8. Do you think Katie was originally supposed to be the air elemental?

I never had intentions to bring Katie back. I mean I know I love the excitement of multiple characters and all but she would not have been anything more than troubled. She was used as a sacrifice – that trauma alone... Katie didn't want to go back. But she waited until the right vessel could be given her intended elemental. It's always been about people that won't abuse the powers they are gifted... but also about the parents. Who better to get Katie's gift than baby Norine? But Katie was supposed to be the air elemental.

9. Why does Ava not smell like a werewolf? She only smells like a wild
wolf, no human scent mixed in. Protective measures, and also, Ava is such an enigma.

10. Did Ava never shift when she was with Gabriel because she was changed
at a facility and recognized The Elders? They were at Gabriel's pack
all the time. Even when they weren't she would feel as if they could
show up at anytime. (Goes with question 9).

Okay so, Ava. She's like a wonderfully hidden gem that's been hiding out as a piece of coal. The Elders were always around... surely they could read her mind right? I love that no one has questioned that yet. I mean maybe some people are wondering about it... but the Elders can read minds. Shouldn't they have been able to read hers? Also, if I was changed and hurt and turned, I think I would stay as a wolf only for the safety I feel when I'm that animal.

11. Rian said that at least Mina new Katie was alive somewhere, but later
she would say she was sacrificed? We know she's dead, but why the
discrepancy with Rian?

All true, but Rian was always playing a part so it wasn't so much a discrepancy as much as it was, her playing a part. "At least Mina knows Katie is alive somewhere out there," it's really about the way it's said. Almost in agreement.

But we remove a layer and we learn that Mina knew that Katie was George's child and not Gabriel's, Rian knew what was going to happen to Katie but she couldn't very well say something of the sorts.

12. Why did George lie about the note? That seems like something he'd want
Gabriel to know.

The note is when they bomb Mina's office... and since this has spoilers, you later see that George doesn't care about his children they are just pieces to a game he's playing.