[41] The Answer is 'No'

The next morning Massie woke up to a short text message.

The heart emojis and kissy faces next to his name mocked her. Ugh, gross. With a quick flick of her fingers, his contact became a simple, emoji-less 'Sebastian'. Pleased with the result, she then responded.

The gentle swoop let her know the message was sent. Within seconds, a ding made her look back at her phone.

Massie rolled her eyes and left him on read. Because she didn't feel like it, duh. Preparing for school was hassle-free. Neither Lydia nor her mother occupied the bathroom when she went, allowing her to finish with time to spare. With the bite mark gone from her neck (curtesy of Sebastian's licks) her back-to-school selection became a wider variety of clothes. She settled for a simple sweater, dangled some earrings and left.

In school she purposely remained around Emma or Lily, they were the ideal barrier against speaking with the Cult. She didn't have anything against them, she loved them dearly, but the least she needed was excess attention and questions coming from her friends as to why they were suddenly so close to her.

Before, she would have lavished on their awe, considering herself proud for proving the nay-sayers wrong (Emily, to be more specific). Now...she wanted to keep their close association under wraps. Not only because they were bound to ask unending questions she couldn't answer, but because she was trying to recover from Sebastian. Aside from her sister and his friends, she didn't want anyone else to know what went down between them. It was best to forgive and forget.

What she didn't account for was Sebastian's own plans. So when social studies came around, she thought no further of his figure sitting in his regular spot in front of her. His footsteps were met with heavy anticipation by the females in class. Wistful sighs and doe-like eyes fixated on his masculine form. Still, no one dared approach him and start conversation. He gave no indication that he noticed their attention, most likely didn't care.

Massie almost cursed when she saw him. She sat in her usual seat because she was not one to scamper like an injured dog. But why did he have to wear a white shirt today?! That was her favorite color on him! The wereman probably picked the first thing he saw this morning, now she had to deal with extreme self-control to keep her eyes off him.

It makes his eyes look brighter, and his bronze skin more glorious.

The purple eyed beauty forced her eyes down, pretending to proof-read the essay she edited over five times. There were no errors to be found, but she'd keep herself distracted with this in the meantime. Unfortunately, because her editing wasn't genuine, her ears were open to the chatter between the Oh-My-Gosh duo three desks down.

"Oh my gosh," the first one started, "he's wearing black boots today! It gives him...a strong worker appeal, don't you say?"

"Of course!" the second one agreed. "And oh my gosh—look, he's even wearing matching black socks! He's dependable, I knew it!"

"I always knew that about him!" The other one gushed, holding a hand to her heart. "If you pay close attention, he's wearing a white shirt today. My horoscope says people with white shirts have transparent personalities." She puckered her lips and nodded as if she just informed her friend the biggest insider.

A deep voice broke through her fake proof-reading. "You didn't respond."

Massie slowly looked up. "Huh?"

Sebastian's eyebrows furrowed in discontent. "My text message. I asked a reason for your refusal to come to my house after school and you didn't respond." He clarified, none too happy.

She remained reticent, unrevealing of her emotions. "I don't need to give you an explanation. A no means no. What difference would it make?"

Massie had to stop herself from laughing, as she could hear the two girls gasp and banter (Oh my gosh did he just speak to a girl?...Shhh Clara, I'm trying to hear what they're talking about...She's actually really pretty... Oh my gosh, cannot you like—not—compliment the competition?!)

If only they knew. She was no competition at all. She was rejected by the very man who stood before her.

Sebastian regarded her silently. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the late entrance of Mr. Barman, who was quick to direct them into handing in their assigned winter break essay.

After receiving the packets from those behind her Massie passed them over to Sebastian. He took them from her, his fingers brushing over hers unnecessarily. She hastily pulled her hand back and hoped he didn't notice. His gaze remained on her as he passed it up, the frown that fell over his lips let her know he had indeed noticed. Oh well. Her feelings take priority over his.

Sebastian felt sorry about his actions towards her before—that much was clear. However, there was the sinking knowledge at the pit of her stomach that reminded her his need for reconciliation was tied to wanting to restore their easy-going friendship. As for Massie, there was no way she could just be friends with Sebastian. At least not now while her emotions were prone to waywardness. No. She needed to keep her distance from him until she got over him.

Class went rather smoothly with Mr. Barman speaking nonstop about some revolution. When the bell rang, Massie sighed in relief. She could now escape the presence of a specific wereman.

However, it seemed that was not to be so.

Ever the predator, Sebastian was poised to catch her the moment she bounced from her seat and darted to the door. A hand easily closed around her hips and pulled her to his side. "I won't be satisfied until I have an answer," he said. His hold was unrelenting as she attempted to maneuver herself from under him.

He kept pace with her, his neck craned downward to keep her in his line of sight. He was an umbrella, shielding her from the hallway bright lights, but he did not keep her from the whispering words of those who saw him.

Is that Sebastian with a girl?

No way, I guess him and Keisha a no longer a thing?

He never held Keisha like that...

Massie's heart quickened with alarm. If people kept seeing them like this they would assume the worst. "Sebastian, people are staring." She stressed. She placed her hand over his large one on her hip, plucking each finger off.

Rather than heed her warning, his grip tightened. "Their staring is not my concern. I'm talking to you."

Massie groaned. She didn't have a specific reason for not going to his house, she just didn't want to go. No doubt that admission would get her nowhere with him. She would use a different technique. "I'll think about it, okay? In the case I decide to go I'll text you." Psh, no chance of that happening. She didn't plan on stepping foot in his home anytime soon.

He grunted. "Fine."

"Good. Can you let me go now?"

He released his hold and Massie kept telling herself that she didn't miss it. As they neared the cafeteria, she gave him the eye. "Why are you doing this?" she grumbled, referring to him following her. He use to always arrive ahead of her and wouldn't bother to walk beside her regardless of them going the same direction. As much as she tried to override him, her quick footsteps were matched with relative ease by the long-legged, handsome wereman.

"I want to." Was his simple reply.

What was his problem? At some point during her cruise vacation someone forgot to mention their roles switched, for much to her grievance there was a golden-eyed wereman who wouldn't let up.

"We're here. Why don't you go find your people." She said. They enter the cafeteria and it's just like the hallways. Curious eyes follow her. But it's not necessarily her, more like the person stuck to her. Sebastian's close proximity makes it undeniable that he's walking with her regardless of the annoyed expression she sported.

Massie went off to her usual table and let him break off to his secluded one. Except he didn't. He's still following her and she doesn't know why.

Before she reached it he grabbed her arm. "Come to my table."

Massie heard a set of startled gasps. Great, they were three feet away from her table. Evidently this was close enough for them to overhear the conversation.

"I want to hang out with my other friends. Maybe another day."

Despite his nod, the line his lips form show he's displeased. Massie makes move to leave but before she does he plants a quick kiss on her cheek.

The action took her off guard. Since when did he start doing that in front of onlookers? A semblance of a smile threatens to escape, one she destroys by hastily schooling her features into one of disregard. Weeks ago he publicly humiliated her by pushing her away from a hug.

Massie feigned ignorance at the gaping mouths in her table. Their expressions varied from shock to dismay, the most potent of all being jealousy. She didn't mind. They could seek that cold-block and keep him for all she cared.

"How was vacation for you guys?" Massie asked.

She removed her backpack, placing it at the side of her seat. She figured she might as well start the conversation since their awe-struck expressions left them rather speechless. Massie wasn't truly acquainted with many of the girls except Emma, Lily, and Emily's sour self.

Emma was the first to come out of it. "Oh! It was, um, great! I didn't see you at the diner much. Did you lessen your hours?" Her eyes trailed to Sebastian, almost as though she were silently asking a different question.

"No, not really. I just used some of my vacation time."

Lily played with her fingers, looking at her shyly. "Did you spend time with family... or friends?" Their hawk eyes waited.

"I went on a cruise ship by myself to unwind. It was great!" Massie chirped. Then, to stop any further questioning, she look towards the lunch line. "Are you guys hungry? I'm about to join the line before it gets too long."

The quickly agreed to follow her there. Ironically enough, the moment she got up to get food the Cult just so happened to get up as well and land right behind them. Thankfully, Massie was in front of all the gals from her table so there was a good six-girl distance between them. She kept her eyes forward.

Pasta in bland tomato paste and meatballs entertained her as she slide forward. She maintained light conversation with Lily, who was gave her updates on her continued relationship with her boyfriend, Derek.

The cash register rang her up. "The total is $4.50."

Massie zipped open her wallet, only to be dismayed as she realized she forgot to bring cash. The worst part is the school was so archaic by not accepting debit or credit card.

"Hey Lily, do you have some cash I can borr—"

A large bill was handed to the cashier before she could finish her sentence. Massie blinked, how on earth had he gotten here so fast? The lady behind the register took a moment before grabbing the bill, caught off guard herself.

"Thank you," Massie mumbled. Without waiting for a response, she gathered her things and left. Why did Sebastian pay her things? His actions left the girls behind her shell-shocked. Enough that the cash register had to bring Lily to attention so that the line kept moving.

As she walked away she heard Noah groan a loud complaint. "How come you don't pay for me when I forget my cash."

Massie giggled behind her hand. As she sat on the table, she pondered how weeks ago she would have jumped on the opportunity to sit at his table, would have swam in joy at his attentiveness to her a few moments ago. The need to evade him was a wave that kept her from sinking her toes into those golden depths. Was this what it's like to be burned by heartbreak? To shield oneself from the possibility of being hurt once again?

As the others walked back from the line she noticed two girls prodding Emma. They really had to work on their whispering levels because even from here Massie could hear their high-pitch voices saying "ask her" and "bring it up".

Emily lingered behind them with an irritated scowl. The grip on her tray was enough to rip the styrofoam to pieces. The envious girl was curious, but the ample attention directed to Massie was grieving her. It always bothered her when the purple-eyed beauty got too much attention. It just wasn't fair. Massie was the new girl to her school, yet in a short timespan she managed to do everything she ever wanted—work at the diner, befriend the Cult, and worst... somehow attain Sebastian Pierce's attention. He was an impenetrable wall to every female in the school, so what made this girl so special?

Once situated at the table, the girls tried to simulate regularity. It's unfortunate their expectant glances at Emma gave them away.

Massie fought a sigh. Could they just get this over with? In the end, it was Emily who lost her patience.

"Since when were you and Sebastian on such friendly terms?" She asked snidely, lifting her nose with distaste. "Are you guys romantically attached?"

The girls waited with bated breath. Lily gave Emily an aghast frown, yet the innocent red-hair would not dare speak out on it. She wanted to know just as much as everyone else. Emily could have delivered that question with more tact, her jealousy was very obvious.

Massie forked one of her meatballs and slowly chewed, allowing them to bake in that tension for a bit. She cleared her throat. "I don't know what would give you that impression. We aren't dating."

A handful sighs of relief. If only they knew just how hopeless their plight in getting him was. At least Massie stepped out and reached for him with all her being. These ladies were too nervous to initiate good conversation. What small chance did they have?

"Then why did he kiss your cheek? Why did he pay for your food?"

If Emily's tone hadn't been so derogatory Massie might have been more open. As it was, she already wanted to avoid all things Sebastian. She wouldn't bother giving them an inch, let them assume whatever they wanted.

"If you're so curious of his actions go ask him yourself." She prompted, shrugging her shoulders.

Did she look like Sebastian's mind reader? Assuming got her nowhere, it'd be foolish for her to think he meant anything by his previous actions. Despite the wereman's cold demeanor, what these girls failed to notice is that embedded within that icy cage was a gentleman. Of course he would pay for her food. He held the power of alpha over her, thus, it was instinctual for him to take care of her. But they didn't understand this, nor could they. They didn't understand there was no deeper meaning to Sebastian's actions.

Later on in the day it seemed Sebastian knew how to play dirty. She hadn't texted him the remainder of the school day, making it evident that she wouldn't go to his house. So what does he do? Instead of it being him at her locker at the end of the day, it was Noah, and who can say no to Noah?

"Honeybear, I really think I should go home."

"No way! You spent the majority of winter break in the Bahamas, now it's our turn."

Massie giggled. She told him she went to a cruise that left Florida at left five times yet he still referred back to it as the Bahamas. There was no point in correcting him anymore. There was also no point in arguing any further, for they were already parked at the pack house. So much for not stepping foot at his place again.

"I just don't think it's wise..." she trailed off. Noah was with her the majority of the Winter Wonderland dance, the night Sebastian so coldly left her. He more than anyone else would understand her hesitance.

He kissed her temple, a gesture to bring her comfort. "Don't worry yourself princess, I wouldn't bring you here if it wasn't for your best interests. Do your homework while we train. Afterwards I want to hear more about your trip."

Do the same as before, then. He wanted her to resume the routine of coming to their home regularly, she could sense it. Did he not remember that for a week straight Sebastian purposely ignored her here, in his very own territory? That the wereman ceased to pick her up altogether and delegated the drive to them. He didn't want her in his home back then, why did he want her here now?

With a weary sigh, she allowed the bleak musings to fall in the wayside. The prospect of seeing Sebastian again did not sit right with her, but she was willing to endure his presence to be with them. And so, with a small smile, she followed the easy-going, buff wereman inside.

"...the spot had a nice store where I found some dresses. Unfortunately, I can't wear them until the weather gets a little warmer. I got them for free though so I can't complain. Theo bought them for me."

"Theo? Who's Theo?" Jordan questioned, bringing notice to the foreign name. They were sitting around her, listening as she recounted her trip. Of course, there were some things she opted to leave out, such as the fact that she offered her neck to the vampire. She'd leave that out.

She settled for a simple description. "A tall, handsome vampire I met at the cruise."

"How nice of you to remember important facts of him." Sebastian said sourly. He elected the seat next to her, making it impossible to miss his remark.

Massie ignored him, keeping her eyes on Jayden and Jordan—who were at her feet sitting in front of the couch—or Noah, who sat on her right side. "Theo and I became fast friends. He was my companion the last half of my trip."

"You met a vampire? Who would have thought." Jayden commented, putting a hand to his chin.

Noah tugged her arm. "Did he find out you had matura?"

The question incited their interests. All except Sebastian—who appeared more annoyed than anything else. Massie nodded. "Yes. He found out the day after he compelled me. Once I remembered everything compelling didn't work again." A mirthful laugh escaped her lips. "He asked me to marry him and move into his home—"