Chapter 80
I could feel the air grow thick around Kelsey and expected a growl to escape, fearing it would only encourage Christine further towards challenge, but Vanessa of all people jumped in to save the day.
“Keep it calm, girl. Don’t let her get to you. Do not show weakness. I know you, and I know what you’re capable of. Let her dig her own grave.”
The last part was said just loud enough to ensure Christine’s attention. And although Kelsey had not managed to control growling around Vanessa since the moment they met, she breathed and relaxed and took her words to heart, no longer sensing her as a threat to us.
Kelsey
Vanessa Relic. Who would have thought I’d be so grateful for her? My wolf was agitated in the close proximity to so many shifters, especially with potential threats against my mate. I wasn’t so much concerned for me, or the three she–wolves that did not acknowledge and support my mating to Kyle. I knew they were potential threats for challenge, but I was far more concerned for Kyle as there were a lot more males that did not give consent.
Christine Canine. She could be a problem. I could feel she would be a tough competitor, but I knew I was stronger. She may have been trained longer, but she was not a born alpha she–wolf. I knew from the brief discussion with Kyle and his dad that it was something I needed to control and hide.
Still hiding. I had thought maybe I could have a normal life. Finding out that Kyle and the others in San Marco were just like me was like a dream come true, and then yet another curse and more secrets. Why did I have to be different even amongst equal.monsters? Life just didn’t seem to want to give me a break. The stories of the young girls being hunted and killed were giving me nightmares, though, I didn’t want to admit them, even to Kyle. I did everything I could in my waking hours to keep my fears about it from him.
I knew Vanessa had felt my alpha powers. She was accepting them and had been gracious not to mention them outright, though she had hinted on several occasions now. What would happen if I slipped up and released that power on Christine? What if the pack found out and demanded I be turned over to the Grand Council? Those thoughts terrified me. Yet without my alpha powers, I was weak against the likes of Christine and other she–wolves who may challenge me. My only relief was that I had thus far managed to keep everything from Kyle’s mom and sisters. Well, I knew Elise, and maybe even Lily, suspected because they knew what I had done to Vanessa, but they were good to never mention it, and if I was using it as an unfair advantage in fighting, I think they would point it
out to me.
The line had been long and seemingly endless meeting person after person. I was exhausted by the
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Chapter 80
time we moved to the dining area for pack dinner, Kyle never left my side and we took the first table with two available seats to settle into for dinner. I was relieved to be seated between Kyle and Cole Anderson, though I did not know anyone else sitting at our table.
“Hi, I’m Morgan and this is my mate Franny,” The man sitting directly across from Kyle introduced and I vaguely remembered them coming through the introduction line earlier
“Don’t worry, Kelsey, we can only imagine how overwhelming all this is for you. No one expects you’ll remember everyone’s name after one quick introduction.” Said his mate sincerely.
I laughed, “Thank God for that! I’ll be lucky if I remember my own name by the time this night’s
over.”
The entire table laughed along with me and it felt like a lot of the tension eased.
“We’re the Stranges, Dan and my mate Melinda.”
“Leo Tripp.”
“Sandy Mason.”
“And I’m Leslie Matthews.” The last of our table introduced themselves.
“It’s really nice to meet you all.” I said, and I meant it.
“You did good tonight, Kels, though, I think we need to work on your scent control.” Cole shook his head and laughed. “I’m kind of shocked you have so few potential challengers after the nerves you were producing in there, though I will tell you, I thought a few times I was going to have to physically hold Kyle down from joining you on stage before he was called.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” Sandy tried to assure me.
Leslie laughed, “Yes, yes it was. I’m sorry but I’ll admit I was more than a little shocked to hear you were mated to Kyle. Kyle? This little shy nervous she–wolf? But watching you stand by his side, it was an entirely different picture.”
“Don’t judge her off that as a first impression.” Kyle laughed, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been in the room. I know Dad was right when he suggested it, but of course I wouldn’t hear of it. I know I made things a thousand times worse. Cole’s not kidding when he said he was going to have to hold me down. It was hard watching her up on that stage so exposed to everyone. And I may be able to disguise my scent, but every time my anxiety rose, she felt it and increased her nerves tenfold.” He even blushed and hung his head sheepishly. It was the cutest thing I think I had ever seen.
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