*pictured above is cassandra or 'cassie'

thea's pov

Words fail me when it comes to describing how great Sebastian really is. I can't even begin to understand how lucky I am. He treats me like a queen when I feel lower than a peasant. It's overwhelming the feelings I have for a man I met not even two days ago.

"Little One, what do you think about going out to eat? There's a small cafe nearby?" I could see the worry in his eyes, but even more so the hope. As much as it scares me to be around people I have Sebastian. I can't hide forever.

"That sounds nice Seb."

"Seb?" He smirks at me, laughing.

"You have so many nicknames for me, I have to have at least one f-for you. I-Is that alright with you, mister?" I tried to sound tough but I kinda sucked at it. It just resulted in Sebastian laughing harder, so much that he was holding his gut. I stomped my foot and huffed in annoyance waiting for him to calm down.

"I'm sorry baby, of course, you can call me Seb. By the way, you're hot when you're angry." He winked at me and grabbed my hand as we walked. He laughed at my shocked face. As shocked as I was, it made my heart happy to see his eyes filled with happiness as opposed to the usual worry. His insanely good looks only intensified when he was laughing. I would do anything to keep that look on his face.

*

I tried to keep control of my anxiety as we walked through the little downtown area. For such a large pack there didn't seem to be many people around. That was most likely Sebastian's doing. He seemed to be five steps ahead of everyone else at any given time.

We reached a cute little cafe, and Sebastian led me in, his palm warm against my back. I guess some could say it's controlling, but to me, it felt comforting. Like he was giving me a subtle reminder to me that he was there.

Sebastian was a touchy person. And for someone who's gone so long without any contact with a human that was anything but plain, it's... comforting. Touch was his way of showing affection. And as much as it calmed me, it seemed to calm him as well. I remember learning that a mate's touch can calm the angriest Alpha. There's something so beautiful about that. An "inferior" female has the utmost power over her big, strong mate.

"Are you OK, Little One?" He turned me towards him, grasping my chin to look at him, not controllingly, "If you feel too anxious we can go, or I can arrange for the cafe to deliver. Or-"

"SEBASTIAN! I'm alright. Yes. Being around people makes me anxious, but I want to see your pack. Our pack. If I'm gonna be the Luna then I have to stop being so afraid sometimes." I could hardly believe myself. Not only did I yell at an Alpha, but I also interrupted an Alpha. Two mistakes that of made in the presence of the wrong Alpha could cause war.

"Ok Angel. If you're sure." He huffed and then smiled at me, "You just called it OUR pack." His smile was so bright he probably could have blinded someone. I just blushed and tugged at his hand trying to pull him along.

"I'm hungry."

That kicked his ass into gear, and he immediately pulled me inside the small cafe.

When we stepped in, everyone turned and stared. My mind began to race, and the panic was setting in. Before I could even think, Seb had already pulled us to a small table in the back, out of sight of the other customers. As I shakily went to sit down in one of the seats, Sebastian pulled me into his lap. I blushed, looking around to make sure no one could see the blatant show of affection we were currently displaying.

"What sounds good, Little One?" He brushed a kiss on my neck absently.

"W-w-what do they h--have?" I tried to keep the stutter out of my voice to no avail.

"They'll make whatever you want." He responded cheekily as he rested his head against my shoulder, breathing in my scent.

"T-that's impossible. H-how do you even read their menu?" He laughed, his whole chest shaking.

"Baby, you're the Luna. You can get whatever you want. You spent who knows how long, never able to make a decision for yourself. I want to give that back to you. So, what would you like?" I was floored by his profound words. He was right. For seven years my choices had been taken from me. Before I could answer a tall she-wolf approached us, cautiously, I noticed.

"Afternoon, Alpha, Luna. What can I get for you today?"

I took a deep breath, and holding Seb's hand in a death grip said, "W-hat w-hat would you re-c-comend?" I finished the sentence, taking in another breath, feeling like I was gasping for air. The waitress seemed to not notice my odd behavior, or at least she didn't comment on it.

"Well, we do make a mean serving of Chicken N' Dumplings. And, our mac and cheese are to die for. And, you've got to try the mashed potatoes. You just have to." I couldn't help but giggle at the girl's enthusiasm. She looked to be around my age, with bright red hair, and blue eyes.

"That sounds good, I hope I can eat it all. M-My name is Thea, by the way, it's nice to m-meet you."

"Oh, it's an honor to meet you, Luna. I'm Cassandra, but most people call me Cassie." Cassie seemed fun to be around, maybe meeting the pack won't be too bad.

"I'll have that also Cassie, and could you also add a coffee and hot cocoa? It's a little too cold out here for Thea." He squeezed my arms, rubbing them up and down. It always shocks me how perceptive he is. I didn't even realize how cold I was getting.

"That'll be right out!"

*

Sebastian kept his arms around me as we waited, absently rubbing my stomach. He seemed to be in a fairly good mood, peppering me with kisses as we talked.

"How are you feeling Little One?" His voice was husky, his breath warm on my ear as he spoke.

"I-I I'm feeling better. It is difficult to be around a bunch of people, but I'm dealing with it. C-cassie seemed nice, and this place is cute. The food smells amazing. Can I cook something back at your house? My Mom taught me a little before... well before. I like baking too. Oh! Do you have any books I could borrow? I promise I won't wreck them. If that's ok."

"It's not my house. It's our house. It's the packhouse to be more specific, but the floor we are on is ours alone. You and I. It's as much yours as it is mine. You can cook and bake to your heart's content. I've been told I'm a pretty good taste tester. Our floor does have a library with hundreds of books, I don't use it much, I have my own office next door. How about we make that into your own office? We can go shopping for some furniture you might like?"

Before I could answer, a short older woman walked over with our food. She placed the food on the table, and turned towards me;

"Well, aren't you just beautiful! You're a lucky man, Sebastian. Make sure to eat up hon' ya gotta get some meat on those bones. I'm gonna send y'all home with some casseroles, and some of my pie. It's nice to meet you Luna, my name's Daisy." She reached out to shake my hand, and I held back a laugh as I did. She reminded me of a Grandmother, with her curly white hair, and yellow apron. She kissed Sebastian on the cheek as she turned to leave us to eat.

"You heard Mis Daisy, eat up." Sebastian gave me a grin as he dug into his food. Lord, that man could eat a lot of food, all while managing to look like a damn Greek God. Not fair.

y'all i finally got over writer's block! i love sebastian and thea's relationship. ugh couple goals. thanks so much for reading!

-ej