A/N: This chapter is dedicated to chatoyants- for making me this cover, I appreciate it!

Guys IDK I'm not really happy with how this chapter came out but if I keep editing it I might pull my hair out. SO FOR THE MEANTIME lol

Wolf Chase [32]

Describing the dinner of Everglades as 'elaborate' would be a severe understatement. For one, it was not like a typical dinner held at Dark Falls, where massive bowls were placed in the center of a huge table and the family huddled around together and ate wherever there was space. Here, their eating was held in a massive ballroom organized to look like a buffet. Large basins holding all varieties of different foods lined the edge of the wall, with long and short tables periodically placed for people to sit. She felt like she entered the food area of some fancy resort. Even the amount of people was impressive. They walked around everywhere, socializing left and right. How the heck did they have so many people?

"I told you Massie, these people mate faster than rabbits," Jordan murmured, after she unknowingly said it out loud.

Massie continued to gape in awe. If it weren't for Sebastian's steady presence in front of her and his firm grasp, she would've probably stayed rooted to her spot and continued to take it all in. Judging by the direction he was going, their group was headed to a decidedly better looking table in the center. All the tables were covered in beautiful gold-white tapestry and topped with silver utensils, but this table in specific was more detailed in its decoration. Even the chairs were covered by a gold-spun fabric, the whole ensemble gave it a regal appeal.

For being barbarians, they sure knew how the live like royalty. And dress like one too.

"Your tongue, woman." Sebastian scolded, squeezing her fingers in his hand. Massie muttered a quiet 'ow' and decided she really needed to get focused so she could stop accidentally saying her thoughts out loud. But truly, these people went all out for dinner. And to think that this was everyday.

All around her she saw their members parade in the latest fashion trends. The women in particular were more decked out then the men. They went the whole nine-yards by wearing heels and their hair perfectly styled. Even their make-up was impeccable. What were they all, models or something?

What amazed her most was how different the people of Everglades were compared to Dark Falls. In contrast to the Cult's darker features and reserved dispositions, the people of Everglades looked like balls of blond sunshine that left explosions everywhere they went. They were loud, boisterous, and rather lively. Compared to them, the Cult dressed in simplicity and their stealthy steps could afford them an easy blend to the background.

When they reached the center table, the first people she noticed were the couple seated at the head. They looked older, and as Sebastian completed his duty by being the first to give pleasantries, she found out the couple was in fact the alpha and his wife, Jasmine. They didn't all shake hands as she expected them to. The couple made motion to stand up, but Sebastian lifted a hand to halt them. To the couple's amazement, the Cult gave them a small bow in unison. Massie was caught a little off guard but managed to blend in since she was hid behind Sebastian.

"Sebastian, still proper as ever. No need to be so formal boy!" The man bellowed, laughing loudly and patting him on the shoulder.

"Alpha Stephens, thank you for welcoming us here," Sebastian replied, sounding as serious and monotonous as ever.

"You're free to come as often as you like! Ahh, and who is that little doe I see hiding behind you?" He inquired, twisting his neck to get a better view of her.

Sebastian moved to the side, exposing her to the scrutiny of two ocean blue eyes. There were mild signs of crows feet at the edge of his eyes, and some vague lines of wrinkles on his forehead. It revealed that despite his carefree disposition, he was a man that carried many worries with him to bed.

"This is my fiancé, Massie," Sebastian introduced, not once letting go of her hand.

Massie smiled brightly, feeling more at ease and not so out of place now that she was introduced.

"A fine choice!" Stephens cheered, clapping his hands. Then, he looked around the vast dinning area with high urgency. "Come to think of it, now that you're engaged, you can give my son a word of advice. Stevens is dealing with a confused period, and flops far too much. I can't have him lag behind now can I!"

Massie held back her laughter. It felt like everything Stephens said was screamed or yelled. Anyone from around the table can hear his thunderous voice and gather hints of his side of the conversation.

"I'm sure I will encounter him today." Sebastian's response was vague, and offered no promise of giving this so called Stevens-dude any advice, but as far as Alpha Stephens hearing went, that was as good of a yes as anything else.

"Excellent! What a wonderful man you've grown to be! How's Samuel?"

Stephens wife, who had otherwise remained disinterested and awkwardly detached from their conversation, noticeably perked at the mention of Sebastian's father. It made Massie wonder what kind of history these older folk had. It was also interesting to note that Papa Saurus and Mia looked a more youthful and happier duo than these two.

"My father is doing well. He sends you his regards."

The wife seemed disappointed at Sebastian's brief answer. She looked beautiful, decked out in the finest jewelry and elegant clothes. She sat in a high chair beside her mate, they looked a excellent power couple and yet...she looked burdened.

"Fantastic! Well go enjoy the food! We will talk about the boring stuff later, hehe, no boring stuff around the meal table!" He boomed, followed then by laughter at what he perceived to be his own funny joke.

Massie laughed with him, because quite honestly this man looked like a comical baboon and it was great to watch. His wild hand movements were often times avoided by his wife, who appeared well-versed in not getting hit or having wine sloshed on her clothes.

"I like this one! She has great sense of humor!"

Sebastian nodded out of politeness and then guided their group to one of the buffet tables.

"Finally, food!" Noah grumbled, being the first to grab a large cream-colored plate stationed at the beginning of the table.

Massie followed after him by being second. "That was cute how you guys all bowed, very official looking," she complimented, serving herself the rice.

Sebastian shrugged, seeming to find the earlier action nonconsequential. "It wastes less time. We can all bow at the same time and get it over with. Shaking hands with everyone would be a hassle."

"Still looked cute," she countered, making a point to kiss him on the cheek. He gave her one of his heart-stopping smiles and pat her side to make her move forward on the line.

"Yeah Sebastian, I looked freaking cute, let me be complimented," Noah added, giving himself a generous helping of a sloppy joe. "And where's my kiss?"

Massie made move to give him one too, but Sebastian's hand on her belt loop prohibited her from going forward. "You don't get one," he answered smoothly.

The purple-eyed beauty giggled, he was getting progressively more possessive as the days went. It was moments like these that reminded her that although he wasn't as forward as other men when it came to pursuing her, he still had a clear interest. After serving themselves, they found an empty table spacious enough to fit the five of them.

"Did you guys notice how excited the alpha's wife got when he mentioned Papa Saurus?" Massie brought up, unable to hold it in any longer.

Jayden was the first to respond. "I did. No doubt has to do with their previous history."

"Ooo! Someone spill the tea!" she enthused, dropping her fork on the plate. Her food was already forgotten as she grasped the edge of the table and leaned forward.

Jayden cocked his head to the side, confused. "There is no tea on this table. And why would I make a mess?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Massie, if you wish to be nosy, just ask my mother. She'll tell the story to any soul willing to listen to her long babblings."

She gave him the thumbs down. "I give you a horrible rating, I want at least some kind of information to keep me placated until we go back."

Noah chuckled. "Long story short, Jasmine used to have some kind of relationship with Papa Saurus. She's actually originally from our pack. Then Aunt Mia came into the picture. Drama. Stephens stole Jasmine away from Samuel. More drama. Jasmine regrets leaving Samuel, but too late. Happy ending and Sebastian is born."

Massie ruffled Noah's hair. The story was concise and lacked details, but knowing his low attention span it was to be expected. She'd get the juicy details from Mia later. She'd been meaning to hear of her love story for a while now. "I appreciate you, for a guy that was great."

He took a big swing of his soda and burped. "Thanks princess, I'm glad you see my good qualities."

"This food is very sub-par," Jayden commented, shoving a spoonful of salmon into his mouth and shaking his head at the flavor.

He did have a point. While the food was excellent in presentation, it lacked the most important essence—its taste. "That's because you're a talented chef, out of all of us you would notice it most. Actually... I'm going to get some dessert," she mused, getting up from her seat. She hadn't eaten much of her food yet, but the idea of sweets sounded pretty good right now.

In the dessert area, she skipped over the cookies and brownies, feeling they were too basic to grab her attention. She opted for a piece of carrot cake, four chocolate covered strawberries (which were so fun to place in the flowing fountain), and a glass of some syrupy drink. She was slowly surveying the other options when a looming shadow came behind her.

When she turned, she was met with aquamarine eyes and pale blond hair. A cocky smile was on his lips, and he radiated confidence. Instantly she knew the type. He was casually waiting for her to start conversation and even flirt with him. It's what he was used to, and while it's great he had high self-esteem, he needed to step off her personal space.

"Sorry, I'll let you get a better view" she said, moving to the side under the pretense of letting him see his dessert options.

His eye openly appraised her, and judging by the way they glittered she knew he was liking what he saw. "No need to go anywhere doll, the view was fine from where you were," he responded.

Massie blinked. Oh. Definitely flirting. Time to nip it in the bud before it got out of hand. "Sorry blondie, you're not my type."

"I'm not your type?" His expression was one of incredulity. It was obvious he had never gotten turn down before. With his boyish good looks, it's not surprising he was used to having girls fall at his feet. Massie could relate to him, she felt the same way when she first met Sebastian and he purposely avoided her. Nevertheless, there was a first time for everything, and this would be his.

"Yeah, I've already went through my playboy phase. Now I'm into the tall, dark, brooding types who are in denial of when they like a girl." It was funny to think that in another period, she would have probably entertained him, but things were different now. Her heart was already taken.

"You're kidding me," he deadpanned, disbelieving.

Massie held up her engaged finger. "Nope. Thankfully, they eventually come around." She smiled.

"Dang it, guess I lost my chance huh?" He chuckled.

"On the bright side, there are many beautiful single girls here." Her eyes fell to a pretty she-wolf dressed in impossibly high-heels. She looked like a glorious sky-scaper. Up, up, in the merry sky-erm, ceiling.

The blue-eyed wereman followed her line of sight. "Her? No thanks, I don't want my dick bitten off." He said sourly.

Massie laughed whole heartedly. She had to hold her drink away to avoid it splashing over her.

He gave her a toothy grin. "Ahh, I made you laugh. What's your name female?"

"Massie." She placed her drink down and held up her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," he murmured suggestively.

He didn't offer her his name, but she didn't care enough to ask. Not like she should be making male friends around here anyway, the worst that could happen is they misinterpret her meaning. Out of habit, she pushed her hair off her shoulders and began to pick up her drink again, but his new interest was undeniable.

"You're engaged, but not marked." He smirked in satisfaction and took a step closer. Massie took a step back. Of course, she should have remembered that they didn't do things the 'old fashioned' way by giving women a choice. They just bit them at their own fancy. Even with an engagement ring, he still felt he had a chance.

"I will be marked very soon," she stated firmly, hoping to cut through any ideas of his.

He closed in on her, like a snake sliding up to his prey, but she wisely stepped away from him the nearer he got. "You've ever heard of that saying, finders keepers, losers... well," he smiled deceptively, letting her figure the rest out.

Suddenly, a tall frame intercepted them. The air switched from light-weight to one filled with hostile energy. So much so, that it made the blue-eyed man move several steps back. Massie felt the cackling power at the edge of her senses, warning. It felt like a dangerous buzzing current, poised to wreak havok and major destruction at any given moment. She had never felt something so intense, what was this?

"You will stay away from her, Stevens."

Massie sighed in relief, grateful to have Sebastian with her. She felt all the tension leave her shoulders. She was safe. At the mention of the wereman's name, she immediately realized this was the alpha's son, the one whose father asked Sebastian to help him settle down.

Stevens chuckled. "A female with matura. It's been high time since your pack has indulged in another of this type. Please tell me she is only your ward, and that the man she's engaged to is a lesser wolf."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "Don't try my patience. She is not only my ward, but my engaged."

"Ahh." He acknowledged sourly, holding his hands up in surrender. His eyes filled with grudging acceptance. "Don't worry brother, I'll make no moves romantically. I won't even touch her. You have my word. Friends only."

Massie placed a calming hand on Sebastian's arm. Stevens was the alpha's son; she didn't want him to get into bad terms with him, although it seemed like there weren't very friendly to begin with. "Yes, friends," she agreed.

She tried to pull on his arm to gear them back to the table, but Sebastian didn't budge. He stared down at the man until he finally huffed and slipped away.

Without a word, he grabbed her and led her back to the table. "Wait, my sweet drink!" She protested, realizing it was left on the table.

Sebastian grunted, but managed to reach for it in time. When they reached the table, Noah expelled a low whistle, indicating he saw the incident near the dessert area. He waggled his brows at her suggestively. "Starting a ruckus already?"

Massie stuck her tongue out, Noah was such an instigator. "Don't look at me, Sebastian was the one who started the argument over there."

"We were not arguing. I was establishing boundaries," Sebastian corrected.

Massie couldn't stop the snort from escaping her lips. "He said he won't touch me, but people do what they want."

At this, Jayden felt the need to interject. "Both of them have alpha blood. When they give each other their word they have to fulfill their end, otherwise the man loses integrity, amongst other things..."

Massie wisely decided to leave the topic at that and not delve much deeper. Instead, she decided to focus on the fact that her man had made his presence known. She passed an arm around his shoulders and drew him near.

"So, Sebby, were you jealous?" she teased.

He pushed away from her and continued eating his food. "I will not answer."

[o-o-o]

The air was hot and misty, almost suffocating to breath, but despite the temperature Massie leaned back against the comfortable wooden bench and let her hands fall her towel. It was wrapped around her snuggly, and with her sitting down it wouldn't be going anywhere.

Not that it really mattered.

It was a female-only sauna, and it amazed her that despite the sheer number of people in this pack, no one thought it nice to enter here in the late-night hours. When one of the butlers offered to give her a tour, she quickly accepted and follow him around like an excited puppy.

Their home was massive and amazing in every sense. Unlike Dark Falls, it was not surrounded by forest and trees, instead they had a humongous swimming pool, a basketball court, two fields, and even a workout room. As if it couldn't get anymore luxurious, they doled out comforts and this sauna was one of them.

Massie really hoped the whole 'expelling out toxins' stuff was true because she expected to come out of here glowing. Sebastian better do a double-take next time he sees her, otherwise this stuffy air won't be as worth it.

Just as she started to close her eyes, girlish squeals followed by some giggling caught her ear. Looks like she wouldn't be alone for long. In moments the small door opened, and in entered three girls, all dressed in similar manner with towels draping their curvy forms. They were beautiful, all three of them. But what amazed her was how different they looked. One was ebony-skinned with plump lips and brown hair tied up in a bun. The next one was tan, she was more on the slender side, but it was her vibrant red hair that caught most attention. The last one was pale, she was short with near-translucent hair. Three pair of eyes fell on her, and the previous loud chatter was now replaced by a curious hush as they assessed her.

"Are you a new Addition?" The brown-haired girl asked, breaking the silence between them.

Massie sat up straighter. "New addition? I don't know what you mean. I'm visiting with my fiancé while he does business with Alpha Stephens."

The three nodded in unison. "I'm Raven," the same girl said, introducing herself, then she gestured to the other two. "That's Ruby and she's Blair."

The names were easy to remember, and funny enough it went with their hair color. "Nice to meet you, I'm Massie." She held her arm up to shake their hands, but when she raised it Ruby gasped.

"Oh my gosh! You have an engagement ring?!" she cried, clutching her hand. The other two also gaped and drew attention to it.

Massie laughed. Did they not hear the part when she said she came with her fiancé? "Of course, I'm engaged."

The other girls blinked. "Yes, but you're not marked. All three of us are Stevens' fiancée until he picks one of us to mark. None of us have gotten a ring." Ruby crooned, her voice oozed of yearning. It was clear she wanted a ring.

Raven was the first to let go of her hand while the other two continued fawning over the gem. "Not that it would make a difference. Even after being chosen we still wouldn't get a ring. I've never seen a marked woman in this pack get one. Rings aren't a part of werewolf culture," she reminded.

Massie wrinkled her nose. While all three of them were focused on the ring, she was more concerned about the fact that this man claimed three women. "How are all three of you his fiancé? You can't have more than one."

Blair plopped beside her and whisked her blond hair to the side. "We all have matura, so each of us pull him equally in terms of attraction. He just needs to pick. I'm kind of glad it's taking him a while because I love staying here." She closed her eyes and seemed to have gone off to a happy place.

How odd. "So what happens if you aren't chosen?"

"We can leave..." Raven started. "Or give the other men in his pack a chance. There was way more of us before. We started out as fifteen and the number continuously dwindled. Some of the girls who didn't get picked ended up being marked by others of this pack. Sometimes he brought an Addition, but for now there's only three of us."

Massie had so many questions. It felt like she had entered a werewolf version of The Bachelor. "You all must really like him," she said testily, curious if they found his whole set-up agreeable or if they harbored any dislike for it.

Ruby shrugged in a carefree manner. "Whether he picks me or not, as long as I get to stay in this mansion I'm good. I'll probably go for the future-beta if it doesn't work out with him."

Raven frowned at her disclosure. "I only want Stevens. He's handsome, rich, and will eventually be the alpha of this pack. I like top-tier men." She lifted her chin in a dignified manner, as though dating anything else aside from an alpha was below her.

Massie was glad she didn't have to deal with that fiasco. Sebastian was the opposite. He stayed away from girls and shied from excessive attention. Playboys were so overrated, but hey, at least they got to stay in a cool house and enjoy the luxuries that came with it while the man made his decision.

For the next half hour she chatted with the girls and got to know them. They were a friendly bunch, and she found it great that they held no animosity in spite of their technical 'competition'. When she could no longer bear the heat, they ended up making plans to meet each other tomorrow. They even offered to pick her up in her guest suite, seeing as their rooms were far off in another area and she would have difficulty finding it.

The sauna offered showers on the side, and Massie took advantage of this by using the cold water and soap to cool off. She changed into another pair of clothes she brought and headed back to her room. The Cult should be falling asleep soon, and she knew Sebastian would be checking in on her to make sure she was alright.

After making a few turns, Massie quickly realized she had no idea where she was. She was lost in the maze that is Everglades mansion. The worst part is she was wearing a skimpy summer dress that if Sebastian somehow found her wearing in public, he would be sure to bite her head off and bury her with a derogatory comment.

"My, my, the treats they send to this house keep getting more delicious by the batch. I definitely want a taste." Massie felt herself squirm. The words of the stranger felt slimy. She considered taking another cold shower with all the innuendo this man splashed on her.

"It's not Halloween buddy, no trick or treating around here," she retorted, wondering why her luck had to be so abysmal.

The man would be considered handsome by today's standards. Tall, nice face, strong built, but his most definitive feature was his nose. It looked like it had been smashed up a couple of times and made crooked by the repeated impact. No doubt he enjoyed getting into brawls and unnecessary confrontation. Talk about a facial feature that gave a man character.

His eyes gleamed with predatory interest, roving her rakishly as though he hadn't eaten in over a month and she happened to be his favorite meal. He didn't hide his wandering gaze as it stopped in her most feminine assets, making it very obvious what was on his mind. It was very disturbing, and quite frankly annoying.

In the past Massie loved getting male attention, she was used to it and even reveled in it (I mean come on, a girl's got to know she still got it), but the careful respect she had gathered while in Dark Falls made her appreciate the men that actually wanted to talk to her and spend time, not just see her as a sexual interest. Why did it feel like the people of Everglades seemed to always be in a horny and seek sexual gratification.

"Don't worry sweet," he reassured, "If I can't get a treat out of you, I promise to give you treat out of me." His tongue slid out, he circled it over his lips sensuously. His beady eyes felt like tiny ants crawling on her skin as he mentally undressing her. Totally gross, it felt like he'd been watching the worst channel on how to catch a girl.

"She is unavailable. Leave her, Ryder," a voice upbraided, making the off-putting man in front of her frown that he could no longer flirt with her.

Ryder nodded in obedience, beginning to walk away. She could hear him mutter in low tones about how the other male always 'picked the best ones' and 'never left a nice one for the rest'.

"Thanks Stevens," she said lightly, touching his shoulder in thanks. Then, she remembered the deal he made with Sebastian, that he would not have physical contact with her. She immediately pulled back. "Sorry, I know you're not allowed to touch me."

He gave her a secret smile. "I can't touch you. You, on the other hand..."

Massie saw where he was going with this. In a sense, it was a loophole through which he could have access to her, but it was under her complete control. Stevens did save her from a dirty man, but he himself was no safer. She was really starting to feel like a juicy slice of meat in this place. It must be the whole 'new girl' factor that had them gravitating to her. It wasn't like they didn't have gorgeous girls roaming around here. The girls she congregated with in the sauna were each a beauty of their own, so she was definitely not the shiniest diamond in the treasure box.

"You mind walking me to the guest area?" she asked, tactfully changing the subject. Might as well make use of him now that he was here.

He dipped his head in assent and began to lead her back to her room. Massie decided it'd be best if he led her in silence. He hit on her before, and the least she wanted was for him to have the slightest inkling of hope in ever catching her attention. Stevens didn't have the same idea in mind, for he tried to coerce her into conversation, and she felt forced to answer him back so as not to appear rude.

"How long have you been engaged to Sebastian?" He inquired, his eye were drawn to the ring on her finger.

"For some time now." The answer was vague, but her and Sebastian hadn't exactly sat down and discussed what their whole story would be. She didn't expect anyone to ask those questions.

Stevens smirked. Hearing her answer made him more arrogant about whatever was running through his head. "Most girls keep obsessive tabs on how long they've dated or been engaged. It shows the success of a relationship. You're not as concerned."

It would be remiss of her to not notice the way he jabbed their relationship. "You're right, most girls do. I focus more on the content in my relationship rather than the pretty number for everyone else to see and congratulate. Just because a couple's been dating for a long time doesn't mean they're happy together."

She hoped her response would put him off. She didn't want him to grow suspicious of their relationship.

Thankfully, he changed the subject. "Dark Falls...I've been there when I was younger. It's nice enough, but the area is not so lively. Very basic suburban. Very quiet and boring compared to the city. Crowds always attracted me—"

"But yet you live separated from it in a huge mansion—"

"—for privacy, of course." He interjected, making a left turn. "Our pack is large, one of the biggest ones. And the wealthiest. We've started various successful businesses, each of them are booming. With the way we're growing, we'll have to expand our home to accommodate the new members." He boasted, gauging her reaction. When she made none, he continued. "You're right, we do live rather separate from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area, but one of my biggest plans it to build a city of our own."

Massie nodded, awed. The idea sounded out of this world. To have a whole city made up of werewolves? The possibilities were endless. "Those plans sound great. I'd love to see it if you ever accomplish it."

"I will accomplish it." Stevens affirmed. He sounded determined and driven, like a true businessman. Then, his tone shifted. "I have observed you. You are a lively girl yourself. I don't believe Dark Falls is for you, soon you'll grow tired of it and its usual people. This area is better suited for you."

"There's nothing for me here. Dark Falls is not as populated, but I love the pack. When I'm there, it feels like I'm with family and they're very—"

"Something could be made for you here," he interrupted. "The ring on your finger holds no permanent value. You aren't marked. You can leave Sebastian if you wish and go wherever you'd like. You're a beautiful woman, and I can offer you many things in this home."

Massie's eyes filled with laughter. "Right, just like you offer multiple girls?"

Stevens stiffened, and judging by the way he passed a hand by his neck it was clear he hadn't expected her to know about them. "It's important to have options."

"Since you have so many, you definitely won't be needing me." She paused, "Contrary to what you might believe, this ring does have value to me. It shows it included my choice. That will carry over to every aspect of our relationship. It won't just be him making all decisions, but us together."

Stevens scoffed. "That's giving a woman too much control." He lowered his voice. "If you ever change your mind, my estate is open to you. I'm also available for any...indiscretions you might have."

Massie recoiled at the meaning of his words. The girls admitted that although he hadn't marked them, he was known to not only sleep with some of them, but also single she-wolf in the pack. He had a high sexual appetite, and this was one of the reasons he refused to settle down quite yet.

It was with great relief that she found they had finally reached the end of their walk. Massie reached for the door, but just as she was about to open it, the wooden door opened on its own. Behind it stood the figure of her supposed fiancé. His arms were crossed, making his biceps bulge more than usual. His stance was cool and collected, but irritation lined his features to bely his emotions. He was not pleased.

Stevens took note of this and was the first to speak. "Don't worry Pierce, your partner is back safe and sound. My word still stands, I didn't touch her." He communicated, but his gleeful smile would give anyone the impression that he has hiding something.

Massie didn't fail to notice the way Sebastian clenched his jaw. Unwilling to let this testosterone clash to go for any longer, she wrapped her arms around Sebastian's torso and kissed his cheek. "Come on honey, let's go to sleep." And then, as though a last thought, she said, "Bye Stevens."

With that she began pushing Sebastian inside her room, not once looking back at the man behind her. He allowed her to usher him inside, but until the door was closed he refused to stop glaring at the cocky man behind her. He had no reason to be angered at him; Stevens was right, he didn't touch her.

Once inside the privacy of her room, those golden eyes once directed at Stevens now narrowed at her. "Before I even address the fact the you were with Stevens, I'd like to know where the rest of your dress is." He reprimanded.

"This is the full dress." Taking advantage of their closeness, she went on her tippy-toes to swipe a kiss. She was so close, but last minute he turned his cheek.

He pulled on the edge of the fabric, unconvinced. "You weren't wearing this when you left before."

Massie groaned. "Of course not. The sauna has showers beside it so I brought some change of clothes to get into. I chose this because it's easy to put on. And anyway, as short as this dress is, it's nothing compared to my sleeping clothes."

"Your sleepwear makes no difference to me. I don't want you wearing this in public. The men in this pack are deplorable and can't be trusted."

Massie decided she would wisely not tell him about the incident she had with that slimy Ryder guy, nor of the offer Stevens had given her. She didn't want to prove him right, much less make him worried. It's not like anything happened anyway.

She tried to go to her suitcase in order to change into her sleep clothes, but her held her in place against the door. "We're not done yet. Why were you with Stevens?"

"I got lost on my way back. He happened to be in the halls and walked me back." Not wanting to give him a chance to inquire more, she continued to babble. "I met his multiple fiancées. That guy sure loves to sleep around and have a lot of options. Is it common for weremen to do this?"

The distraction worked. He let go of her and allowed her to look through her things. She pulled out a pair of cotton shorts and a thin shirt. These bottoms barely managed to cover her behind and the top only covered her boobs. She folded them back dejectedly. Cuddling was out of the picture now that Sebastian wouldn't be sleeping with her, and while the hallways were average temperature, the bedrooms in this place were freezing cold. It felt like someone wanted to make it snow. She exchanged them for her typical baggy sweats and a shirt.

"It's against our nature, but Stevens makes himself the exception," he muttered dryly. "We are not meant to be intimate with anyone except the one we mark."

Massie began to take off her sandals. "Wait, you've never slept with anyone?" After it came out of her lips she realized what a dumb question it was. The man hadn't even had a girlfriend and kept his distance from females.

"No. I don't see the novelty in sleeping with many partners." Taking note of the change of clothes on her side, he started backing to the door. "I'll let you change and go to sleep. Goodnight, Massie."

"Wait!" She cried, beckoning him over. "You need to give me a hug and a kiss goodnight."

Sebastian stayed in his spot. "I don't think that would be wise."

Massie groaned, she knew he was still thinking about the fact that he was in heat, but she didn't care. "You're being a negligent fiancé! At least make sure I'm comfortable," she huffed.

In three long strides he was before her, but his arms stayed at his side. "What do you need."

Massie blinked, he had done that so fast. "Well, for one, my hands feel cold."

Sebastian went to work by encasing her hands in his. He rubbed them and caused friction, making them feel warm. His large hands made hers look dainty and small. She thought about how those hands worked at the diner. How they trained his packmates and washed each of them after. They were strong and weathered, quite unlike the elegant hands of Stevens. She enjoyed the feel of them, but Massie wanted more.

"My arms are cold."

His hands trailed the expanse of her upper extremities, rubbing them in similar fashion. He even went up to her shoulders, and started massaging a knot that was there. It was slightly painful, but she let him until it was finally released.

"My chest is cold."

He pulled her into a hug, and gave her a look that clearly told her he knew what she was doing, but was allowing her anyway. His rubs turned to sweet caresses as one stayed at the small of her back, and the other drew comforting circles. He sighed softly. "Are you comfortable?"

"My lips are cold."

Sebastian chuckled, and she was dumbstruck by the handsomeness of his bright features. His pearly teeth came to view and his eyes glowed with amusement. He pulled her flushed against him and kissed her temple. "I think you're comfortable enough." He kissed her again, this time on the very corner of her lips. "Lock the door."

And then, he left her, and Massie really wished he would have stayed. Or that something would happen to force them into the same room. That he would change his mind. What she didn't know, was that her wish would be granted that same night. Except not in the way she thought it would...

A/N: Oh my, I've been wanting to post this chapter but I really didn't want to until I reached this part. Super hyped for the next part! Love you all fam <3

QUESTION: What do you guys think of the Everglades pack so far? About Stevens? Hmm..