Chapter 10 - Jillian
I stare at the space where Maddox had been standing just a second ago. He practically ran out after touching me. I couldn't even process it before the door shut, and I was alone.
My shoulders sank, and I chewed on my cheek. Was I that ugly? Had he suddenly just changed his mind? I pulled a hand up and chewed on my thumbnail.
Questions swirled over and over in my head. But then I wondered why it bothered me anyway. Didn't I want space anyway? He had locked me up for days, and now I could do what I wanted. I should be rejoicing, but instead, I was questioning why he stopped touching me.
"God damn it," I grumbled, finally dropping my dress. "I shouldn't care." I knew why I did. It was my wolf yearning for his. It was logical, and now that I knew that, I could move past it.
I walked over to the bed, threw the sheets up, and crawled under them. I curled myself in, letting the fabric warm me. I stared across my room at the door.
Why had he touched me? Why had he said what he said if he didn't want me? Why be nice and then rip it away?
I shook my head, deciding I needed to just let it go, but that was easier said than done.
The following morning, I showered and headed downstairs. I paused when I got to the landing and found the house was quiet. There was no noise, and I looked outside the window, seeing that Maddox's car was gone.
I felt my shoulder drop a little, disappointed. I was hoping to at least have a conversation with him, but maybe this was better. I was free to do what I wanted. I hadn't been able to do that in days.
I walked into the kitchen and paused as I noticed a set of car keys on the counter with a note next to them. I picked up the note and scanned it quickly.
Jillian
I brought your car over since you'll be needing it. Regarding everything from your home, we can either bring it into the house or send it to storage. Just call Kelly, my Beta. His number is written below.
You have free rein to do as you please, but remember that I will know if you try to run away again.
Maddox
I rolled my eyes and tossed the note back onto the counter. I rounded the island and walked over to the coffee maker, where I made myself a mug. I sat down and looked outside the window, taking in the backyard. It was just an open field. No garden, no tree, no landscaping done.
I couldn't help but smirk, imagining what I could do. An empty piece of land to do what you wanted with. I had worked with my sister at the flower shop, and we had clients who asked for help redesigning their landscapes, but it was never something I would have wanted.
Would Maddox care if I ripped up his yard? Probably. Did I care? No.
I took a sip of my coffee and slid the door open, stepping outside. I took in the breeze and the rest of the neighbors' backyards. Everyone else looked like Maddox, which just proved that this was a newer neighborhood.
I sat outside for a bit, thinking of what I could do. Since this was my home now, I should be able to redo the outside to fit what we needed. And by we, I meant me.
I was just finishing my mug when my phone rang. I glanced back inside and headed in, grabbing it. I smiled, seeing it was Marsha.
"Hello?"
"You are awake. I was thinking maybe you'd still be sleeping."
I couldn't help but smirk. "I'm just sitting outside taking in my new backyard. Might I add, very boring, zero stars."
I smirked as I took a sip of my coffee, my sister laughing on the other end. "I imagine you have tons of ideas on what you want to do to it as well."
I nodded. "I do. Some landscaping, maybe even some trees. I could put some bushes around the outside of the house."
"Sounds like you have it all figured out. Which then makes me ask Why are you outside in the backyard rather than checking out the new pack?"
My stomach dropped. I chewed on my cheek. "Because it's only noon."
"Jillian, I know you. You're going to focus on redoing the backyard rather than meeting people in the town. While I agree with planting and all that, you need to meet people. That is going to be your new home. Make some friends."
I sighed, setting my mug down. "And what if no one accepts me?"
"They will. But you're never going to know if you focus on the yard."
"It's a very ugly yard, Marsha. It needs work. If you saw it, you'd understand it's crying out for help."
She laughed again. "I'm not disagreeing with you. But I want you to be comfortable there. And that starts with making friends."
I sighed, knowing she had a point. I would rather stay inside this house and do something rather than go out and show my face. But I couldn't do that. I needed to get out and try to find a place for myself here now that we were married.
"I suppose you have a point."
"I always have a point. Now, tell me just how bad the backyard is?"
I couldn't help but smirk, knowing even if no one accepted me here, I still had my sister at the end of the day.
After finishing my phone call, I changed into something nicer. I put on a summer dress and applied a little makeup. I pulled my hair back into a nice side pony and scanned myself. I looked good, and I wanted to make a good first impression.
I headed out, taking my car keys, and decided I should drive around a bit.
I wanted to know the layout and where the popular places were.
I quickly found out that Maddox’s territory in Honeycomb Valley was very new.
Unlike Frank's town, which was historical, Maddox's was flashy and updated.
It was bustling with what was hot and popular.
I did find that there were numerous shops and restaurants.
I parked near a park and decided to go and meet some people. At least try.
I headed across the street, taking in the open signs and the busy sidewalk. I smiled as I walked, trying to look like I wasn't uncomfortable, even if I was.
Some people smiled back, others averted their eyes. I rubbed my hands together and paused in front of a store. It was a boutique with bright colors. I opened the door and stepped inside.
A small bell over the store rang, and a young lady behind the counter looked up. She was about five feet tall, with short brown bob-cut hair. She scanned me quickly; a smile was then plastered on her face. "You must be Maddox's wife."
My eyebrows went up. "I am... but...how did you know?"
She pointed towards the dress, which had been hanging in my closet. "Maddox purchased that last week. It looks nice on you."
I looked down at the dress, not realizing that Maddox had gone through the effort. I had brought some clothes with me when I moved, but not everything. I found the closet had some clothes, but I never thought about whose they were or why they were even there.
I couldn't help but blush. "It's a lovely dress."
"Looks good on you." She rounded the counter. "Jillian, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah, and you are?"
"Olivia. I own the store."
I took a quick look around, taking in the space. Their clothes were high fashion and bright. They were all beautiful, and everything had been carefully selected. Even the jewelry that was in cases looked nice.
"It's a lovely store."
"Aw, thank you, I work hard." She smiled as she looked around. "I try to pick pieces that I know will sell. So, how are you adjusting to town?"
I nodded. "It's very different from Frank's pack. His is historical while Maddox is…"
Olivia nodded her head. "Oh yeah, it's new. When Maddox came into position, he had a lot of work cut out for himself."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh?"
She nodded. "Yeah, the previously Alpha had attention on other things. His wife was unwell, and it affected the pack as a whole. Businesses were closing, and many buildings needed repairs. It used to be a lot like Frank's, but money can only go so far."
I nodded, taking that information in. "I didn't know that."
Olivia nodded. "If you're not from here, you wouldn't. So, what can I help you with?"
"Well, I honestly don't know what I would need. I was just trying to get out of the house and meet some people. Get to know the town."
Olivia smiled. "Well, I do have Maddox's card on file if you're feeling eager to spend."
My eyebrows raised. "What? Why?"
She shrugged. "He told me to put it on file just in case you came in."
I didn't know where I should feel special or insulted. Did he think I didn't have my own money?
"Well, I don't need to spend his money. I have my own." I looked around when I remembered that I actually needed to buy something. "Do you have pajamas?"
After shopping for about twenty minutes and agreeing to lunch with Olivia, I was heading into the next store.
I stopped at nine places, finding that each of them was different.
They had different aesthetics and music.
Each place offered a different taste of clothes.
There was a market filled with gifts and a large jewelry store.
It wasn't until I stepped into the flower shop that I took a deep breath and relaxed. A man stood behind the counter, his eyes snapping up at me. I instantly recognized who he was.
"Joshua?"
He smiled, and I walked closer to him, unable to help my excitement. "Wow, I haven't seen you in almost two years? This is where you landed?"
Joshua used to work at my sister's flower shop. But he had gotten married and told my sister he was moving to his wife's place. I never got to ask where he was headed before he was gone.
"Jillian! Wow, I haven't seen you in a while. Look at you. You've got bags galore and that outfit. Is that from Olivia's shop?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Jesus, I didn't realize you lived here. How have you been?"
He smiled proudly. "I'm good. We've been married for two years now, and we have twin boys who take up our entire lives. I own this flower shop, so I'd say I did well for myself."
I couldn't help but smile. "Wow, sounds like this worked out for you. Congratulations."
He nodded. "And how have you been?"
My smile slipped a little. "Uhhmmm…. I'm okay. I'm actually married to Maddox now."
His eyebrows went up. "You're the wife!? Wow, that's a…uhmmm...wow." He seemed at a loss for words, and I felt a tug deep in my chest. What was going through his head? What did he know?
"You made a face. Can I ask why?"
Joshua gave me a sympathetic look. "Just that you're the talk of the town."
I frowned. "Of course I am. What are people saying?"
Joshua rubbed at the back of his neck. "Well…some of it's good and some of it's not… like the fact you tried to kill Frank and Nina."
I suddenly felt like I was suffocating. I chewed on my cheek, just wishing to leave.
Joshua noticed and quickly waved his hands. "I don't believe any of it. I worked with you, and I knew if you had really wanted to kill someone, you would have killed me the year I didn't let you guys know the fridge for the flowers stopped working."
I couldn't help but smirk, thinking back to that day. Lord, were Marsha and I pissed at him.
"Thanks, that means a lot."
He leaned onto the counter. "So, I'm going to take it you went out on a shopping spree and were trying to get the lay of the land?"
I nodded, walking closer and setting my bags down. "I am, and might I add, I've gotten a lot of looks today."
Joshua nodded. "Yeah, well…I think that's anywhere you go." Joshua tilted his head. "But seriously, how have you been?"
I felt like every time someone asked me that, I needed to put up a front. No one really wanted to know the truth. Everyone wanted to hear how I was feeling.
"I'm okay."
He nodded. "So, what do you think of the town?"
"It's very popular. I'm actually having lunch with Olivia later."
He smiled. "Really? Well, she's a nice gal. You guys will get along."
There was the sound of a phone ringing, and Joshua pushed off the counter.
"I'll be right back." He turned and walked away and around a small corner towards the back.
I took a deep breath and decided to walk around, taking in the space.
The shop was beautiful, filled with lush plants and thoughtfully curated artwork.
Soft music played, and with the large windows, the shop was filled with light.
I heard the door open and looked over my shoulder, spotting two women walking in. They were both wearing pant suits with flashy purses. I could tell they had higher taste and wouldn't be someone I would be having lunch with anytime soon.
They both spotted me, and their faces fell. I chewed on my cheek as they walked with their noses high to the counter. They stopped next to my bags before ringing the bell.
"He's on the phone," I stated, giving them a tight smile.
They didn't say anything to me, just stood there and stared. I turned away, looking at some of the plants instead. I chewed on my lip, feeling that the atmosphere was tense.
"Oh, Hazel and Ruby. What can I help you guys with?"
"We were here to place an order for the golf course. We need eighteen vases with twenty roses in each vase."
Joshua nodded his head. "Like last year for your golf league?"
The ladies nodded their heads. "Yes, and have them dropped off."
Joshua nodded again. "Sounds good. I have your numbers if I have any questions."
They turned, looking back at my bags, then me, before turning towards the door. Once they were outside, I looked at Joshua. "I don't think they like me."
He snorted. "They don't like anyone. They are the wives of the owners of the golf course. They act like their shit doesn't stink."
I nodded, walking back to the counter. "Well, that's great."
"That's okay, you have me as a friend, and I'm way better. I don't gossip about people unless it's really good news."
I couldn't, but I laughed, finding I had missed him as a friend. He'd always like a brother.
"Here, take my number. Call me sometime." He slid me a paper with his number written on it. "My wife will love you. We will have to have you over for dinner sometime."
I smiled, feeling eager.
I left the flower shop feeling a little better than when I went in. Sure, I wasn't getting smiles from everyone, but I wasn't doing half back for myself. I was just heading down the sidewalk when I noticed that Maddox was walking towards me. His eyes went to my bags, and he raised an eyebrow at me.
I expected him to ask why I was out already. Questions like what I was doing, but I didn't expect him to smirk at me.
"You look like you've been busy."
I swallowed. "Well, I was trying to meet and greet. I ended up buying some things."
His smile widened. "Good job."
He walked past me, and I just stood stunned. I looked over my shoulder, watching him walk away, and I wondered if I was missing something.