Page 34 of Her Arranged Alpha
"I know, but we used to chat all the time. It's different when you're not living in town. I can't just stop at your place."
I laughed and rubbed my eyes. "I know. You can always come down and see me."
"I know we will need to plan something. What are you up to? Have you gotten settled?"
I looked around and suddenly questioned what time it was. My stomach felt ready to grumble, so I must have fallen asleep. "I'm just out in the woods enjoying the quiet."
"You're alone?"
I nodded. "I am a part shifter, so I enjoy nature."
"Well, that makes sense."
I shook my head. "How have things been with Johnny?"
I could hear Nina's voice pitch. "He's such a good baby. God, he's so tiny, and I just want to hold him all the time. Did I send you the photo of him in his crib? He's just the sweetest little thing. And he's got the cutest little toes."
I smirked, listening to Nina go on and on about Johnny. But then I heard another voice. It was faint, like it was in the distance, and I looked over my shoulder, finding I was still alone.
You're just hearing things, Jillian.
I shook my head and focused my attention back on Nina. I pulled myself up and started to pack up my blanket.
"Oh my god, so I bought him the cutest little blue onesie. It says Daddy's favorite boy. I should send you the photo."
"I bet Frank loved that."
"Oh god, yes, his entire face lit up when I showed him it. He sent the photo to all of the guys."
"Jillian…."
I felt all the hair on my body rise, and I looked over my shoulder again, knowing this time I was certain that I was hearing someone. I knew it, deep in my bones.
I swallowed, suddenly feeling like there were eyes on me.
"I feel like I could go on and on about Johnny. So, tell me about how things are going there. Have you and Maddox talked about kids? What do you guys want for the future?"
"What?" I realized I wasn't listening to her, didn't even hear what she said.
"Are you listening?"
I nodded my head. "Yeah, I'm listening... I’m..."
I took a slow breath in and looked over my shoulder again. I then heard my name once more.
"Jillian…"
I felt panic grip my throat, and my fingers tightened on my phone.
"Jillian? Are you still there? Hello?"
I stared into the woods, unable to move. I couldn't speak. I wanted to scream, yet I wanted to just disappear at the same time.
"Hello? Did the call drop?"
The line ended, and I lowered my phone. I took deep breaths, looking around. But there was no one. There was nothing around me.
Was it the darkness coming to get me again? Had it decided to take hold of me again?
