Page 65 of One True Mate

“Because if that happens it's a sign our bond has sealed and if I die, so will he,” I whispered.

Mary had tears in her eyes. “That's not going to happen, do you hear me?”

Jason consoled his mate but finally asked me, “Kelsey, why did you come by to see me this afternoon.”

I glanced at Mary who's back was toward me and shook my head no while trying to discreetly explain, “I have some concerns about tonight's fight. Stuff you, uh, said you might could help me handle better?”

I saw him stiffen and nod, “Mary, will you excuse us for a bit? There's a few things Kelsey and I need to discuss in private.

“Not a chance.” She said as her chin jutted out in complete obstinate. “I'm her trainer and I need to know everything to properly prepare her for tonight.”

“This doesn't concern...”

“Jason Westin, don't you think I know exactly when you're lying to me.”

He sighed just as the door to his office opened unannounced and Kyle stormed in.

KYLE

Chapter 24

I wasn't sure why my parents were grilling Kelsey over our bond, but I damned well was going to find out.

I saw my dad sigh in frustration, and look at Kelsey who shrugged and said, “I told you he was coming.”

“What's going on here?” I demanded.

“Close the door at least, will you.” I could see my dad was breaking down, but I didn't know why or what this was about. I closed the door and went straight to my mate. She immediately touched me and I felt a sense of peace and could finally breathe again.

“I thought you were coming to, uh,” I looked around noticing Mom was in the room. To my knowledge, she didn't know about Kelsey being an alpha she-wolf. “to ask for some tips on tonight.”

“Okay, what is it I don't know. Someone better speak up right now.”

I looked at my dad and tried to understand what his intentions were and how much we should tell her, but while we were trying to communicate the extent of truth we should share, Kelsey started blurting everything out.

“We think the reason I have no recollections of pack, why my parents and I were attacked by wolves, and why we were in hiding to begin with. Why my parents were adamant I steer clear of wolves and should fear them is because I'm an alpha she-wolf.”

Dad and I waited in shock with bated breath for mom to react.

“That's the big secret?” She looked back and forth between us. “You don't think I can't feel her power? You don't think Elise isn't convinced she's the long lost triplet and the story of the third's death was false? She's been obsessively looking into it for weeks.”

Then she turned to Kelsey. “Sweetheart,” I couldn't help but grin for the affection Mom was showing my mate. “You remember when we were going through the breathing exercises, and how to clear your mind?” Kelsey nodded. “Those are focus techniques to keep your powers in check. I would never coach a wolf in the amount of control we've practiced. A normal training would have been to let go of your human side and give fully into your wolf. I didn't train you that way so that you would maintain control and not allow your alpha side to escape in full. Sure, some may, but you're strong enough to control that power.”

Tears streamed down Kelsey's face and it took everything in my power not to scoop her up and take her far, far away. It was even harder to control my urges as she pushed me away and hugged my mother close.

“Thank you. I've been so scared about this.”

“About what, child?”

“About losing control during the fight tonight and everyone finding out what I am. About you and the girls finding out and thinking I'm some sort of dangerous freak that should be sentenced to death. And...”

“Shhh, shhh, we'll have none of that. You have a battle to prepare for, and as a Westin, you are above such self-pity. Everything's going to be just fine tonight, you'll see.”

As if sensing my unease, Mom pulled my mate away and pressed her into my arms. I sent a silent thank you to her as I just enjoyed the closeness of having her in my arms.

“Kelsey, do you want to test your powers before tonight?”

She looked at him in shock with big eyes. “I thought we were never to try that again.”

---