Page 33 of Knot Your Pawn

Well, that was anti-climactic.

The doors open again and a pack with young kids come out. The kids keep glancing behind them, their eyes wide, until they notice us and their eyes somehow go even bigger.

A group of older people call their names, possibly their grandparents, and they quickly make their way over to them. The parents talk to the grandparents in hushed tones, before they make their way to the exit as quickly as possible while still being polite.

They’re technically not fleeing, but they’re definitely fleeing.

I wonder what’s going on, until the doors open again and don’t have to wonder any longer.

Three guys in the same outfits as Derrick’s security team come through the doors first, quickly followed by a short woman in a dress that looks comfortable, but —having known Vera and Riley long enough— I know that the fit allows her to hide multiple weapons underneath it without anyone noticing.

She’s flanked by two tall guys, both probably in their late teens, one of them has the same sharp eyes as the woman. Behind them are another younger guy and three guys around the same age as the woman.

Finally, more people in similar outfits as Derrick’s team, a mix of men and women, step through the doors. They all look like they could kill you with one glance.

Oh. Wow.

Wow.

Vera lets out a squee and starts racing at the older woman, whose face lights up, opening her arms to catch my Omega.

For a moment I worry that the three security people in front are going to stop Vera and I notice that Miles and Derrick have both moved into position so they can protect Vera instantly.

But the three security people step aside automatically, smiling softly, before they focus their attention on the rest of the arrival hall, and then on us.

When I lock eyes with one of them, a chill goes down my spine.

Fuck.

I’ve known everyone from Mathew’s security team for years, so I don’t think much of it, but these people are pretty freaking scary. Damn.

I don’t even know how else to describe it. They definitely make an impression, and they’re not only for show, these people are deadly.

The group comes over and everyone starts greeting the short woman, until she’s in front of me.

“You must be Jorge. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Erika.” She holds out her hand and I can only stare at her, lost for words.

Erika is nothing like what I expected.

She’s short and soft in the same way as Vera is, but she holds herself with the same confidence as Riley or Mathew, which probably means she’s just as deadly as those three. But, above all, she looks warm and welcoming, protective.

She makes you want to trust her but also feels like she’ll never break that trust.

Then I become very aware of how quiet things have gotten around us, and from the corner of my eyes, I notice everyone’s eyes on me. Crap.

“Jorge.” I stumble over my own name… “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” She lets go of my hand but keeps my gaze for a few moment longer. “I’m not as scary as you thought I’d be? No longer scared I’m going to steal your pack?”

My face heats up in embarrassment and I quickly cover it with my hands. “Please, kill me now.”

She lets out a warm laugh, her hand on my arm. “I won’t. That would make some people who are very dear to me very sad.”

Riley wraps her arm around my shoulders, leaning close. “Things better now?”

“Yes.” I grumble. “I know I was being childish. You don’t have to remind me.”

“I’m not.” Her dark rose pheromones are filled with understanding and comfort. “Alpha instincts can be tricky and unreasonable. Now, let me introduce you to the rest of her pack, and the next generation.”