Page 67 of One True Mate

“Kyle, come on. I'm about to fight to the death for you.” I saw her soften and a glimpse of the Christine I had grown up with, before she turned complete bitch, seemed to shine through. She shrugged, looking young and not so fearless suddenly. “There was a time you would have expected and even wanted this from me, Kyle. What happened?”

“You changed, Chris. I changed. We grew up. We grew apart. It happens.”

“When we were kids we were so certain we would be true mates. Do you remember?”

I smiled. “I do. I remember how disappointed we both were when you turned eighteen and there were still no mating signs.”

“Yeah, me too. I was devastated, yet I still always knew we were meant to be together.”

“Chris, we've barely spoken in years. You've moved on. I've moved on. Why bring all this up now?”

“I know I've been a bitch to you. I was so hurt that there were no mating signs and even more so that you didn't fight for us, Kyle. We were still compatible mates. You know that.”

“Christine, you know I could never settle for a compatible mate. You of all people know that.”

“But how can you be so sure Kelsey is your true mate? I mean, come on, she's a trespassing little bitch who should have been run off our land the second she tried to settle here.”

“And if it had been anyone else I would have done just that, but Chris, she IS my one true mate.”

“I just can't believe that. She's been squatting on our land for over two years and suddenly you have this grand epiphany?”

“She's been squatting on our land for two years because she's my true mate. I wasn't going to let her get away, Chris. I'm begging you, don't do this tonight.”

I knew the second the words were out of my mouth that they were a giant mistake. If I could kick my own ass for saying them, I would. I watched helplessly as I spurred her hurt and determination to have me. I had inadvertently solidified the challenge for her.

“This is happening, Kyle, and you're going to have to just get used to having me around. Kelsey hasn't been properly trained. She's still learning our ways and probably doesn't even have a clue what to expect from tonight. I'm the stronger, more knowledgeable and better trained wolf here. I'm the better mate for you and I don't care what mother nature has to say about it. You'll see. I'll be a good wife and mate for you.”

She slinked over and kissed me before I knew what was happening. My wolf wanted to attack at the intrusion and it took every effort to hold back from doing just that.

“I'll be seeing you tonight,” she said as she moved away as quickly as she had attacked. At the door, she turned back to me. “Don't worry Kyle. I'm not heartless. I won't toy with her and she'll suffer as little as possible. I promise.”

The sound of the door closing hit me like a ton of bricks with the reality of my situation. I could lose Kelsey tonight. I knew a part of me would be sad to watch Christine die, but I could stomach that loss far better than the alternative.

I closed up my office unable to spend another second cooped up indoors. Lily, who had promised Kelsey she'd fill in for her while she was out for the afternoon, didn't question me or make a single snarky sister comment I would have expected. Somehow her silence made the sincerity of the situation even more real.

Shifting into my wolf form, I spent the remainder of the evening running through the woods. I knew we were seeking our mate, but I purposefully steered us clear of her house. Kelsey and I had our moment earlier to say our goodbyes. I had left demanding she not say the word despite knowing that's what it was. To hear her say goodbye would have felt like she was giving up, that she didn't think she could win, and I needed her desperately to fight with all she had.

“I'm not giving up. I'll never give up on you, Kyle, even if it means fighting to the death.”

My wolf howled in the air hearing our mate's words. I knew Kelsey had shifted back to human form and as her thoughts became muffled, still there, just unreadable, but this sudden knowledge that I could feel her while she was in human form and me in my fur made me happier than I knew possible. If anything happened to her, I knew I could not carry on in life. Even if the bond didn't kill me, I'd find a way to join her in death. Resolute in my decision I shifted back realizing I was at my own front porch. I showered and changed and headed off on foot to the outdoor pack circle.

Dad was waiting for me below the council pavilion. We shook hands and he led me up the stairs. I had never stood on the council pavilion. Only the Council, and during challenges, the mate of the challenged wolf stood on the pavilion. I would have been happy to never set foot up here if it meant keeping Kelsey alive, but I couldn't think like that and I fought against our bond to keep my thoughts to myself. Dad had been true to his word and only he and I were in the pavilion. I looked out across the great circle as the surrounding seats filled.

I knew Kelsey was close, and I desperately needed to see her.

Kelsey

Chapter 25

We were expected to walk out in human form. There would be some formal ceremony or at least words spoken. I'd have to shake hands with Christine, something about humanizing the process more. Then I'd have to shift in front of everyone. I wasn't about to stand there naked in front of the entire pack, so I decided to wear an old outfit that I didn't mind shredding to pieces. I gathered that wasn't entirely normal, but it would have to do. My shifts had strengthened and were now instantaneous. Maybe it would shock her enough for a small advantage.

I had been a nervous wreck all day, but more so since Kyle and I said our goodbyes. I couldn't let myself believe it might be the last time I got to touch him. Sadness washed over me as I gave myself a pep talk, trying to just get through it all.

I was as ready as I was going to be. Mary had stayed with me through the afternoon up until the point she delivered me to the small wooden room at the back of what I knew was the pack circle. Basically, it was an outdoor arena where they held pack meetings sometimes and where formal ceremonies, including challenges were held. This room was like the waiting room and I knew it would open directly into the floor of the arena.

I didn't like the little room. It felt like a cage and made my wolf stir.

“It won't be long, Kels. Deep breaths and try to relax. No need to get worked up right now. Save your frustrations for the challenge.”

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