Page 54 of One True Mate

“What's her story?”

So few knew Kelsey's story even still. It had been kept under wraps, and I wasn't happy that Dad was about to share with the pack, even knowing it was necessary.

“Settle down. There will be time later to answer all your questions, and for each of you to get to know Kelsey a little better tonight at the pack meal. Right now, I just want to share a quick story of a little girl left alone in the world at the age of twelve. A wolf shifter who watched her parents die before her eyes. Who changed that same night after being bitten. Who knew nothing of our ways of life. This is Kelsey's background. It is a sad and terribly painful one, and I hope you will all respect the fact that the Council has taken things into consideration and knows her full story, tragic as it is. She is still learning our ways. I know many of you were shocked and disappointed over the last two years she has invaded our territory. I ask you to please understand, she truly did not know what she was doing. I hope you will support and welcome her to this pack. No wolf should ever be alone, but especially not a young pup with no training, no guidance, living alone in the human world while hiding such an enormous secret.”

The room was silent. A few of the women had tears in their eyes. I knew no one would object.

“Now, I'd also like to open the floor to hear any objections.”

Not a peep was heard, not even a whisper.

“Okay, Kelsey, welcome to the Westin Pack!”

“Thank you,” she said softly.

There was a round of applause. Kelsey's nerves had increased steadily through Dad's speech and even more so with being put on the spot. I could smell it in the air, acutely aware of her. And I knew that others would perceive it as fear. My mate was not comfortable being on the stage and did not know how to curb her scent yet. It took everything in my power not to rise and go to her, to shield her from the prying eyes and whispers from the curious. It wasn't any of their damn business anyway.

Feeling more and more agitated only seemed to heighten Kelsey's nerves. I had to calm down. I knew she was responding to me responding to her. It wasn't a good combination, especially in front of the entire pack. My dad glared at me and I felt a slight pressure as his alpha power washed over me to try and calm me which only pissed me off more. I couldn't stop from glaring back and saw him sigh in resignation.

“Okay, while Kelsey's already up here, uncomfortably up here, as I'm sure you can all smell.” The room chuckled as a whole. “We might as well get this over with. First, I urge you all, please do not mistake Kelsey's uncomfortable nervous energy, being put on the spot in front of you all with weakness. I cannot stress this enough. I have tested her myself and she is strong and not as easy prey as she may appear. Please do not underestimate her.”

Both of our stress levels elevated further, and I had no doubt everyone in the room was feeling it. The idea of them seeing my mate as weak prey did not sit well with me, and I knew my dad realized his mistake the moment he insinuated it.

“Jesus,” he muttered under his breath, then turned to speak softly to Kelsey. “You have to calm down, Kelsey. No one will here will hesitate to challenge you with the level of fear you're producing.”

“It's not fear. I just don't like standing up here with everyone staring at me,” she pleaded. “And Kyle isn't helping. He's freaking out.”

“Just a little longer, hang in there,” he said sympathetically, while turning to glare at me, but at this point I knew I wasn't controlling my emotions at all and just making the situation worse.

“Okay,” he spoke back to the group, “let's just rip the Bandaid off. Kelsey Adams has taken a mate within our pack. Many of you will not be thrilled with the match, but it is important to note that this is her one true mate.”

I could feel the aggression rising as she-wolves all around prepared themselves for the challenge before the announcement was even made. I couldn't stand to just sit there any longer. I started to get up, and Cole Anderson, sitting next to me, quickly yanked me back. I let out a low growl his way.

“Jesus, just come up here. Please everyone just tone it down a bit. The emotions, stress, and aggression in this room are not helping the situation.” He looked at me and nodded, “Just come on up and calm yourself and your mate so we can just get through this.”

He didn't have to tell me twice. In a flash, I was on stage and comforting Kelsey. My wolf immediately calmed, and in response so did Kelsey's as she touched me. I didn't immediately register the shock and anger flooding the room. I didn't really care. My mate had been suffering and I had to protect her first.

“Settle down, settle down. There's no easy way to say it, Kyle has taken Kelsey as a mate. As his one true mate, he did not need the approval of the Council, though he did seek it.

Yeah, it may have been after the fact, but saving face and setting an example was too important for the Council.

“Yes, you heard me, his one true mate! As such, I again urge you not to underestimate her and think fully through the potential consequences of challenging her. That said, challenges will begin immediately. However, due to other extenuating circumstances, that we will not be sharing at this time, the challenge period has been lowered to only one month's time.” Protests immediately set in. My father simply raised his hand until the room had quieted again. “I understand your frustration, just trust me in that this was not an easy decision for the Council, but a necessary one. Notices went out to the nearest five packs this morning. Kelsey has been made aware of the challenge process and is ready to accept what may come.”

She stood stoically beside me showing no more fear, and nodded, glancing around the room, making eye contact with several of the she-wolves showing potential for challenges. No doubt my mother had schooled her on that.

“Now, any further pack news is clearly a moot point tonight. I will adjourn early. Kelsey and Kyle will remain up-front and you are free to come forward to show your support or opposition.”

He quickly adjourned the meeting and motioned for us to join him down on the floor in front of the stage.

“Well, that went splendidly,” he whispered, sarcastically.

“Like ripping off a Bandaid!” Kelsey smiled, using his earlier words.

“You look so much more relaxed, my dear, are you okay?”

“Never better. I got this, Sir.”

Her confidence astounded me. She had no idea how her nerves had made her look weak in front of the entire pack. I knew it was largely my fault too, but I also suspected when she said she had it, she meant it. She was steeled and ready to except her place in my pack, by my side. The pride my wolf and I equally felt was indescribable.

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