Page 29 of One True Mate

To her credit, Kelsey kept a perfect composure, though I could clearly feel her frustrations and anger rolling off her. It was so strong, I wouldn't be surprised if the others noticed it too. Nex,t I felt a brush against my leg under the table and I couldn't wipe the grin from my face. I extended my leg feeling triumphant as my one true mate reached for me discreetly with her own leg. She rubbed her foot up and down my leg causing me to harden and thank God we were sitting down. Then she took a controlled deep breath before replying as my wolf howled in victory at one of the first signs that she truly did feel our connection too.

“Working with Kyle is a new adventure every day. Most of the time he's a complete pain in my ass, though,” she replied so sweetly and innocently that I choked on the bite of corn I had just put in my mouth.

Looking around, all eyes were on me now, waiting to see how I'd react to that. I couldn't help but smile, and as soon as I did, the laughter and ribbing began. It was like a Kyle Westin roast for much of the remainder of the night. Even mom relaxed and added in several Kyle stories from my childhood that had left her with new grey hairs and tears of laughter in everyone's eyes. I was thankful for the change in atmosphere. Vanessa remained quiet by my side, looking a little defeated while Kelsey, my mate, shined and began to win over the remainder of my family whose hearts she hadn't already captured.

After dinner, Vanessa grabbed my hand and announced she had to call it a night. I knew she was expecting me to walk her out, and my mother beamed in approval. I couldn't bring myself to look at Kelsey as I walked out hand and hand with another woman, feeling completely disgusted with myself.

“Look, Vanessa,” I started the moment we were out of earshot of the others.

“Shhh,” she said, silencing me with a kiss. She tried to deepen it, but I just couldn't. She pulled away looking a little hurt. “She's not one of us, Kyle. I saw how you looked at her. I know you want her, but it'll pass and I'll still be here. The pack will never accept her and you know it. You need a mate that will make you strong, not weak and pathetic.”

I knew her words came out of fear. Too many people had assured her we were perfectly compatible mates meant to be together, but a part of what she said was also a true reality that I would have to come to terms with. The pack wasn't going to be happy about my mating an outsider, and not just any outsider, but the one that had disrespected territory lines for over two years and gotten away with it.

I kissed her cheek. “It was good to see you, Vanessa.”

The look in her eye told me my words, that had meant to dismiss her, only renewed her hope. I knew I needed to talk to Kelsey, and soon. When others began to suspect my interest, every eligible she-wolf within three packs would be sniffing after her to check out the competition. It was why I had been so careful up until now.

Sighing, I headed back in to join my family. I stood at the door to the family room, just watching. Lily and Liam were at the card table deep in a game of chess. Chase and Elise wrestling for the remote as they argued over what to watch. And my dad and Kelsey laughing and talking together. My heart was full. But there was one important person still missing from this picture.

I made my way down the hall and into the kitchen to find mom washing dishes at the sink. I quickly grabbed the dish from her and a towel and dried and put it away. She smiled over at me, but looked tired.

“Are you okay, Mom?”

“Of course, I am. Just a little tired. And I'm sorry about tonight. I ran into Vanessa picking up some last minute groceries today and she had mentioned that she hadn't really seen or talked to you in months, so I just thought…”

I sighed. “I know, Mom, I know.”

“No, watching you tonight and how uncomfortable you looked sitting next to her, I realized how wrong I've been to try and force a compatible mate on you. It isn't my decision to live with, it's yours. It doesn't really matter who I like, because I'm not the one that has to live with her the rest of my life. You are a grown man, proven to make good solid decisions and I promise to try and back off a little. You just promise me you won't shut out your options or waste your life pining for a true mate that you may never meet.”

I grinned. “You found Dad, why would you think I would never find mine?”

She eyeballed me suspiciously. “Kyle Alexander Westin, are you trying to tell me you have found your one true mate?”

I grinned bigger. “I'm not saying a word.”

With a peck on her head, I took her hand and pulled her out of the kitchen.

“Come on, the dishes will wait. It's family time.”

She stiffened next to me when she saw Kelsey laughing at something my dad had said.

“Mom, please.” I know my eyes were begging her to understand.

She gave me a sad look and shook her head okay.

“You're certain?”

I knew what she was asking and I knew I couldn't lie to her about it.

“I've never been more sure about anything.”

“Does your father know?”

I nodded.

“That's why the two of you have been protecting her?”

I nodded again watching a tear drop down her cheek as she looked at Kelsey through new eyes.

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