A tiny peace offering, just between us.

She was looking behind me, but her eyes finally landed on mine, and she gave me a strained smile.

“Hi, Mom.”

Chapter 35

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

________

AVERY

My first impression of Esme’s mother was that they didn’t look much alike. While Esme’s wavy brown hair was wild, and sometimes untamable, her mother was blond, with her hair pulled back in a slick style suited to who she was. But even their features were different. I’d seen pictures of Esme’s father, and it was clear both she and Eva resembled him far more.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetie.”

I spotted the tension in the hug, and the relief in both of them when they relaxed. No matter what fights you had with your parents, something about hugging them could always bring you back to center.

At least that was the way it was with my family. I couldn’t wait for Esme to meet them.

“This is the,” Esme hesitated, and her face turned to panic. We’d never talked about our pack name, and she didn’t want to look like she didn’t know the most basic thing about us.

“The Nautilus Pack,” Ben filled in smoothly, stepping up to shake her mother’s hand. “We’re honored to meet you.”

She didn’t look so sure, but she shook Ben’s hand politely. “Eleanor Williams,” she said. “Please call me Eleanor.”

“I’m Bennett Gray,” he said. “But most people call me Ben.”

Esme reached out and took his hand, pulling him inside, but kept watching the introductions. “Rylan McBride,” he said. “We’ve been really excited about this. Thank you for inviting us.”

“Of course,” she murmured.

I couldn’t help but feel like we were in a receiving line at a formal function. It was already clear Eleanor was far more reserved than her daughters. Or at least she was that way with us.

“Kade Porter.”

Her mother flinched and tried to hide it. Kade was used to it, but I was still grateful Esme was behind her and hadn’t seen the reaction. Even knowing we were fine with any outcome, my little Omega was a bundle of nerves. She was wound so tight I thought her spine would snap.

“Luke Holloway,” Luke said. “Thank you for the invitation. You have a beautiful home.”

She looked him up and down and smiled. “I’ve heard rumors you have one as well.”

“I don’t know if it’s on the same level as this place, but it’s home.”

Finally, Eleanor’s eyes fell on me. I smiled at her. “Avery Quinn, at your service.”

She shook my hand lightly, and I passed her into the house. The doors closed behind us and she dusted her hands off like she wasn’t quite used to touching things like doors. “Now that the slight awkwardness is finished, dinner is served.”

“Oh,” Esme said. “Sure.”