[46] Heated

The air draped over her like a heavy weight. It clamored over her muscles, causing them to remain immobile despite the serious eyes that watched over her like a hawk.

Sitting before her the wereman remained deathly calm, still as a statue as he waited. His legs were crossed on the bed, his arms in similar manner, and she had to admit they were distracting her the tiniest bit because he recently took his shirt off, so his upper body was completely exposed for her perusal.

"Do it." Sebastian insisted, nodding towards her phone in between them.

She thought he'd get over the voicemail after an hour of cuddling, but it seemed he had other plans. For here they were, him still waiting for her to call Theo and accept meeting up with him.

Oh, and Sebastian was invited.

How would she present that to him? Theo was a sweet friend whom she'd much rather explain the change of events in private without Sebastian's prying ears. She knew Theo's flirtatious personality would only irk her man even further, why did he want to listen?

Massie mentally prepared herself for the conversation. She had to be careful of not using any endearing terms. She had a habit of doing that with others, and she couldn't afford to let one sweet term slip at this moment.

This wasn't like speaking to Noah—at least he was Sebastian's packmate, so he trusted him with her. Theo was a whole other ball game, and she allowed him to suck her blood.

This can blow up very ugly.

"Fine, I'll call him myself." Sebastian decided, reaching for her phone.

Massie snatched the device before he followed through. Knowing him, he wasn't kidding. "No, I'll do it!"

There really was no way around this. Taking a deep breath, she pointed to his contact. "Can I just say that there are no emojis near his name so obviously I wasn't into him"

"There aren't any near my name either." He responded, such sourness dropped in every syllable that it made her tongue curl.

Massie felt at loss for words. Gosh, freaking horrible timing. "You had them, I just took them off when we weren't talking. They'll go back." She promised. "Actually, I can do that right now."

Sebastian clamped his hand over hers to halt her rapidly moving fingers. "Later. Call your friend first."

Yes, call her friend first. There went her failed attempt at stalling for more time. Why did the word 'friend' have such a tone of warning attached to it? In the past few days when he'd used that word with her detailing 'what friends do' it was said with lightness and an air of playfulness. There was no joking now.

"Um, okay but I'm going to tell him you're listening in—"

"He doesn't need to know."

"But I just think it's best if—"

"Let me hear the man in his natural environment."

"But he'll know if I'm using loud speaker and—"

"I can hear without loud speaker. Go ahead." Sebastian said. He tapped his right ear lightly and again she's reminded he's a werewolf and can use enhanced hearing as he so chooses.

There's no point in holding off any longer. Taking a deep breath she pressed the button to call Theo. As the phone rang Massie awkwardly turned in the bed so that Sebastian's intimidating expression was not staring her down.

"Well if it isn't Candy! You made my day with this phone call sweet stuff."

Massie laughed. "Hey Theo, I had to call you back. Especially after that voicemail you left me."

"Yes, I figured expressing my undying love for you would make you reply faster. Does this mean I'll get to see you soon?"

Massie winced, Theo was so adorable but it was time to set things straight. "About that... you know how I went on the trip all sad about the guy who didn't like me?"

"If by guy you mean the underserving, unappreciative dog who—"

"Well him and I are actually together now!" Massie rushed, stopping him before he went on a spiel that would possibly have Sebastian react negatively.

Thankfully, it seemed her golden-eyed beast remained calm despite the obvious derogatory remark. Good.

She heard a long sigh. "I had a feeling that would happen. You're too cute to be pushed away for long Candy."

"Aww! So adorable!" Massie gushed, smiling at his compliment. He truly was the cute one. Sebastian shifted and the temperature in the room suddenly dropped by ten degrees. Massie cleared her throat nervously. It was obvious to her now that Sebastian wasn't much concerned with what Theo was saying, but rather her reaction to it. "Um, so if you wanna see me Sebastian would have to come. I know that's super awkward so I completely understand if you don't want to."

"Sure! That sounds fun!"

Wait, what.

Massie stared at her phone. Did he just agree?! What was wrong with these men?! "Theo, I said Sebastian is coming. I'm sure you don't want to meet him." She voiced, aiming to be direct.

"Of course I do Candy! I wanna see the man who beat me in your affections, is he big and strong? I was told I'm kind of skinny, yunno?"

Massie smacked her face. "You have a very nice body Theo, trust me. That was not the issue."

A low growl reached her hear, and Massie gazed at her wereman wearily. She should have known better than to say that.

"I guess I'll see you this weekend. I'll text you some spots we can go to and you choose your preference, okay?"

Theo voiced his agreement and once things were set Massie said her goodbyes, making sure they didn't sound excited to see him or too animated. Once the call ended, she sighed in relief. That went much better than she anticipated. She just wished Theo would be a normal guy and not accept meeting her with Sebastian. Now she had to go through the hassle of dealing with these two males.

"See, I did what you told me. Can we go back to cuddling now?" Massie asked, pulling his arm and bringing him deeper into the bed so they could be where they were before. It felt so nice to have his arms around her, she wanted more of his warmth. Especially now that he was bare-chested with no shirt on.

Sebastian remained unmoving to her pulls, it was like she was trying to move dried cement. It was then she realized his eyes were hard, and his lips were in a straight line. "So," he started, his tone ice cold. "What parts of his body did you find 'very nice'" Sebastian quoted.

Massie's mouth dropped. There's no way he was putting so much weight on that little comment. "Sebby please, I just said a basic answer. It's not like I was drooling over his body or anything. He's tall and good-looking. It's a simple observation."

"So you liked it." Sebastian accused, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"No, the only body I like is yours."

Seeing as he was grumpy and wouldn't come to her, Massie went to him instead. She sat over his crossed legs and began to kiss him. He turned his cheek away from her the first time, but she squeezed his cheeks between her hands and forced him to face her.

"Stop." Kiss. "Being." Kiss. "Jealous." Kiss.

Sebastian frowned, continuing to be unresponsive. "I can't be upset with men if they like you. You're too wonderful. But I'm not happy when you like these other men."

Massie groaned. He was definitely overreacting. "I don't like him. What I said was not serious."

"Would you like it if I told Keisha she had a very nice body?"

Massie gasped in betrayal. "You find her body nice? It's the bigger hips isn't it! You like bigger boobs?!"

Sebastian rolled his eyes, as though she weren't getting his point. "It's a hypothetical question woman."

"I wouldn't like it." Massie admitted, somewhat annoyed. Why did he have to turn the tables. "Fine. I get you're point. Either way, I don't care for Theo only you."

"Hn."

Massie wrapped her body around his. "I want affection, love me Sebby!"

His stale face remained unmovable, but his firm lips cracked the slightest bit upwards.

"Wow, look at you." Massie cooed, running her hands over his shoulders. "So strong and fine looking."

She blinked her lashes up at him prettily and he thawed even further.

Massie rubbed her cheeks against his. "I got myself the finest apple tree in the entire orchard." She said, trying to be poet.

At this Sebastian cracked a smile. She clung so tightly around him that when he stood from the bed she was still firmly attached to him. He pulled a shirt halfway over himself, unable to continue as her appendages we in the way. Sebastian pat her thighs. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" She asked, giving him a strange look as she hopped off. Then, she frowned. "Are we not going to cuddle because you're still angry?"

"No. First, we're going to your house so you can donate those dresses. Then, I'm going to buy you some new ones." Sebastian said decidedly.

"But I want to cuddle." Massie whined. She gazed at the bed with longing, it had felt so nice.

"I'm starting to feel heated. It's best we do other things to stay distracted."

Massie let him gear her out his room. "Heated?" She repeated.

Sebastian kissed her neck, and she felt his sharp teeth. "Yes."

She couldn't argue with that. To the dresses it was.

As extra as Massie typically liked to be when she went out (especially when it was on dinner dates) she decided that for this particular occasion she would take the safer route by choosing an outfit that was more modest and subdued in appearance while still looking moderately cute. In dark jeans, a shimmering turquoise blouse, and short kitten heels she looked pretty without appearing as though she put a lot of effort. She didn't even bother using makeup, deciding that curling her ends would suffice. Sebastian could not have the smallest inkling of doubt of her wanting to impress Theo.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Are you ready?" Sebastian inquired, his voice slightly muffled by the closed door.

Seeing as it was the weekend, Sebastian had used the excuse of them going to see Theo as reason for her to sleep over his house yet again despite her being here only a week ago for Kristen's wedding. This room she slept in was a guest room, but it was starting to look more like her room. Her imprints were undeniable, she started leaving extra sets of clothes here for the random days she would stay over late and end up staying even on school days.

"Yes, we can go now." Massie fluffed her hair one last bit to add volume.

Sebastian leaned against the opened door, wearing regular jeans and a black shirt. Obviously, he couldn't be bothered. He blinked slowly, assessing her from head to toe. It was unnerving, and he was spending too much time drinking her in. Did he approve of the outfit or not?!

"Hn. Let's go." He closed his hand around hers, bringing it to his lips to kiss it.

The ride to the restaurant was spent in companionable silence. Sebastian appeared not the least bit worried, but Massie grew more and more apprehensive the closer they drove to the place. Why did they have to do this? It seemed so pointless.

The sleek, silver-toned glass doors of the restaurant were tall and impressive. As Sebastian grasped the golden handle to let her in first, Massie stared around her amazed. The entire roof of this place was decorated with beautiful drawings of angels fighting against demons. In one story the angels would use music to dispel them away, in others the demons were defeated through gruesome battles.

Of the restaurant list she had sent Theo, he picked none of them, settling for this spot he found online with great reviews. At the time she informed Sebastian he had shrugged, easily agreeing despite the further drive. From what she's seen so far this place was great!

Sebastian took the lead once the hostess went up to them. Even in his plain clothing, the girl's eyes streamed over him in awe, as though he were one of the very angelic beings in the ceiling. She was so flustered with Sebastian that he had to start her job for her. "We have a reservation with Theo."

"Oh, yes!" She blubbered, coming out of her reverie. "Right this way sir." She said, fanning her lashes at him. Sebastian stared right past her and scanned the area for the vampire.

Massie gave her the evil eye. She had half mind to pull Sebastian down and kiss him in front of her. Why is it only he was addressed and not her?

The table they were led to was a secluded one, and judging by the well-dressed, wine-drinking, blue-eyed vampire sitting there it appeared Theo had arrived first. The hostess excused herself, seeming rather disappointed she wouldn't get to admire the two handsome men from her post at the front.

"Hey Theo!" Massie smiled warmly at her vacation friend, bringing him into a light hug.

"Just as pretty as I remember Candy." He greeted, complimenting her as usual.

When they separated his orbs went to Sebastian. The vampire held his hand out, the two a very distinct contrast to each other as Theo was wearing a whole suit and tie, looking every bit the businessman. He looked well-put together and pristine compared to the raw warrior that was Sebastian.

Sebastian stared at the hand offered to him. In flashing speed their bodies blurred and Theo ended pressed against the wall with a threatening hand on his neck. "Bite her again and I'll kill you."

Rather than appear afraid, Theo's eyes shine with child-like excitement. "A true big, bad wolf. Your man is strong Candy, I like him." He held his hands up in surrender. "I won't bite her again, I promise."

Sebastian stared at him hard, as though assessing how genuine he was before letting go of him.

Massie felt like melting into the ground. This was so embarrassing. Thankfully, the restaurant wasn't very packed and from anyone's vantage point what occurred went unseen. She gave Sebastian a look that went pretty much ignored.

The three settling into their seat, Theo first taking the time to fix his mussed up shirt. He was more slender, as he had voiced of himself in the phone, but Massie felt it suited him fine. Not everyone was like Sebastian who trained with his packmates on a near daily basis.

A waiter approached their table. "May I get you something to drink?"

Massie settled for a nice sweet drink whereas Sebastian muttered water was fine. Once the waiter was off Theo began conversing.

"So, since obviously you're off limits now Candy, do you happen to have a sister?" Theo inquired, resting his chin over his fingers.

Massie laughed, this was so typical of him. And the funny thing was, she actually did have one. "I do, but unfortunately she's taken too."

Theo sighed in exasperation, swirling his wine cup with an air of dismay. "You continue to break my heart Candy."

"Trust me, you and my sister wouldn't work out much anyway. She's squeamish around blood and she's very serious and strict. You guys are complete polar opposites." Massie concluded.

If Lydia went anywhere near Theo she would probably go crazy. His overly teasing personality would drive her insane and his gifting habits and generosity would place a sting on her I-can-do-it-on-my-own persona. He would break everything she esteems. At distance, it's probably what Lydia needed anyway to stop being so hardhearted, but she was currently trying a relationship with Micah to see if it'd work out. Theo was better off finding a more submissive woman.

"Oh, serious? Serious types make me want to bother them." Theo admitted, looking at the ceiling in thought. "She'd hate me, good call."

The waiter released their drinks and took their orders for food. Theo of course picked a steak, detailing he wanted it as juicy and rare as possible. Sebastian was lazy, he didn't bother checking the menu and merely settled the waiter with a 'whatever she gets'. Way to put the pressure. Now she was compelled to get something he would enjoy. In the end, Massie settled for lamb chops, the sauce it came with sounded very tasty from the way the menu described it.

Underneath the table, Massie stepped on Sebastian's foot. The wereman sighed before feasting Theo with a blank look. "What do you do for a living?"

Theo tap his fingers at the table and gazed at Sebastian with an amused expression. If anything, Theo just admitted he enjoyed bothering serious people. And Sebastian...well, he was exactly that type. "Oh, you know. Things here and there."

"How productive of you." Sebastian deadpanned.

"I know, it's a very difficult line of work. It's not for everyone, y'know." Theo breezed, shaking his head as though he were a man sodden with many burdens only he could handle.

"They're lucky to have you. You're one of a kind." Sebastian was so straight-faced it could be taken seriously or sarcastically.

Massie silently groaned at their exchange. This was a horrible idea, she knew it. What business did these two have seeing each other? They were both so stupid. Sebastian for making her agree to meet up with Theo, and Theo for approving in the midst of Sebastian joining. Massie excused herself to go to the bathroom. She needed a mini-break away from those two. She stalled for a few minutes, fixing her hair slightly although it technically needed no prodding.

When she returned the food thankfully had been served. Oddly enough, once she sat at the table Sebastian and Theo were actually conversing like normal men. Apparently they found common ground in regards to something about investing. Digging into her food, Massie decided she'd happily stay out of that topic to not risk ruining their current flow. They were being cordial now, that's all she ever hoped for.

Hours later in the confines of the guest room, Massie prepared herself to sleep. Dinner with Theo had not gone as bad as she expected, the two actually shook hands. And Sebastian very obviously whisked her away from the vampire mid-hug with a low murmur of 'that's good enough', as though he were her personal hug-meter that determined how well she could hug someone.