Page 23 of The Alpha

Dallan watched him go. The man was in his early thirties, with short-cropped brown hair, big brown eyes, and a lithe build. He could climb, was a fast runner, and could break into anything. Or so he was told. Archer had gone on assignment with Dallan and Shona before, but nothing like this.

“Do you need anything else?” Shannell asked.

“Nay, Yer Highness.” He took Shona by the hand and started to leave.

“You know you can call me Mother…”

He stopped up short and slowly turned to her. “Yer Majesty?”

Shannell gave him a heartfelt smile. “Dallan, I am not only your queen, but your mother-in-law. You can acknowledge me as such.”

He looked at the marble floor. “Màthair?”

“If you wish.”

Shona smiled as she glanced between them but said nothing.

Dallan gave the queen another slight bow. “Màthair.” He straightened, a slight smile on his face.

Shannell smiled back. “Jaireth will take a little time, but don’t be surprised when one day he asks you to call him, Father.”

Dallan swallowed hard. “Athair!”

She smiled again. “Athair, yes.”

Shona gave her Muiraran mother a heartfelt look and took Dallan by the hand. “We should get going.”

“Aye, Flower.” Dallan led her from the king’s private office and into a long, wide corridor. “Best we find Master Lany and tell him what’s amiss.”

“He’s probably heard by now,” Shona pointed out. She walked to her Sarian companion, Essie, and mounted.

Dallan mounted his Sarian, Willah, and they were off. Their Sarian companions raced toward the Lord Councilor’s private quarters. Alasdair, Dallan’s young brother, would be there. Heand Master Lany’s son Vyn were inseparable. They spent most of their time with Shona’s young brother Mykhal, the prince. He was Alasdair’s and Vyn’s age, and the trio of six-year-olds could stir up more than their share of trouble.

When they reached Master Lany’s quarters, they were greeted by Cari, his wife. “Dallan, Shona, what a pleasant surprise.”

“You might not think so once you hear what’s happened,” Shona said.

Cari’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you talking about?”

“I need to speak to Master Lany,” Dallan said.

“He’s in his study. Alasdair is here, but you probably already knew that.”

Dallan didn’t acknowledge her and headed for the Lord Councilor’s study.

Cari took him by the arm. “Alasdair misses his older brother.”

Dallan’s chest tightened as he cringed. “Och, aye, I’ve no been able to spend much time with him since bringing him here.” He looked Cari in the eyes. “I’m sorry ye’ve had him with ye so much.”

“We don’t mind. He’s like part of the family.” She smiled at Shona. “So is Mykhal. I swear those three boys are joined at the hip.”

Shona smiled. “I’m glad Vyn, Alasdair and Mykhal are such good friends. I haven’t spent much time with any of my siblings after Dallan and I went through our Sutyne ceremony. So much happened, and Lida…”

Cari looked at the floor and nodded. “Any word? Have they found anything?”

“No,” Shona said. “My sister Lida is still missing.”

Dallan took Shona by the elbow. “We must speak to yer husband. I’ll speak to Alasdair as soon as we’re done.”

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