face the repercussions. The Greens have stood by the Langdons since we came to America. Her father was my father's most loyal pack member, and one of his betas. He gave me the same respect. Kicking out his daughter without cause would make a rift, and one that will make people choose sides. Once that happens, the pack becomes a nightmare of politics."
"Social drama in wolf land," Elena said, showing she understood. "And if she won, would she really move into your house?"
"Uh..." I bobbled my head from side to side. "She'd have a claim on it, but she wouldn't. That would be asking for things to blow up. The bigger problem is that she could order my betas around, and they'd have to obey or risk being kicked out by her. And no, I'm not losing those guys."
"Don't blame you," she assured me. "So, is there any way for me to handle this without being a wolf?"
"You let us handle it," I insisted.
Elena just waved that away. "No, Ian. Listen to me, ok? Everything keeps coming back to that. I'm a human living among wolves. I'm weak and fragile. I'm lacking half the advantages. Is this even realistic? I mean, you made me your mate to protect us, but that was before Gabby was a wolf. Now, she is. Would it make more sense for me to step down and just date you guys? Wouldn't that mean there's no Alpha Mate position for her to fight over?"
She was right. I knew she was, and her point was completely valid. The only problem was that I didn't want her to step down. I wanted this woman as my mate! There might not be much that I thought was worth actually fighting over, but she certainly was. I wanted everyone to know she was off-limits. More than that, to know she was mine. I'd fallen in love with her, and I wasn't ashamed to say it. I had a feeling she was starting to feel something for me in return. The last thing we needed was to derail that.
"I don't want you to," I finally said. "Elena, let me worry about Karen, ok? That's my mess, and I'll fix it."
"Yeah, but - "
"I'll fix it," I assured her. "Would it be easier if you stepped down? Yes. I can't deny that. The only problem with that idea is that to me, this means something. It would be like you asking for a divorce to make things easier. Not because you don't want to be with me, but because something outside of us - all of us - is a problem."
She nodded slowly. "Ok." Then her eyes jumped over again, just as our meal arrived.
This time, the waitress was completely professional. Elena's lips curled, making it clear she'd noticed the woman's interest earlier, and her lack of it now. I just smiled at her, then thanked the girl. When the waitress was finally gone, we both dug in.
"It's good," Elena moaned around her first mouthful.
"Came highly recommended from Ashley," I admitted. "Like I said, I can't remember the last real date I had."
"So I should feel special, hm?" she teased.
"Yes, but only because you are." I glanced up, taking in the beautiful woman who'd somehow ended up with me. "I never imagined meeting someone like you. I always assumed that one day, I'd settle down, have some pups, and lose myself in my work. And, instead, all I can think about, all day long, is you."
"So you do want kids?" she asked.
I nodded. "Always have. Never cared if they were mine. And to be honest, I have no problem with skipping the sleepless nights part. Jumping straight to teenager works just fine for me."
Another smile claimed her lips, but this one looked a little more relieved. "What's wrong with you, Ian?"
"You mean besides the sexually-transmitted virus and stalker ex who wants to make your life miserable?" I took another bite. "I'm not perfect, Elena. I'm just trying very hard to get it all right, all the time. I have so many people depending on me that anything else would be catastrophic."
"And you had to be gorgeous on top of everything else," she said softly. "Ian..." She paused to take a sip of her wine. "What if I try to become a wolf?"
That was not at all what I'd been expecting her to say. "Do you want to?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I'm starting to feel like I have to."
"You do not need to,"