Page 39 of One True Mate

I heard him take a deep breath and blow it out, “Nothing too concerning I hope.”

“Dad, what's up?” I was focused and concerned now.

“Last night there was a shift in pack power.”

“What do you mean? How is that even possible?”

“It's probably nothing, Son. I don't want to worry you. I just felt a shift in power, like I'd expect to feel when you finally step up, though not quite that severe. Perhaps like when you finally take a mate and begin funneling more power to you as next in line.”

“That happens?” I had no idea.

“Yes, of course, but don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing and we'll discuss all of that later. Let me grab Elise for you.”

Everything came crashing down around me. I had taken a mate. There was a power shift towards Kelsey and I in the pack. The Pack Council hadn't approved our mating and I knew there would be plenty displeased with my choice, even if it wasn't really a choice since she was my true mate.

The Challenge. I cringed at the thought. How many she-wolves would step up to challenge my mate? Kelsey had no fighting skills. She'd never been taught even basic survival skills. My stomach clenched in despair. What had I done?

“Hey, Kyle, what's up?” My sister's voice broke my thoughts.

“Did I wake you?”

“Shut up, I haven't had my coffee yet. What's up?”

“Just wanted to let you know that Kelsey and I won't be in the office today. I didn't want you guys to worry. If you could forward my calls to my cell, that would great.”

“What's wrong with Kelsey? She never misses work. What's going on?”

“Nothing's wrong, E. We just have a few things to take care of outside of work today.”

“What are you up to, Kyle? Please tell me it's not what I think it is?”

The woman was exasperating like a freaking dog with a bone, unwilling to let it go.

“Just drop it okay, it's personal.”

“No, no, no. Kyle, please, no. Look, I know you like her. I've seen the way you look at her when you think no one's watching. And I'm your sister, I know you. Please don't act on it. You show any interest in her whatsoever and she's good as dead and you know it.”

“Shit,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “I can't talk about this now, E. Can you put Dad back on the phone?”

Without another word she handed the phone back over to our dad.

“Kyle, is everything okay?”

“It's going to be fine, Dad. It has to be,” I said more to myself than him. “Look, are you free this morning? We really need to talk.”

“Sure, give me an hour.”

“Thanks, Dad, see you in an hour.”

As I hung up the phone, I was very aware Kelsey was fully awake and staring at me.

She sighed and it sounded so sad. I rolled back into bed and pulled her close. I wasn't about to let anything happen to her. Ever.

“Are we okay?” she asked awkwardly.

I looked down at her and smiled. “Never better.”

I didn't mean to escalate the kiss I gave her, but the second our lips touched it was like a match bursting into flames. She was still naked in my bed from the night before and I knew I had to have her. Had to claim her once again and not just to calm my wolf, but for me. I needed her.

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