Page 23 of One True Mate

I launched forward and took off as a light-colored blur blew past me.Holy shit, she's fast!I couldn't help but be proud and awed at the same time, but my competitive drive kicked in, and I gave chase. There was no thrill greater that I had ever experienced than chasing my mate at full speed. As we approached the first mile where I knew Elise would be waiting, I had caught up and we were neck and neck. But she started to pull away as we came to the town limits and no matter how hard I pressed forward, I couldn't catch her.

Clearly word had gotten out, cause as we neared the town, I saw people lined up, watching and cheering us on. Kelsey faltered and slowed enough for me to catch up, and the roar of the gathering crowd grew as I passed her. That must have been enough for her to get her head back in the game because suddenly she was back by my side and pushing forward a full nose ahead of me as we rounded the third mile and headed down the long road that would lead us to headquarters.

I couldn't help but be massively impressed that she was still side by side with me, holding her own as we approached Liam at the four-mile mark. I chanced a quick glance at her the same time she looked at me. I could have sworn she smiled. She lowered her head and it was like her speed had suddenly doubled. I pushed on as fast as I could, but there was no way I could keep up. I was staring in awe and not paying full attention as we entered the headquarters parking lot and spotted Lily waving for our attention to the side of the building. My foot caught on the speed bump as I swore in my head and went airborne. Two flips across the hard ground and I was back upright and gave it everything I had.

With my fall, Kelsey finished significantly ahead of me, but I knew she would have anyway. My legs were burning and my tongue was hanging as I gave everything I had into one final burst towards the finish. Kelsey was already well into the field behind the building, trying to slow her speed.

The crowd began gathering around us and I felt the panic rise in her. I knew they were expecting us to change back into human form and accept congratulations for her, and a whole lot of ribbing for me, but she wasn't ready for that. I got to her as quick as I could before she ran off, and nodded for her to follow me. She kept time, staying just off my right flank as I led her into the building and down into our office.

Elise was already there with the door open, signaling us in. I went straight to my office and quickly changed into human form and into the spare clothes I always kept there. When I came out, Kelsey was already dressed in an outfit I recognized as Elise's.

“Thank you,” I mouthed to her.

She gave me a quick hug. “You're welcome,” she whispered back.

I looked over at Kelsey, new emotions swelling within me at the cocky, knowing smile on her face.

“I took it easy on you, you know?”

I rolled my eyes. My pride could take the jokes that would knowingly follow, especially with the new pride handed to me in the form of my amazing mate, “Please, I threw it when I fell.”

I saw her face fall into surprise and then morph into fury.

“You weren't even near me when you gritzed over that speed bump.”

I shook my head as I started leading her out to the parking lot where I knew everyone awaited the final results. “You wish! I gave you that win. It was a sympathy win for your first time running with a real wolf.”

Yeah, I knew I was full of shit, but she was too adorable all riled up and furious that I couldn't help myself.

“You are so full of it! If I hadn't checked up coming into town, I'd have finished a full half mile ahead of you, slow poke.”

We were suddenly within earshot of others and they began laughing their approval of her snide comments, which made her back off and drop her head in embarrassment.

“Why were there so many people standing around like they were waiting for us anyway?” she dropped her voice and asked cautiously.

“Kels, they've been waiting for two years for you to acknowledge your wolf too. People here are excited to really meet you. They want to know your story and they want to get to know you.”And they all really want to know why Dad and I protected you all this time, but I didn't add that part.

Kelsey

Chapter 11

“Why? Why would any of them be waiting for me? Why would they even care?”

I had kept a low profile. I barely saw or spoke to anyone outside the office. How would they even know I existed? Up ahead, I saw people everywhere standing around the parking lot, waiting and watching for us. I didn't want to be the center of attention but I tried not to panic.

I tried to turn back, but Kyle was right there behind me, blocking the way. He took my hand and placed it on his chest.

“Look at me, Kelsey. Just at me,” he said in a deep soothing tone.

I did, then remembered I wasn't supposed to.

“I'm not supposed to do that, Kyle. I don't want to screw up in front of everyone. There's so many people out there.”

“I know, babe, but it's okay. Look at me, just this once.”

I did as he said, and immediately felt the others begin to melt away in the distance.

“Okay, now just breathe. Feel my heart beat. I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. This is important, babe, more than you know. I need you to be strong, smile, and just get through this, okay?”

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