My father's face turned to a picture of despair in front of me as he fell to his knees, shaking his head. "Please, Eliza, I can't allow you to stay with him. I can't risk losing you."
I dropped my gaze, feeling ashamed that my actions had led to my father's breakdown, but I knew what he had done was wrong. I knew he was just trying to protect me, but he had to let his only child grow and learn from her own experiences.
I couldn't and wouldn't be wrapped up with cotton wool for my whole life.
I was free to make my own decisions and I couldn't stay in a house with my parents knowing that they had planned to imprint negative thoughts and feelings towards towards my mate in my head before I had even met him.
"You can stay with James. You don't have to stay here," said Theo, looking at his uncle with pleading eyes.
I shook my head, my mouth set in a firm line. "I'm not a child anymore Theo. I can't rely on James to do everything for me. This is something I need to do. I will come back, I promise."
Theo frowned at me, chewing on his lip as if he was desperately thinking of something to say that would change my mind.
"James, we cannot allow this," growled my father, standing up.
"I'm sorry David, but there is nothing I can do. Eliza has chosen to go willingly. This is out of our hands now," spoke Alpha James, placing his hand firmly on my father's shoulder in comfort.
Theo gave me one last pleading look before turning around and following my Alpha and father back into the forest.
I watched them disappear in sadness, not knowing when I would see them again. I knew it would be soon, but the fact that my parents wanted to keep me all to themselves was hard for me to swallow.
I turned to Logan, who was gazing at me through thick lashes. "I'm sorry. I didn't even mean to say it, I just sort of blurted it out. I know I didn't even ask, and I don't have clothes or a toothbrush or anything. I can find somewhere else to stay, I just really can't face going back to my pack right now and-"
Logan chuckled, taking a few steps closer to me. "It would be an honour for you to stay."
I smiled, unsure of what to say, feeling slightly overwhelmed by his the close proximity. "Thank you."
Logan took hold of my hand, causing tingles to tinkle throughout my arm. He led me back through the forest towards the village, but he stopped to scan the many houses scattered around.
"I'm just trying to think of somewhere you can stay. I would offer you to stay at my house, but I don't think you'd like that? Plus, Heather will be staying over late and she doesn't seem in the best of moods right now."
I shook my head, scrunching up my nose. Although Logan's house was comfortable and cute, I didn't want to intrude on him or his mother, especially as the house was already small.
I also didn't want his mother to suspect anything, although I was sure Heather had probably already said something to her by now.
"I know," mumbled Logan to himself as he began to walk again, releasing my hand before anyone could see. He flashed me a quick smile, letting me know he wanted me to follow him.
I walked behind him, noticing how many of the young females gawked at him would turn and stare, offering him flirtatious smiles and nods, sending a pang of jealousy throughout my body. Heather was right, wherever Logan went, girls were always watching.
He was extremely good looking and power radiated off of him, making him appear even more attractive, if that was even possible.
Shaking the thoughts out of my head, I continued to plod after Logan as he rounded a corner and led me down a slim cobble path, surrounded by large blooming blossom trees. In front of us stood a large brick house, topped with a painted red roof.
"This was my brother's house. No one has stayed here since he died, but we don't have any spare houses at the moment," said Logan as he pushed the front door open, inviting me in.
I shook my head, holding my hands up. "Oh, no, Logan. I can't stay here. Honestly, I can just get a hotel or something-"
"No, I really would like you to stay here Eliza. I can't think of a better person to open up this house again to."
I stepped inside, gawking at the beautiful and expensive looking decorative interior. It was so different to Logan's house, which was unique, quirky and filled with interesting trinkets and collectables.
This house appeared polished and pristine. Everything appeared to have a specific place and all the colours and furniture were tied together, coordinating.
"Emily was really into interior design. It was her passion. She designed this entire house and we built it from scratch," said Logan.
"It's amazing."
"Come on, I'll show you upstairs."
I followed Logan up the carpeted stairs, noticing how glossy and smooth the banister was against my fingertips. Every wall was decorated with a beautiful piece of art, all framed with gold.
I couldn't help but wonder how much Theo would like it here and how he would be mesmerised by the sheer amount of artistic pieces here. I wasn't even an artist and even I couldn't help but admire each and every one.
Logan opened a large wooden door, allowing me to step in first. My eyes were greeted with the largest bedroom I had ever seen.
The walls were painted a champagne colour and every piece of furniture was the same dark mahogany brown. The huge king size bed was fitted with royal blue sheets and a sparkling large mirror was placed by along the entirety of the side wall.
"Don't worry, everything has been cleaned and changed since...you know," mumbled Logan, offering me a smile. "A lot of their old stuff has been packed away, so you don't have to feel like you're intruding or anything."
"Logan, are you sure I can stay here? I really feel like I shouldn't."
"There's no other purpose for it," shrugged Logan. "We might as well put a house as beautiful as this to good use. Plus, you're just as beautiful, so you fit right in."
I laughed at Logan's corny compliment, smiling up at him as I shook my head.
Logan gazed down at me, clearing his throat awkwardly. "I can't organise another Whipping if I know you're going to volunteer. I can't watch you go through that again."
"I will try and think of another way, but if I can't come up with anything, the Whipping really does seem like my only option, but I can't allow you to volunteer."
"How do you know these packs are really going to do something Logan? Have they not just forgotten about it?" I asked.
Logan shook his head. "No, Eliza. What my father did to those packs aren't things they can just forget. He took people's mates away from them and ambushed packs for no reason; just because he wanted to appear powerful, to keep his own pack and family safe. He liked to use fear to control people."
"And now you have to pay for it. It's so unfair."
"Life is unfair, but as the Alpha I have a duty to keep my pack safe, and of course, you," Logan said, taking a few steps towards me until I was backed up against the wall.
"I can take care of myself you know."
Logan nodded, biting his lip and chuckling. "Oh trust me, I know, but it doesn't mean I can't help."
Logan was a few inches from me, his minty fresh breath fanning my face softly, sending warmth to spread throughout my body.
I gazed into his shining hazel eyes, unsure of what I was feeling. My heart was racing and my breathing was quickening as each second ticked by.
I couldn't help but think back to what Heather had said at the dinner table, and my brain wondered how many girls had been in this very position right now with Logan.
The thought annoyed me, causing a sinking feeling to form in my stomach. "Um, about what Heather said, is it true?"
Logan smiled, rolling his eyes. "Heather likes to tease me about it, yes it's true, I get a lot of attention, but honestly none of it means anything. It never has. It's not something I pay attention to."
"So?" I mumbled awkwardly, not wanting to actually ask the questions I was wondering. I didn't want to come across as if I was prying, or even worse, jealous.
"If you're trying to ask me if I've ever had a girlfriend, the answer is no. I've never had time. Sure, there have been childhood crushes and a few drunken kisses, but nothing much more than that," said Logan, raising his eyebrows at me, searching for any type of reaction.
I forced back a smile, not wanting to come across as if I cared too much.
I knew that the past was the past and anything that had happened before me was really none of my business, but I was happy he had waited for me, even if he had found me when searching for a Luna.
"And you?" asked Logan.
"The same as you said," I mumbled, feeling embarrassed, even though I knew that Logan and I were in the same boat when it came to past romances.
Logan smiled, obviously sensing how nervous I was. His gaze travelled down to my lips, before flickering his eyes back up to my chocolate brown ones. After a few more seconds, he stepped away, chuckling to himself.
"I'll go make us some hot drinks before bed," he said as he made his way out of the room.
"Wait, you're staying here?" I called after him, confused.
"Yup," he replied, popping the 'p' at the end, and I could tell he was cheekily smiling to himself.
Oh god...
......................................................
What do you think Theo or the parents are going to do about Eliza leaving?