He has the nerve to look incredulous. “Why?”

I huff. “You realize yesterday I was a virgin, and today, you’re telling...”

I get no further because I’m interrupted by two voices. “Holy fucking shit,” comes in an awed tone.

While Masen yells, “DON’T,” angrily.

“Are you kidding me? That’s what you care about. That someone knows that?” I’m shocked. This is going downhill fast.

I hear Sniffer say, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone lasting a week after their first shift.” I can hear the wonder in his voice.

Masen jumps to his feet leaning over me he says, “Don’t even think about it.” It comes out in deadly sneer. “She is MINE!” he barks.

Astonished by the way he’s speaking to him and not wanting to set him off more, I slowly lift my hand to his chest right over his rapidly beating heart and rub. “Hey, Big Guy, it’s okay. He didn’t mean anything. Right, Sniffer?”

The reminder of the nickname makes Masen snarl. “Right, nothing Mase, I meant nothing, I think nothing,” Sniffer says quickly, his voice is a little high.

“I didn’t realize it was a big deal. That’s on me.” I announce pleadingly. “Sit down here, Masen. This couch is kinda lumpy. I need a comfier place to sit.” I tug his shirt, and he slowly sits, his breathing still choppy. I scoot on his lap as ladylike as possible without standing or taking my hands off him. “That’s much better,” I coo once I’m seated in his lap to comfort him or hold him down at least whichever works better. I place my hands on his cheeks directing his face to mine. He’s still pissed.

The silence behind me is grim. “Hey Masen, you want me to make you some cookies? How about some of those white chocolate ones you like so much? I could even put some raspberries in. How does that sound?” His hard body relaxes as I speak to him. His eyes slowly return to his beautiful white-blue color. “How about I make us a quick dinner? Then, you can help me make the cookies. We could even go for a run tonight. My wolf’s excited to meet her Mate.”

His chest rumbles in agreement. Finally, Masen’s breathing is back to normal. His face drops to my neck, his nose pushes aside the cropped cardigan I put on over my dress finding his mark. He nuzzles me. When he finally lifts his face and really looks at me, I know everything is fine. I smile sweetly at him and say, “You, your brother, and friends can finish your chat. I’ll go start dinner.” I kiss his lips and stand. When I turn around, all three of the other men are staring at the floor.

No one speaks until I’m out of the room. I hear Masen’s deep, commanding voice, but I don’t stay and listen to what he’s saying. In the kitchen, I brown up some Italian sausage and hamburger for a quick marinara. I’m not sure who will be eating so I boil two pounds of pasta and grill some garlic bread while I wait for everything to finish.