Page 49 of One True Mate

“No sir.” They all quieted down. “Kelsey changed for the first time when she was twelve years old. She was alone and running for her life after two wolves attacked and killed her parents in front of her and then attacked her. She honestly thought that since she was bitten and had no real knowledge of the shifter world, that she was a werewolf.”

Grumbles began around the room at the thought. Anger over a young pup having no pack. Frustrations over the human portrayal of werewolves. And heartbroken for a little girl alone in the world going through change with no guidance.

“She's been running ever since, keeping this huge secret to herself all this time.”

“Kyle, that's the craziest story I've ever heard!”

“No,” Cole spoke up, “it makes sense. It fits with everything she shared with me too. The tattoo she got covers the damage done by the wolf. She confessed her fear of wolves and a little about why. It all makes sense, even hearing Kyle is her one true mate. The tattoo she drew herself and brought to me. Of course, I immediately recognized it as Kyle's wolf. Even tried to convince her to change it knowing the shit-storm something like that could cause, but she was adamant, it had to be his. Now it makes sense why. At the time, she simply told me it was the only wolf in her life she hadn't feared. I don't think she knew at the time why.”

I smiled at him, slightly jealous that she had opened up to him like that, but trying to contain it. Cole Anderson was a good guy and I knew there was nothing between them.

“She didn't. She said she had felt something strong since day one but had fought against it knowing she could never allow anyone close enough to know her secret. And I had stubbornly been waiting for her and facing rejection after rejection anytime I attempted to reach out. Which is why I didn't come forward earlier with my feelings.”

“A true mate?”

“This does change things.”

“Kyle, if she is your one true mate, the Council will not intervene no matter who she is,” Quinton assured me.

I smiled and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

“Thank God, cause we've already consummated our mating.” I blurted out.

“What?”

“Without notifying us first?”

“How could you?”

“Kyle, that's a blatant disrespect to the Council.”

And so they got their two cents worth in and voiced their disappointment with me, but they couldn't knock the grin and happiness off my face for anything. The only thing I had heard loud and clear, no intervention. There would be no consequences for going against protocol. As mom had said, what's done was done.

“I'm sorry,” I said, not really sorry. “Two years I waited for any signs of reciprocation. I could not control myself once I knew she felt our connection too.”

“Speaking of connections. I think it is important to note that with the prolonged mating period of the two came a deeper connection faster than we are used to seeing in normal mated pairs.”

What was he doing? Dad had said not to tell anyone about that, so why was he blabbing now.

“They can already sense each other’s feelings and general locations, same as other mated pairs in the two to five year stage. I've never seen anything like it, though they have spent every day for the last two years together and I believe on some level their wolves began bonding even prior to the mating consummation. Because of this I would petition the Council to consider lowering the challenge time.”

Murmurs and shocked whispers began again.

“Sir, it's Kyle we're talking about. She-wolves from at least three packs, possibly further, will wish for the opportunity to challenge. And as you know, we've already had several inquiries into compatibility for Kelsey. It is possible Kyle could face a few challenges himself from within the pack.”

“I am well aware of all of that, Neil, but we also must take into consideration that challenges are only accepted in the first four months to ensure bonding has not begun already, and clearly in this case it has. Do you know what it would do to my son if his one true mate were to die in challenge?”

They all nodded solemnly.

“I'm sorry, Kyle,” Ambrose started and I knew I wasn't going to be happy with what he was about to say, “but we can not wave the challenges. However, in light of the situation, I make the motion to lower it to only one month. With immediate notification, that is time for anyone to arrive and make their wishes known and we will accept challenges in any manner, not just in person. I think it has to be that way to keep peace amongst the packs and give opportunity to those seeking it.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“I second that motion,” Quinton piped in.

I rolled my neck, feeling the tension building. One month. Okay, we could handle one month.

“We must also ask that the two of you keep a distance from each other during this month to hopefully stall the bonding process you've already started. It's for the best, Kyle,” Ambrose added.

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