Page 150 of The Alpha

Pari’s jaw dropped. They wanted to give an alien a Christmas in July party? “Say what?”

“He’s never experienced Christmas as far as I know.” Kitty gave her a hopeful look. “It will be fun.”

Pari stared at her like a dimwit. “You… want to do Christmas in July for Melvale.”

“Yeah.” Kitty smiled. “With presents and everything.”

“Here?” Pari guessed.

“Sure, unless we do it at, um, my place.” Her eyes darted to the window and back.

Pari’s face screwed up in confusion. “Your place? But… I thought…”

“Oh, I’m not from where Melvale and the others come from. Actually, I live in Oregon with my parents but got some temporary lodgings here in Brooklyn.”

Pari wasn’t sure if she could believe her or not. “Um, I don’t think Melvale will be here for much longer.” She swallowed hard. Pari wasn’t sure if she would be either, but what choice did she have? The last thing she wanted was to be snatched up by that deranged doctor again. She escaped him once, but she might not be so lucky if there was a next time.

She glanced at Kitty. If she threw Melvale a party, that meant they’d be here longer. Pari could delay the inevitable. Leaving.

“So, this party,” she began. “He’s never done Christmas before at all?”

Kitty shook her head. “Not that I know of. He’s studied it I’m sure, but it’s a human holiday, not a Muiraran one.”

“Muiraran,” she parroted. “Where did they come from?”

Kitty crossed her legs and wrapped her hands around a knee. “I can’t tell you much. Melvale’s the expert. He’s kind of a historian for his people. You’ve been in the palace. You’ve seen some stuff. You can’t deny the Muirarans exist.”

“But how do I fit into all this?” she asked, curious how much this woman knew.

“I can’t tell you that. You’ll have to ask Melvale.” Kitty stood. “So, will you help us with the party?”

Pari watched her a moment. “What does Bondrah mean?”

“What?”

Pari saw the confusion in her eyes. It looked genuine. “Never mind.” She got to her feet and sighed. “Sure. Christmas in July.”

“Goodie!” Kitty said with a little clap.

Pari forced a smile and got the feeling Kitty was one of those people that was perpetually happy.

“So, the first thing we’ll have to do is go shopping!” Kitty chirped. “Oh, and we’ll need a tree. I’m sure we can order a fake one…”

“Uncle Al has one in the basement,” Pari interjected.

“Great!”

Pari forced another smile and headed for the kitchen. She felt empty, and it wasn’t from lack of food. She missed Melvale which was bad. She couldn’t afford to miss the big guy.

Pari trudged through the apartment to the other end and was surprised it wasn’t full of aliens. When she entered the kitchen, Dallan and Shona were there, and that was it.

“Pari,” Shona said. “Did you get some rest?”

She nodded and headed for the fridge. “I had some food…”

“Yes, it’s in there,” Shona said. “Your drink too.”

Pari smiled at her as Kitty entered the kitchen. “Pari is going to help us with our party.”

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