Maddox gave my sister a big smile. "Of course. We're family after all." He stepped back, giving me a quick glance before stepping away. My sister stepped closer to me, pulling me into a tight hug.
"Jesus, I thought you ran away. You've hardly texted me since all of this started."
"I tried," I grumbled as she leaned back slightly. Her eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped. "You what?"
"I clearly didn't get far enough; otherwise, we wouldn't be here."
I could see her mind was turning around with the information I just spat at her. I'm sure everyone thought I had told my sister, but I hadn't. I had hardly contacted her since all of this happened. Lila had sent me a congratulation text when she got the news, thinking I was excited about this. She thought it was amazing that I had found someone.
I loved my sister a lot, and if she knew just how dark my mind had gotten, she would fall apart. She already had so much on her plate. She had the flower business, and she was employed throughout the town to do all of their plant ordering and any changes they wanted. She was married with a kid who was three, so she didn't have a lot of free time. I didn't want to throw my problems onto her.
"We are going to go back to that at a later time," she said, giving me a hurt expression. "How are you feeling now that you're married?
I shrugged. "I'm fine."
Lila gave me a sympathetic expression. "I know things haven't been great since your incident, but I think it will be good for you. This will be a fresh start, and you can meet new people." She waved a hand. "There is more opportunity there for humans. I think you'll like it."
I chewed on my cheek. "I hope."
She reached a hand up, grabbing my chin gently. "You will. I feel it. You're going to have a beautiful life. I know you said that you were worried because Maddox didn't exactly accept you, but you're married now. So, give it a chance. Give this pack a chance."
I sighed, knowing Lila had a point. I was here, and now I needed to at least try. I couldn't run from my problems, and I needed to buck up and deal with them.
"Plus," she added, looking over towards where Maddox stood with the guys. "You're married to an Alpha. And I don't have to say, possibly the hottest one. Look at him. He's like a god."
I cringed. "Can you please not say it like that. I think your husband would be a little jealous."
She snorted. "Oh, he's a catch for sure. I love my husband, but damn sweetie, you've landed yourself someone steaming. Like a rare flower."
I smirked, looking at Maddox. I felt my stomach twist up as he spoke. My eyes went to his lips, and I suddenly remembered how they felt against mine. He was a good kisser, and I imagine he was good at all things as well.
"Just remember," she squeezed me. "We've come a long way, and we will continue to grow."
I nodded my head at our phrase we had said to each other since we were little. We had come a long way, but I was sure her destination was better than mine.
Chapter 9 - Maddox
I stared across the room at Jillian and her sister Lila. I could see just how close they were. They both smiled the same, had the same facial expression, and when they danced, they looked at each other with such care. I couldn't deny I was a little jealous because I would never understand that kind of love. Having a sibling to lean on when you needed it most.
"That's the sister-in-law?" Jay asked, nodding his head towards the girls.
"Yeah," Frank answered before I could. "Marsha. Runs the flower shop. She's married with a kid. She's nice. Does an amazing job running her business."
"Do you think Jillian is going to be okay moving away from her sister?" Henrik asked, and I raised an eyebrow at him. "Katie was asking. She said she was worried about how Jillian would handle this entire thing. She and Nina were talking, and I overheard that they were worried."
I kept my lips sealed about her running for it, finding it was better left unsaid. She couldn't run away now, and that was what mattered. No need to bring up the past.
"Well, she's a pretty tough cookie," Frank said.
Henrik looked at Frank. "Did you have a thing for her or something?"
Frank glared at Henrik. "No, I've just been protective about Jillian. She can't shift, and they lost their parents at a young age. Marsha pretty much helped raise Jillian since high school."
This was news to me. I glanced back at the girls, watching as they spoke together, their heads bent together as if they weresharing secrets. I could see just how close they were from just a few minutes of watching them.
"Jay, can you hold Maddy?" Sam walked over with their daughter, who had fallen asleep. Jay's face lit up as he reached out and took Maddy into his arms. He kissed Sam on her forehead, giving her a squeeze.
"I'm going to go say goodnight to Jillian." Sam looked at me and gave me a smile. "You take care of her. She's your wife now."