Free An Alpha's Path by Carrie Ann Ryan

could be without being naked. Much as he would like to walk around nude in front of Mel, the others may frown upon that. Plus the whole dangly bit issue during a fight – not a good idea.
     
    Lance stood four feet across from him, mimicking Kade’s stance. Though all werewolves were required to go through fight training as adolescents, not all Pack members were adequate in it. Kade knew every single wolf in his pack. Because he was Heir, he also felt each of their souls. Lance wasn’t a fighter; he was a schmoozer, a prick.
     
    Kick his hairy ass.
     
    Ah, nice to see his wolf didn’t leave him completely alone. Kade inhaled, letting his wolf rise the surface just a bit. A warm golden glow appeared on the ground in front of him. Good, his eyes were lit, time to get this shit over with.
     
    “Now,” the Alpha commanded.
     
    Lance jumped first, attacking with his right, leaving his left flank open. Amateur. He ducked and sank his fist into his opponent’s side. The other wolf howled in pain but rolled with it before kicking at Kade’s. He moved to the side, narrowly escaping the blow and spun to punch Lance in the face. Bones crunched under his fist as Lance’s nose broke. Again, the other wolf screamed but didn’t quit.
     
    They fought, scraped, and hit, neither backing down. Kade risked a look at Mel. Her hands were in front of her, balled together with tension. Her eyes were wide with panic yet she was still beautiful. His.
     
    He wasn’t surprised when the punch hit him square in the jaw as his attention was focused elsewhere. Pain radiated through his cheekbone and lower mouth as his teeth crashed together. Fuck . Kade spun and returned the blow. Lance’s head snapped back, the blood oozing from his lip mixing with the congealed blood from his nose.
     
    Kade needed to end this. Mel was his. Not this fucking wolf who couldn’t even fight to protect her. His wolf snorted and clawed in agreement. Good. He growled, letting his Heir power radiate. Lance blanched. Fucking wolf better fear him. Kade punched with his right, flesh in to Lance’s cheek, breaking the bone. Then the punched with his left, ribs bruising underneath his fist. Lance gasped, a green hue flowing over his skin, before falling to the ground.
     
    Though a fight to death might be expected, Kade needed a yield. He would not kill another man in front of Mel. Fear already wafted from her skin, and he didn’t want to add to it. Kade knelt by the fallen wolf, the crowd’s cheers silenced. He placed his palm Lance’s neck, cutting off most of his air-flow.
     
    “Back down, Lance. You cannot win this. I refuse to kill you in front of her.”
     
    Recognition flashed in his eyes. Yeah buddy, I love her and I could kill you. Give up.
     
    Lance lifted his chin, bearing what little neck he could. It was over.
     
    The crowd cheered. Their Heir won. Victorious. But Kade knew it wasn’t over. He may have won the battle, but he would not force his Mate. No matter the traditions.
     
    The audience quieted as Kade walked toward Mel. His heart pounded in his ears. This was by far scarier than the fight he just left. He loved her. What if she said no? What would he do if she left?
     
    Kade stood in front of her. The sweet honey vanilla smell masked by her fear and pain.
     
    “Mel?”
     

     

     
    ****
     

     

     
    The brutality of the fight left Mel speechless. This was not humane. No, this was barbaric, animalistic. Her fault. Before Kade walked into the circle to fight, she knew she was making the wrong choice. Why did she let them fight? Why didn’t she love Kade enough to leave everything behind she has knew and worked for?
     
    Even as she thought about it, she knew the answer. While she attended school, choices were made for her, paths laid and followed without resistance. Yet, now she held the decision. The power to follow her own life, her own path. No one could take that from her. She’d known Kade for less than a week. Spoke to him