Chapter 36

I clenched my hands together in front of me, knowing my nervousness was easily discernible. All of them had stood up eagerly after they saw Gabriel. I had never enjoyed being the center of attention and having so much focus on me was disconcerting. Hundreds of eyes examined me from top to bottom, analyzing me and judging me. I wanted to cower behind Gabriel until the attention was no longer on me but knew that would make a bad impression so instead I straightened my back and kept walking until Gabriel came to a halt. A massive, muscular werewolf with deep brown skin and a shaved head broke from the pack and strode forwards. I recognized him from the Meeting as Gabriel's Beta. "Welcome back," he said, somewhat gruffly, and Gabriel nodded. The Beta turned to me, examining me closely. I felt a prickle of nervousness but did not look away, standing strong under his scrutiny. To my surprise, one of the corners of the Beta's mouth twitched into a half-smile. I blinked, not expec