The Elders began to enter behind me. During the informal Introductions in the commons, two to three Elders always remained nearby. If informal Introductions called for at least two Elders, I knew to expect more for a formal Introduction.
Sam already sat on a folding chair to my left. Gradually, four more filed in; four men, including Sam, and one woman. I’d met Nana Wini two years ago while still learning about Introductions. A kind and patient teacher, she’d explained so much to me. Having her here comforted me and I looked forward to talking to her afterward.
Once the last Elder sat, without pause, the outer door opened and ten men stalked in. I successfully kept my feelings from my face, but I knew they would smell my confusion. Ten? It explained the extra protection by the Elders.
Werewolves in their fur were all powerful and vicious, Elders more so because of their position in the pack. In addition to the increased number of Elders, the ages of the werewolves positioning themselves on the X’s ranged from young to old without restriction. Screw Nature. No way would I be even remotely interested in someone old enough to be my father. Especially when I had no clue who my father might be.
Wanting to get the Introduction over with, I stepped forward so the toes of my socks rested just behind my safety line, and met the eyes of first man. Nodding a greeting, I turned with military precision and paced to the next taped X to meet the second man’s eyes.
Continuing, I slowly walked down the line meeting the eyes of the third then the fourth, saying, “I’m Gabby. Thank you for coming.” I paced past the fifth and sixth ensuring I made eye contact with all the werewolves standing on the tape and said, “I’m glad I could meet you.”
Once I’d met the eyes of each man, they all stepped back from the tape and left.
I stayed on my side of the tape watching their retreating forms. The door on their side of the room opened so they could file out. It felt weird not learning their names as I usually did in an informal Introduction. But I knew this typical of a formal Introduction. Any interested werewolf would remain on their taped mark allowing the others to step back to leave. This would give Sam a moment to note them. Anyone on his list would have an opportunity for a second Introduction where we would actually converse. The second round had more danger.
Movement in the recently vacated doorway broke my chain of thoughts. The doorway stood empty for only a moment before ten more entered.
Breaking protocol, I glanced at Sam. He watched the men entering the room still not making eye contact with me. Without narrowing my eyes like I really wanted to, I focused on the men making their way to their marks. In this group, all of them aged over forty. I repeated the process from the first group meeting each of their eyes and walking past them while introducing myself. One appeared to have the start of a black eye.
I thanked them for meeting me and watched one remain on his mark while the rest marched out. The remaining man watched Sam make a note then nodded at me before turning to leave.
Again, ten more filed in as soon as the room emptied. This felt wrong. Too rushed. They weren’t even waiting the full five minutes once the men stood on their marks.
Instead of moving forward toward my line, I put my hands behind my back and kept my eyes on the ground thinking. The rules said that the Elders would not interfere unless they perceived danger. They would not speak unless it was imperative to my wellbeing to ensure no outside influence to any decision I might make regarding my choice of mate. That rule made it impossible to ask Sam for an explanation and actually get an answer.
Why did they change the pattern now? Why on the last visit? What were they trying to accomplish using this method over the informal Introductions? The unmated males entered ten at a time and faster than the normal five minutes.
I looked at the taped line by my toes. The crisp tape looked new even though I’d heard from Henry and Paul, still my best sources of information these past two years, that it hadn’t been replaced in years. It looked new because it had never been walked on, never crossed. You leave by the door you enter. That’s the rule. Rules are meant to be broken. Answers waited beyond the opposite door.
Decided, I looked up and stepped to the line meeting each of the unmated males’ eyes. While doing so, I noted dried blood under one werewolf’s nose. “It’s nice to meet you,” I said and waited, saying no more. As one, they stepped back to leave and the door swung open.
“A moment please,” I called out, pausing their progress before they reached the door. All ten turned to look back at me. I broke protocol and crossed the line. Since none of them acknowledged any interest in me, I hoped I’d be safe enough. I could feel the Elders watching me, but didn’t look at them or the unmated males as I walked toward the open door.
“Gabby, wait,” Sam called.