Page 135 of The Alpha

Her heart stopped a moment. “No.”

He bent his face to hers. “Yes,” he whispered.

Her heart warmed. “Oh, why do you have to be so perfect?”

Bondrah drew back and cocked his head. “Because I am yours.”

She stared at him slack jawed and slowly shook her head. “N-no.”

He cupped her face with his hand again. “Shhhh…”

Her eyes widened before her eyelids started to grow heavy. If the sensation of blissful peace surrounding her wasn’t so darn pleasant, she’d fight it. But Pari couldn’t, and within moments, drifted off to sleep in his arms.

43

“Alpha Melvale.”

His eyes sprang open, and he watched Kwaku approach slowly. He knew he was there, and that Kwaku and Zara had been guarding them for well over two hours.

Kwaku approached slowly, and Melvale emitted a low growl of warning. He’d managed to scoot to the nearest tree and was leaning against it, legs stretched out before him.

“It is alright, we have come to tell you it grows late.” He bowed, then lowered himself to the ground and sat cross-legged. Zara copied him and sat beside him, studying Pari.

Kwaku smiled. “You played?”

Melvale’s eyes narrowed. “Yes.”

Kwaku smiled at Zara then faced him again. “And did she respond to your play?”

He twitched his nose. “Yes.”

“Hmmm,” Kwaku mused as he looked at a sleeping Pari in his arms. “You cannot keep doing dis.”

Melvale hissed at him, baring his fangs.

“Do not get sassy wid me, pup,” Kwaku said annoyed. “You must win her.”

“His heart has wooed her again,” Zara pointed out.

“No,” Melvale said. “She asked questions. I… did not know how to answer.” He sat straighter and looked at Pari. “Shall I release her?”

“No,” Kwaku said. “Let your heart hold her. It needs to bond wid her as much as the rest of you, Alpha.”

He studied Pari then looked at them. “My eyes?”

“Bright blue,” Zara said.

He gave them a sage nod. “Who am I in this moment?”

“You are Alpha Melvale,” Kwaku said. “But to her,” he said with a nod at Pari. “You are Bondrah.”

He gave them a single nod. “She summoned me.”

“We saw,” Zara said.

“I had to take her. Bring her some place safe. I could not help myself.”

“Nor should you,” Kwaku said. “Alpha Melvale.”

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