Page 62 of One True Mate

“Says you, who gets to stand by and cheer me on.”

He chuckled. “Actually, I'm not allowed to show favoritism during the challenge. Lucky for us, you'll still hear me loud and clear even if I look impartial to everyone else.” He tapped on my forehead for added affect signaling our bond.

I was glad I had opened up to Kyle and let him soothe some of my fears. I felt a thousand times lighter and more resolute in what I had to do.

I left work shortly after that and headed to the Westin family home. Mary greeted me at the door and told me her husband was in a meeting, but that I was free to wait. We talked casually at first, neither of us wanting to mention the night's challenge. Finally, she cracked first.

“Are you ready for tonight? Any last questions or things you want to work on??”

I shook my head. “No, but thank you. You and the girls have been wonderful. I hope I make you proud tonight.”

“Oh sweetheart,” she moved next to me on the couch and hugged me close to her in the way only a mother could, “we couldn't be prouder of you. You're stepping up and fighting for my son. It's an honor as much of a curse. You'll see.”

“B-b-but, why does she have to die for me to live?”

“That, dear, is up to you.”

“Wh-wh-what?” I stuttered, as I often did when nervous or upset.

“You have the right to step aside and let her keep her life, but do not do so unless you are one hundred percent, without a doubt certain, she has conceded and you are the clear victor.”

“B-b-but I thought that was a sign of extreme weakness and that I couldn't afford to be weak, especially on my first challenge, as there would certainly be more following.”

“There's some truth to that. But you listen to me, Kelsey. I don't care what others tell you. Tonight, you are being forced into our most barbaric tradition. And at the end of the night, you have to be able to walk away and live with what happens.”

“Or I'm dead and it won't matter,” I said humorlessly.

“Don't talk like that. I've prepared you well. You're stronger than you give yourself credit. You'll see. Christine is no match for you. So, in the end you need to do what you have to do.”

I heard a gasp behind us and turned to see Franny and Morgan coming out of Jason Westin's office. I had met them at the pack meeting and knew they were good people. Franny's face immediately screwed up and tears fell from her eyes.

Mary nodded solemnly as Morgan physically led her away.

“What was that all about?”

“That was Franny and...”

“I know who they are, they were at my table at the pack dinner. They seemed like really nice people, but I felt like they were shooting daggers at me just now.”

“I'm sorry, Kelsey. Franny and Morgan are Christine's parents. They are very distraught over her challenging you.”

“Those are her parents? I-I-I hadn't really thought about things like that. I hadn't thought about how many others I could destroy tonight. Family's still a new concept to me. All I have is Kyle. I've never had anyone else.”

“You have far more than just Kyle, Kelsey.” She hugged me tight.

Jason cleared his throat. “Is everything okay?” he asked, looking surprised to see me.

“Kyle said it would be okay if I left early to discuss a few things with you, sir.” I said, respectfully averting my eyes.

He shook his head in frustration.

“I just asked my boss and tried to leave it at that. I promise. We're trying to do as you asked, but this has nothing to do with that. I just had a couple things I wanted to talk to you about before tonight, sir.”

“Very well, come on into my office.”

Mary got up and followed me as far as her husband stood.

“What did you do, Mr. Westin?”

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