HOLLOW

•SIXTEEN•

•Natalie's POV•
•

"I think you worry too much," Athanasios says, outside the bathroom door. I could stop the sweat from dripping down my palms. I was beyond nervous at this point. "Shut up." I was nervous enough already and Athanasios' smart comments were not the least bit of help.

I was dressed up in a black romper and black flats. I had put on a little makeup just for the fun of it while my hair was in a low ponytail. I had been in the bathroom for who knows how long and I was afraid that my time was running out.

"Natalie, you cannot avoid this." The way he said my name even gave me chills. When I didn't respond, I heard him sigh from behind the door. "You have ten seconds to get out before I bust this door open." I knew that his whole statement was true and that he really would break down the door.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

"Four."

"Five."

"Six."

"Seven."

"Eight."

I was going to meet the pack one way or another. So it wouldn't make sense to hide in here when it was an inevitable situation. I swung open the bathroom door as right before he got to ten.

He smiles as he takes in my appearance. "There's my beautiful mate." He placed a kiss on my forehead before grabbing my hand. "Are you ready to go?" He asks. "No, but I know you're taking me anyway," I say.

He smiles and nods. "You are correct." Athanasios then lead me to the door and down the halls of his castle. "You are going to meet my second and third in command first. Then we will go to the ballroom where you'll meet the rest of the pack." I nod as I take in all the information. My heart was pounding as I thought of what they'll think of me.

I guess Athanasios spotted my worried face because he wrapped an arm around me and kissed my cheek. "Natalie, they're going to love you. So please stop worrying. It hurts to see such worry on your beautiful face." I smile at his words. I felt a little reassured.

_____

I stood before the second and third in command with Athanasios by my side. When we entered the secluded room, they bowed their heads in respect to the both of us. It felt awkward having other people bow to me. "This is my beta, Orion and my gamma, Socrates." He says, motioning to each of them. Orion had light brown curls that went a little past his shoulders. He was very tall to me but Athanasios still towered over him. He looked oddly familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it.

Socrates, the gamma, had short hair that was the color of dark chocolate and was beginning to curl. They both bowed their heads to me once again. "And this is Natalie, your luna and my mate," Athanasios explains to Orion and Socrates. I smile with a small wave.

"I apologize for my actions before, my lady," Orion explains. I am confused for a second but I decided to just go with it. "And you don't have to be nervous. Especially around this nut." I looked up to find Socrates glaring at a laughing Orion. "You're the nut." Socrates crosses his large arms over his chest. It's funny- the two look unapproachable with their hard faces but I would never guess that... this would be under the surface. "Don't mind the two. It's rare when they do get along." Athanasios whispers in my ear.

I watched as Socrates and Orion stuck their tongues out at each other. "I'd like to get going," Athanasios says impatiently. The two finally stopped arguing and put their serious faves back on. It was like something out of a comic strip.