"If I call you, I want you to pick up straight away," worried my mother as she flattened down my hair, giving me a less than convincing smile.

"Mom, I'll be fine. I'll be back tonight," I reassured her.

My father stood beside the door, his arms crossed and a face like stone. "I still don't agree with this."

"I know, but I can make my own decisions. I promise I'll be back without a scratch."

"You better," said my father, raising his eyebrows questionably, "and remember what will happen if you don't come back."

"Yes Dad, a full blown war, I got it," I mumbled jokingly, almost rolling my eyes.

My mother let out a chuckle, rubbing my arms up and down. "Okay, you better head off."

I smiled, waving goodbye as I strolled out of the door, carrying my bag of clothes to change into for after I shifted.

A few days had passed, and my back was fully healed, although some impressive scars did remain, which made me feel extremely self conscious. I knew they would be there for the rest of my life. They would be a constant reminder of what had happened. They would be a constant reminder of...him. Even after I told him I wouldn't be seeing him ever again, he would always be there, marked on my body.

However, the scars were proof that I had been a part of The Whipping before, meaning I would never have have to do it again. I was now safe from it-excluded. But, I knew it should have never happened in the first place. Although other packs were probably fearful of Logan's pack now, they also frowned upon them. They would now be seen as a pack nobody would want to ally with, which to me, seemed more like self sabotage. Shaking away the thoughts, I continued to walk, reminding myself why I was doing this. This would make it easier for me. This would make everything go back to the way it was before. I would feel little for Logan after seeing what kind of Alpha he was, then, it would be easy for me to leave, and tell him to never come back.

Logan had told me he would meet me at my territory border, not wanting to come in and cause another argument, which I was grateful for.

Making my way through the forest, I rounded the corner to see him standing there, shirtless and in only a pair of ripped shorts. His chest muscles and abs caught me off guard for a second, and I caught myself staring. Logan gazed at me oddly, raising his eyebrows at me.

"Um, hi," I mumbled, fiddling with my fingers awkwardly, not knowing what to do with my body.

Logan clearly ignored my embarrassed demeanour, taking a few steps closer to me. "My land is about a thirty minute journey away if we run. Want to do that? Or we can get a car?"

"Running is fine," I said, holding up my bag of clothes, showing him I was prepared.

Logan chuckled. "Okay, follow me."

Logan leapt down the hill, his body morphing into a large dark brown wolf. He turned to me, his hazel eyes glowing even brighter. After a few seconds, I followed, much less gracefully, and jumped down the hill, allowing my body to morph itself into my plain grey wolf.

I picked up my bag in my mouth, trotting alongside Logan as we made our way through the forest. As we ran, I couldn't help but steal a few glances at him, his dark brown wolf mesmerising me. His fur was so thick and luscious looking and he had one white splodge dotted on his left ear, making him appear less menacing, cute almost.

However, I shook the thoughts away, knowing I shouldn't be thinking these sorts of things about Logan when I was just on my way to his cult like pack where I was sure people got tortured on the daily for doing silly things such as talking back. It sent a shiver down my spine, knowing that I was mated to the Alpha of a pack like this, and I was expected to help run such a devilish pack. There was no way I would.

I considered myself to be a nice girl with good morals. If I was destined to become a Luna of a pack, I wanted to run it just like my Alpha James. He was respected and powerful, but he cared for every pack member and would risk his life for them. We were one big family; we were a team. I didn't like the thought of leaving my pack, and I had already decided I wouldn't, not for anybody.

I had already told Logan I would only be staying for a few hours, I wanted to be shown around and that was it. I didn't want to be introduced as anything to anyone, especially not their Luna, because that would never happen. Although I told him it was because they would then expect me to stay. They wouldn't accept the fact that their Luna was living within another pack. Logan had said he wanted me to get to know him, and I was sure I would after seeing his pack.

Eventually, Logan came to a standstill and he turned to me, nodding, signalling that we were near his territory. I nodded in return, making my way behind a tree and shifting back into my human form, quickly pulling on the tank top and denim shorts I had in my bag. I walked out from behind the tree to see Logan in his human form, wearing nothing but a pair of black sport shorts. I tried to avert my eyes, focusing on his face only, but my body was longing for me to look down and take him all in. I couldn't deny Logan was beautiful, but I had to keep reminding myself what had happened, and what he had done to me and everyone else.

"This way."

Logan waved me forward, pushing his way through the shrubs until we were standing on the side of a cobble path. I looked around to see multiple brick houses dotted around and many people, all walking around looking busy. As we walked through the village, everyone nodded at Logan, smiling, seeming to not really notice me, which I was glad about. I bit my lip nervously as we followed the cobble path, rounding a corner and making our way past a couple of large trees. Logan put his hand out in front of me, stopping me.

"This is my house," he stated, pointing ahead.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I saw in front of me. His house was small, delicate looking. It was made of brick and the door was a pretty pale blue colour. Tulips were planted on either side of the door, adding another splash of colour to the vibrant village. This place was stunning and I couldn't help but furrow my brows. Was I shocked? Was I disappointed?

"My mother designed it," said Logan as he rolled his eyes playfully.

"It's nice," I said, still gazing around in amazement.

"Eliza, I want you to meet my mother."

.........................................................................................................

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