Page 121 of The Alpha

Melvale’s jaw dropped. “What?!”

Zara didn’t comment as Kwaku opened the front door for her, and they disappeared into the outside hall.

“Wooing?” Melvale said lamely. “ButI’msupposed to be doing the wooing.” He looked at his chest. “Though I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if you got things moving in the right direction.” He patted his chest with his hand then met Pari in the small foyer. “Ready?”

She smiled up at him. “They already left?”

“Yes.” He opened the door and motioned her through. She locked up behind them, and they went downstairs. By the time they entered Al’s apartment, Zara was uncovering the bowls of food as Kwaku passed out plates. Soon they were digging in.

“This is delicious,” Uncle Leo said. “Who made it?”

“Zara did,” Pari volunteered with a smile.

“It’s fantastic,” Uncle Al said. “Pari, get the recipe from her. I want to have this again.”

Pari’s smile faded. “Um, sure.” She glanced at Melvale, then Kwaku and Zara.

Melvale knew what she was thinking. Her uncles weren’t going to be happy if she was gone for any length of time. For one, Al would need help with the antique shop. He’d have to see to that. Then there was her apartment to think of. Hmmm, he supposed he could let the warriors assigned to guard Al and Leo stay there.

Melvale ate, pushing the thoughts aside. He had a more pressing matter to attend to. His date with Pari. Where should he take her? What should he plan? Did he want to impress her, or would that frighten her off? If that happened, he shuddered to think of the repercussions.

When the meal was over, Uncle Al brought out a board game. Melvale knew how to play this one, he’d learned while researching Shona’s time. But they had to teach Kwaku and Zara how to play, which turned out to be more entertaining than the game itself.

“What do you mean, I have to go to jail?” Kwaku asked. “I have done noting wrong.” He studied the board. “Dis little yellow card holds much power.”

Uncle Al cackled. “That’s what you get for buying Boardwalk and Park Place! I hope you rot in there!”

Kwaku’s eyes rounded to saucers. “Dis is a violent game.”

Zara giggled. “I do not think he means it literally, Kawahnee.” She rolled her dice, moved her little silver shoe, and took a card. “See, I have to pay double for utilities.” She showed Pari her card. “Right?”

“Yes, which I own. Pay up.” Pari smiled at Kwaku and Zara, then the rest of them.

“Everyone seems to have the misfortune of landing on your properties, little treasure,” Kwaku said, eyes narrowed to slits. “But I will get out of jail and buy more houses.”

“He learns fast,” Uncle Leo complained. “Better hope he doesn’t get out of jail too soon.”

Kwaku looked at him, then began to laugh maniacally.

“See, he can’t wait to get us!” Uncle Leo said while pointing an accusing finger at Kwaku.

Pari laughed boisterously, and Melvale grinned like an idiot at her. She was delightful!

“It is your turn, Pari,” Zara said.

Pari got her laughing down to a giggle, picked up the dice and rolled. She moved her little silver horse and landed on one of Melvale’s railroads.

“Ah ha!” he cried. “Pay up, buttercup.”

She glared at him. “Fine. You crooked railroad owner.”

“What? Me?” Melvale said innocently. “Just because I was fortunate enough to buy up all the railroads, does not make me crooked.”

“He is crooked,” Kwaku stated crossing his arms over his chest. “He should be in jail wid me.”

Pari laughed again and this time, Melvale could feel it in the marrow of his bones. He smiled at the sensation and looked at Kwaku. He smiled back. “Play is good, is it not, pup?”

He looked wide eyed at Pari. “Yes, it is.” By the Creator. They werebonding!So, it was true. An Alpha bonded with his mate through play.

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