Page 55 of One True Mate

A line throughout the room formed quickly as people readily came forward. Sally Merchant was the first to come through and wish us both well. I was grateful for a familiar face. Many gave their congratulations and bared their neck to both me and my mate in acceptance. Some only to me, and a few of the males, only to her. I wasn't too concerned, and thought they'd likely reconsider their odds against me later.

When Vanessa Relic came forward the entire room went still, waiting on bated breath. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she would be the first challenge to Kelsey. She had never been discreet about her interest in me. She came up and hugged me. I heard the low rumble from Kelsey beside me and saw Vanessa roll her eyes at my mate.

Vanessa congratulated me, lowered her head and bared her neck to me formally. Then she turned to Kelsey.

“Simmer down. I've already told you I will not challenge you for him. I would never go against a true mate. I am sorry for how I behaved before and truly hope maybe we can even be friends someday.”

Kelsey hesitantly smiled and nodded to her.

Then loud gasps sounded as Vanessa lowered her head and bared her neck to Kelsey. I stood by proudly, unable to stay neutral and keep the smile from my face. Vanessa smiled at us both. Affectionately squeezed her arm, and gave her some encouragement.

“You got this, Kelsey. Just remember, no matter what happens, he's worth it. And if you need any help preparing for challenges, just give me a call.”

This time it was Kelsey's turn to be shocked, but she also looked thankful. Whispers had turned to full out talking by the end of their transaction.

At the end of the night, ten men had not given consent and needed to be noted as potential challengers. I wasn't overly concerned with any of them. After Vanessa's submission, only three she-wolves dared not to submit to my mate. The most notable of them was Christine Canine. She was tenacious with a mean streak in her, and I knew she could hold her own in a challenge. Vanessa volunteered to talk to her and try to warn her off for me. I was thankful for her help.

With the news out and the shock waning, the pack meal took on a festive feel. Many were surprisingly supportive, not just of Kelsey's intro into the pack, but also of our mating. I was shocked at how much concern, particularly from the older wolves, my pack had over my continued bachelorhood. They were especially thrilled that I had not just chosen a mate, but indeed found my one true mate.

“How can she possibly be his true mate? It's ridiculous. They've known each other for years. That's not something that just suddenly reveals itself. Shouldn't they have known immediately.” Christine vocalized, close enough to draw my attention.

I couldn't stop myself from responding.

“You really think I haven't known for the last two years? There were extenuating circumstances, Christine. Do not confuse my lack of action for a lack of awareness. She is my one true mate.”

I could feel the air grow thick around Kelsey and expected a growl to escape, fearing it would only encourage Christine further towards challenge, but Vanessa of all people jumped in to save the day.

“Keep it calm, girl. Don't let her get to you. Do not show weakness. I know you, and I know what you're capable of. Let her dig her own grave.”

The last part was said just loud enough to ensure Christine's attention. And although Kelsey had not managed to control growling around Vanessa since the moment they met, she breathed and relaxed and took her words to heart, no longer sensing her as a threat to us.

Kelsey

Chapter 21

Vanessa Relic. Who would have thought I'd be so grateful for her? My wolf was agitated in the close proximity to so many shifters, especially with potential threats against my mate. I wasn't so much concerned for me, or the three she-wolves that did not acknowledge and support my mating to Kyle. I knew they were potential threats for challenge, but I was far more concerned for Kyle as there were a lot more males that did not give consent.

Christine Canine. She could be a problem. I could feel she would be a tough competitor, but I knew I was stronger. She may have been trained longer, but she was not a born alpha she-wolf. I knew from the brief discussion with Kyle and his dad that it was something I needed to control and hide.

Still hiding. I had thought maybe I could have a normal life. Finding out that Kyle and the others in San Marco were just like me was like a dream come true, and then yet another curse and more secrets. Why did I have to be different even amongst equal monsters? Life just didn't seem to want to give me a break. The stories of the young girls being hunted and killed were giving me nightmares, though, I didn't want to admit them, even to Kyle. I did everything I could in my waking hours to keep my fears about it from him.

I knew Vanessa had felt my alpha powers. She was accepting them and had been gracious not to mention them outright, though she had hinted on several occasions now. What would happen if I slipped up and released that power on Christine? What if the pack found out and demanded I be turned over to the Grand Council? Those thoughts terrified me. Yet without my alpha powers, I was weak against the likes of Christine and other she-wolves who may challenge me. My only relief was that I had thus far managed to keep everything from Kyle's mom and sisters. Well, I knew Elise, and maybe even Lily, suspected because they knew what I had done to Vanessa, but they were good to never mention it, and if I was using it as an unfair advantage in fighting, I think they would point it out to me.

The line had been long and seemingly endless meeting person after person. I was exhausted by the time we moved to the dining area for pack dinner. Kyle never left my side and we took the first table with two available seats to settle into for dinner. I was relieved to be seated between Kyle and Cole Anderson, though I did not know anyone else sitting at our table.

“Hi, I'm Morgan and this is my mate Franny.” The man sitting directly across from Kyle introduced and I vaguely remembered them coming through the introduction line earlier.

“Don't worry, Kelsey, we can only imagine how overwhelming all this is for you. No one expects you'll remember everyone's name after one quick introduction.” Said his mate sincerely.

I laughed, “Thank God for that! I'll be lucky if I remember my own name by the time this night's over.”

The entire table laughed along with me and it felt like a lot of the tension eased.

“We're the Stranges, Dan and my mate Melinda.”

“Leo Tripp.”

“Sandy Mason.”

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