How Could This Happen to Me?

Chapter 7

“Here! Grab it quick, before it falls on the ground and goes to waste!” Seb held his hand underneath the marshmallow.

Nichole quickly pulled it off the tip of the stick and placed it on top of the chocolate, she placed a piece of graham cracker on top and squeezed them together.

“Alright, hand over the stick. My turn to burn a marshmallow.”

Seb chuckled as Nichole handed over his mini sandwich and he gave her the stick, “Good luck”

Nichole waved him off as she grabbed one of the fluffy good snacks, “I’m going to make mine lightly tanned, instead of catching it on fire and having it burn and lose its taste like you’ve done to yours.”

Seb shook his head, “Again, good luck with that.”

Nichole stepped close to the fire and lowered the stick down slowly, her eyes stayed completely focused.

Seb took a bite of his s’more, “Mmm! The Hershey’s chocolate really gives it the kick! Just burn the damn marshmallow, believe me, it tastes amazing.”

“Shhh!” Nichole whispered.

Seb took another bite before leaning back in the one camp fire chair that was shared between the two, “Why are you whispering? There’s no one out here except us. I don’t think silence will make these snacks better.”

Nichole stood up a moment later and pointed the stick at Sebastien, “Tell me that isn’t the best damn lightly tanned marshmallow you’ve ever seen!”

“Well, I don’t know. You’ll have to bring it a little closer. It’s hard to tell, maybe it didn’t even get close to the fire.”

Nichole held the stick out further, having it right in front of Seb.

The older of the two squinted at it, then turned his head to see it from a different angle. One moment the perfectly done marshmallow was there, and in the next Seb opened his mouth and grabbed it, making it disappear within a second.

Nichole’s mouth dropped open, “Oh, you did not just do that!”

Seb opened his mouth revealing the snack that was taken, “Come and get it.” he smirked as he closed his mouth and started chewing the stolen marshmallow.

Nichole tackled Seb, causing the chair he sat on to tip over on to its back and bring them on to the ground. His eyes grew big as he saw Nichole reach for his s’more.

Seb placed the s’more in his mouth and held on to it with his teeth, he rolled over backwards a few feet before facing forward once more, sitting on his heels.

Nichole glared at him as she copied the same posture he used. “You owe me a perfect marshmallow!”

Seb ate the rest of his s’more, the smile on his face getting bigger as he finished it. “I’m sorry, but I always catch my marshmallows on fire. If you want a perfect one, you’ll just have to cook another.”

Nichole stood up and walked back over to the fire, she plopped herself down in front of it and grabbed the bag of marshmallows, picking one and putting it on the stick and setting it in front of the fire.

Seb stayed crouched as he slowly stepped close to the fire where Nichole sat.

She didn’t say anything to him, staying focused once more on making yet another perfect fluffy goodness for herself.

As Nichole brought the stick back and held it towards her face to take a good look at it, Seb put one hand on her left shoulder as he kneeled on the ground, stretching his neck over her right shoulder and bringing their faces extremely close to one another.

“Sebast-”

Before Nichole could finish his name, he had the marshmallow between his teeth and had moved away from her quickly.

Nichole dropped the stick as she turned around and grabbed Seb’s foot, pulling him down flat on his stomach before he could run away.

Surprised by the sudden attack, the marshmallow fell out of his mouth and rolled a few inches. Nichole sat on top of him and pushed his head towards the dirt, “Sebastien Lefebvre! That marshmallow was better then the last and you stole it! What do you have to say about it now?!”

Seb rested his chin on the ground and smiled triumphantly, “You are the greatest at making a perfect s’more, and I’m sorry you can’t seem to make one for yourself.”

Nichole sighed in defeat, she pushed down on his shoulder blades gently before lifting herself up and walking back towards her tree house.

Seb turned his head to see where she was going, the smile on his face dropped and was replaced with concern as he lifted himself up on to his feet and brushed the dirt off his clothes.

The silly prank he had gotten away with twice now didn’t seem quite as funny anymore as Nichole climbed up the rope ladder silently and went inside her mini log cabin, closing the door behind herself.

Seb sighed, “Good going, Lefebvre.” he reached a hand behind his head and grabbed a small chunk of his hair and pulled lightly, guilt present.

He picked up the stick, grabbed a marshmallow and stood in front of the fire.

A few minutes later Seb climbed up the rope ladder himself, another s’more held between his teeth. As soon as he reached the top and stood on the deck, he grabbed the s’more and brushed it off gently before knocking on the door.

“Come in.”

Seb opened up the door and stepped inside, he closed the door behind him.

Nichole held a back pack in her hand, she stuffed a few items in it before zipping it up and slinging it over her shoulder.

Seb cleared his throat.

Nichole turned and looked at him, “I’m sorry, Nichole.” Seb apologized, his eyes looked sad as he stepped closer and held his hand out.

Nichole looked down at his hand and saw the s’more, she stepped closer as well, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“What is this?” she asked.

Seb lowered his head as he put the treat in her hand, “One of the best s’mores you’ll ever eat.”

Nichole raised the s’more up to eye level and looked at the marshmallow, a surprised look came to her face as she saw it was lightly tanned. Her smile grew as the last spot she looked at was slightly burnt. “Guess we’ll have to see about that.”

Seb tucked his hands into his pockets and watched as Nichole ate the s’more in front of him, he did feel like reaching out and taking it from her, to tease her again.

After the last bite she looked up at him, “Good job, you are right. It was one of the best I ever had.”

Seb sighed, a smile formed on his face once more. If Nichole could’ve seen the wolf side of him, there would’ve been a non-stop wagging tail.

Nichole placed her bag down on the ground, this caused Sebastien’s curiosity to act up as she stepped close to him.

Seb felt his chest tighten, his heart pounded faster then he wanted it to.

Nichole stood a few feet away from him now, Seb lowered his head and closed his eyes.

She reached her hands up and wrapped them around his neck, standing up on her tip toes to press their foreheads together.

Seb finally opened his eyes and looked down at her, he let out a long breathe before he put his arms around Nichole and pulled her closer to him.

Neither said a word to each other, enjoying the small moment they shared. For once, Seb didn’t feel pressure at his zipper, and he was thankful for it.

A few minutes passed before he finally released Nichole from his arms and took half a step back.

Nichole chuckled and Seb looked away shyly. Just like the night before, she reached her hand up and grabbed a handful of his short bangs, tugging on them gently and causing him to shake his head lightly. A low growl of approval left his lips.

“Come on, we should head back home. We’ll be lucky if we even head out in the right direction. I never leave this late at night.”

Seb stood in place, being somewhat distracted by the playful banter that happened. After a few more seconds, he followed Nichole out of the tree house and back down the rope ladder to put out their camp fire.

---- 9:23 pm

Nichole stopped for a moment to yawn, she shook her head trying to awaken her brain. “Holy wah, I must be more tired then I thought.”

As if he hadn’t worried about her enough the whole day, concern hit Seb once more as he realized they still had another forty-five minute walk to go before they reached Patrick’s house.

Seb stepped in front of her, “We’re almost there, Nichole.”

Nichole gave him a tired smile and nodded her head, “I know, you’d think it would be simple to get home without a problem since I’ve done this a million times before.”

Seb took the lantern from Nichole, he reached his other hand out to her. “I’ll find our way back home, Nichole. But I suggest you take hold of my hand so you can keep your balance. If I feel any sort of weakness coming from your touch, I’ll scoop you into my arms and carry you the rest of the way if I have to.”

A light blush came to Nichole’s face, she shook her head. “That won’t be necessary, Seb. I’m not going to force you into carrying me. I’ll make it back just fine as long as you can help us get out of here safely.”

Sebastien nodded his head, he grabbed ahold of Nichole’s hand with a firm grip and began walking, the wolf took action by using his nose to guide them in the right direction. Both he and Sebastien felt the soft hand that seemed to already have a weak grip to it, they felt it was their duty to make sure to get Nichole home safely.

----

Patrick turned his head and looked out the kitchen window to see someone walking out of the thick part of the forest and towards his garage. He stood up and walked outside quickly.

Seb had the same tired look on his face that Nichole previously had, “Hey, Pat” he whispered.

Patrick couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head, “Where in the hell have you two been all day? I couldn’t go to sleep unless I was sure at least one of you showed up. Nichole never stays out this late.”

Seb had a guilty look on his face, “I might have been a distraction. We were having a good time.”

“Mhm” Pat crossed his arms and looked down at Nichole seeing her asleep in Seb’s arms. She had her face pressed against his chest.

Seb couldn’t help but look down at her as well, a sigh escaped him as he remembered Nichole slow down to a complete stop and her eyes close shut.

Her hand had gone limp in his, and that’s when Sebastien knew she was finished. He took the opportunity to carry her the rest of the way back.

“Come on, let’s go put her to bed. I’ll drive you back to your house afterwards.”

Seb nodded as he followed Patrick into his home and down the hallway, a few doors down they took a right and entered a bedroom.

He stopped once inside the bedroom and looked around. There was nothing on the walls or the night stand that described what kind of person Nichole was. Seb assumed maybe a few sets of clothing would probably be in the cabinets. But with the faint scents that he couldn’t put names to, he was sure this wasn’t a place Nichole stayed at often.

Patrick rolled his eyes. “Okay, I’ll give you two minutes alone to say goodnight to her. Don’t get touchy!” he warned, a smirk on his face as he left.

Seb was grateful as he walked Nichole over to the guest bed, he kneeled on the comforter and began to lie her down slowly. His movements froze as she reacted.

Nichole raised her head and nuzzled against Seb’s neck and chin, he felt his eyes roll back, his grip suddenly grew tight once more as he laid his head on top of hers.

Seb felt a shaky huff leave his nose, sadness overwhelmed him immediately as he laid Nichole on the comforter and started to pull himself away from her.

He kept his distance for about a minute before he laid the palm of his hands on the edge of the mattress, he pressed one side of his face against her cheek.

“I t-think…I may be falling in love with you, Nichole.” Seb stood up on his feet and left the room silently, he followed Patrick out of the house.

----

Patrick and Seb didn’t say a single word to each other on the drive back to the Lefebvre household.

Seb kept his attention towards the window.

When Nichole’s Jeep truck pulled along the curb, Seb stepped out and looked back towards the driver. “Thank you, Pat. Have a goodnight.” with this said, he walked into the house and locked the door behind him.

All the lights were off except one, Seb smiled knowing his sister left it on for him. He turned it off and walked up the stairs and into his bedroom.

Seb took his shoes off and stripped his clothes until he was in his boxers. He climbed into bed and covered himself up within his comforter.

The male Lefebvre grabbed his pillow and hugged it close to his face, he breathed in deeply, smelling a faint scent of Nichole that had been there earlier that morning. Tears streamed down Seb’s face, “I-I’m in love.”

----- Monday, October 22nd

Chuck had a huge grin on his face as Sebastien walked up to him slowly with a tray of breakfast. “So, how was yesterday?”

A small smile creeped up on Seb’s face as he sat down, he shrugged his shoulders. “You tell me, are we talking about you and David purposely leaving me out in the forest all alone to find my way back? Or the hours Nichole and I spent together?”

Chuck’s eyes grew big, “Hold up, how in the heck did you find Nichole?”

Seb rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes lowered to the ground. “I guess snuggling with Nichole’s jacket the whole night stored the scent in my head. Because when I was taking a nap, the wolf woke me up and had me running. I was forced to keep running until I found her location.”

Chuck folded his arms on the table, “So the wolf has finally used his sense of smell huh?” he answered.

Seb blushed, “Let’s just say I think my feelings for Nichole have developed. I know I don’t know that much about her, but after carrying her last night…It felt like I was holding the most important thing in my life.”

Chuck nodded his head, “You were carrying the most important thing in your life. At least that’s what both of you think. His reactions are a little different then yours, but they both end up as the same result.”

Seb raised an eye brow, “What do you mean?” he asked.

The Beta looked around him making sure no one else was nearby. “I’m saying the first few incidents that happened between you two were caused by the werewolf. But last night, going by your vibes it seems as though you were the one in control.”

Seb picked up a piece of toast and took a bite, “Explains why I didn’t over-react when we hugged.”

Chuck smiled again, “I wish I could see how happy you’re making Nichole. Whenever you two are surrounded by anyone else, you act like there isn’t even a connection. But when you’re alone, something happens. Why keep it a secret? Why don’t you just express how you feel about her in front of the rest of us guys.”

Seb felt his cheeks heat up, “Believe me, I want to Chuck. But I’ve only known all of you for a few days. I didn’t plan on liking someone this soon, it’s weird and I don’t know if it’s even real or if its hormones. I won’t act and make something of this.”

Chuck looked hard at Seb, “The wolf is always positive on who it wants as a mate, you’re the one who is unsure, Seb. Sometimes you have to act on it, otherwise she’ll think you’re not interested and you’ll break-” his eyes focused on someone walking towards them. A goofy smile took over his face as Kate stood at their table. “Good morning, Charles.”

Chuck stood up from his seat, “Good morning, Kate.”

Seb covered his face trying hard not to laugh that his sister called their new friend by his full name.

Chuck turned his head to make a quick glance at Sebastien.

“Seb! If you piss your sister off by making fun of her because she called me by my name I will turn around and kick your ass. It may be funny to you, but it’s Kate showing approval of me. Why the heck do you think we find it funny when you call Nichole by her full name when she’s used to ‘Nic’.”

This made Seb stop laughing immediately, Chuck did have a point there.

Kate looked down to her brother, “Hey Seb, mind if I steal Chuck for a moment?”

Seb looked up from his food, he shook his head quickly. “Nope, he’s all yours.”

The look on Chuck’s face after that comment changed suddenly. This caused the male Lefebvre to look back and forth between the two a few times. Chuck had a grateful smile on his face, like he was given freedom to do whatever he pleased. His posture turned to relaxation, something which Seb had never seen since they had met.

Chuck breathed a sigh of relief, following Kate as she started to walk away without any further words to say to her sibling. He stopped to glance back at Seb for only a moment.

“Thank you, Sebastien”

Seb gave a slight nod of his head. “You like my sister, there’s no need to ruin a moment when it comes up. If I would’ve told her no she would’ve yelled at me. Besides, I don’t need to keep watching you make goo-goo eyes at her.”

Chuck laughed quietly and shook his head, “You think this is bad? Wait until it happens between you and Nichole. Congratulations on succeeding your first task of becoming a pack member. You may have been pissed that David left you out in the woods, but you found Nichole and had the opportunity to spend time with her.”

Chuck turned back around seeing Kate was ahead of him by twenty-five feet, he ran to catch up to her quickly before she got lost in the crowd.

Seb suddenly felt alone, he looked down at his breakfast as it got cold.

“Why is it every time I see you, you’re always by yourself looking lonely?”

Seb took in a sharp breathe, he turned his head to the right seeing Nichole walk up to him slowly. He didn’t say anything though, turning back to his breakfast and poking at it with a fork.

Nichole stopped as she stood by his side, “Oh come on now. Don’t tell me we’re back at this point again.”

Seb stood up from his spot and dumped his breakfast in the trash, he began to walk away.

“Sebastien.” Nichole whispered.

He couldn’t help but stop and look back at her, after all, Nichole did call him by his full name. Seb felt the sadness roll off of her, it only got worse as she turned away from him and headed the other way.

His eyes glanced towards the direction Nichole had originally came from, although Sebastien couldn’t see him, it felt as though Pierre was nearby. Which was the whole reason why Seb’s mood flipped entirely, the conversation between him and Chuck meaningless.

Seb watched as Nichole missed the turn towards the next hallway which lead to her class and instead kept going straight until she exited the building.

A bad feeling overwhelmed Sebastien, the school bell rang signaling the first class was going to start in five minutes. He shook his head and started walking back in the direction towards his class.

As soon as he was at the end of the hallway, he looked back one more time.

“Where are you going, Nichole.”

----

I ran towards the opposite end of the hallway and out the door that Nichole exited. I saw her standing beside one of the few big trees on the school grounds. The one where her friends hung out and I was first introduced to her.

She stood with her head lowered, back turned away from me. I walked up to her slowly and stopped when we were less then a few feet away from each other.

“You shouldn’t be out here without a jacket, Nichole.”

Nichole just shrugged her shoulders, “Forgot to grab it this morning.”

I took the last few steps and stood in front of her, she turned her head away from me, not before I could see the tears streaming down her face. Guilt hit me like I was being stabbed in the heart, my lower lip quivered.

I unzipped my jacket and put it around her immediately, the cold wind bit at my skin.

She shook her head and began to shrug the jacket off, “I don’t want it.” she handed me my jacket back.

Another idea crossed my mind, it was crazy and inappropriate but I knew it would make her smile. I put my jacket back on, keeping it unzipped.

“Well I’m not letting you get sick.” before letting the thought sink in for her, I closed the distance between us as I pulled her into a hug, resting my head on top of hers. A small shiver overtook her body, a triumphant smile came to my lips as I felt it. I pulled her closer, using one of my hands to open up part of the jacket and wrap her in it with me.

“I’m so sorry, Nichole.” I whispered.

She didn’t say anything, and I was alright with it. Nichole needed her time to think, and I had to wait patiently to see if my apology would be accepted or not.

Suddenly, I felt like I had to step back a little, the decision wasn’t completely mine as I was forced to.

Nichole looked into my eyes, her dark brown eyes looking into my light blue. My whole body suddenly felt a jolt as her hands were suddenly in my hair. This surprised me, as I recently became well aware of what would happen before it did.

“Not to be rude or anything, but…why do you always play with my hair?” I asked.

Nichole shrugged her shoulders, a shy smile on her face. “Your hair is softer then any of the other guys’, and for whatever reason it relaxes me a lot when I have a handful.” she proved her point as her fingers combed through my hair, one hand grabbing a chunk and pulling lightly.

A light groan left my lips, my hands clung to her waist making sure this was real. Nichole chuckled, seeing the reaction she got out of me. Her fingers moved through my hair, driving me crazy. Granted she was messing up the hairstyle I had combed to make me look good for her, this was accepted without permission either way. But with this kind of hair playing it was kinda hard to dismiss the fact that while she was doing this to me, I should be kissing her.

I resisted, taking a slow step back and looking the other way. I knew if I looked in a mirror my hair would be all over the place, spiked up in certain areas.

Nichole must have seen the dazed look in my eyes, I tried to snap out of it before something became intimate between the two of us.

My eyes rolled into the back of my head as she stepped close and hugged me, her hands combed through my hair again, going slower then before. I let out another groan, this one being louder then the last. I appreciated the affection, let her take advantage of me as I wasn’t sure when the next time we would have a moment like this again.

I laid my head on her shoulder, her hands dropping from my head and instead going to my back. She instantly began messaging areas of my back that I didn’t realize needed attention.

I pressed my hips against hers, forgetting about personal space seeing as she had purposely made me aroused. She didn’t seem to mind this, her small cold hands on my skin.

I nuzzled my head against hers, breathing heavy.

The final school bell rang, scaring and bringing Seb back to reality. He blinked his eyes, seeing he was still staring down the hallway when he had looked back to see where Nichole was headed to.

Seb’s eyes teared up, a small whimper escaped his lips realizing he had walked away from Nichole without saying a word to her. Sadness took over Sebastien, he opened up the door to his classroom and walked in.