Un.Bridled (Claimed Series #2) Read Online Free Page B

been for Joseph. Nathan would have made a far better match for her. Poor Nathan.”
    Hayden gently took the knife from Addie’s hands when she sensed the other woman’s surge of anger and sadness. Cutting vegetables could be good therapy, Hayden supposed, but she didn’t want to risk Addie’s hand slipping.
    “What was Cole thinking? Letting Nathan walk away from the pack like that?” 
    Cradling the knife against her chest, Hayden took a hasty step backwards at the raw emotion in Addie’s voice. She didn’t know how to deal with this. Now that Devan was gone, Hayden was the only other female in the house. Addie would feel a sense of comradeship with Hayden and subconsciously seek solace.
    To make the situation worse, Addie emitted a broken sob. One hand was thrown over her face to hide her anguish and her other arm wrapped comfortingly around her middle.
    For a moment, Hayden stood motionlessly, watching with muddled uncertainty.
    It wasn’t until she remembered the times when Cole comforted her during her moments of weakness that Hayden realized an Alpha wasn’t just about fighting and dominance. Being an Alpha was about putting aside one’s own insecurities and focusing on the other pack members’ needs.
    Violence could only solve so much. It was useless when dealing with home matters that required a softer touch, a touch Hayden was somewhat lacking in, but determined to master. 
    Setting down the cutting knife, Hayden embraced Addie firmly. “I think Cole knows exactly what he’s doing for Nathan,” she whispered into the woman’s hair. “Nathan has always wanted to prove himself to Cole and this is his way of doing it. Maybe he’s destined for bigger things or maybe he just needs to experience responsibility his own way.”
    Addie leaned into Hayden and embraced her back. “You’re right,” the woman agreed. Her voice was strained and hoarse, as if one little mishap would set her off again. “I should have more confidence in Cole and Nathan.”
    Hayden was suddenly alerted to another presence in the kitchen. Startled, she spotted Cole standing unnoticed near the door. He caught her eyes and gave a firm, pleased nod before escaping just as silently as he had arrived. While his praise was valued, Hayden was more content knowing she could offer a semblance of comfort to Addie.
    “I don’t mean to cry.” Addie pulled back and wiped a few tears from her eyes, flashing a bashful smile. “Thank you, Hayden.”
    “I’m here anytime,” she insisted. “Why don’t you take a break? I can finish up here.”
    Essentially, it was Fergus’ turn to cook with Addie, but the pack omega failed to show up in time for dinner. In fact, Fergus’ presence had been sparse the past couple of days and Hayden assumed it had to do with Nathan’s absence.
    “If you’re sure…” Addie trailed off and looked at the remaining vegetables. “Then I’m going to take a shower.” She reached over and stroked Hayden’s cheek. “I appreciate your help.”
    As Addie escaped the kitchen, Hayden grimaced at the food. She wasn’t much of a cook, especially when it dealt with more than one ingredient. Nonetheless, she muffled her distaste and began chopping.
    Glancing out the window, Hayden had to look twice when she saw Blake and Cole. It was barely forty degrees, yet both men were shirtless and barefoot, standing upon a light dusting of snow. They both exuded natural grace as they sparred with one another, Cole performing leaps and bounds ahead of Blake.
    Hayden had seen them spar before, but that had been before she took an interest in learning herself.
    Setting down the knife, she raced to the door but slowed to a casual stroll as she exited outside. Nonchalantly, she leaned against the pillar and watched the two males. Outwardly, she may not have showed much, but she was watching each move carefully, memorizing the mechanism behind each hit and block.
    Her attention tried not to wander too long over Cole’s bare