Page 86 of One True Mate

Kelsey smiled and laughed, “I am truly sorry. I didn't even know I could do that at the time, Vanessa. I have learned to control them since. Honestly we believe they were entirely dormant until you provoked me.” That earned her many laughs and nods or approval. They all knew how aggressive Vanessa had been to claim me.

“To answer your question, Sally, yes, I have tested Kelsey's powers myself and she is very strong. But no, I do not feel she is a danger to our pack. If anything, she is a danger to anyone seeking to harm our pack. She is also able to combine powers with Kyle and both can easily pull pack power on their own now. Powerful? Strong? Most definitely. But a risk to us. No.”

She seemed pleased with his answer and turned back to Kelsey who laid a soft hand on my arm and stepped forward. I hadn't even realized I had taken up position in front of her readying myself for anything coming our way. I didn't like her exposing herself as she stepped forward, but I felt like it was about to be a profound moment and bit back my natural urge to protect her.

“Kelsey, can you push your power out for all to feel?”

“I can, but please do not ask me too. I do not wish to demand allegiance from anyone. I am asking if you will stand up for me, and for Kyle, should the threat arise against us.”

“I will.” Sally said without hesitation and the remaining in the room dropped to their knees with her.

“I'd still like to feel your power, Kelsey. Are you controlled enough to make it present without being demanding?”

I understood what she was asking. She wanted to know how much control Kelsey had on it. My mate nodded.

“I am still learning, but I know there are different types of alpha power. There is the quick and absolute power of defense, which, I sincerely regret Vanessa having to have faced. I had to learn to control it during the challenges and honestly it was easier to do battling Christine, than to have to watch Kyle suffer at the hands of another and not protect him. There is also the power of demand which the Alpha gives with a command or order. If I told you, Sally Merchant, to rise now, you would do so.” As proof the heat of her power propelled forward but only to Sally who stood and dropped her gaze to the floor unable to look at her. “There is also the power of love, acceptance, and commitment. I discovered this mutually with Kyle after the allegiances granted me at the end of my challenge with Christine.” The room suddenly flooded with warmth and happiness as she let her power flow easily from her.

I stepped up next to her and taking her hand released my own power to join hers. She looked at me and smiled warmly. Combined it had a very calming effect on every person in the room. I knew when she cut it off and I did the same. The others began to rise and stir and murmurs were heard throughout.

“Thank you for your demonstration, you are indeed powerful, but controlled and I would never believe you a danger to our pack.” Sally confirmed unnecessarily. “I will stand with you should the need arise, even against the Grand Council.”

A census of consent was taken and all agreed they were ready and willing to fight for her, for us, for pack.

Group after group came and went with the same results and a unanimous decision was made. I knew Kelsey was wearing down, exhausted from the day’s events, both emotionally and physically and excused us as soon as the last completed. I had never been prouder to be a Westin than I was that night.

Kelsey

Chapter 31

A knock at the door jolted me awake. I looked at the digital alarm clock on the nightstand next to Kyle's side of the bed. Two twenty-six am. We had barely laid down. The urgent knock sounded again and I shook Kyle but he was dead to the world. Out like a light and snoring loudly. I stumbled out of bed and down the hall to the sound of more urgent knocking.

When I opened the door five men stood before me.

“Kelsey Adams. We have been issued a formal inquiry for background check. Are you aware of who we are?”

I nodded, “Yes, you're the Grand Council members.”

“That is correct, and we mean you no harm.”

“Mean me no harm? Then why are you knocking down my door in the middle of the night?”

“We assure you, we want no problems,” the short one I knew was Omar, spoke up. “We only want this over quickly without issues and concerns escalated from your pack.”

I nodded. It sounded reasonable even if didn't sit well with me.

Kyle? Kyle wake up, and get out here!I screamed into our bond.

“What is it you want from me?” I asked hesitantly allowing them in and motioning for them to sit.

“We just have a few questions to ask and a little blood sample to take.”

“Blood? Why?”

“Do you know Kamen of the Bulgarian Pack?”

“I've heard the name.”

“Well, the Bulgarians have brought up some concerns regarding the strength of your bond to Kyle Westin.”

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