Shit, since when did he become such a sentimental pup? The strength of his mating urge must be detrimental to the brain. If only his Mel would walk through the door. That would make everything better.
Yes, so you can mount her and mark her. Perfect.
Kade snorted at his wolf. Yeah, life didn’t quite work that way. But his wolf could always hope.
The door crashed open, signal of Jasper’s arrival. Tension and worry evident on his brother’s features. This couldn’t be good news.
“What is it?” Fear for his family, Pack, Melanie left a bitter taste on his tongue.
“You’re not going to believe this.”
“Tell me.” Kade took a step toward him, urging him to continue.
“I need you calm, Kade. You can’t go all Alpha and tear shit up.”
Frustrated and nervous, he flipped Jasper off. “Fucking tell me.”
“Melanie called,” Jasper held out a hand before Kade could respond. “Like I said, Melanie called me. I don’t know why she didn’t call you directly, other than the fact she feared your reaction.”
“What do you mean my reaction? Fucking get on with it.”
“Seems you weren’t the only wolf Melanie met last night.”
Scents of oak and wolf flooded his memory. Fuck. Why didn’t he follow up on the trail, rather than believing everything was okay? As Heir, he never left things to chance – except with Mel. Fuck. His wolf clawed to the surface, anger coursed through his veins.
“Who?” One word. One question grunted, pulled from his throat.
“Lance Morse. A low level wolf who manages the hotel you two stayed at. When Larissa and I booked your room, we didn’t think anything of it. I’m sorry, Kade.”
“Did he touch her?”
“No, I don’t think so. Melanie is fine, Kade. But he took her home.” Kade growled. That fucking wolf thought he could care for his mate?
“Kade, Melanie could be Lance’s mate too.”
Rage swept through his system. Blood pounded in his ears as Kade let out a gut-wrenching howl.
Not again.
He thought he was done with this indecision and fighting shit when he gave up Tracy. Was fate cruel enough to repeat his pain? Apparently so. Damn!
A hand on his shoulder brought comfort.
“Kade,” Jasper’s voice pulled him to the present. “We’ll do what we can, but Mel doesn’t know what to do. I don’t think she wants this.” Jasper sighed, pity in his eyes. “You know what must be done.”
Yes. He knew. It was a familiar and acidic concept. If there were two potential mates, she would have to choose. If she couldn’t – he would fight. Again.
And, fuck he would fight. Kade’s wolf was already in love with her. The man was well on the way of following head over feet behind him. He and Mel shared a connection, even if she chose to deny it. The circle where he would fight for his heart called to him. He was the Heir, he would do what was right – what was just.
“Call the circle, Jasper. Lance and I will meet at the center. The victor will hold Mel’s heart.” It would be him. His wolf whimpered and growled. It had to be him.
****
Mel watched as the trees passed in a blur. That’s how her life in the past two days felt anyway. One event or person caught for a moment before falling into shadows – leaving but a memory.
A snort escaped her. Apparently, meeting two werewolves claiming to be her mate and breaking open her world to the paranormal let her poetic juices flow. All aboard the crazy train.
“So, where are we going? Or is the more cloak and dagger, secret society stuff?” Larissa wouldn’t tell her. Her supposed best friend merely threw her into the passenger seat of her car and drove. She didn’t even ask. Pushy witch.
“We’re on our way to the Redwood den. It’s deep in the forest.” Well, Kade did say he lived on the outskirts of Seattle. “The Pack’s lived there for over millennia. It is deeply entrenched in Pack magic and history. So, don’t be an arrogant ass and fuck it up.” Larissa didn’t let her gaze off the road, but her tone indicated a raised brow and no nonsense. Stern witch.
“I don’t want them to fight over me. I just want to go to work and forget all of this.” Even as she said it, pain ebbed through her. She knew she couldn’t – no, wouldn’t – forget Kade. His very essence imprinted on her soul. But was one night worth giving up everything she worked so hard for? How could one man – no, one werewolf – be enough for that? Kade’s world eluded with violence. Hell, they were on their way to watch two grown men fight for the right to claim her. How Neolithic was that?
“I swear to all that is magic, Melanie Cross. This isn’t about your close minded human rules. This is something far greater than you – tradition. You don’t want to choose between Kade and Lance? Fine. But then they have to fight in the Pack circle. Get over it.” Apparently, Larissa crossed the threshold of being nice and understanding and entered the world of bitchiness. If Mel wasn’t so confused, she could start to really like this side of her best friend.
“I sound like a sulky teenager, don’t I?”
“You’re more angsty than Edward Cullen on a sunny day.”
Their laughter filled the car, releasing the ball of nervousness that churned in her stomach during the ride. No matter what she did, there would be a fight. Resigned, Mel took a deep breath.
A non-descript wooden arch signaled their arrival to the den. Larissa drove a bit further, nodding at the guards at the entrance. After a mile or so of dirt road, they finally stopped in front of what looked like a visitor center.
Really? What would be in there? Please feed the wolves?
A tall, built man opened the front door, walking toward their car. He looked slightly taller than Kade, with darker hair. But there was no mistaking the similar features and the fact he possessed the same jade eyes.
Oh, how she missed those eyes.
“That’s Jasper, Kade’s brother.” Larissa’s voice made her blink. Those Jamenson parents sure do breed sexy men.
Mel shook herself, bringing her attention to the striking woman following Jasper. Long blue-black hair fell past her shoulders and blunt bangs enhanced her features. This woman was easily the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Again, her eyes reminded Mel of Kade. Damn, their genetics were a medical marvel.
Larissa opened her door and Mel followed suit. The cold mountain air ticked her nose. Inhaling, she sighed. The air smelled cleaner – crisper.
“Larissa, it’s good to see you again.” Jasper bent down and kissed her friend’s cheek before turning to her. “Melanie, it’s good to finally meet you.” He smiled a sad smile. “I wish it were under better circumstances, but it doesn’t make it any less true.” Kade’s brother lifted her hand to his lips, lightly brushing it. Though Jasper was very attractive, Mel felt no flutters of arousal. Apparently, Kade ruined her for others. Damn wolf.
“This is my sister Cailin.” Jasper nodded toward the beauty, but the woman didn’t acknowledge her.
“Cailin.” One word on a growl and his sister bent her head, though Mel still saw a trace of defiance in her eyes.
Really? Bowing in submission? This is why she didn’t want to be a part of this. She would belittle herself for no one. Enough of that happened during grad school, she was through.
“Ignore my sister. She’s in a mood.”
“Our brother is about to fight – maybe to the death – because this little blonde human refuses to make a decision. Excuse me if I don’t welcome her with open arms.” A viscous scowl turned her porcelain face into a menacing landscape of beauty.
“Excuse me? I’m sorry if I’m more enlightened than you, but I don’t see a reason to fight over me.”
“Oh, in that we agree.” Cailin smirked.
“Okay, you may be a bitch – in every sense of the word – but don’t fuck with me little girl.” Who did she think she was?
“Stop it. Both of you.” Jasper’s voice commanded them both to obey. Surprisingly,
Mel did.
“Let’s just get this over with.”
Jasper sighed. “Before we head to the circle you need to know a few things. Yes, they will meet in the circle over the right to mate with you. That is our custom – our ways. Please do not disrespect us and voice your detrimental opinions in our place of worship.” He looked her in the eyes and Mel felt the beginnings of shame sweep over her. Damn.
“Kade and Lance will fight in the circle until one gives up – or one dies.”
Mel’s heart clenched. “To the death?” A whisper.
“Yes, Mel. To the death.” Jasper’s tone held no argument. “Are you sure you cannot choose?”
No words came. Lance wasn’t an option. Not one bit. But was Kade? She wasn’t ready to decide. How could she?
She could only shake her head.
Jasper let out a sigh before continuing. “You cannot interfere. You will watch and then you will let the winner come to you. Once they do – that is up to two of you.”
“I don’t have to go with them do I?” Not that she didn’t want Kade, but was this binding?”
“It’s your choice once the circle is set and a victor emerges.” Jasper checked his watch, “It’s time to go.”
Mel’s heart raced as they walked toward the grassy circle surrounded by weathered stones. She didn’t want to watch this. How could this be happening?
A glance across the circle took her breath away. Kade. He stood bare chested, muscles gleaming, and barefoot. His hair blew loosely in the wind, touching his shoulders. Just under three days passed and yet she missed him. She fell a little bit in love with him the night they shared together, but she didn’t know if that was worth giving everything up. Losing her humanity. There wasn’t enough time to think. Everything was happening too fast.
Her lover walked toward them on steady steps. For a man about to fight for his life, there was not a hint of nervousness. His face was blank of emotion except the slight sadness in his eyes. Was it sadness for her? Or the upcoming match?
“Kade.” Nothing else mattered. The words she tried to string together in the car to say to him were gone. Though she didn’t know her future, she wanted him to bend down and press his lips to hers.
Kade merely quirked the side of his mouth in a sad smile before lifting his hand to her face. He brushed her brow, trailing down to her cheek. His warm, calloused fingertip sent shivers through her.
But he didn’t kiss her.
Too quickly his warmth left her. Did he not want her? Mel glanced down at his clenched fists and released a sigh. He wasn’t as unemotional as he would tried to show.
What was wrong with her? Her tumbling and confusing thoughts gave her a headache and hurt her stomach. Whatever happened here tonight would set the course of things to come. Now she only needed to make up her analytical mind. She needed more data, more time. But her heart screamed at her.
She was making the wrong choice.
Chapter 10
Kade inhaled the mountain air threaded with the anticipation of the gathering crowd. An eerily familiar chill crept up his spine. Damn, how could I be doing this again? What did I do to deserve this?
He didn’t know if he was speaking to God or his wolf, but neither answered. It appeared no matter what, he would be alone in this fight, and maybe for the rest of his life.
Despite his mind telling him not to, he risked a glance at Mel. Damn. It wasn’t his imagination. Even with the worried scowl on her face, she still looked amazing. Her long blonde hair flowed in the wind, whipping about her face in small gusts. His hands fisted as he fought the urge to go over to her and brush a lock behind her ear.
Dammit, he was doing this for her. For them. Doubt clouded his mind. Did she even want him? Or was she like Tracy? Desiring another man, but without the backbone to say no to the Heir of the Pack.
Kade shook his head, dispelling the inner fears assailing his mind. He needed to focus. Lance stepped into the circle, a smirk of confidence on his face, yet fear in his eyes. Huh? Lance was a low-level Pack member. There was no way Kade could lose to him. That explained the fear, yet why the smirk?
“Kade.” Lance’s deep voice echoed through the circle and the noise of the Pack hushed.
“Lance.”
“Men,” his father’s voice cut through their rising tension. “You’re both here in this place of magic to battle, man against man, flesh against flesh, for the right to mate Melanie Cross.” His father turned his head toward Mel, forcing Kade to do the same. She stood wide-eyed, frozen.
“Melanie Cross, do you acknowledge either of these men? Do you choose and stop this fight?” His father’s voice boomed toward the crowd.
She shook her head, and Kade’s heart plummeted. It didn’t occur to him until right then that he was actually hoping she would choose him. What did he expect? One night and she would fall madly in love with him? It didn’t matter that that’s what happened to him.
Kade looked into Mel’s eyes. Fear, yet pleading radiating from them. Without blinking, he turned from her toward his opponent. The smirk didn’t leave.
“Why are you smiling?” Curiosity pulled the words from him.
“You’ve lost before pup, and she never said no to me. Why would she want the politics that come with your job? With me, she has more options.”
Uncertainty attacked him. Dammit.
“Watch your back Lance. I will fight with everything I have. Mel’s worth fighting for. Remember the power I hold that comes with my ‘job’. Don’t fuck with me.” Kade growled the last part, wiping the smirk off the jackass’s face. Good.
“Men, stand ready at the center. And begin when I tell you.” Sadness threaded his father’s voice. No father wanted to see their son, especially their first-born, fight, maybe to the death, for a mate – twice.
Kade planted his feet, the soil smooth against his bare skin. Clad in only an old pair of faded jeans, his mobility was the greatest 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 gr
een 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.
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