So as far as Lane's reaction to Eli, and the idea of pyschic links:
My original idea was that she can sense 'something' about Eli (due to her latent abilities), but she doesn't understand what it is (and that is what is making her skittish- possibly mixed with a concern about the 'popular fiction' ideas about telepaths and their abilities. She values both her secrets and her independence, and has outlandish, but 'pop culture' approved ideas about mind-readers/mind control). At this point, she may (consciously or not), realize that she might have some psychic ability, currently manifested in her high Insight/Perception, and feel that Eli might be able to help- but she isn't ready to go for it yet (like knowing your tooth hurts, but being too frightened of the dental drill to seek help out until it becomes necessary).
The thought was that, at some point, we would need to have psychic contact (maybe when dealing with a SERIOUS threat), and that when Lane was 'contacted', her thought voice would be essentially shouting (Eli, used to dealing with regular minds, would help, but her own latent ability means it makes a stronger/louder connection)- at which point they realize she needs training. Proceed from there.
The wrinkle is that Lane now fears Grynm's abilities more than she was going to fear Eli's 'terrible psychic powers', so that may change her priorities.