“Oh.” My cheeks flushed slightly.
Eric didn’t seem to notice. He sighed. “Sorry. I’ve just got a lot on my mind, with pack business and the prophecy and all.”
I nodded. “I understand. I don’t wanna be in your way.”
“Not at all.” He offered me a smile now. “You’re my guest of honor. You’re the most important person in the packs right now, Matheson.”
My blush turned a little more red. “I don’t know what to say to that. I don’t feel that important, to be honest.”
“Trust my opinion, then,” he said seriously. “Because you are.”
“I’ll try.”
“Good. Now, you must be hungry. Let me make you something.”
“Sure.”
He gave me a firm pat on the shoulder, which somehow felt more platonic and businesslike than our moment touching elbows at Ramsay’s place. For the first time, the hope that kindled in my chest began to burn out.
As I followed Eric into the kitchen, I wondered if this was really going to work.
