Page 9 of Her Arranged Alpha
I worked my jaw and rubbed at my eyes. I was too tired for this. My brain was fried, and the last thing I wanted to do was argue with Frank.
"So, I take it you're not happy about this arrangement?"
Frank snorted. "Considering how you reacted after her being possessed, I'm skeptical about how this is going to turn out."
I glanced across the kitchen, knowing I had maybe been a little rough. Growing up, I spent a lot of time focused on becoming Alpha, so I didn't make many friends. My charm came in around high school, and friends were important to me, especially the friendships I have with the guys.
"She tried to kill you and Nina. I don't exactly find that as something I can brush off."
"She was possessed. How many times do I have to say that?" Frank snapped.
I fell silent, and I heard him sigh. "Maddox, I understand that you're angry, and I know it comes from a place of caring, but she didn't do anything. She was innocent, and she will be your responsibility. I hope you understand that and take the role seriously."
I looked up the stairs. I nodded. "I do."
I started dinner and was surprised that Jillian sat downstairs with me. The meal was quiet as we ate, nothing but the sound of our silverware scraping against the plates filled the room.
Frank's words kept ringing over and over in my head.
"Did you not like the look of the town?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
Jillian looked at me for a split second before she shrugged. "It's different."
I waited a second for her to explain more, but she didn't. I took a sip of my water and tried again. "I know Frank's town is filled with characters. Ours is mostly newly remodeled, but I think it's still as nice."
Jillian gave me a half nod, popping a carrot into her mouth.
"You have a sister, right?"
She nodded.
"What's she like?"
Jillian froze for a second before she raised an eyebrow at me. "Why do you ask?"
"Because we're going to be married and I should know what she's like."
"Does that mean you're going to tell me what your siblings are like?"
I frowned. "I don't have any."
She remained quiet for a second before she looked back at her plate. "She's sweet. Kind." That was all she said before she took another bite of her roast.
I took a deep breath in, trying not to grow agitated, but it wasn't easy. I was so used to everyone telling me everything; my charm worked easily on everyone, but it clearly wasn't working on her.
"Jillian, I'm trying here. You could meet me halfway."
She got up. "I'm tired." She grabbed her plate, taking it to the sink and setting it down before turning and heading up the stairs. I didn't call after her or follow her. I just rubbed my hand over my face and sighed.
Give her time. This is all new. She's probably angry, but once that settles, you guys will be fine.
I cleaned up dinner and headed to bed. As I got up the stairs, I could see light coming from underneath Jillian's door, telling me she was still up. I was tempted to go knock on her door and try talking to her again, but I didn't.
I headed into my bedroom and got ready for bed. I crawled under my sheets and tried to get comfortable, but it was hard. Sleep didn't come to me. My mind was going over everything, going over questions and how I could make this better.
I grunted and shoved my head into my pillow and sighed.
"I feel like an utter ass."
