Page 141 of The Alpha

He quickly closed and locked the door then faced her. “What a day this has been! First work, now this.”

“What happened at work?”

“Oh, I acquired a piece today and had to haggle my socks off to get it. I brought it home with me. I’ll show it to you. Very rare. It might be tough to price and sell. But never mind about that. Who are those people upstairs? They said they were friends of your boyfriend.”

She blushed. “I wish I could explain but…”

“All will be revealed in due time,” Kwaku drawled.

Pari jumped. She forgot he was there. Zara and the other man had already disappeared.

“Whereisyour boyfriend?” Uncle Al asked.

“He’s not my… oh, never mind.” She wasn’t going to get into this now. She and Melvale had a picnic date, that’s all. Okay, and she might have taken a nap in his lap.

Kwaku, who stood watching her, laughed. “You dink too much, little treasure.”

She gaped at him. “How do you do that?”

He smiled and bent to her. “I will teach you.”

“Teach her what?” Uncle Al asked with alarm.

“Come,” Kwaku said, ignoring him. “Let us go meet de king.”

Uncle Al blanched. “King?” He laughed. “You mean he really does think he’s a king?”

“Um, Uncle Al?” Pari said. “I… I think he is.”

Uncle Al glanced between them, mouth agape. “Nah.”

Kwaku shrugged and motioned them to precede him up the basement stairs.

Zara was waiting for them in the hall and escorted them into Uncle Al’s apartment. It was full of handsome men with long, tied back hair, dressed in an array of summer casual wear.Pari could tell they were Muirarans from their height and fine features.

They entered the dining room to find a handsome man with dark brown hair and crystal blue eyes seated at the head of the dining room table. A strikingly handsome dark-haired man with piercing green eyes was seated next to him, with a young woman with long auburn hair and the same green eyes sitting across from the dark-haired man.

The man at the head of the table stood when they entered the room. “Time Master Kwaku, you left without my permission.”

“But at our Alpha’s request, my king.” He gave him a regal bow then straightened. “Your Majesty. May I introduce Pari Linder?”

Pari’s eyes rounded to saucers. Though the man was wearing a white polo shirt and a pair of khaki-colored slacks, he had a regal bearing, his eyes boring into hers. She fought the urge to look away, and instead, glanced at the young woman sitting next to him. They bore similar features. Were they related?

“Pari Linder,” the so-called king said. He came around the table and studied her. “It is an immense pleasure to meet you.” He stood in front of her and bowed.

Pari’s jaw dropped. Why would he do that? Especially if he was the Muiraran King? “Hey,” she squeaked. “Nice to meet you.” She swallowed hard, trying to calm her nerves.

He straightened and smiled, then looked at Kwaku. “Melvale?”

Kwaku went behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders, giving them a gentle pat. “Hunting.”

The king’s eyes narrowed. “I see. Let us hope he brings back…” his eyes flicked to Pari. “…something of use.”

“He will not, my king,” Kwaku said. “Dere will be noting left to bring back. You already know dis.”

The king sighed and nodded. “Wishful thinking on my part.” He clasped his hands behind his back, then smiled at Pari. “Come, child. Let me introduce you to my daughter.”

Pari looked up at Kwaku, who smiled, then stepped away from her as the king returned to the young woman at the table. She stood and held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Shona.”

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