Page 22 of Lycans & Lattes

“But what?”

She looked everywhere but at me. “On a full moon, he’d want to . . . uh, mate.”

Well, shit.

Having to tell your brother’s potential girlfriend he’d want to fuck her was probably not on her bingo card today.

“Oh.”

“Want is probably too gentle a word,” she corrected. “Every cell in his body would tell him he needed to. He’d never try to coerce you, you know,” she added hastily. “Even fully wolfed out, he’d never. But it would be torture for him.” She rubbed a hand across her chest. “Truly torture to be far from his mate on a full moon. Like, he’d probably ask me to chain him up or something. I wouldn’t wish that agony on anyone, especially not my brother.”

I didn’t want to admit to Wyatt’s little sister that the idea of us having an intense bout of lovemaking at least once a month wasn’t exactly dissuading me. From that kiss alone, I knew it would be unreal.

“But with time, unmated, it would ease,” Eloise added. “Especially with distance.”

“Distance?”

“My mother had a mate who wasn’t my father, you know.”

My mouth fell open. “I didn’t know.”

“No one talks about it, but her mate was forced to relocate to the West Coast just to keep his sanity.” She huffed. “For wolves, mating bonds are intense and hard to break, but Mom moved on. She really loved our father. And for that sort of love to come after a broken bond is rare, but it’s possible.”

I ached at the thought of Wyatt moving on. Could I stand to watch him fall for someone else, settle down, and start a family like the pack wanted him to?

“Why did your mom reject her mate?”

“Mom’s side of the family was positioning her to be the next wolf queen, and her mate was getting in the way. Back then, there was a lot less choice when it came to the great werewolf families.” Eloise shrugged. “They wanted to elevate their status in the pack, and their beautiful, young daughter was the way to do that.”

“That’s awful,” I muttered, and Eloise nodded in agreement. “And that’s what your pack wants, I’m guessing? I’d imagine a human as the future alpha’s mate would be a million times worse.”

“They’re old school. They like tradition.” She cringed. “But if you ask me, it’s long past time for them to step into the modern world,” she added bitterly. “They’d get over it, with time. Every scandal fades to a new one. If you wanted to be a part of this circus—which, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t—they’d accept you eventually.”

I nodded, not sure I was agreeing but more acknowledging that in all these complicated feelings, there was room for growth.

“We’re not all fur and fangs,” Eloise continued. “We can be a pretty great group to be aligned with in this town, especially as a human. As queen, you’d have the unwavering protection of the pack. They’d die for you.”

I blinked at her, surprised at the sentiment. I thought of the note in the drawer and the threats I’d been getting. Would my relationship with Wyatt cost me more than just my heart?

I knew if I took even one step toward him, I’d never be able to go back.

“There’s a lot to consider,” I murmured, grabbing a pair of tongs and opening the boxes of pastries.

“I understand.” Eloise moved out of my way. “But maybe don’t take too much time? I’m already sick of having a moping puppy in my bakery.”

I chuckled. “He’s lucky to have you for a sister.”

“You could be just as lucky.” She smiled, and warmth bloomed in my chest.

“Hey,” Harlow sounded off from the corner of the café. “She’s already got a wicked-awesome sister, thank you very much.”

Eloise chuckled. “You and Jordyn really do belong together.” Harlow blushed, and Eloise turned back to me. “But if I could ask for one favor. If you’re thinking of not taking him as a mate, maybe give me a heads-up so I can soften the blow . . . and fortify the bakery?”

I set down the tongs and hugged her. I loved how much she cared about him.

She let out a surprised laugh. “I didn’t take you for a hugger,” she murmured, squeezing me back just as fiercely.

“I’m not,” I said, not letting her go for a second. “But you’ve helped me figure a few things out.”