Not exactly feeling like going back to my room anymore, I allow my body to lead myself that woods for a walk.

I needed time to think and like always, nature was my first resort.

Let's just wish I don't get kidnapped this time.

Fucking bitch caught me off guard last time.

I sigh and wander around, making sure that I was in close proximity to any signs of residence. This way, it'd be easier for others to notice the absence of my presence.

I take a deep breath in and then out.

Immediately, I was bombarded with hundreds of thoughts and questions. My curiosity was piqued and I held myself back from questioning Theo.

Today was not the time to attack him with questions.

I could feel his low spirits through the bond even though he hasn't marked me yet. Of course, I could tell how conflicted he was as of right now. He was stuck in despair and was greatly discouraged after hearing such vile words come out of his innocent little sister's mouth.

His heartache naturally made me feel troubled as well.

A part of me wanted to run to him and give him a back hug in hopes of easing his pain.

The other part of me wanted to attack him with questions because it hurt me inside that so many secrets were being kept from me.

But I couldn't bring myself to bring him more grief. I didn't want to hurt him just to satisfy my curiosity.

I groan to myself mentally when I realized how easy it was for me to hurt others. But when it comes to Theo, it was a whole other story.

On that note, a sudden desire to be next to someone's presence and annoy them willed me to change directions. The satisfaction of groans of disbelief and sounds of aggravation were music to my ears.

And at this moment, I longed to hear Giovanni's dissatisfied growls.

I turn on my heels and search for my victim.

Finding my way to the weight rooms, I wish to myself that Celestina and him were still there. Training barely ended a few minutes ago, anyways.

Finally, I reach my destination.

I look around the empty room and release a heavy sigh. For the first time, I was upset about not seeing Giovanni and Celestina showcase their PDA.

Instead, I find my way to the outside training grounds as my final resort.

Well, well. Will you look at this?

An unladylike snort escapes me when I see the lovey dovey couple play fighting on the dirty grass.

A content smile was spotted on Giovanni's face. The happiness Giovanni shows when he's around Celestina contrasted his usually rude and dull demeanor. It gave me a break from seeing the hideous sneer on his face.

But right now, that was exactly what I needed.

When he tackles Celestina on the ground and tries to put dirt on her face, I decided it was the Queen's time to shine.

I pick up a random pebble and fling it at the back of Giovanni's head.

Bullseye!

I quickly recompose myself and pretend to analyze my beautiful nails. Using my peripheral, I was starting to regret ever coming here. Like some creepy doll, Giovanni slowly twists his head to look at the intruder: aka me.

I hear a sigh before he lifts himself off the ground, pulling Celestina up afterwards.

"I'm liking your nails, Alex," Giovanni starts off with his arms crossed. "Mind telling me the color and idea behind it?"

"It's all natural and clear," I inform him dramatically. I look forward to meet his eyes and smirk. "Just like Celestina and I's love for each other is very clear and well-known, so back off Giovanni."

"Yeah right. It's so clear that I can't even see it."

I roll my eyes and hold my hand to my heart, pretending like his words cut me. I fake a sniffle and say, "Ow, dude. Why do you have to be like this?"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Keep crying, Alex. It's quite satisfying," he tells me and a smug smile. I immediately drop the pitiful and act.

I turn to Celestina and say with a pout, "Are you really gonna waste my love for you like this?"

She lets out a genuine laugh and shakes her head.

"Sorry, hun. You were too late. I'm already taken."

Giovanni smiles and places an arm around her shoulder, then gives her a soft kiss on the top of her head.

Now this, I was not expecting.

Why does he have to be in a good mood today out of all the days, goddammit?!

I cringe and blurt out, "Get a room, for Christ's sake!"

Somehow, this motivated them more and Celestina raises her head to kiss him on the cheeks with a giggle. Before I could the image of Giovanni leaning in for a kiss on the lips, I cover my eyes and slowly back away.

"Shall we skip dinner tonight, my dear Celestina?" He asks her seductively, knowing very well that I was still here.

Before I hear her torturous reply, I muster up all my energy to run off and shout back at them, "You guys are hopeless!"

All I hear was their laughter before I scurry back to the pack house.

Subconsciously, I pat the top of my head to feel my hood then make my way inside the dining room.

Tonight was quieter than usual. Small chatter and the sound of forks and spoons scraping the plates were the only signs of life.

A discontented sigh escapes my lips when I don't see Theo and his signature mischievous smirk.

Knowing fully well the reason behind his absence, I was struggling between comforting him or pretending like nothing happened. I wanted to console him, but that shouts "So I kinda eavesdropped and found your sister crying like an idiot for some man blah blah blah."

I thought of using the mate bond as an excuse, but I imagined lying right at his face and I could feel the guilt eating me away.

I didn't get it.

I was a great liar. Lying and coaxing people was step 1 of "How to Steal Like a Pro" by Alexandria Catalina.

So why couldn't I just lie to him?

I told myself that it was okay to lie to him because it was a simple and lousy lie. But still, my heart defied my brain.

But he never tells me the truth either, so why should I?

And at the same time, I wanted him to be the one to tell me about his secrets.

Different emotions flooded me and I couldn't help but feel conflicted.

So instead, I choose the easier way out: go with the flow.

Now this, ladies and gentlemen, is the wisest statement of the century!

I bring myself back to reality and thank the lady who serves me my platter.

I clear my mind of Cara and Theo, making the decision to instead focus on the most crucial event of today: dinner.

I stab my fork into the beef bulgogi then raise it to my mouth to enjoy it, following with a spoonful of rice right after.

"Hey, don't you have the same shirt?" A little boy whispers to who I assume is an older sister.

"You're right," she whispers back in a delighted tone just like a mom does to a child. The boy opens his mouth again to speak but she stops him half way as if she knew exactly what words she would hear. "That just means Luna and I have the same style. Like attracts like. Maybe we can even bond easier. Do you get it, Ester?"

Of course we're gonna bond. I stole it from you in the first place.

The little boy stares back at her in wonder and slowly nods.

They return to their eating and I would too if not for the sound of doors being slammed open.

I almost choke on a piece of beef when I feel Theo's warm skin on mine.

He wraps his arms around the chair and around my waist for a hot second before relaxing and letting go.

I feel his fingers on the back of my neck as he moves my hair to the side. A delighted shiver runs through me as he tucks in a strand of hair behind my ear.

"You know, I've been missing you all day. Come with me," he whispers to me casually.

"Seriously?" I question him.

I eye all my fellow pack members who were stealing glances at us like we were some celebrity couple. I contemplate whether to strike a pose while they're at it.

Theo follows my gaze and rolls his eyes before pulling me out of my chair.

"Who cares?" He grumbles.

"But my food," I whine to him, pouring my all heart into this one special line.

He grabs my wrist with care and guides me out of the dining room and engrossed paparazzis.

"I'll cook you food later," he tells me with a chuckle.

I scoff and say, "I'd rather die of starvation than eat your food ever again."

"That's home cooked food for you, love."

I only roll my eyes as my response and allow a comfortable silence envelope us. I let him lead me excruciatingly up the stairs and into his bedroom in a rushed manner.

"Ooh, bold. I like it," I tease him.

"You and stealing my lines every single time," he laughs. Shutting the door behind him, he places both his hands on my shoulders and sits me down on the edge of his bed. "And as much as I want to, we're not doing this tonight."

I shut my mouth fast than the speed of light when I sense the urgency in his voice.

My eyes follow Theo as he sits down on the spot next to me and moves me so that I was between his legs. He runs a hand through his hair before meeting my eyes reassuringly.

"Ask me questions?" He utters out assuringly.

Doubt and confusion runs through my veins, making me hesitate to reply.

"What?"

He sighs and wraps his arms around me, placing his chin on my shoulder.

"I know you were there—listening, watching," he tells me. My breathing hitches but at the same time, I almost sighed out in relief when I didn't hear any accusation in his tone.

"H-how?" I squeak without letting the words process in my mind first.

"I'm not stupid, Alexandria. I can sense anyone coming my way from a mile away and your scent is too strong to hide."

"I'm sorry," I tell him sincerely. Naturally, shame fills me and I purse my lips together in a tight line. Before I could even start fidgeting with my fingers, he stops me by lacing his hands through mine.

"You shouldn't be," he says in a resolute manner. "I'm the one hiding secrets from you and you deserve to know."

I nod and smile in appreciation, glad that he understood me. With the guilt lifted, I snuggle closer into him and ask, "So you're leaving tomorrow?"

He pauses for a painstaking second before shortly answering, "Yes."

A frown tugs on my lips and I don't say anything. I didn't know what else to say except rant about how much I don't want him to go.

"A week," Theo breathes out. "Give me a week and I'll come back to tell you everything. Every. Single. Detail. When that time finally runs out, I'll answer all the questions you've been wanting to ask me truthfully."

I nod my head furiously and he chuckles. If he needed the time to think and fix things first, then I'd give it to him. I trust him.

"And Alexandria?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think," he starts off reluctantly and lifts his pink finger. "That within a week, you can finally talk to me about your brother?"

I take a few moments and think to myself. It was a question that I granted the permission to wander at the back of my mind. Theo brought it up and now, I had to face it

I was gonna spend this week finding the courage to tell Theo and find the answers for myself.

This was the moment that a strong urge to find Ian and the desire to throw my strongest punch at him hits me at 300 mph.

And even though I didn't know the answer to the question myself, I lift my pinky finger and wrap it around Theo's, saying, "Pinky promise."

"Childish," he laughs out.

"That's suppose to be my line, you fucker," I grumble.

"You and your beautiful, wide range of vocabulary," He adds.

I take in another of his melodic laughter that resonates throughout the room. I laugh along with him, his laugh quite contagious.

I knew fully well that it would be the last we would share until this miserable week finally ends.