that all five of us have some kind of STD? That's the best way to get dumped."
Seth focused on his coffee for a moment, cradling the warmth in his hands. "I know you're right. I do. I'm just coming at this from a slightly different perspective. I didn't get asked if I wanted this. I got jumped, man. How long was I pissed about it?"
"Couple of years," I agreed. "But she's not ready to be brought in yet. The most likely reaction would be to think we're all insane and move. The worst reaction would be to think we're monsters and tell the world."
"Mm..." Seth mumbled, the sound like he agreed but was thinking. "Can we at least hedge our bets a little? I dunno, tell her we want to be safe because while she hasn't been with anyone else, we have, and we haven't been tested? Something like that? Just makes me feel a little less guilty."
"I think that's fair." But one part of that stuck out to me. "So you're actually into her?"
"Fuck yeah. She's amazing."
"She's a lot older than you, too," I reminded him.
He rolled his eyes. "You know as well as I do that there's a big difference between being with a girl and a woman. Elena's all woman. She knows what she wants, and she's willing to say it. That's hot as fuck. So what if she dyes her hair or crap like that. Most girls our age do too."
He had a point. "And yet you keep holding back with her?" I pressed.
Seth sighed. "Mostly because of the thing. You know, telling her about wolves. Partly because I just don't know how to impress her. The shit I pull normally? She's not going to fall for that. Elena's..." He made a few false starts before settling on, "She's amazing."
"Intimidating?" I offered.
He chuckled, smothering it with another sip. "Yeah, maybe. I also feel like the rest of you are rushing straight for the end game, and I'm still on the getting to know her part." He chuckled once. "I know it's a cultural thing. I get that this is how you guys were raised. It all makes sense to me, Ian - it honestly does - but I kinda feel like this shit is escalating quickly."
"What do you mean?"
He groaned. "How long have you known that woman? When she first showed up, you wanted to chase her off, and now you're talking about father figures and shit? Jumping the gun a bit? I mean, guys do that shit to get in a girl's pants, but we're right back to the fact that Elena's not a girl. Never mind that you're completely serious about her. This isn't a game you're playing to convince yourself you're ok with her and her kid. You're completely down for it." He tapped his chest. "I'm not there yet. I'm more of the date her for a while and see where it goes kinda guy, and this is moving really fucking fast for me. I'm into her. I'm just not ready to marry her yet, man."
I nodded, hearing what he was trying to say. "So you think I need to slow down with her, huh?"
"I'm saying you need to change course. You decided that since Lane needs her, you're simply going to make it happen. You're all in lust with her and thinking it's love. In your head, you've made her this fantasy, and she's not going to be able to live up to that. Look at Pax. He's honest about it. Bro wants to get his dick wet. Trent's cool with the kid, but he's not crossing lines. You? Soon as Lane ended up fated for her, you just decided that she would be everything we ever needed. That's kinda creepy, dude."
"Because of Lane," I hissed. "Yes, I like her, and yes, I'm ok with this, but him? He doesn't get a fucking choice. C'mon, you know how rare fated matings are, and that it happened to him, of all people, with a human? What am I supposed to do? Tell him his luck sucks, and to deal?"
Seth scrubbed at his face. "What if she's not the right woman for you, Ian?"
I just shook my head. "If I chose another mate, I may as well castrate him. And this is Lane we're talking about. He fucking hates humans, but look at how far he's gone to be nice to her. And I do like her. Rather a lot."