Page 79 of One True Mate

“This morning, you came to watch me fight.”

She nodded. “Yes I did.”

“You cannot be her though. My apologies. I knew, I just had to be certain.” He smiled sweetly at her. “You may return now.” He told her, pointing up to where my dad still stood looking sullen and confused.

“Okay,” she said, slowly dragging out the words, but turning to make her way back.

He watched her leave before turning back to me. My wolf was ready to rip him into shreds. If he was making an attempt at a distraction to throw me off his game, he was about to realize his plan was backfiring badly. I had never been so pumped to fight in my life. I could already smell the stench of his death in the air.

He clapped a hand onto the back of my shoulder in a too friendly gesture as we made our way back to the center of the arena.

“She's a beautiful woman. Any wolf would be lucky to have her.” By this point I was only seeing red and could barely hear Kelsey's small voice in my head trying to soothe and calm me before this battle. “You are a very lucky man, Kyle.”

I looked at him like he had gone mad, but he just continued to ramble.

“Earlier when your mate came to watch me, I felt her,” he said in almost a whisper. My fists balled at my sides and he shook his head, “Not Kelsey, HER, my one true mate. She's here, Kyle, and now that I have her scent I'll stop at nothing to find her. I believe she arrived with Kelsey, or around the same time, but I can't be certain as there were so many in attendance. I think she's definitely from your pack though. Will you allow me to stay and track her? Let's face it my da's not going to let me come home after this.”

“What are you talking about? You're not making any sense.”

He actually held up one finger my way before turning towards my father again. Did he have a death wish? I was already pissed enough with his outrageous request. Kelsey was back by my dad's side, and all eyes were on us when he spoke again.

“Alpha of the Westin Pack,” he formally said, loud enough for all to hear, “my apologies for the delay. As you know I only arrived this morning with the challenge blindly bid on my behalf. I only wished to meet your lovely future Pack Mother in person.” I let out a growl, but he continued on like it was nothing. “Upon doing so, I regrettably must request your approval to renege my challenge at this time. It is clear to me that Kelsey is Kyle's one true mate, and I will not come between them.”

The roar of loud whispers and a few cries of outrage were deafening. It took my father some time to get them settled, and I nearly doubled over as bile rose up in my mouth at the suddenness of his words. He was reneging. I wouldn't have to fight him. I would not have to kill my friend to keep my mate.

“You're serious?” I asked him. “This isn't some sort of sick prank of yours to throw me off my game going into challenge?”

“Kyle, we've known each other a long time. We've had our differences certainly, but I've always considered you a friend. My request stands. May I stay in Westin territory in search of my own true mate?”

I stood tall and grasped his forearm as he did mine in the formal manner of which his pack greeted respect. “Aye, you may.” I told him as the biggest smile lit my face. He closed his other arm around me in a brutal hug that I returned. “Thank you.”

My father was still waving for quiet.

“You are certain of this, Patrick O'Connell of the Irish Clan?”

Without a word, Patrick dropped to one knee, bowed his head then exposed his neck to me. When I nodded he jumped up.

“I've never been more certain of anything, sir.”

“Then so shall it be.”

With that the noise grew again and it didn’t take long before the door to the arena cracked open and Kelsey ran across to us, launching herself into my arms. I caught her midair and her legs easily wrapped around my waist as she kissed me for all to see. I knew we'd catch some hell for it, but I didn't care and it certainly didn't seem to bother Patrick who was grinning almost as widely as I was. Setting her back on her feet she hugged close to me fitting perfectly into my side and we both turned to the man who had given such grace to us.

“Patrick, you are welcome in Westin territory anytime, and for as long as you would like. In fact, if I'm honest, Kelsey has very little left at her place. We'll move out her remaining things and she can stay with Mom and Dad until the challenge period has ended and you are welcome to her house for the duration of your stay.” She nudged me and quirked an eyebrow up at me. I just winked at her.

Not like you need the place anymore anyway.I reminded her.

“Don't get cocky, Kyle. Andon is not going to be so gracious and you know it.”

“I have two days left to prepare, it will all work out.”

“And really, it's fine,” Kelsey rambled. “I so rarely use it anyway, might as well give it up.” She blushed all over realizing her admittance.

Patrick laughed, a genuine full belly laugh. “Fear not, your secret is safe with me.”

“This place it going to be insane tonight. How about we all lie low. Drinks back at our place?” Kelsey elbowed me at the insinuation regardless of the truth in it. It was our home.

“Yes, I think that would be wise.”

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