It had been four days since I had told Theo the truth.

It had been four days since Theo and I had conjured up our plan to stop this deadly tradition in its tracks.

Never again did I want someone to go through this. I was going to make sure of that.

Theo and I had spent our time cooped up indoors, trying to evade the watchful eyes of the rest of the pack. We had bumped into a couple of people a few times and they had questioned us, but Theo took the lead, introducing us as mated newbies to the pack.

I felt bad when it came to Logan, I could see how uncomfortable he was whenever he saw Theo and I together, but I constantly reminded him it was just an act, and I had clearly set a line with Theo that there would no physical contact such as holding hands or snuggling, even if we were trying to convince people.

I missed Logan, hoping he wasn't feeling too upset with the fact that I was staying in Jordan's and Emily's old house with Theo; in separate rooms of course.

I had suggested to Logan that he could stay with us, but he declined, saying he wanted it to come across as real as possible to everyone.

I was currently with Rosalina, helping her settle into her new home; a cabin that had been built recently. I had convinced Logan to allow her to stay for a while; she was a minor with no where to call home. She had no one. The joy in her eyes when I told her she could stay was overwhelming.

"I could have my bed over here!" announced Rosalina, pointing to the middle of the room, squealing.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Have you ever had your own bedroom?"

Rosalina shook her head. "No! I could afford to stay in hotels when I was lucky, but I can't believe I get to decorate my own room! I can't believe you're letting me have my very own house!"

"Nobody has lived in this house yet, so you're the lucky first! We could paint the walls a different colour too if you want."

"I'm thinking purple," smiled Rosalina, making her way over to me and pulling me into a hug. "I never got to say thank you. The way you stood up to your Alpha to save me was amazing; it must have been hard. Without you, I would probably be dead."

I pulled back, smiling down at Rosalina's small frame. "I couldn't just let you die."

Rosalina's eyes welled up with tears as she flashed her pearly white teeth. "Sorry," she said, wiping at her eyes. "I just didn't know there was someone out there who could actually care about me."

I smiled, knowing that one day Rosalina would meet her mate, and her life would be completely turned upside down. Then, she'd truly know what being cared for and loved felt like.

"How's everything going?"

I turned towards the sound of the voice, seeing Logan standing in the doorway, his hands stretched out grasping the top of it, allowing me a great view of his muscly arms.

"Good, her furniture is outside being built now and whatever couldn't be made is out being purchased," I said, smiling at Logan.

Logan beamed, giving me a quick wink. "Well, Rosalina, would you be okay here by yourself for a little while? I need Eliza to help with one of the other houses."

Rosalina nodded. "Yeah, that's fine Alpha."

Smiling, I gave Rosalina a little wave goodbye as I followed Logan down the stairs and out of the house, making our way along the cobbled path. "So, you want help with another house?" I laughed.

Logan shook his head, chuckling. "I had to say something so it wasn't obvious. Where's Theo?"

"He went out for a run."

Logan nodded. "Well, I'd like you to come to mine for a bit if that's okay?"

"Yeah, sure," I replied, making sure to step back from Logan as we made our way through the village, hoping it didn't look as if I was following him. The village was bustling, filled with people making, buying and selling things.

I could see a group of children playing on the grass, chasing floating butterflies around, laughing.

There were a few people working out, all with their earphones in, red faced and sweaty. The soaring sun beamed down on the village, making it appear almost tropical as multiple palm trees swayed in the breeze.

I knew I would never get used to how beautiful and exotic this place was, and I could only imagine how stunning everything would be at night, knowing the lanterns would be sparkling, creating a clear path through the village, even in the dark.

Once we approached Logan's pale blue front door, I turned to make sure nobody was watching, stepping in quickly so as not to arise suspicion. I hated this whole pretending game, but I was doing it for Logan, he needed to believe I was fully on board with this.

I felt bad I was lying to Logan, and I knew he was only organising this Whipping because he thought he was protecting me, but I couldn't let it go ahead.

I didn't know how Logan would react to my plan, I had no doubt he would be fuming and that was the reason Theo and I couldn't tell him. He would put a stop to it and it would ruin everything.

"Another Whipping huh?"

I stepped out from behind to Logan to see Heather standing in front of us, her dark bob pulled back into a stumpy ponytail. She had her arms crossed in front of her chest, and her eyebrows raised, a smirk plastered on her face.

"I've got to give it to you Bennett, you've got balls," she said, shaking her head.

"Not now Heather. What are you even doing here?" growled Logan, attempting to step past his sister, but she moved with him, blocking his path.

"I'm just trying to have a civilised conversation Logan. There's really no need to be so grumpy all the time."

I stared at Heather's tall frame, my mouth set in a firm line.

"I was wondering Eliza, do you know which one of your friends is going to be volunteering?" she asked, smiling at me.

I remained quiet, not wanting to say anything that would give my plan away. I knew no one would be getting whipped, I wouldn't let it get that far, but I didn't want them to know that.

"Knock it off Heather!" growled Logan, pushing Heather aside, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the stairs.

"Oh, and I want my pyjamas back!" yelled Heather from the bottom of the steps, and I could tell that smirk was still plastered on her face, sending annoyance rushing throughout my body.

Logan guided me into a room, closing the door behind him, burying his face in his hands. "I'm sorry about her. I don't know why she's acting like such a brat at her age."

I nodded, letting Logan know it was alright, as I gazed around the room. Everything was blue, including the sheets on the huge king size bed placed in the middle of the room.

All over the walls were framed photos of family members, making me feel a pang of sadness as I saw a smiling photograph of Logan and Jordan.

"This my room," mumbled Logan, dragging his hand down his face in frustration.

I turned to him, cupping his face with my hands. "Don't worry about Heather. It's not your fault."

"You're not going to volunteer for your pack are you?" questioned Logan, raising his brows at me.

"I promise I won't," I said, nodding my head, watching as my mate cocked his, seeming unsure.

Logan's gaze flickered to my lips before he pushed me against the wall, his mouth connecting with mine. I kissed him back, wrapping my arms around his neck as I gripped him, his tongue entering my mouth, causing me to moan into the kiss.

After a few more seconds, I pulled away, breathing heavily.

"I want you to stay with me tonight," whispered Logan, pressing his forehead to mine.

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