Page 145 of The Alpha

“Were all those sirens because of Melvale?” Shona hissed.

Jaireth shrugged. “I cannot answer that. We will speak to him alone, when his mate is elsewhere. She is… too broken to understand such things. I do not wish to see her regress or damage any progress Melvale has made with her.”

“Broken,” Shona repeated and nodded in understanding. “I can sense her fear. The poor thing. What has she been through?”

“We do not know,” Jaireth said. “But I wish to find out. Thank the Creator Melvale’s heart can heal her. The stronger their bond, the more healing she will receive. We must guard the bond at all costs. See that it grows.”

Dallan shook his head. “But will it strengthen if we take them back to the palace?”

Jaireth sighed in resignation. “I am not sure. If he eliminated any threat to them here, and left no trace, then they can stay longer. But if danger arises, then I want them brought back immediately.”

“That sounds easier said than done,” Shona commented.

“I take it I missed a lot,” Kitty said as she plopped into a chair next to Shona. She glanced toward the kitchen. “Pari’s a pretty thing. I love her hair!”

Jaireth eyed Kitty. “Yes, and she could do with some human companionship.” He drummed his fingers against each other and smiled at her.

“What? Really?” Kitty chirped. “I can be besties with her. We can go shopping!” She waggled her eyebrows at everyone.

“Kitty,” Shona began. “Pari is pretty messed up. She’s got… issues. Raina and Halden said she sees a therapist.”

“Oh,” Kitty said and looked at the table. “Maybe what she needs then, are a couple of good friends.” She smiled at Shona. “Like us.”

Shona looked at Dallan. “What do you think?”

Dallan slowly nodded. He knew how much Shona needed Kitty at times. Friendship was important. If Pari didn’t have any friends, and Melvale tried to fill all the places that needed filling in her heart as Dallan had tried to do with Shona… well, he was going to find that Muiraran Alpha or no, he wasn’t going to be able to fill them all. “Aye, Flower. The poor wee lass needs friendship right now. Mayhap Maida can befriend her as well. I ken it was discussed earlier.”

“Yes, it was,” Shona agreed. “Before we rescued them.”

Jaireth drew in a deep breath and let it out. “Then it is decided. Kitty, can you stay longer?”

“I can take her back to almost the same moment Shona and I fetched her to begin with,” Dallan said. “She’ll not be missed.”

Jaireth nodded. “Good.” He smiled at him. “You’re getting more control.”

Dallan shrugged. “‘Tis easy to picture the moment I was there last.”

“True.” Jaireth leaned toward him. “But it also takes great skill.” He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smirk. “You didn’t knowthat,did you?”

“Dad,” Shona huffed.

Dallan rolled his eyes. “Nay, I didna.”

Jaireth popped his neck and reached for the bag Archer placed before him. “I didn’t think so.”

46

Pari gave Melvale a blank stare. He was doing it again. Spying on her emotions. Could she not have a moment’s privacy? Especially considering the way she felt right now?

He looked into her eyes and shook his head. “No, Kahtala Miah. I will not accommodate your fear.”

Her heart sank. “What… what does that mean?”

He cupped one side of her face with his large hand. “Little one, you are so fearful, so afraid to let anyone get close.” His eyes roamed her face, and tears stung the backs of her eyes. Did he have to slam her with the truth like that?

Pari swallowed hard, willing the tears back, but her eyes misted anyway. “I… can’t help it.”

“I know,” he whispered gently. “Let me help you.”

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