Page 136 of The Alpha

He looked at them again. “Am I?”

“Yes,” Zara said. “You are merging, that is good. But when Pari calls you, the Alpha side of you is more dominant.”

Melvale nodded slowly in understanding. “And when she calls me Melvale?”

“Den dat part of you is more dominant in de moment. You will get used to it. Let your instinct guide you.” He leaned toward him and grinned. “Relish dese moments wid her. Let her ask her questions.”

“I want to take her,” he said, giving Pari an adoring look. His head snapped to them. “She is mine.”

“Of course she is,” Kwaku said. “But take her too soon and you will damage de bond you are building. Keep her safe, Alpha. Take care of her. Play. But do not mark or claim her before she is ready.”

“She must come to realize that she is yours on her own,” Zara said.

Melvale nodded. Deep down he knew this. He had to woo and win her, gain her trust. She had to trust him with her life and her heart. “I… I do not know what to do when she asks questions.”

Kwaku and Zara exchanged a look and smiled. “It is natural,” Zara said.

“I do not want her to fear me.” He looked at them. “I do not want her to fear us. She is taking on attributes. Speed, agility.”

“Good,” Kwaku said. “She may yet be able to protect herself when you are not near.”

He growled.

“She must learn to fight,” Zara said. “Just as Maida will have to learn.”

“And de mate of de Enforcer, whomever he may be,” Kwaku added. He heaved a sigh. “Who knows when he will rise up?”

“In the meantime,” Zara said. “We will teach Pari and Maida all they need to know. You cannot have her at your side every moment, Alpha. You will be called to battle.”

He looked at his precious Kahtala Miah, ignoring her remark. “I have no words at times, when I look upon her. I do not deserve such a prize.”

“But de Alpha of our age,” Kwaku said. “De one who will lead us into battle against our enemy, does.”

Melvale looked at him. “What must I do?”

Zara smiled. “Do not doubt the Creator’s choice for you, or that He has made you, an Alpha, Melvale. You are merging into one being. But you must remember, that at times one part of you may be more present than the other. Just as I can be gentle, I can also be fierce.”

“Yes,” Kwaku agreed. “But your fierce side is now greater dan you can possibly imagine, pup. Do not draw attention to yourself while you are here, even if we only stay anoder day.”

Melvale kept his eyes on Pari. They were right of course. He could turn savage, become a literal killing machine to protect her. But he didn’t want Pari to see him like that. Given the choice,hedidn’t want to see himself like that! But when it did happen, he would eliminate threats without thought, his only goal, to keep her safe.

“I should wake her,” he said in a low voice.

“We will leave you,” Kwaku said. “Take her home, buy her a treat. Play some games. She was happy last night.”

Melvale smiled. “Yes, very.” His smile grew. “She likes games.”

“Den play, pup. Continue to bond wid her. Dere is a zoo in dis park. Perhaps bring her dere tomorrow.” His expression turned serious. “But know dat we have little time. King Jaireth will not wait long for our return.”

Melvale growled again.

Kwaku got to his feet and pulled Zara to hers. “Take care of your mate. We will watch over you from a distance.” He bowed, as did Zara, before they slipped through the brush and trees and disappeared.

As soon as they were gone, Melvale sighed and leaned against the tree again. Holding Pari was pure bliss, and he was loath to let her go. But they’d been under this tree long enough, and he had another surprise for her if they still had time for it.

Melvale smiled at the thought and drew his heart back. As soon as he did, he gently kissed Pari on the forehead then blew lightly on her hair.

She stirred, making tiny sounds that reminded him of a kitten. Yes, he’d picked a good nickname for her.

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