Free Un.Bridled (Claimed Series #2) by Reese Morgan

Cole’s young age, the other Alphas respected him to a certain degree. She imagined it was because he could dominate in a fight. A couple weeks ago, Hayden saw a preview of Cole’s abilities during the rogue attack. He succeeded in defending himself against a pack of wolves while protecting her at the same time.
    “Close combat will not be your preferred method when fighting against a larger male. However, if you have the advantage of a dagger, you may be able to turn the tables.” Adolf pursed his lips. “Knowing your restraints, are you willing to continue?”
    “Yes,” Hayden replied without having to contemplate. “I have my own dagger and everything.”
    Adolf made an ‘awing’ noise, every bit mocking. “Is that supposed to impress me?”
    Hayden placed her hands on her hips, exasperated. “Obviously not.” She looked at him narrowly. “Are we going to start today?”
    Instead of replying, Adolf began to circle her, his gaze criticizing and assessing. He was silent as he stopped at her turned back. Before Hayden could look over her shoulder to see what he was doing, a hand grabbed her ponytail and yanked on it. Hard.
    “You have too much hair. It’s too long. Cut it.”
    Through the pain in her scalp, Hayden fretted. Her hair was something precious to her. After many years of mishaps, it finally reached the middle of her back. “I’ll braid it.”
    Adolf released her hair and stepped back around. “Then I won’t teach you. You have too much hair. It will be easy for an opponent to grab it and take advantage during battle.” He made to grab it again, but Hayden stepped back. “One yank will expose your throat and give your enemy enough invitation to slit it.” 
    “What about your hair?” she demanded. “It’s just as long.”
    Indeed, Adolf’s silver hair hung past his shoulders, looking ridiculously smooth and shiny. Briefly, she imagined Adolf being the envy of models who featured in shampoo commercials.
    Hardly impressed with her attitude, Adolf kept his tone cool and collected. “Unlike you, I know how to fight with long hair. When you can show me you’re just as capable, you can grow it out however long you’d like. Chin length should do for now. Keep it tied back when we meet.” Her face must have relayed her disinclination, for Adolf stopped short and pointed a finger toward the road. “If you value your hair over these lessons, I refuse to teach you.”
    “I want to learn,” she declared passionately. Hair grew back , after all. “I’ll shave my head if you want.” She immediately regretted those words when a malicious spark entered Adolf’s eyes. “Chin length is good,” she insisted faintly. 
    Luckily, Adolf didn’t push the issue. “Wear appropriate clothes and don’t bother bringing your dagger. Assuming you received it from Nicolas during the attack, it is crafted from silver. We will start with wooden daggers after physical conditioning and after you learn how to defend yourself with your hands.”
    There were a lot of ‘afters’, a lot of emphasized afters. She hadn’t thought about starting off slow, but it was logical enough. Hacking one another with silver blades probably wouldn’t be very effective in learning how to battle.
    “When will we meet?” She was still leery he would lead her on and then revoke his offer.
    “We will meet here every morning at eight.” He motioned to the area around him, a clearing wide enough to find again. “If you are not here beforehand, I will assume you are unable to make it and we’ll proceed the next day.”
    It was unbelievably lenient and understanding of him, so much so that Hayden narrowed her eyes in doubt. “And you’re not going to tell Cole about this?”
    Adolf inclined his head. “If that is what you wish.”
    Hayden placed the majority of her weight on one leg and scrutinized the motionless Alpha.
    After sitting outside his property for days on end, he had finally caved in. His prejudices regarding a