Wolf's Pack (Wolves Next Door #3) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,58

bunch of other stuff happened, but it didn't change anything. I felt that way, she deserved to know, and she got there."

Gabby glanced over her shoulder, checking on Roman and her friends. "So, how do I let him know that?"

I leaned in a bit. "You say, 'Roman, I think I'm in love with you, and I just want you to know that. If you're not there yet, that's ok, but I am, and it's only fair for you to know.'"

"Oh, that's good," she agreed. "And if he says it's not like that?"

"He won't," I promised.

"But if he does, Seth?" she begged.

I dipped my head to make her look at me. "Gabby, he won't. Now, maybe this is news to you, but a guy doesn't risk exposing his entire species and take the chance of getting killed for just anyone. He does that for a girl he's in love with. Trust me on this. Maybe he hasn't realized that connection, but it's still there."

"Yeah?"

I nodded. "Yeah. We're pretty simple, Gabby. We like pretty girls who like us back. We go stupid over strong women who can keep up and don't need us to do everything for them. And give us one who is as sweet and smart as you can be sometimes?" I let go of her waist to tap her nose. "Look, I don't care if he's your beta, your mate, or both. I don't care if your little group breaks all the rules and makes new ones. In fact, I kinda think you should. I think that you need to be true to yourself first, and if that means telling him how you feel, then I'm here to help however you need."

She bit her lower lip. "You sure about that?"

"Why...?" Because that sounded like she had a plan.

"After the party, my grandparents want to take me out. Just them. That means I'll get home late, and the last time I tried to get Roman to come over at night, we got in trouble. So... I kinda want to do it tonight so that it's the most perfect day ever."

I just hung my head, right as the song ended. Taking the reprieve, I let her go and offered my arm instead, guiding her back towards where Pax stood holding both of our glasses. Unfortunately, Gabby was still watching me, making it clear she wouldn't let this go.

"We're making plans," I assured her just as we reached Pax. "Hey, man?" I asked. "Our girl needs a little help. You in?"

"Sure?" He gave me a wary look.

"I've just agreed to chaperone date night with her and Roman. I think they're going to use our hot tub. You and Trent need to keep Elena out of it, because Gabby has a big moment with her boyfriend tonight."

Pax's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, no."

"Not sex," I groaned. "Words, Pax. Important ones."

A smile took over his face and he looked over to Gabby. "So, that's how it is, huh? Ok." And he turned toward her. "I'll get Trent and Ian at your house, and we'll distract your mom."

"Eww," she said.

"Says the girl talking about making out in my hot tub," he teased. "No judging, kiddo. But that means you'll have Lane and Seth in the living room, right on the other side of the windows."

"I'm not going there," Gabby insisted. "I just want, you know, to not have Ian or Mom listening in."

So Pax looked at me. "You cool with her spending the night?"

"Yeah?" Even though that was kinda weird.

"Ok," Pax said. "So, you're crashing at our place with Lane and Seth. You can use Ian's room again. Get your stuff together before you leave with your abuelos, and we'll make sure it gets there. Then, Seth and Lane will be chaperones, so Kim will let Roman stay out late. I'll take the heat from your mom, but you, young lady, have to promise me one thing."

"What's that?" she asked.

And he offered his hand. "That you'll dance with me."

Instead, Gabby threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you, Pax. I knew you'd understand."

He just hugged her back. "I do, Gabby. Kinda working up to having the same kind of date myself. Besides, this is what your betas are for."

She let go of him and wrapped her arms around my waist. "I love you guys, you know that? Thank you, Seth. For all the advice. And you, Pax, for the plan."

"And you still owe me a dance," Pax told her. "Seth? Cats on the move."