A/N: A big shoutout to @rainiwonder for the banner she made me up there ^^

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[35] Under the Surface

Massie lounged on a recliner chair near the pool area. She had to hand it to these Everglades people, they sure knew how to live in luxury and their outside swimming area was no exception. It was such a shame that despite the massive swimming pool—and she meant massive—barely anyone came outside to swim in its clear waters or bathe in the glowing sun. What a waste of a great outdoors activity. The pool was even quite interesting in its design, it looked more Olympic than it did recreational.

Adjacent to her laid Ruby who was also soaking up the beautiful rays of sunlight. Despite it being past noon the California sun beamed hotly on their skins. Blair and Raven opted to be more active by swimming laps in the pool. Massie hadn't planned on taking a dip in their home, so she hadn't packed a bathing suit. It was just her luck that Blair was her exact size and happened to own over a gazillion extras.

The fiancées not only each got an unlimited credit card from Stevens, but a private driver that took them shopping wherever they pleased. Blair's obsession happened to be cheeky two pieces and stylish one-pieces. Massie ended up choosing the two-piece, she didn't want the abnormal skin tan most of Blair's one-pieces would form.

Ruby began applying an additional layer of sunscreen and looked to her. "So, did your man show you the pleasures of the power of alpha?" She asked, her tone suggestive.

Massie squinted as she turned to Ruby, the sun was hitting her directly in the face in that direction. "Pleasures? I should've known that's what you and Stevens use it for. And to answer your question no. There was nothing sexual about the experience."

The red-head's interest grew. She leaned closer to better hear. "Ooo, trouble in paradise?"

Massie almost laughed, she could tell Ruby enjoyed hearing drama. After Sebastian left their room he became impossible to find. She had no idea where he went and much less where to navigate in order to find him. Just when she resigned herself to wait for him in the room her door was assaulted by a series of knocks and giggling girls. The trio came to fetch her for their three o' clock swimming.

"Sort of. We had some misunderstandings since I didn't know the implications of asking him to show me that. Did you know you submit yourself to whoever you allow to do that?" Massie felt Ruby had mentioned the power of alpha so casually earlier compared to how serious it was. Granted, since she was technically Sebastian's fiancée Ruby probably thought it was a given.

Ruby nodded. "Of course! It's the main advantage I have over Blair and Raven. Neither of them have requested that of Stevens and I honestly think it makes him and I closer compared to them," she admitted offhandedly.

Massie noticed how when she spoke of him it was very matter-of-fact. She didn't have the rock-hard dedication that possessed Raven, or the starry-eyed expression she saw overtake other females of the pack when Stevens was around. Massie noticed the way she-wolves around him would try to gain his attention. She wondered why out of all the female fiancées he had none of them were werewolves. All were human.

Just then Blair came out of the pool, sopping wet as her feet slapped upon the titles. "Come and join us, the pool water feels awesome!" she enthused.

Massie glanced at the clear, chlorinated water. She wasn't much of a swimmer but the beating sun was starting to get to her. "Why not."

She got up to join them and Ruby did just as well. She began to tie up her long red hair when Massie noticed the hickey on her neck. She wasn't the only one. "When did that happen?" Blair asked, suspicious.

A tanned hand reached for the spot she was referring to and immediately the grip on her hair was released, seeming to have remembered something. "It's nothing," Ruby said breezily. She retreated back to her recliner and placed her black sunglasses on.

Blair refused to let that be the end of it. She pulled her sunglasses off to stare her in the face. "Ruby what are you thinking! That's completely against the rules! You're not allowed to have relations with any other person aside from Stevens," she scolded. "This is the fifth time I've caught you. You said you would stop."

Ruby glared, her stance becoming threatening. "It's none of your business, and you better not say anything just like the other times."

"Or else what?"

Ruby sneered. "Or else I'll happily inform Stevens who his future beta has been sneaking out with in the late hours of the night."

Blair's face became deathly pale at her disclosure. It wasn't hard to connect the dots and see what was brimming beneath the surface. This explained why Blair didn't seem so infatuated with Stevens either. "We don't do anything, just talk." She said, her voice coming out low and in fearful whispers.

Ruby plucked her sunglasses back. "I know. I followed you one night to see what you were doing, but I happen to be a good liar. I have no problem twisting what I saw." Ruby's smirk was victorious as Blair's layers began to fall. Whoever this wereman was it was clear she cared about him a lot.

"You think Stevens won't notice? What about Raven? All she needs is a glimpse of this and she will run her mouth to him. This is enough to disqualify you! You know among wereman that a hickey is a mark of intimacy!"

"Well it's a good thing neither of them will find out by you." A haughty smile graced her lips. "I'm glad you saw it, it reminded me that my afternoon snack will meet me in fifteen minutes to lick my neck. It will be gone before Stevens even sees it."

Blair shook her head, dismayed. "Whatever. Let's go Massie." She bit.

The purple-eyed beauty quietly followed after her, digesting everything she heard. It amazed her how much drama and intrigue were amongst these three. As the stepped down the silver ladder, Blair looked at her. "I know I sounded like a hypocrite earlier but I'm really not lying when I say all we do is talk. The guy she's referring to is Adam."

Massie gently rubbed her arms. "Don't worry, I'm not judging you. If anything I'm relieved you're not so in love with Stevens. I wondered what the heck you guys saw in him. I'm glad you're looking at other options."

Blair frowned. "The worst part is we can't be together until Stevens disqualifies me. It's the reason I avoid relations with him. I don't want him to consider me so I just let Ruby and Raven have at him...although to be honest I want Raven to win. Raven is so into him. Ruby breaks the rules all the time yet somehow she still gets him. It's because of the power of alpha but Raven refuses to do that until he commits to her."

The two of them looked at the curly haired member. She stood poised at the opposite end of the pool, focused as she did a series of breast-stokes before switching to the butterfly. Her lean body moved elegantly, like a mermaid gliding smoothly across a sea. It was obvious she had done this professionally before or at least have been on some swimming team.

Her movements inspired Massie to move, even if it was just to casually back paddle. It seemed to have inspired the same thing in Blair for in seconds she too was moving around. At some point while she was focused on her feet's swishing she noted Ruby get up from her spot. She disappeared along the glass door until she was out of sight.

Raven didn't noticed, too concentrated in her strokes. Massie didn't know how she was still able to move with the same velocity and strength she had twenty minutes ago. The purple-eyed beauty was tired by ten minutes. Her movements now were mere child's play. Blair gave her a knowing look from across the pool, their shared knowledge hanging over them.

Ruby returned not too long after. Her hair in a bun and hickey long gone. She hopped into the pool to join them. "Let's do a race!" She exclaimed.

At this Raven seemed to come out of her reverie, her charcoal eyes finally looking elsewhere than the clear water. "You're on!"

Of the four of them Massie was the only one who refused. "I'm exhausted from the little I did already. How about I let you guys know who wins."

Blair gave her a thumbs up and the three of them got in position at the other edge of the pool. Massie didn't find it fair that Ruby just got here whereas the other two have been exerting themselves for the past hour. Nevertheless, she had a feeling Raven would win regardless if her unrelenting stamina was any indication. "Ready....Set....GO!"

The three dove in. Raven and Ruby easily overtook Blair, leaving her last. To Massie's great surprise the red-head swam faster than she anticipated. Ruby hadn't seemed like the type to be into swimming, she had been with her suntanning for the most part earlier. Currently she was holding her own by being neck-to-neck with Raven.

Massie decided to come out of the pool to get a better view of them as they got closer. They were now mid-way and still equal. From her peripheral view she saw a tall man enter the area. She intended to only give him a cursory glance but the moment she saw who it was her eyes widened.

With a seemingly one-track mind he began to approach her. A stranger would have said he looked calm. His steps were even and his face void of expression. But Massie knew him better. She noticed the vein on his neck and his inflamed golden eyes. The way the corner of his lips twitched ever-so-slightly. What did she do now?

The splashing near her brought her eyes back to the water, just in time to see Raven win with three seconds to spare. "Raven's the winner!"

Her announcement caused Ruby to pout. Raven grinned victoriously, finally staying still as she tried to catch her breath. Blair was still casually swimming from the other side. The moment the blonde noticed they had over taken her she pretty much quit.

"Ladies I'll be right back, my fiancé wants to talk to me about something," she excused, aiming to slip away before he got here.

It was to no avail.

"She won't be coming back." Sebastian corrected. "I'm taking her with me." The look he gave her was callous, daring her to object.

Massie didn't. She sneaked a wary smile their way. "I'll see you at dinner."

Sebastian didn't touch her as he followed her to get her things. They weren't much. Just a towel, a summer dress, and some flipflops. As she gathered her things she felt him press against her back.

"I get that you want to catch Stevens' attention, but at least have the decency to remember you're suppose to be engaged to me."

His accusation almost rocked her. Where on earth did he draw the conclusion that she wanted to catch Stevens' attention? She was in a lonesome pool with only girls.

"I am not trying to catch his attention." She said lowly, forcing herself to calm and not cause a scene, especially in front of the girls.

Sebastian lifted one of the strings her top, his touch scornful. "So you just happen to be out here in a flimsy two-piece. Conveniently right before him and his men have their training in the pool."

Massie closed her eyes. She felt like digging a hole and burying herself in it. How did she get herself in this position? "I didn't know," she replied softly.

"I'm sure you didn't."

She grabbed the towel to dry herself. God forbid she put this dress on wet and he assume it's to further catch Stevens' attention. His icy derision made her anger start to rise but she willed it to tone down. It was her fault he felt this anyway.

"Trust me, if I wanted to catch his attention you would know. More than anyone else you're well-experienced in how far I'm willing to go to catch a man's attention." She was referring to him of course. Of the way she made herself available despite the numerous times he pushed her away in the beginning of their relationship.

There was a tense silence as they both stared at each other. None willing to back down.

Sebastian's eyes darkened. "What is it about him? Is it because his house is bigger? His pack more numerous?"

Massie gaped. Did he honestly think she was so materialistic as to leave him over that? "Tell me you're joking," she hissed.

He ignored her statement. "Put your dress on."

Massie crossed her arms. "No. I want to know if you truly believe I would leave you over something so stupid. Tell me."

His expression became rock-like. She could feel it as he began to close himself off. "Put your dress on." He repeated, this time more stern.

"Just answer my stupid question," she demanded. She really wondered what kind of person he viewed her as. Did her mistake really skewer his perception of her so deeply?

"Put your dress on."

Massie felt her arms unfold. It was strange to be a spectator as your body did someone else's bidding. Her hands reached for the dress and in seconds it was snugly over her.

Just then, the glass door opened. In came an influx of half-naked weremen with Stevens at the very front. The three ladies in the pool smiled expectantly at the new arrivals, it's like they were used to this happening. Massie wondered why they hadn't told her of the men later joining them. They hadn't warned her that the swimming wouldn't be in private for the whole time. Now Sebastian assumed she knew this and continued to think the worst of her.

Massie sighed. Earlier Sebastian said he regretted bringing her here. Now, she was starting to join him in that regret. What a mess.

[o-o-o]

Back in their room Massie went straight to the shower. She wanted the smell of chlorine and heavy sunscreen off.

As she washed her hair she wondered how she could bring up the overhanging topic to Sebastian. She didn't want him to shut her out. Combing her unruly tresses, she figured it didn't matter how she brought it up. As long as the truth was spoken things should be fixed and go back to normal.

After twenty more minutes of showering she turned the water off and began drying herself. She could hear Sebastian typing away from here. It was not her imagination that the strokes on the keyboard sounded harsher. If he kept that up he just might break the keys of his laptop.

Massie squeezed the towel around the strands of her hair to get it as dry as possible. She was too tired from doing laps in the pool to even consider holding a hair dryer. After assuring her towel wouldn't slip ( and thus cause Sebastian to be further dismayed) she stepped out the bathroom and rummaged through her suitcase.

"How many minutes do we have until dinner?" She asked, pulling out some jeans and a general blouse. She slipped her underwear on and sought a comfortable bra.

Sebastian turned on his seat to face her, his lips forming a tight line. "That excited to see Stevens? You missed him in the pool and now you're waiting for your next opportunity," he said darkly. His eyes were black with jealousy.

Massie dropped the clothes in her hand. She was exhausted of him imagining the worst.

Walking to stand in front of him she crossed her arms. "Stop it."

"Stop what, say the truth?" He words dripped with mockery and she could even remember the time she had used that line on him.

Massie pulled the laptop closed and stood between his opened legs. He was sitting and she was standing, but even so he had a way of making her feel small and overpowered.

She placed her arms around his neck and pull him closer. His own arms stayed immobile at his sides. "What are you doing." He hissed, glaring at her.

Massie took a deep breath, it was time to tell him the truth. "It's called a hug. It's something I've done with you that I'll never give to Stevens. I don't like him. The day on the plane when you asked me if I read the book I lied. I didn't actually read it so I had no idea what the power of alpha truly meant. I didn't know that it allowed the person I asked to have control over me, that I would be submitting myself to them. I'm sorry."

"Let go of me." He spat.

Massie gaped. Did he hear anything she just said? It was as though her admittance didn't reach him at all. "Listen, if I had known about it I would have asked you anyway. You know I trust you. The difference is I would have never said I would ask Stevens. Even the day I said it I didn't really mean it. I was just mad and said that because you were pissing me off."

Sebastian scoffed. "I'm still waiting for your hands to get off me." He retorted.

Massie felt her defiance rising. "Why don't you make me?"

Sebastian's eyes narrowed but his lips remained closed, unanswering. Massie pressed against him, pulling their faces closer and closer. He let her. "Go ahead. Stop me. Just like you made me put on that dress outside... make me stop touching you."

"Go put your clothes on." His voice sounded heavy on her ears, strained.

"I already told you to make me. Why don't you go ahead and do it?" She got closer until their noses touched.

His arms moved, but they were not to push her away. He pulled her sideways onto his lap, a hand on her exposed thighs and another around her towel-covered waist.

"Why do you make things difficult."

Before she could respond he bit her bottom lip, causing her to whimper. His tongue slid over it before he covered her lips with his. The kiss was harsh and devastatingly territorial. It was filled with so much emotion that she almost drowned, she could hardly keep up with him. When he pulled back she was speechless. He initiated that private kiss, not her.

Sebastian positioned her above him and carried her bridal style to the bed. "Get changed."

Before he dropped her, his warm lips found her neck. His tongue trailed sensuously over a curve, before it seemed he found a spot and began to suck.

Massie squirmed in his arms. "Y-you're going to leave a hickey if you keep doing that."

Sebastian ignored her and when he was done he released her on the bed. His golden eyes met her, impassive. "That's the point." He clipped.

His cold demeanor was a far cry from all he had just done with her. She felt he was still angry with her and she didn't know why.

"I'll come back to get you before dinner. Don't leave."

"Wait!" Massie pulled his arm. Thankfully, he stayed. "What are we now? What exactly does it mean that I'm submitted to you?"

"It means I'm your guardian and you're my ward. It places you completely under my protection." He explained, being concise.

Massie scrunched her brows. "I thought I was always under your protection."

Sebastian's cool eyes felt like ice to her skin. "You were under my protection in a way that you could leave if you wanted to. You had more autonomy with your decisions. Now you don't." His eyes fell to the red mark he left on her neck, then they lowered. Because she was half-laying down her towel had lowered to expose more of her breasts. "Sit up."

Massie sat erect on the bed. No longer slouching. He continued. "I can control your actions. You cannot be mated to anyone, human or wereman unless I give you permission. Amongst other things...It's why I cautioned you to not be so foolhardy."

The sharpness of his response made her feel talked down to. Was he unhappy with this arrangement? She had a feeling it was more so of how it came about.