Long chapter ahead that's pretty much setting things up. Please vote.

Wolf Chase [30]

Massie stared at her prom dress with a mixture of awe and appreciation. Her hands trailed softly against the dazzling material, picturing exactly how she would look many weeks from now. It truly was a beautiful dress. She almost wished the dance would hurry up so she could wear it. Alas, she had to be patient and wait.

From her peripheral view she saw her sister stroll down the hall, only to stop at her door and feast her gaze upon what had her so transfixed. Lydia's silent steps entered to better survey the ensemble.

"That thing is way too shiny and explosive, figures you would get an outrageous dress."

Massie was not surprised at her sister's comment. Lydia was such a bore when it came to picking outfits; always choosing the plainest thing to blend into the background and otherwise remain unseen.

"You're clearly blind and lack good taste, this dress is amazing! I'm so glad I won't have to be in search of an outfit anymore, the stuff in Dark Falls is deplorable." Massie held it higher and smiled proudly at her choice.

The only person who saw her in it was Sebastian, and all he told her was that it was 'acceptable'. Acceptable? This dress was more than acceptable, it was downright gorgeous! He was such a stone that his bland response did not surprise her. Then again, perhaps his anger at the time had something to do with it. Oops?

"So that's where you went to today," Lydia mused, lifting a disparaging brow. "Are you going out for more shopping today?"

Massie shook her head. "Nope, I'm done with shopping. I'll get shoes and accessories some other day."

Massie gave her dress one last look before exhaling a joyful sigh and placing it in her closet ever so carefully. She had made space for it by taking out a handful of clothes, she wanted to make sure it wouldn't cramp and otherwise cause wrinkles.

"So if you're not going anywhere, why is there a car outside waiting for you?"

Massie's eyes widened with alarm. "Crap!"

She rushed to her drawers and pulled out the first set of comfortable clothes she saw along with her intimates and stuffed them in a duffel bag she found tucked away in a corner. "Sebastian's waiting for me outside. I ate dinner at his house after shopping, and somehow Hailey convinced him I should sleepover," she explained, reaching for her basic hygiene products. She grabbed the medium sized gift bag she stashed near her dresser and place it inside too. It held one of Sebastian's two birthday presents, the other wouldn't require anytime type of covering. Just herself.

He probably consented since it was the weekend and there was no school tomorrow. Also since his parents were hosting a nice feast tomorrow to commemorate his birthday. Massie could not believe she'd been so immersed in analyzing her dress that she forgot Sebastian was waiting for her outside. The worst part is she told him she would be 'super duper quick' about it. Hopefully he wasn't bad at waiting.

Suddenly, Lydia began to walk around her room, poking her head through things as though searching for something. "It must be here somewhere..." she murmured, loud enough for Massie to hear.

Massie eyed her curiously. It was a very bizarre action coming from her sister. What could she have possibly left in her room? "What are you looking for?" she finally asked.

Lydia looked up. "Your brain cells. I know you must have dropped them here somewhere. There's no way you'd be stupid enough to continue engaging these people," she conferred.

"Ha ha. Very funny." Massie said dryly.

Lydia was still as negative as ever when it came to the Cult. This did not surprise her. Her sister was stubborn, unnecessarily so. Goodluck to the mule of a man that had to deal with her.

She zipped her duffle bag closed, but not before tucking in a modest black dress for tomorrow. It reached slightly past mid-thigh but was off-the-shoulder and looked classy and elegant. She had many more lucrative options to choose from, but since the entire pack was joining she did not want to look too sexy. Sebastian would fly off his rocker and she wanted to continue making a good impression. She'd save the more exposing dresses for future private dates she expected Sebastian to ask her out on...eventually.

"How are you going to explain to mom that you're sleeping over a boys house?"

The purple-eyed beauty smiled slyly. "Lydia, Lydia. You have much to learn. I can say the same thing without it sounding alike. I won't tell her I'm sleeping over Sebastian's house, otherwise she'll go on and on about the birds and the bees. I'm telling her I'm sleeping over Kristen and Hailey's house. See what I did there?" Massie gave her a conspiratorial wink.

Her mother probably wouldn't make a huge deal if she explained the whole situation. It's not like she was sleeping in his room. She'd probably share with Hailey or sleep in the guest room. Nevertheless, with Sebastian waiting outside she didn't have much time to delve into that so she'd just give those details.

Lydia placed the back of her hand on Massie's forehead and clucked her tongue. "Yep. Its official. You are sick with that horrible disease called love-a-wolf. Side effects include idiotic decisions, delusions of a man liking her back, and wild behavior." Massie licked her hand, causing Lydia to bounce back in disgust. "EWW!" she screamed.

"I hope it's contagious," Massie laughed, grabbing her duffle bag and skipping cheerfully down the stairs. Her sister was truly something else.

Lydia followed after her, her face twisted in a most unpleasant fashion. She hated germs and Massie used that to her advantage. "That was disgusting! Since you want to be all gross I guess this is the best time to tell you mom noticed his car and decided to go outside to greet him. I ever so happily stayed indoors," she said snarkly.

Massie froze in her steps and gasped. "Oh no. No, no, no, no, no!"

Her mother thought she was dating that man and if wrong words were exchange she would be in huge trouble. Taking note of her altered mood, Lydia's lips converted from distaste to a victorious smile. "So much from Kristen and Hailey's house," she taunted, this time she was laughing.

Regaining her senses, Massie power-walked to the front of the house. Exactly how long had those two spoken? Now she had to do damage control and hope she came unscarred in the process. When she reached the door, she was surprised to find Sebastian out of the car and standing on the passenger side speaking casually to her mom. He stood straight with no slouch to his posture, completely towering over her mother who was currently giggling over something he said. Massie couldn't imagine what Sebastian could have possibly said to make her giggle, especially since he had his typical no-nonsense face on and didn't appear to have said a joke.

As she hurriedly reached them, she heard the tail-end of her mother's response. "...my daughter is a wild one. I'm so glad you've appointed yourself as her protector. That is so cute."

Massie sighed in relief. That didn't sound too bad. Now she had to stop her talkative mother from continuing her babbling, otherwise she'd go on and on the whole night. "Hey mom, done bothering Sebastian yet?" She started tugging her back into the house.

"I was not bothering sweetie. I just wanted to say hello. You've done a horrible job at introducing so I took it upon myself," she said, smiling in triumph yet nevertheless allowing her daughter to take her back inside. "Bye Sebastian!" She called, waving at him.

Sebastian waved back, a rare small smile curving his lips. Okay, how come he was all nice and friendly with her mom but when it came to her he did not smile that often. No fair!

At the door, her mother leaned down to whisper. "He is so handsome honey! Definitely a good pick, way better than the last one you brought home. Much more mature and put together."

Massie laughed. The last boyfriend she brought home was some rich playboy she somehow managed to tame. He let go of all his side girls to be with her, but ended up being too childish for her tastes, so she let him go. She liked men who could hold her down, not the other way around.

"It's one of his best traits," Massie agreed. She kissed her on the cheek and went off to join Sebastian in the car. Her mother waved from the doorstep and watched them go.

"Um, Sebby...What exactly did my mother say?" She asked, attempting to grasp information on the conversation they had. More specifically—whether or not her mother hinted at them being boyfriend and girlfriend.

He shrugged. "She said you told her about me. "

"And..?" Massie pressed. Why was this man so vague? Getting information from him was like pulling a splinter from a finger.

"I told her you're sleeping over at my house. We talked about other things and I assured her I'm taking care of you. That I make sure you're safe"

Massie sighed in relief. Perfect. Looks like word of her lying to her mom was nowhere in the conversation. For now she was safe, otherwise it would be awkward, especially since she knew how against the whole boyfriend/girlfriend title he was. It was a huge no-no for him.

"My lovely Sebby, you truly are the cutest." She kissed him on the cheek.

He scrunched his brows in puzzlement. "Cute? Why do you women insist this is 'cute'. I do not understand."

Massie giggled. He was so cluelessness.

Then, changing the subject, he said. "I have something to give you at home. It's a book. James found it in our library and since you'll be joining us to Everglades, it'd be helpful for you to read it. We leave in two weeks."

Massie squealed. "Yay! This is gonna be so fun! How are we getting there?"

Prior to coming here, she never heard of Everglades. Was it even in the same state?

"It's one of the furthest packs. We'll be taking a plane there."

Massie nodded in awe. She didn't think it'd be like this. "For how long will we be there?"

He shrugged. "More or less three days. It shouldn't take too long. We leave Friday after school. I told your mom already." He smiled in an amused manner. "She assumed it was a school trip. I did not correct her."

Massie laughed. Her mother would think that. The last school she went to was full of rich kids, and they often went on extravagant trips. How perfectly convenient.

When they reached Sebastian's home she settled her things in Hailey's room, who was ever so excited to have her there. Massie decided to go ahead and take a shower. Today was a long day, and she wanted to lightly pamper herself before joining the group in the living room.

Late Friday nights were movie nights here, but Massie never stayed long enough to enjoy them. Sebastian always dropped her home at a responsible time, and he was very against her staying out too late, even if it was with him.

When she finished washing up, she settled for a modest two piece made of satin. It covered her completely and even had long sleeves. The least she wanted was to incite Sebastian's temper, at least not before she gave him his birthday presents.

Massie barely finished putting on her favorite lotion when Hailey pulled her arm. "Let's go, the movie's about to start!"

The living room was filled. She recognized the younger faces, and knew she'd seen them in passing in the hallways, but for the most part it was full of many people she hadn't met before. Hailey easily maneuvered them through the crowd, and in the end she landed in a couch beside Noah. Kristen and James were also there, more towards the end.

"Hey princess!" Noah enveloped her into a tight hug. When he pulled back, he tugged on the fabric of her sleepwear, pressing it between his fingers. "Whoa, this stuff is soft, I like it." He grinned wolfishly.

Massie smiled smartly. "It's satin, so it's very smooth."

Beside her Hailey tested the fabric as well. Then she ducked her head under her arms and cuddled beneath her. "I like it too!" She agreed.

Their conversation was cut short by the movie starting, and soon the packed living room quieted. Massie surveyed the crowd, looking for the rest of the Cult. She found them on the opposite side. Jayden was on the couch, taking over half the space by semi-laying down. Next to him was Sebastian. To her annoyance, Keisha was on his other side, looking rather pleased with herself at the arrangement. On the floor was Jordan, sitting next to Micah cross-legged.

The movie of choice was Zootopia, and while it was a PG animation, it held Massie's attention the whole time. The plot was amazing, and judging by Hailey's focused gaze she was equally immersed as well. The movie wasn't too long, and by the time it finished it was half past eleven. The crowd dispersed, and a handful stayed to play some games. Massie found her eyes trail back to where Sebastian was seated, and judging by his current proximity to the blue-eyed she-wolf, it appeared Keisha had slowly inched herself closer, and closer to him to the point of touching. All she had to do was tip over to her right and she'd be right over his lap.

A bitter feeling of jealously coiled within her, but before she reigned it in Sebastian stood up and abandoned his sitting. He disappeared into a hall and Keisha was left looking bereft, as though she expected him to stay and spend more time with her.

Next to her Noah stretched and pat his belly. "I know we ate not too long ago, but I'm hungry again," he admitted.

Massie rubbed his stomach. "You have a large appetite honey bear."

"I do. I'm debating between making something to eat or going to sleep. I'm so tired." Noah yawned, looking very much beat. After going to the mall Sebastian made them all do some training. He made it more intense than usual due to the cut time.

Hailey got up. "I'm hungry too. I'll make some soup!" She scurried off in the direction of the kitchen.

"Make for me too!" Noah called after her, evidently making his decision now that he wouldn't have to put work into it. "You want some?" He asked, as though he were the one preparing the food.

Any other time she might have said yes, but she had other things in mind. "No, it's almost twelve o'clock and I want to be the first to tell Sebastian happy birthday. I also want to give him his presents."

"He's most likely in his room, which is code for don't bother him." Noah put an arm around her and winked impishly. "He'll probably let you in though," he said suggestively.

Massie giggled. "Last time I went he said it was 'inappropriate' for me to be there."

Noah shook his head. "Sebastian, Sebastian. If I were in his place I would be all over this." He looked at her from head to toe and howled for extra effect. Massie shoved him and laughed. Noah was always so flirtatious but she knew he was only joking. "But seriously, the guy has it so easy. I over here have to put in work." He huffed in mock-indignation.

"Puh-lease, you have so many girls in school pinning after you. They're terrified of Sebastian, they think he's very mean, so they easily flock to you and your good-looks."

And it was true. While the females appreciated Sebastian's aesthetic qualities, Noah was much more easily approachable. He radiated friendliness and was a jokester at heart. Out of the whole Cult, he had the most friends in their high school.

The buff man didn't seem to agree, he had a faraway look. "Ironically enough the one my wolf wants isn't terrified of him."

Massie thought about the implications of his words before gasping. "Noah, please don't tell me you like who I think you like."

He looked at his hands sheepishly and scratched his head. A light tinge of red coming on his cheeks. "I can't help who my wolf is compatible with!" He defended. His eyes drifted to a blue-eyed she-wolf.

Keisha was currently resting on the couch, absentmindedly watching the screen as the men played. Noah eyes moved in her direction, they were full of longing and hidden rejection.

Massie wrinkled her face in clear distaste, something which did not go unnoticed by him. "You are such an amazing being. I just find it hard to believe you'd be attracted to her."

"She's not always so..."

"Bitchy?" Massie finished, causing him to wince. Sensing the depth of his feelings Massie schooled her features into one of acceptance. After all, you can't help who you fall for. It's not as though Sebastian were the most lovely bachelor. "Sorry, I just don't have the best history with her, but if it helps she is super strong and gorgeous, can't deny that," she supplied.

"I've seen her soft side," he opened up. "It's nice and I really love it. I can sense her wolf is attracted to me too, but she's so attached to Sebastian for saving her. Not to mention, he has alpha blood in him, and no matter what a female is always more receptive to mating an alpha." He said sourly.

Massie could tell he did not hold it against Sebastian, but rather he was morose of his situation. It must suck to see the girl you want pining after another guy. Her heart went out to him. Sebastian wasn't always the most receptive of her own affections, but at least he wasn't chasing after any woman. It gave her hope. Noah felt hopeless.

She squeezed his hand for comfort. "Honey bear you're a great catch. If you chase after her you have a chance. You have an advantage—you know her wolf is receptive of you. Play on that," she encouraged.

Noah ruffled her hair, messing it up completely. "Aren't you a cute positive pup." He smiled, but his eyes were still melancholic. "Last year I attempted to have a relationship with her. Things only got so far before she went right back to Sebastian. Keisha is a very strong wolf, even his wolf is slightly attracted to her and she senses this. That's what she told me... For that reason I never told my cousin I had feelings for her." He confided.

Massie felt her heart lurch, this sounded so sad. "Does Sebastian still not know?"

Noah squeezed her hand. "No. I wanted her to be happy with him if he made anything of it. Time came and went and he never did anything. Sebastian is... very focused on taking care of us and learning how to be an alpha from his father. He never made much of anything with her and always kept a respectable distance. Then you came along..." at this he smirked. "And I find it funny how he's very receptive of you."

Massie snorted. He had to be kidding. "Receptive? You call that receptive? I feel like I'm crawling through mud."

"It's the most receptive I've seen him. Just know, I've never seen him bring a girl to his house almost every day, much less let her sleepover. There's a reason Mia invited you to Everglades. Whatever you're doing, just know it's working," Noah bared his teeth roguishly.

Massie pat herself on the pack. "Oh, I know it's working. I just wouldn't call it receptive," she laughed. "But back to you, since she's rejecting a relationship, maybe just be her friend first. I rarely see you talking to her."

Noah gave her a look, but before he could say anything Hailey chose that time to quickly pop into the doorway. "Food is ready!"