Page 137 of The Alpha

“Pari,” he whispered against her hair. “Wake up, little one.”

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him. “Hi.”

He smiled. “Hi.”

Her smile grew. “You’re… Bondrah Miah.”

“I am.”

She closed her eyes, and he thought she might drift off again. He gave her a little shake and her eyes flew open. “What?”

He smiled. “You must wake now, precious one.”

“Do I have to?” Her voice was soft, lovely.

“I’m afraid so. It grows late.”

She looked at him. “Bondrah?”

“Hmmm?”

“Your eyes are so blue. Your voice deep. Yet… you are like Melvale.”

He smiled as her words sank in. “I am… becoming one. A mix of both sides.” He bent his face to hers. “It is a good thing.”

She studied him. “Will your eyes stay blue, do you think?”

At least she wasn’t asking difficult questions, like, why he wanted her as his. She just couldn’t believe he would want her. Until she did, she would never say the words he longed to hear.

“I do not know,” he finally said. “Perhaps.”

“I like them blue.” She snuggled deeper into his arms. “They suit you.”

“Do they?” He arched an eyebrow at her, his face alight with amusement. She wasn’t fully awake yet, the effects of his heart holding her for so long still evident. He’d better enjoy this while he could. “Do you like them this way, Kahtala Miah?”

She smiled. “I do.”

He drew closer. “Then they shall stay blue for you, I’m sure.”

She smiled again, and a giggle escaped.

He held her closer and rested his cheek against the top of her head. He wanted to tell her he loved her, that he would protect her and keep her safe, but she wasn’t ready for those words. Not all of them anyway. “You are warm and soft,” he said instead. “I could hold you like this forever.”

Her chest and shoulders moved with silent laughter. “Probably not a good idea.”

He frowned and drew up to look at her. “Why is that?”

She blushed and gave him a sheepish grin. “Well…”

One eyebrow rose again. “Ah, of course.” He carefully raised her up to a sitting position, then in one move, got to his feet and placed Pari on hers. “We will find what you need.”

“Thank you.” She stuck her hands in the back pockets of her shorts. “Um, you do know what I’m talking about, don’t you?” She yawned, covering her mouth with one hand, then blinked a few times.

“Yes.” He put a hand to her soft cheek and ran a thumb under one sleepy eye. “You are precious to me.”

She smiled, still under the influence of his heart. “Thanks.”

He chuckled. She had no idea what she was saying. “Let us find a ladies’ room.” He scanned their surroundings. His other surprise—a horseback ride—would have to wait until tomorrow. “Perhaps the library would be best?”

---