Page 69 of One True Mate

“Give her some space, Lil. I'll take it to her.” I didn't leave room for argument as I closed the space between me and the woman I loved, shutting out the world behind us with the slam of the door. I saw Kelsey jump at the noise and met watery brown eyes. I dropped to my knees and scooped her up into my arms.

“I-I-I almost killed her out there.”

I couldn't help the chuckle. “That's my girl!” She punched me in the arm, but nuzzled her head against my chest. I sighed. “You had me scared for a minute there, baby. I wasn't sure I'd ever get to hold you like this again.”

“Not a chance,” she said, sounding more assured than ever.

We sat like that in silence for a long while, just holding each other. I could sense that most of the pack had retreated for the night, no longer waiting around to issue congratulations. There were only a few stragglers still waiting when we finally ventured out.

Kelsey's eyes were a little red and puffy. It looked obvious she had been crying. Not one person commented or made a sound, but as one the group dropped to one knee and bared their necks to my mate. The sight nearly made my chest explode in pride, and for the first time in my life I felt Alpha power freely flowing from me, and not just me, but from us, and not in the forceful way to push my will on others as I had used in the past, but a different kind of power, the kind necessary for respect and strength as a leader of a pack. The kind I had only ever seen come from my father and mother.

As she motioned for them to rise and they followed her command, there was some commotion at the back of the small group that had gathered and I strained to take a closer look. I knew visitors from other packs were already arriving and had come in to see Kelsey's first challenge. I knew they could make trouble even though they were given strict warnings against it on their arrival. My instincts screamed to protect my mate, but as the crowd parted, a small slight woman broke from the pack practically tackling Kelsey. My hackles stood up and I was in mid growl when I realized who it was.

“Thank you, thank you. I don't know how I can ever thank you enough for not killing my daughter,” Franny, Christine's mother, said hugging on to Kelsey for dear life. “You will forever have our full allegiance for this act of kindness and mercy.”

I rubbed Kelsey's lower back, feeling how close she was to breaking down again. She just nodded, and when the two broke apart, sharing a look I didn't fully understand, I began the slow process of escorting her away from the circle and towards the parking lot. I couldn't get her home fast enough.

Once safely in the car I allowed myself time to let the previous few minutes sink in. If it had been any other wolf being granted allegiance and respect at the level Kelsey was just given, the Alpha and the Council would have been furious. I wondered if those present even realized what they were doing. Her place as the future Pack Mother would allow it without contestation, but if any other wolves were around outside of Westin Pack, they certainly got a big awakening tonight and may just reconsider challenging my mate. Kelsey already had the full pack behind her and she didn't even know it.

I heard her sigh in the seat next to me as our home started to come into view. I reached over and took her hand. “What's wrong, Kels?”

“Do you think I'll ever do anything right or normal? I mean it was a death challenge and I couldn't even get that right. Do you worry it will make me look weak in the eyes of the other she-wolves?”

“Are you kidding? Did you not see the respect you were given by our pack after the challenge?”

She sighed again. “Yes, and I'm assuming that wasn't normal either.”

I chuckled. “No, not exactly, but it wasn't a bad thing. We have been recognized by a large chunk of our pack as future leaders with uncontested and full willing support. Any outside wolves present tonight would have seen that and recognized the strength and power that comes with it. I mean, couldn't you feel it flowing freely between us?”

“Is that what that was? That tingly sensation? I didn't know. It didn't feel like my usual power.”

“Because it wasn't. It was our power and a sign that our bond is further strengthening.”

“What?” she sounded panicked. “Did you? Did you feel anything when she bit my leg?”

“Only a mild sensation, babe, nothing that would have hurt or killed me.” I had forgotten all about her leg. We hadn't even had the medics look at it. I knew I needed to call one in immediately.How much pain was she still in?

“Not much, but it does probably need to be looked at,” she replied, hearing my thoughts.

After settling her in on the couch with a hot cup of tea, I called over to Mallick. His son, Micah, was the best doctor we had in town and I knew he was temporarily living back home with his parents during some home repairs at his place. I wanted to ensure he was the one that came out to check on my mate.

“Hello?”

“Mallick, it's Kyle. Is Micah at home? I need him to come by and look at Kelsey's leg. She sent the medics off to help Christine without a second thought to herself. Is he available?”

“Kelsey's with you?” I heard the disappointed sound in his voice.

“I know, I know. Dad's already talked to both of us about the Council's concerns, but he also promised I could keep her with me as she heals tonight. Just tonight.” I sighed hating even thinking it.

There was some hushed muffled talking on the other end.

“Kyle? Hey, it's Micah. I'll be over in ten.”

“Thanks, man.”

Hanging up the phone I went back to the living room to check on Kelsey. She was a little pale but otherwise looked nearly unaffected. But I knew better.

“How are you doing?”

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