decided to finished writing this after that cute little comment hahaha.

The delicious smell of waffles, omelets, and sausage permeated throughout the whole table. A colorful assortment of fruits perched near the center, circled with juices of every flavor.

Massie herself remained seated, as Sebastian insisted he wanted to serve her breakfast. Not seeing any reason to object she allowed him to do as he pleased, what girl didn't enjoy being catered to? She most certainly did.

All he filled two plates she noticed he came across various people. Some from their pack, others from foreign ones having their last meal before they leave. He greeted many, but there was an exception.

"Sebby, why did you ignore Stevens. It's obvious because he was right next to you. He's the only one you didn't greet." She mentioned, pulling back slightly as he placed her plate directly in her center.

"He disregards boundaries. I don't like associating with men who are disrespectful. Especially when they make moves on my woman." His hand went right above her knee and he kissed her cheek.

Massie let her hands graze his beard, which she found suited him wonderfully. Then his curly hair. "It's time for a haircut."

"Okay." He said, making no intention to move away from her for as long as she kept her hands on him.

The looked at each other, and probably would have kept doing so until she noticed from her peripheral view someone scoop half her bacon slices.

"Hey!" Turning, she saw an unapologetic wereman munching on them as though he didn't have some of his own on his plate. "Honey bear I should have known it was you."

Sebastian gave Noah a look, most likely annoyed he went through all the trouble of getting her the food and already Noah was eating it.

"You love birds seemed distracted, I didn't want it to get cold." He justified.

Sebastian looked ready to say something about his manners but Massie stopped him. "It's okay. You served me a little bit too much so Noah might as well help me."

"You know," Noah started, feasting Massie with heartfelt eyes as he shoved half a waffle into his mouth. "I knew there was a reason I loved you princess, and this is why."

Massie giggled as she reached for the syrup. "Whoever mates you needs to be aware that food is the way to your heart."

In the middle of eating Massie caught sight of Stevens' three fiancés enter the dining room. They must still have the habit of entering as late as ever.

As she munched on her blueberry waffle she planned on talking to them before they left. Last night she only managed to wave from a distance, seeing as Sebastian took up most of her time and attention. If it wasn't him, it was his family or packmates. Jordan and Noah could be very needy and talkative when they want to, so her night was full of distractions.

To avoid issues she would wait until Stevens was out of the way. It shouldn't be too hard, the wereman barely paid attention to them as it was. He was so neglectful of them Massie wondered what was the point of bringing them in the first place—much less keeping them as 'his'. She always felt one woman was hard enough to manage. Now imagine three? Yeah, good luck buddy. There's a reason those bachelor shows always end in failure, that's no way to meet a mate.

An opportunity arised half hour later, when Stevens shook hands with some wereman of another pack and went to his table for further discussion. Picking up her empty plate, Massie was ready to leave it in the sink on the way when she felt a tightening on her leg.

"I'm going to drop this off to lessen Jayden's work." She told Sebastian.

Not once during breakfast had he removed his hand, and it seemed he had no intention of removing it now.

"I will do it for you."

"It's okay, I want to speak to the girls on my way back."

His shoulders tensed, his lips forming a tight line. She knew he didn't like it when she went near them, and she understood why. After all, as sweet as they were for some reason trouble always came when she was close to them. All because of who they were connected to. However, today she would talk to them in his home. Nothing would go wrong.

Massie pressed a kiss to his cheek, the soft hairs tickling her cheek. "It will be quick. He's not at the table."

He relented. "Fine."

Not wasting anytime she did exactly as planned. Funnily enough, once the girls noticed she was heading in their direction Ruby seemed to whisper something to them and whisker off in a different direction. Whatever. Massie didn't hold anything against her at this point. It's not like anyone could take Sebastian from her if they tried.

"Massie!" The two girls chorused.

It made the purple eyed beauty smile. "I didn't get to speak to your guys yesterday, have you been enjoying your stay?"

"Are you freaking kidding me? The food here is off the wall fantastic!" Blair exclaimed.

Massie giggled. She had a feeling they would feel that way. The food at Everglades had been especially bland compared to the one at Dark Falls despite their larger variety.

"And your people here are so awesome. Respectful, kind." Raven started. She paused, and then shook her head. "I'll tell you this only because I know you will keep it a secret."

Massie drew her body closer to them at her lower tone. "What is it? You didn't meet someone here did you?"

Raven cracked a smile. "No! Though I wouldn't be against a wereman from here. They're much cuter and definitely stronger. But actually what I was going to say is that after we return to Everglades, Blair and I are leaving Stevens."

Maddie's mouth dropped. She had not expected this at all. She remembered how the girls enjoyed the life of luxury they received at no cost, the ability to possibly be with a man of high status and power.

"What changed? And what about you, Blair—didn't you say you were talking with the beta? If you leave won't it mean you can't talk anymore?"

The blond haired woman shrugged. "Honestly, I haven't thought that far yet. I'm actually considering speaking to Stevens and letting him know how I feel. I don't believe he really likes me. If you knew the amount of girls he talks to on a daily basis..." she sighed. "This all feels pointless."

"Wow—I mean it's a good wow! I don't see him as a good fit for you guys. Even Ruby, despite all her wild behavior could use a better partner."

Raven snorted. "Oh, that guilty potato? No Massie, they deserve each other. But whatever, Idon't care what they do. Ruby has no plans of leaving so that makes her the automatic winner."

Blair scoffed at her conclusion as though it were a joke. "That's if he takes her. I have a feeling he has no intentions of keeping any of us. If a man is convinced he wouldn't dabble so much. He's just not ready for a relationship. He's too childish still."

"True." Raven gestured to the table Massie was just in. "Take for example your fiancé. He was on you all night. Not once did he bother to check another woman. You found a keeper you lucky bxtch."

The three of them laughed. From her peripheral view Massie saw Stevens head their way. "I'll be heading off now. Glad to hear the great news, take care ladies." She slipped away in the opposite direction, missing his presence narrowly before it became rude to not give a greet.

Phew, that saw sort of close. Instead of returning to her table, Massie visited Jayden again in the kitchen. She helped him and Hailey wash the towering mount of dishes that somehow remained steady despite their glaring height.

"—so basically they think your food is amazing!" Massie finished telling Jayden the compliment the girls shared with her.

Of course, he merely blinked at her as though he didn't care, but the shine in his eyes told her he felt rather smug about it. "I'm not surprised. Their food was trash."

Hailey rinsed a plate passed to her and scrunched her brows. "How bad could it have been?"

"You don't understand little one, as you never had the misfortune of tasting it." Jayden said.

Massie bumped him with her shoulder. "Okay, it wasn't that horrendous. You just have sensitive tastebuds. It a side effect of being master chef."

"I bet Noah scarfed it down with no issues." Hailey lightly mentioned.

It made Massie laugh, because that was right on point. Noah downed with no complications whatsoever.

As the trio continued working the load lessened considerably with three hands on deck. When they finished Massie headed to her room to pack her things.

"Thanks for the help." Jayden called.

"My pleasure!"

In the guest room Massie gathered her clothing and folded them somewhat neatly into her bag. Behind her, the door opened and closed. Then, a warm chest was on her back, and two strong arms halted her from continuing to organize her stuff.

"Yes?" She tilt her head up, her eyes meeting liquid gold.

"You're preparing to leave." He stated, observing the assortment of clothes and toiletries on her bed.

"Yes," she said. All of the foreign packs left and were on their way back home. Only she remained as the only one who didn't live here.

"But there's no school tomorrow. You don't have to go."

"Well, the wedding is over so my help is no longer needed." She moved to continue her organizing but his hold remained steady over her.

"I still need your help."

Massie cracked a smile. "With what?"

"Um... things. A lot of things." He said vaguely, and Massie knew he was totally making that up.

She turned facing him and brought her arms around his neck. "You really want me to stay don't you," she teased.

His nose fell to her neck, smelling her and rubbing it affectionately. "Yes."

It warmed her heart to hear this. Then, a curious thought passed through he mind. "I always wondered... all those times you answered my questions with your 'I will not answer' responses, did that mean a yes? Or did it mean a no?"

Sebastian nodded. "Yes."

"Wait, yes for which one? Yes for the 'yes' or yes for the 'no'?" She clarified.

His eyes glittered with amusement. A hand that had gone under her shirt caressed the skin below her belly button. "What do you think."

"It meant yes." Then, she smirked. "You were so into me, I knew it!"

Sebastian uttered an indecipherable "Hn." Before gearing her towards the door.

"Where are we going?"

"Away from here. You're not leaving today." He said, sounding very self-assured.

In the hallway he removed his hand from her stomach and pulled the shirt down to cover the slight sliver of skin that showed. It felt strange that only days ago she was against being anywhere near him. Now her defenses were gone again, allowing him back into her heart.

The previous ache in her chest dissolved to nothing, as though it had never taken residence within her in the first place. It all felt so surreal, was this really happening? Was Sebastian really hers?

Noticing a familiar door, she gave the wereman a look. "You're going against your own rule by bringing me in there," She sassed, waiting to hear his rebuttal.

He pulled her inside "You're the exception for many of my rules."

He locked the door and drew her to his bed. Massie raised a brow but didn't stop him. "Well aren't you being a naughty wereman. Why would you possibly bring me not only to your room, but on your bed?"

He smiled. "There are a variety of things I want to do to you on my bed, but today I'm only seeking to hold you."

After taking off their shoes, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

"I can walk Sebby," she teased, poking his cheek. He was being so extra but it was rather endearing.

"I know. I take any excuse to keep touching you." He admitted.

He proved his previous point by laying down and spooning her as though she were his favorite teddy bear. His arms wrapped around her waist, with his hand returning under her shirt again. He even entangled his own legs with hers. He really wasn't kidding about wanting to hold her.

"It's it too early to cuddle? It's not even night time." Despite saying this, she pressed her back further against him. He felt very warm and it felt lovely due to the winter cold.

Sebastian didn't answer her. Rather, she felt something sharp lightly graze her neck. An involuntary shiver coursed through her, making her toes curl. Familiar warm lips latched onto her neck, a wet tongue sliding decidedly on an area. Immediately Massie slapped the hand above her abdomen. "Don't you dare leave me a hickey!"

As much as everyone in the pack figured they were together, the idea of walking around with that made her face red. Sebastian chuckled, his teeth replacing where his lips once were. He bit her lightly. "Mhmm."

Taking out her phone, Massie started surfing through the internet, typing keywords to find exactly what she was looking for. There were many that had the general idea of what she searched for, but there was only one so far she found to be very pleasing.

"Sebby, look. When you propose I want a ring this big and it has to have cute purple stones around it." She zoomed into the picture to show him.

Massie did this to ensure the ring he got would be one she actually liked instead of a basic one most girls generally preferred. Men were so clueless, they needed guidance in order to pick the right thing.

She felt a low growl vibrate from his chest. It sounded... very pleased. Massie felt herself being turned over, bringing them chest to chest.

Sebastian peppered her face with kisses. She had to close her eyes with all the assaults she was getting. Massie laughed as he kept going. Then, he landed one on her lips, holding still for an extended period of time. He pulled back, gazing into her eyes with deep emotion. "Massie, I'm in lov—"

Ring ring ring

Massie jumped at the sudden noise from her phone. She didn't realize she had left the volume up so high. She was about to shut it off and silence it when she saw the name on the screen.

Before she could even send it to voicemail Sebastian snatched it from her hand, his eyes darkening and the grip over her becoming more possessive.

His lips tightened, the line of his brows deepening in an expression she knew clearly as jealously. "Why is this Theo calling you?" He hissed.

Massie covered her eyes. Great, just great. "Probably to just say hi." She said lightly. "Again, we are are friends Sebby. Just friends." She emphasized.

Both their attention snapped to the screen as a voicemail popped up. Without hesitating Sebastian clicked on it. Within seconds Theo's exuberant voice filled the voice

Hey Candy! Just calling up to check up on you.

Massie gave Sebastian a look. See, just friends.

I missed you gorgeous! Hope you're holding up well since the separation from that tootsie roll. Either way, even if he doesn't want you; I sure do.

Sebastian glared at her. Clearly communicating one thing of her statement: friends? Bullshit. Massie tried to grab the phone away from him but he locked her place, his one arm somehow managing to hold her prisoner as Theo's voicemail continued to run.

I was thinking of going to visit you, as I can't get you out of my head. How are the dresses I bought you? I'd love to see you wear them in front of me. I know it's cold in your area so I can buy you warmer ones, be your sugar daddy again.

Theo laughed, and if she were in private she would have laughed with him. Except she wasn't.

Oh gosh. This just kept getting worse. Massie could hear the humor in Theo's voice when he mentioned the 'sugar daddy' part, but she could tell by Sebastian's features that he was taking everything seriously.

Either way Candy, I can make a stop by your area next weekend if your free. Call me back when you can, goodbye love!

The voicemail ended, and the beat of Massie's heart seemed to stop with it. Sebastian's hand was shaking, as though he were struggling really hard to not smash her phone into a million pieces.

He carelessly dropped it behind him on the bed before coming over her like a predatory wolf. His eyes glowed with a fire of fury, very tenuously restrained. With her back against his bed, and his body caging around her she felt like a captured prey.

Sebastian spoke first. "Gorgeous? Candy? Sugar daddy?" He spat the last part, as though it were some sort of disgusting, vile carcass.

"We are just friends!" Massie quickly intercepted. "Listen, Theo is a naturally flirtatious person, he—"

"No, you listen. I am a male. Thus, I know exactly how males think. He wants you in a way that is deeper friendship. I should know. I'm in the same position."

His hands traveled over her, his head dipping as his lips hovered over hers. Massie softly caressed his cheek, a contrast to his hard, searing touches that branded her as his own.

With a light tilt, she pecked his lips. "I only want you. He was there for me when I was lonely and upset."

"I know." He growled, growing agitated instead of calm.

Massie reached to kiss him again but he inched away right on time, his hands pressing her further into the mattress. "Call him back." He ordered.

"Call him...back?" She blinked slowly, wondering if she heard correctly.

"Yes. I plan on meeting the vampire who calls my woman Candy." He hissed, before stealing her breath by capturing her lips with his. His tongue warred over hers like a knight fighting for his territory, a king marking his queen.

His lips traveled from her lips to her neck. Like a overbearing wave she felt his need to make her his own, the desperateness to claim her. Massie's eyes snapped open. He couldn't mark her yet, he still hasn't proposed in front of his family. "S-Sebby."

His hand squeezed her hip, reassuring. "Let me, before I succumb to something worse."

She didn't understand what he meant until she felt him sucking her skin. Only, instead of one hickey it looked like he would be leaving many. Massie relaxed. He wanted to mark her, so he released the natural instinct through this manner until he could truly mark her.

Massie closed her eyes and held him close until he finished. She touched her bruised neck when he pulled back, feeling slightly dazzled by his contented hum and piercing gaze.

When he spooned her again Massie poked his hand. "Sebby. You do realize I'm not leaving your room until you lick these gone?"

"Hn. Looks like you'll be sleeping over then."

Massie bit her lip. Sleeping over didn't bother her. It's the fact that Sebastian wanted to meet Theo. What a mess!

😂❤️

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