Chapter 8 - Jade
The date Damien planned was… nice. Nice in that way you don’t want to admit out loud because then it becomes real, and who needs that complication? I mean, dinner by the lake under the soft glow of the sunset with Penny giggling while throwing pebbles into the water was sweet. But relaxing? Not exactly.
It’s hard to let go of years of resentment, mistrust, and anger in one evening, no matter how pretty the setting is. I wanted to be present, to appreciate what Damien was doing, but every time I caught myself smiling, my brain screamed, “Don’t forget what he did!” So, no, there were no fireworks, no magical moment where everything clicked, and we fell into each other’s arms. But it was… nice. I guess that’s a start.
Now, as I walk through Starfire Hollow with Penny in tow, I’m thinking more about my future. Specifically, how I need to secure one that doesn’t rely on Damien. Yeah, he’s rich. Like, private-jet, vacation-in-the-Maldives kind of rich. But the last thing I want is to be stuck depending on him, especially if things go sideways again. And let’s be real—things have a way of going sideways in my life.
“Mama, look!” Penny’s little hand tugs at my sleeve, pulling me out of my thoughts. She’s pointing at a bakery window, her nose practically pressed against the glass as she stares at the rows of cookies and cakes on display. Her eyes are filled with that pure, innocent excitement only a kid can pull off.
I smile down at her. “You like those, huh?”
She nods vigorously, and her dark hair bounces around her face. “Can we get one? Please?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Maybe later, sweetie. Mama’s got something important to do first.”
“Important” meaning job-hunting, which, let me tell you, is not nearly as fun as it was when I was a teenager. I’ve already hit up a couple of the local shops, and so far, the results have been… disappointing, to say the least. Apparently, everyone in Starfire Hollow is fully staffed, or they just don’t want to take a chance on the outcast-turned-witch.
I sigh and glance down at Penny, whose little face is still glued to the bakery window. She deserves more than this. More than me dragging her around town, begging for work. More than being caught in the middle of whatever mess is happening with Damien and the packs bordering Glory Town.
We keep walking, and I spot another store—an art supply shop with “Help Wanted” scribbled on a chalkboard sign outside. It feels like a bit of hope on an otherwise frustrating morning.
“This looks promising,” I tell myself as I push open the door, and the bell above tinkles with that quaint small-town charm. Penny follows close behind, still holding onto the toy wolf she refuses to go anywhere without.
The shop smells like paint and paper, and it’s oddly comforting. The kind of place I could see myself working, surrounded by creativity and color instead of pack politics and judgmental stares.
A woman in her mid-forties with a head of wild curls and a colorful scarf wrapped around her neck greets me from behind the counter. “Hi there! Can I help you with something?”
“Actually,” I begin, trying to sound more confident than I feel, “I saw the sign outside about the job. I was wondering if it’s still available?”
The woman’s eyes brighten. “Oh, yes! We’re definitely hiring. Have you worked in retail before?”
“A little,” I say, though that’s a bit of a stretch. I started an Etsy shop a few years ago that flopped, and I’m not sure that counts, but I’m resourceful. I can figure it out.
She smiles and gestures toward the back of the store. “Why don’t we sit down and talk about it? I’d love to get to know you.”
I follow her to a small table near the back, where the air smells even more like paint and possibility. Penny plops down next to me, swinging legs beneath the chair.
The woman—Margaret, as she introduces herself—clasps her hands in front of herself. “So, tell me about yourself. What brings you here?”
“Well,” I begin, trying to find the right words that don’t scream “former pack outcast,” “I’ve been away for a while, but I’m back now. Just looking to get back on my feet.”
Margaret nods. “I get that. It’s tough out there, especially these days.” She glances at Penny and smiles. “And this little one must keep you busy.”
I chuckle. “She does. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
The conversation continues smoothly enough, and for a moment, I let myself believe that this could work out. But then, as I finish filling out an official application while I explain how great I am at organizing things, Margaret’s smile falters as she peers where I’ve just written my name. Her smile falters.
“Jade Thornton?”
My stomach drops. “Uh… yeah.”
“Donald and Maureen Thornton’s daughter?”
“That’s me.” I’m already deflating in my chair. I know where this is going.
Margaret nods, and her smile returns, but this one is not nearly as warm. In fact, I’d call it forced. “I thought so. I’ve heard… well, you know how small towns are.”
“Right.” I keep my tone light, but I can already feel the rejection coming.
She hesitates for a moment, then sighs. “Look, Jade, you seem lovely, and I’d love to give you a chance, but…” Her voice trails off, and she gives me a sympathetic look. “People around here… they still talk. There are a lot of strong opinions about witches. I just don’t think it would be a good fit.”
Of course. Because no matter how much time passes, people will always see me as the witch who got kicked out of Starfire Hollow.
I want to punch something, but my daughter is right here, so instead, I simply say, “I understand.”
Margaret reaches across the table and rests her hand on mine. “It’s not personal, really. I hope things work out for you.”
“Thanks,” I say, standing up and motioning for Penny to follow. “I appreciate it.”
Penny scrambles to her feet, and we head for the door. The bell chimes as we step out into the sunlight, and I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the sting of rejection.
“Why are you so sad, Mama?” Penny asks.
“Oh, it’s nothing, sweetie. I’m not sad, just tired.”
We keep walking, and I try not to let the disappointment settle too deep. But it’s hard. Every door that closes feels like another reminder that I don’t belong here. That no matter how hard I try to move forward, my past will always be there, lurking in the shadows.
As we pass another shop—this one a bookstore—I think about giving it another shot. But then I stop myself. What’s the point? It’s the same story everywhere. Everyone knows who I am. Everyone remembers what happened. And no one wants to take a chance on the witch who could bring trouble to their doorstep.
Still, I can’t just give up. Not for me, and definitely not for Penny.
We keep walking, the sun shining down on us like it’s mocking my bad mood. I glance at Penny, and her little legs are working overtime to keep up. I could take a lesson from that kind of determination, I decide.
I’m not going to let this break me. If I can’t find a job here, I’ll find one somewhere else. Hell, I’ll go work for another pack if I need to.
***
Hours later, the sun’s beating down harder now, and Penny’s skipping ahead. I’ve been rejected more times than I care to count, and it’s getting old fast. Every rejection feels like another door slamming shut on the life I’m trying to rebuild. But I keep moving, keep pushing forward, because giving up isn’t an option. Not for me, and definitely not for Penny.
We turn the corner and head toward the park, and that’s when I spot them—two guys leaning against a truck parked near the café. And not just any guys. Of course, it has to be Damien’s old crew.
Great. Just what I needed to cap off this already stellar day.
Jeremy and Trevor. The ones who used to trail after Damien like eager puppies, always ready with a snarky comment or a well-placed jab. Back in the day, they had no problem making fun of me for anything and everything, from my weight to my braces, and now? Well, I doubt much has changed.
I grip Penny’s hand a little tighter as we approach, hoping they won’t notice us. But that hope dies a quick death when Trevor’s eyes land on me and light up with recognition.
“Well, well, look who it is,” Trevor teases, pushing off the truck with a grin that makes my skin crawl. “Jade Thornton, back from the dead.”
Jeremy snickers beside him. “Didn’t think we’d see you around here again. Thought you’d run off for good.”
I force a tight smile and try to ignore the way my stomach clenches. “Guess I like proving people wrong.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” Jeremy’s eyes flick to Penny, and something in his gaze sharpens. “And who’s this little one? Don’t tell me you’ve got a mini-you running around now. She’s not as chubby as you used to be, at least.”
Penny clings to my side, and her tiny hand grips mine like a lifeline. I can feel the tension in her body, how she’s trying to make herself smaller just like I used to around these guys, and it makes my blood boil. They might think they can mess with me, but they don’t get to touch her. Not even with words.
I kneel down to Penny’s level and brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why don’t you go play on the swings for a minute, sweetheart? I’ll be right here.”
She hesitates, glancing up at the guys with wide, uncertain eyes, but I give her a reassuring nod. “It’s okay, baby. Just for a minute.”
Penny nods and runs off toward the swings, her little legs pumping hard as she goes. I straighten up and turn to face Trevor and Jeremy head-on.
“Is there something you need?” I ask, my voice clipped.
Trevor smirks. “Just catching up. You know, it’s funny. Damien never mentioned you were back.”
“Well, he’s got bigger things on his mind,” I snap, trying to keep my cool. I won’t let them get to me, not today. Not with Penny so close.
Jeremy’s eyes follow Penny as she reaches the swings. “Cute kid. You babysitting or something?”
“No. She’s mine.”
“Yours, huh?” Trevor drawls, exchanging a look with Jeremy. “Didn’t think you’d find someone to settle down with. What, some poor sap finally took a chance on you?”
I can feel my temper rising, but I swallow it down. They’re looking for a reaction, waiting for me to crack, but I won’t give them the satisfaction.
“That’s none of your business,” I begin through gritted teeth. “And my life isn’t up for your commentary anymore.”
Jeremy leans against the truck again, crossing his arms like he’s settling in for a show. “You know, it’s funny. I remember a time when Damien had a little bet going. You remember that, Trevor?”
Trevor’s grin widens. “Oh, yeah. The bet.”
Deep down, I know I should leave it alone. I don’t want to hear this. I don’t want to know what they’re about to say, but I can’t stop myself from asking. “What bet?”
Jeremy chuckles, glancing at Trevor like they’re sharing some private joke. “Back in the day, we bet Damien he couldn’t get you out of your panties. He figured he could, but you were so proud of being Miss Innocent, we figured there was no chance, even if he was the alpha’s son. Guess all that boasting about being a virgin was just a front because you couldn’t get laid unless someone was getting paid to you.”
And just like that, every shred of self-control I had evaporates.
I storm over and shove Jeremy hard enough to knock him off-balance. My anger is a white-hot heat coursing through my veins, and it fuels my strength. I could take him. I could take them both.
I hear myself saying something, but the words are coming from somewhere else. Somewhere primal and protective. Somewhere deep and dark.
The world seems to slow down around me, and Jeremy stumbles backward, caught off-guard by my sudden aggression. Trevor is watching the whole thing unfold, and he looks equal parts amused and surprised. Jeremy regains his balance and snarls at me, his eyes flashing a golden-yellow. He looks like he wants to tear me apart.
I can’t believe Damien would do something like that. I knew he had issues back then, but that is just cruel. I don’t care how long ago it was. That is something you don’t do, no matter what.
“Mama?”
I whirl around to see Penny standing a few feet away, and her wide eyes are darting between me and the guys. She has confusion written all over her little face.
I force a smile and ignore the burn of unshed tears. “Hey, sweetie. You ready to go?”
She nods, and her little hand reaches up for mine.
I grab her hand and turn back to Trevor and Jeremy with my spine straight and my chin held high. “We’re done here.”
Without waiting for a response, I walk away with Penny’s hand securely in mine and my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel their eyes on me as we leave, but I don’t look back. I won’t give them the satisfaction.
As we make our way down the street, Penny tugs on my hand. “Mama, who were those men?”
“Just some old friends of your Damien’s,” I explain, trying to keep my voice light.
“Were they mean?”
I glance down at her, and my heart aches at the innocence in her voice. “No, baby. They’re just… they don’t matter.”
Penny doesn’t say anything else, but she sticks closer to me as we walk. I can still hear Jeremy and Trevor’s words echoing in my head, but I push them aside.
I’ve got bigger things to worry about than some bet Damien made years ago.