Page 43 of One True Mate

“It's true, isn't it? You really have bonded, fully bonded, so quickly?”

I let Kyle nod and take control of the situation, but his father's eyes were immediately drawn to me.

“I understand now.”

“What?” We both asked at the same time.

“I didn't feel it when we spoke the other day. Kelsey, did something happen aside from the obvious, to you this week?”

I looked at Kyle for approval before answering. He nodded and smiled, encouraging me on.

“Like what exactly?”

“It's really hard to tell. You were quite reserved and I felt no authority in you at our last meeting nor any time before. But now? Now I feel power pouring off of you demanding attention and control. And what you did to Vanessa? Even as Pack Mother you shouldn't have that much power and authority. And she gave allegiance to you right here in my presence.”

Kyle's sharp intake of breath told me that was a very bad thing.

I dropped my head in submission and didn't make eye contact when I spoke.

“Vanessa. She came to the office yesterday. She threatened me. Told me I could never have Kyle, that he was hers. It felt like something snapped inside me and I saw that she was afraid. My wolf rejoiced over it but I had felt bad when she stormed out of my office. I got angry when I saw her here just now. It felt... similar.” I all but whispered.

“Please, sit down, both of you. This is very important and something we mustn't share with anyone. I mean anyone. Do you both hear me? If you were anyone else Kelsey I'd have you removed from my territory so fast your head would spin, but I could never do that to Kyle and I strongly feel you are no real threat to us, but if the Grand Council ever hears of your existence, it could mean war. They would stop at nothing to destroy you.”

“Father!” Kyle started in, but I laid my hand on his arm to silence him.

“So, Elise's theory is right? I have no pack. The wolves that came for my parents were really after me, and I shouldn't exist because I should have died as a young pup because I'm a-a-a alpha she-wolf?”

“We will never speak of this again, do you hear me?”

I nodded.

“Both of you?”

Kyle looked like he was in shock but slowly nodded in agreement.

“What does this mean, Dad? What does it mean to the pack?”

I could hear him cursing himself for acting so brashly and not seeing what was in front of him. I couldn't console him. It was tearing me up inside that he was regretting our mating. I knew the moment he realized I was upset.

“Hey, it's okay. I promise you I don't regret a thing. You are my one true mate, nothing could have stopped it, no amount of knowledge in who or what you are would change what I feel. You are mine and I am yours. For better or worse, we'll get through it together.”

His father smiled at the two of us as I fought back tears. “Good, because you are both going to have to be strong and help each other through this. Kelsey, I'm going to ask you to do something for me, just once. I need to know just how powerful you are.”

“No Father, you can't.”

“Kyle, it will be fine.”

“No, Dad, you saw how quickly Vanessa gave allegiance. It's not worth chancing it. Let me. She's my mate.”

“And as such you will willingly give her the world, including your full allegiance, as it should be. Someday, Kyle, I will step down as Pack Alpha and give my allegiance to you and to Kelsey as Pack Mother. Worst case, that happens a little sooner than expected.”

“I don't understand what you're asking of me,” Kelsey said.

“Babe, Dad's going to ask you to push your full power against his. It is a test of strength amongst alphas.”

“And if I am as strong as he suspects?”

“My wolf could try and give our allegiance to you, however, there is a lot more to becoming Pack Alpha than that and I do not see you issuing a fight to the death to take my role.”

---