Page 167 of The Alpha

“Of course, but I have given you what counts.”

She studied him and her face fell. “You’re really worried about this, aren’t you?”

“You should be too. We have stayed hidden among your kind for centuries. You and that cursed Anontist Center wished to learn about us in deplorable ways. And your people wanted to kill you for your crimes. Yet I have seen your heart redeem itself. Perhaps then, there is hope for your race.” He took another drink, set down his cup and looked her in the eyes. “My heart has given you a second chance at a life worth living. Now I offer you even more. What will you do?”

Julia could only stare as her eyes conveyed a series of emotions. Fear, hope, love, curiosity, loneliness… “I… want to believe you.”

“You know my heart will not let me lie. It is why the king has hidden you here. Everyone thinks you are gone. We cannot have you running about the palace just yet, now can we?”

She shook her head. “No, I suppose not.” Julia’s eyes met his. “I miss Shona.”

“I know. And I believe she has missed you too.”

Julia swallowed hard. “What do you want me to do other than speak to Dr. Charles’ assistant?”

He leaned toward her again. “I want you to infiltrate this nest of vipers that seek to destroy us. Find out everything you can about these portals.”

She laughed. “And just how am I supposed to do that?”

Zerbe smiled. “I want you to go to work for Dr. Charles.”

Julia laughed some more. “And what makes you think I won’t betray you all to him?”

Zerbe’s smiled broadened. “Because you like it here, Julia. You likeus.I could have killed you that day for speaking to Dallan even though you saved Shona, but a light appeared in your heart that I could not deny. And so here you are,working for Shaveer in his kitchen’s cold rooms until the king is satisfied.”

She stared at the table. “I will do as you ask.” Her eyes met his. “But I wish to see Shona.”

“And so you shall.Afteryou have completed your mission.” He got to his feet. “Is that understood, little human?”

She nodded. “Yes, Judge.”

He smiled again as he looked her over. “Do this, and you shall be fully redeemed.” With that he turned and left the cold room to report to the king.

52

Pari, Shona, and Kitty stared at Uncle Al’s ratty looking Christmas tree. It had to be twenty years old if it was a day, and just as many fake needles fell from it as if it were a real tree. A dried out, decrepit one.

“Wow, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” Kitty confessed.

“It will be fine,” Shona said with a confidence Pari and Kitty didn’t share.

They grimaced at the same time. Pari looked at the old box of ornaments on the loveseat and shrugged. “Well, it’s all we’ve got. I better tell Uncle Al he needs to get a new tree this year.”

“No kidding, when Melvale sees this, he’s going to freak,” Kitty said.

“I thought he’s never experienced Christmas before,” Pari reminded her.

“True,” Shona said, “but a Muiraran’s second heart needs…” She looked at Pari. “Um, how much did Melvale tell you about us?”

Pari made a face. “He said you have a second heart?”

“Did he tell you they need to feed it?” Kitty asked.

Pari’s eyes rounded. “Say what?”

Kitty nodded. “Yep. But it’s no big deal. Their hearts don’t feed on people, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Pari lowered the hand she’d placed over her own heart. That’s exactly what popped into her head. “What do they feed on?”

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