Page 147 of The Alpha

“We will. But they will guard us.”

They reached the fourth floor, and he put her down.

Pari pulled her key from her back pocket, unlocked the door, and walked in. “What of the others?”

“They will not disturb us.” He took the key, handed it to Kwaku, then guided her to her bedroom, closing different doors behind him. That done he led her to the bed. “Lay down.”

She did as he asked, and her heart melted when he covered her with a blanket, then knelt beside the bed and gazed into her eyes. “Better?”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

He smiled. “I will always protect you, Pari. Even if it must be from yourself.”

The tears came so fast she didn’t have time to blink them back. Is that what happened downstairs? What was happening now? He was protecting her from all the things she believed aboutherself?

She sniffed. “Dr. Merrill told me I’m a danger to myself at times.”

Melvale brushed a finger across her bangs. “Some people are. I’ve done it.”

“You?”

He nodded. “Oh, yes.” Melvale kissed her forehead. “But the only danger to me now, is you.”

Her face screwed up. It was an effort. “Why?”

“Because you are my heart. You don’t understand what that means yet, but you will.”

“But…”

“No. Do not push the thought away. Do not pushmeaway, Kahtala Miah.” He drew closer and kissed her hair.

She looked at him, still unable to comprehend why he was doing what he was doing. The gentle touching, the looks of admiration, all of it. “This isn’t real.”

Melvale smiled. “You tell yourself that for protection. I understand.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I want you to rest, but are you hungry?”

“I was, but not anymore,” she whispered then yawned.

“The day has been long. Sleep, precious one. I will be here.”

“But…”

He shook his head and put a finger to her lips. “Rest.”

Something deep inside her responded, and she closed her eyes, unable to help it.

Pari heard him sigh and settle himself against the bed.

“You don’t have to sit on the floor,” she whispered.

He moved, and soon lay behind her, pulling her against him. As soon as she rested in the safety of his arms, she drifted off to sleep.

Dallan downedhis food then looked at Shona and Kitty. “Ye’ve got yer work cut out for ye.”

“We know,” Kitty said. She popped the last of her fries into her mouth. “We can handle it.”

Shona glanced at Kwaku and Zara who were at the kitchen sink. “What do you think?”

Kwaku took on a contemplative look. “She is fearful, yes, and must learn dat not all will leave her. She does not understand love. Melvale will have to teach her. Show her. Prove himself.”

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