Chapter 27: Meeting Everyone

When Erix stopped in front of me with his hand extended, I broke from my thought. I stared at his palm, facing upward, waiting for me to take it.

"Unity," he said, answering an unspoken question. "It's important to the pack and me."

"Right," I answered dumbly.

I placed my hand in his large one, the heat enveloping it. While he seemed comfortable holding on to me, I was stiff. This thing between us was something new. He gave it a light squeeze and smiled teasingly.

"Loosen up. We both have to get used to this eventually."

Though it was mostly forced, I smiled back and tried to take his advice. I loosened up. I heave a sigh and let my shoulders fall to relax. I was never a fan of the crowd, even though I used to work in a diner. But he is right, and the restaurant and pack are different. I know I can do this.

I gripped his hand a little tighter and nodded to him. "Okay, I'm ready."

Erix seemed satisfied and pulled me beside him, away from the garage. The large house came back into vi