[43] It's What Friends Do

Massie was freaking out. It was one day to Kristen's wedding and everything was going according to schedule. There was just one itsy bitsy problem—the pack from Everglades would come, and because her and Sebastian had pretended to be engaged in their territory it would look off if they suddenly weren't together again.

The purple eyed beauty ran her fingers through her hair. What was she going to do? For this reason Sebastian sat beside her in the kitchen, munching on an apple as he waited for her to explain some 'recent concerns' she's been having.

"—so basically I'm worried because they're all coming and will expect us to be engaged still."

"I know."

The wereman relaxed languidly on the chair, the ideal picture of calmness. Sebastian was one to foresee things before they happened, shouldn't have he brought this to her attention before? Why was he not as stressed as she was?!

"Obviously we're not really engaged. We're just friends." She reminded, waiting for him to see the issue for what it was. It's as though he didn't care.

"For now."

Massie groaned. "Sebastian. Focus on the issue at hand."

"The only difference is you won't have the ring on, which isn't even a part of my culture. You're my date throughout the whole ceremony. I'm sure they'll assume we're still together."

"I guess." She said, unconvinced.

Sebastian leaned in. "If you're so concerned, I don't mind kissing you a few times in their presence." His eyes fell to her lips, they darkened with hungry intent.

Massie shifted in her seat. His breath smelled sweet, of apples and many deep things. "No, it's fine. Like you said, they'll probably assume we're still together."

Sebastian's lower lip protruded ever so slightly into the semblance of a pout. Like a child who had his plans thwarted.

She tried to refocus. Why did she even care what the people of Everglades thought? It's not like she would lose face in front of them if she suddenly wasn't with Sebastian anymore. Relationships fail all the time, it wasn't anything new.

Suddenly, Sebastian sighed. "Great."

Massie tried to figure out what was wrong. There was nothing amiss as far as she could tell. "What is it?"

Sebastian didn't answer her. Then, the sound of two grumbling voices reached her. It was Sebastian's parents. Papa Saurus trialed behind his wife, who was currently holding a decorated box.

"Who is this Tobias?" Papa Saurus asked, his tone spiteful.

Mia lifted her chin. "I already told you. He is the owner of the flower shop I go to in town."

"Why is this human sending my wife flowers?"

Mia shrugged, not sparing him a glance. "What do I know? All I care is that I got free flowers."

Massie was surprised. She was accustomed to seeing a sweet and kind Mia. This side of Sebastian's mother was more on edge, as though she had a bone to pick with her husband.

Papa Saurus would try to hug her but she would purposely evade his advances with an air of defiance. None of his kisses landed where they intended, they all met empty space. It was clear they had been arguing beforehand and Mia was still not over it.

Mia pulled the flowers from the box, bringing them to the sink to cut them at a few places before eyeing them with admiration. It was clear to Massie the woman could careless about the sender, she was truly just enamored with all things flowers.

Papa Saurus, however, did not seemed pleased with this. His once dark eyes became dotted with gold, a most interesting manifestation. With a swipe of his hand the flowers no longer inhabited Mia's sweet hold, now they were in the hands of a jealous husband.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing!" She cried, reaching back for them. It was too late though, Papa Saurus held them high above his head, much too far from reach.

"The only person my wife will be receiving flowers from is me."

Mia's eyes flashed. "Give them back right now!" She demanded.

"No."

"Give them back!"

He gave her an evil smile "Why don't you come and get them." It was easy to see the wereman was baiting her, but in her frustration Mia did not see that.

Then, Massie watched in awe as the woman did not go on her tippy toes as expected. She began to climb her husband, as though he were a tree. Just as her fingertips were within range of the flower stems he swooped for his kill.

"Got you." An arm swarmed around her like a constrictive snake and another easily tossed the bouquet of flowers in the trash, to which she gave a sharp gasp of horror.

"Come." He said this as though she had the option to go with him, when in reality he was in full control of her direction, maintaining her in his arms. "We will settle this argument in the bedroom."

"We won't be fixing anything in the bedroom!"

"We most definitely will." With that said Papa Saurus carried a peeved wife out of sight and to their bedroom.

"They always do this." Sebastian said, appearing unamused at his parent's display.

"Something's bothering you mom though." Massie mused.

Women don't 'accidentally' side-sweep their husband's hugs and kisses. They are always deliberately done. No doubt something occurred to make her frustrated. They couple was so focused on each other they didn't notice their spectators. That, or they didn't care.

"Father told her the of the Everglades' pack attendance last minute. Today, actually. Jasmine once did something in our home to upset her, since then she avoids having her come here."

Massie wondered what Papa Saurus' ex had done here to make Mia so repulsed. Sebastian grabbed her hand, bringing her attention back to him. "I'm going to go training with the others, I'll see you in a bit."

Massie stared at their joined hands. "I thought there was no time for training with all the wedding preparations."

It's how it's been all week. Rather than train, the men used their time to completely revamp the entire estate. They had done an excellent job in climbing the awkward angles of their home and littering it with bright lights of gold, red, and green. Electronic reindeers were positioned, they moved slowly from side-to-side, adding a playfulness that made the kids ecstatic to be outside. Despite the cold weather, the sound of their laughter permeated through every part of the home. They were frequently playing games with the snow.

The inside was no different. Christmas trees of varying sizes were positioned in each living room space holding shiny balls in its branches. Fireplaces were lined with stockings bearing different names. The remaining spaces were supplemented by snow globes, candy canes, and wreaths. The frequent warm drinks left an endearing smell of hot chocolate and cinnamon waft through every room. Massie was enjoying every single aspect. Aside from the wedding, it's the reason she's been sleeping over the last few days. She couldn't get enough of this home and wished she lived here.

While the wolfmen focused on these two aspects of the home (often times helped by the children), the werewoman took over the estate's ballroom, which was only ever used for large events. Kristen was in love with this season, and so her theme for the wedding would be a gold Christmas. So far everything was turning positively lovely. Massie had just finished arranging the centerpieces. It would be a small white tree with hanging flower lights.

"We're only going for a run, my men are getting antsy. This should help them a little bit." Sebastian stood, pulling her up with him. "Afterwards, I have a favor to ask you."

His smooth voice made a shiver run down her spine. Since when did he ever sound so...suggestive?

"What's the favor?" She asked, sounding a little breathless. He was only holding her hand, but he was standing so close she felt his heat transfer to her.

She saw a glint in his eyes she never saw before. It gave her the sense he was plotting something. "Our wolves are getting washed today. I want you to wash me again."

Massie blinked. "Oh—I thought after you washed your packmates Jayden was in charge of washing you." She recalled him telling her that the last time she tried to help. He had been so against her helping, why was he requesting this now?

"But you're my friend. Friends wash each other, so you can do it too." His thumb grazed her palm softly.

"Um...I'm not sure—"

"You did it before." He interrupted, taking a step that made their chests collide. "We were friends before, right?"

Deciding to let go of her resistance, Massie bobbed her head. He was right. They had been friends at the time. Besides, it was only washing his wolf. She loved when he was Cinnamon anyway, it brought sweet memories.

"Okay, I'll be outside when you guys return."

And so it was that when the pack of wolves returned from their run Massie waited patiently in the interior. Once Sebastian finished brushing the majority of wolves she stepped outside clad in sweatpants and a hoodie—typical attire these last few days.

Although the outside was cold, the biting wind did not reach them. The tall estate was large enough to occlude any breeze through this area, so she did not need to be very bundled.

At the sight of her the twins licked her hands, making her smile. She petted then beneath their ears, watching as their tails wagged with joy. Feeling left out, Noah pushed Jayden out the way and took his place.

Jayden growled lowly, apparently enjoying the petting much more than the warm soapy water that typically called his name.

Noah let his tongue slid out and gave him a look, as if to say what are you gonna do punk?

Before any argument could ensure Sebastian gave a loud whistle. The three wolf heads snapped to their chief. He shook his head, mildly entertained. "She's only washing me. Don't bother trying to claim her favor. In a line, all three of you."

There was jostling and whining as they went to him. Sebastian ignored their mini-outcries and did a quick work out of them, shifting into his wolf form once they were under the outside showers rinsing.

Massie grabbed a brush and began cleaning Sebastian. He was not as soiled as last time, probably because they had settled for a simple run. When she finished cleaning him she was surprised to see him go to a bucket and trot back with a conditioner in his mouth.

Massie giggled. "You're finally learning the benefits of conditioner."

However, as she applied it and comb her fingers through him, she found his nose would skim parts of her face. She had an odd feeling it was not so much the conditioner he cared about, but the feel of her hands taking care of him. He would make low rumbling noises that sounded rather pleased.

Massie was crouched on the grass, enjoying the feel of Cinnamon's thick hair when she heard the approaching steps of men in sleek oxford shoes, a stark contrast to the sturdy sneakers and thick boots of Dark Falls wolfmen.

A light, female voice became progressively louder as they neared. "This is another living room. If you remember, out those doors is where our men train. They recently finished so they'll be properly welcoming you soon."

Massie didn't have to look at them to feel their eyes on her. They crawled from her damp sweater to the very end of her sweats. It was the Everglades pack. Massie's eyes widened. The wedding was tomorrow, why were they here a day early?

It was Alpha Stephen, his son Stevens, and two other wolfmen. They stood idly by the door watching as they washed up in the outside showers. It was probably foreign to them, watching weremen freshen up after doing a solid workout in the outside terrain. The people of Everglades were a refined bunch, they preferred unsoiled activities like swimming. Or an inside gym.

Why was Stevens leering at her so intently? She had half mind to ask him about the whereabouts of his fiancés to keep him in check. Come to think of it, Alpha Stephen's wife was nowhere to be seen either. Rather than ponder this she settled for remaining focused on Sebastian's mane. Her detangling and conditioning left it shimmering. He was such a beautiful wolf.

Massie pulled away. "Done. You can rinse now."

Rather than trollop under the water as customary, Cinnamon stayed in place. He trod around her, circling her with slow ease. His steps were not light, they were purposeful and heavy, making her unable to tear her gaze from the majestic creature. His tail whipped around her, curling around her calves and sweeping upwards to her thighs. Then, he stood right in the center of Steven's vision and poked his nose under her shirt. A languorous, warm tongue slid across the base of her abdomen. Slow and intentional. He was marking his territory.

Massie flushed. Friends didn't do that, right? She would bring it up to him later. "I'll wait for you inside."

And with that Cinnamon went off to rinse.

Massie gave the familiar faces a smile, deciding she'd be polite since they were still standing there. "Did the flight go smoothly?"

"It was excellent!" Alpha Stephen boomed, making her almost trip at the intensity of it. That man was just as loud as she remembered. His eyes ate up the outside. The pack had not stopped at merely lighting the house, they went as far as lighting a set of nearby trees in the forest. The Dark Falls home appeared absolutely majestic. "What gorgeous decorations! Son, we must not leave our home so bare. The moment we return we will hire a professional designer!"

Stevens seemed much more immersed in eyeing Massie than listening to his father. He nodded absentmindedly. "Sure thing. I'm glad we came early to admire beautiful things for much longer than a day." He responded smoothly.

Massie had to hold in the urge to roll her eyes. Some men just didn't know when to quite. Instead, her smile widened, becoming sickly sweet. "Where are your women? I miss Raven and Blair in particular."

Screw Ruby. When she had been 'engaged' to Sebastian she tried to flirt with him. The seemingly easy-going girl had lost her respect after that.

The alpha's son appeared disinterested with her question. "The ladies were taking long to prepare, so we left ahead in our private jet. They will join soon enough in a few hours."

Alpha Stephen nodded, agreeing with his son's response. "That's right, my wife wanted to search for a new dress as well. You know how women love their clothes."

Not wanting to speak to them any further, Massie stepped into the warm estate to stand beside the werewoman who's voice had filtered outside previously. "I'll let you both finish the tour, see you later." She said nicely, totally aiming to avoid Stevens for the length of his short stay.

Seeing her opening the she-wolf began, continuing from where she left off. "If we continue walking through here, you'll find the kitchen, it's this way."

And so they went, and Massie happily went the opposite direction, gearing to Sebastian's room. She wanted to talk to him about his actions outside to discuss some boundaries. Before entering she knocked his door.

"Come in."

Massie took a few steps inside, only to freeze when she saw him shirtless. The contours of his defined torso was enough to make her heart race, and as her eyes lowered they glid over every curve of his abs.

"Oh—um, I'llcomebacklater." She rushed, stepping back to escape. He was looking way too mouth-watering and that is a view she could not afford right now. Friends are not suppose to see each other in that way.

Just as she reached the door Massie felt a rush of air. He whizzed by her, closing the door and locking it before she had a chance to leave.

"It's fine. You may stay." He said into her ear.

Massie looked down, wanting to avoid his face. It was a mistake, for it was then she realized he wasn't even wearing his typical sweats. He was wearing boxers. Fresh black boxers. She had most definitely interrupted him while he was in the middle of changing.

Massie crossed her arms. What game was he playing?

"You better get dressed in less than two minutes or I'm leaving."

She had meant to sound strong and authoritative, but her eyes betrayed her returning to his muscled abdomen. His dark hair left a trail that led lower, and lower until it reached a V and disappeared beneath his boxers. She was so distracted she failed to see the small smile he gave when he noticed her staring.

"Sure. You should change too, this is wet." He grabbed onto the fabric of her hoodie and undershirt, both which indeed were wet from washing him in wolf form. "Massie...?"

Her eyes had been too busy appreciated his strong legs that when he called her name she blushed. What was he doing to her?! "You have one minute left." She warned.

Sebastian casually made his way back to where she found him, rummaging through his drawers and quickly throwing on a laid-back ensemble. With his sweats and shirt on Massie felt a prickle of disappointment. Dang it, stupid female hormones.

Friends. Friends. Friends. Just friends, she chanted.

"Here, wear another shirt until that dries." Sebastian handed her a gray T-shirt. He leaned against the wall to wait patiently.

"Turn around—and this time don't watch." She specified this because last time in her room his eyes were still on her when he turned around. She had no idea how. It's not like the dude had eyeballs behind his back.

"Friends can watch each other change."

Massie raised a skeptical brow. "Since when?"

"In Everglades you changed in front of me. From a towel to being completely dressed. Friends are allowed to see." He sustained, reminding her of the time she had indeed dressed outside the bathroom, right in front of his eyes. He didn't see any privates, but it had happened nonetheless.

Massie was amazed. Her brash behaviors were now all catching up to her. Since when was Sebastian so...so suggestive? "Whatever." She turned around to switch shirts and decided to bring up what occurred outside. "Outside, after I washed you I noticed you started to, um, lick me and that is not something friends do." She pulled the dry shirt down and threw the damp one on his bed.

When she turned to face him she jumped. How had he gone from being against the wall to an inch behind her? That move was so silent. Sebastian answered her question. "Licking is a part of friendship."

She gaped. She would really have to sit down with him and explain what friends do and do not do. She humored him. "What reasoning do you have for that?"

"You allowed Theo to bite you, and you said he's only your friend. You should let me—your friend, to lick you. At least I'm not consuming your blood."

"Sebastian, that doesn't have any logic—"