Of course," Ace said softly and stood up. "While I'm gone, try and get in touch with Indie."

"That's exactly what I was going to do," Kimberly said and pulled Kal into the house.

"Come on, let's get you home," Ace said to Tai. He held his hand out and to his surprise, Tai took it.

*