Read Online An Alpha's Path by Carrie Ann Ryan - Free Book Online Page A

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