Page 148 of The Alpha

Shona ran a hand through her hair. “And I thought I was messed up.”

“You were Muiraran and didn’t know it,” Kitty said. “Pari is human. And, judging from everything you’ve been saying, she’s had it rough. Sheesh, give the girl a break. This is gonna take some time, that’s all. I remember being afraid of all of you, and I don’t have near the baggage she does, poor thing.”

“We all have baggage,” Shona pointed out. “I’m sure everyone in this room has suffered some kind of trauma.” She looked at Kwaku and Zara. “Even you.”

“And you would be right,” Zara said and gave Kwaku a sympathetic look.

Shona wanted to ask what the look was for, but it was none of her business. Pari was their number one concern right now. “So, we stay? Even if there are risks?”

“Yes,” Dallan said. “We’ll make sure they are well guarded, but we’ll also have to watch ourselves. Ye have to admit, we’re no exactly inconspicuous.”

“Not with your height and looks,” Kitty pointed out. She eyed Kwaku and Zara. “That goes for you guys too. What if that weirdo doctor dude got his hands on any of you?”

Shona shuddered. “I’d rather not think about it.”

“She is right,” Kwaku said. “We must be extra careful.”

“Why not operate out of someplace else?” Kitty asked.

Shona left the table to dispose of her empty bag. “What do you mean?”

“You know, another apartment? Maybe one in Manhattan?” Kitty looked at each of them in turn.“At least Pari and Melvale will still be in New York.”

“That’s not the point,” Shona said. “You’re putting her into a strange place. This is home, where she feels the most comfortable. Melvale has his best shot of winning her here.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Kitty asked.

“He will,” Kwaku said. “But he needs time.” He looked toward Pari’s small living room. “Where is Archer?”

“Standing guard in the outside hall,” Dallan said.

“Fetch him.”

Dallan gave him a single nod and left the kitchen. In moments, Archer was in the room, inching his way toward the refrigerator.

“Didn’t you have enough to eat?” Kitty asked.

He shrugged. “Never.”

Kwaku opened the freezer, grabbed a container of ice cream, and shoved it into his hands. “We need an apartment. Two would be better. Preferably in building nearby.”

Archer nodded as he pried off the lid. “I can do that. If there are any available.”

“You want to set up a base of operation?” Kitty asked.

Kwaku gave her a single nod. “Yes. I want guards here at all times. Find de shortest in height we have, de ones dat can blend in best wid de humans.”

“Got it.” Archer found a big spoon and took a huge bite of ice cream.

“Create a team to work on dis building. Maintenance. New paint, fix tings. Dat way our people are here every day.”

“That’s clever,” Kitty said.

“You will stay in one of de apartments, my treasure. Let our enemy dink you live dere.”

“And what about us?” Dallan asked.

“You too.”

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