Page 155 of The Alpha

Kwaku walked a circle around them. “Melvale. What did you do yesterday wid de doctor’s men?”

Melvale’s eyes widened at the mention of the doctor. “I’d rather not think about that fiend. If I get upset, it might upset Pari…”

“What did ye do?” Dallan asked. He glanced at the ladder and back. “Tell us, while yer mate is out of earshot.”

His eyes flicked between them both. “Well, I… uh, that is… oh, stab me! I can’t remember!”

Kwaku was rubbing his chin again and nodded to himself. “He has blocked it out and retreated into dis side of himself.”

“Is that bad?” Dallan asked.

“It can be, if he cannot regain balance. Den when de Alpha comes out again, he will be more aggressive.” He stopped in front of Melvale. “You must not let dat happen. Let your Alpha side have a voice. Let him out.”

“No, I don’t think so!” He sang and headed for the ladder.

“Melvale!” Kwaku barked.

He stopped. They were determined to ruin his day. And him with a party to plan! “I’ve work to do, a mate to tend to, and a Christmas tree to find.” He spun to them. “Though I suppose I could put the two of you in charge of finding a tree.”

“There’s one in yon basement,” Dallan said. “Shona told me.” He approached slowly. “Ye protected yer mate yesterday. We understand that. And so long as the law here doesna come knocking on Pari’s door looking for ye, fine. But ye canna have this sort of thing happening every time ye have to… weel, do what ye must to keep Pari safe.”

Melvale went cold. “I don’t remember a thing about yesterday other than our lovely picnic and treats afterward. Then you all showed up, and we were going to play Monopoly but Pari…” he smiled. “Oh, stab me. I kissed her in the kitchen.”

Kwaku grinned. “Dat is good!”

Melvale nodded, still smiling. “It is, isn’t it?”

Kwaku slapped him on the back. “Good work, pup. Did she kiss you back?”

Melvale shook his head. “No, but… that’s all right. I took her upstairs afterwards and put her to bed…”

“Aye, but before all that,” Dallan continued. “Ye took care of some business concerning the doctor’s men.”

Melvale gave them an innocent look. “Doctor’s men?”

“Aye,” Dallan drawled and gave his attention to Kwaku. “Has there been anything in those history papers, books, or whatever ye study about Alphas to tell if anything’s amiss?”

“Zara looked but saw noting.” He eyed Melvale. “Dis does not mean he killed dem.”

Melvale took a sudden interest in one of his tennis shoes and lifted a foot to examine the sole.

“Look at him,” Dallan huffed. “What is this?”

Kwaku heaved a sigh. “He is trying to stay in control. He protected Pari yesterday, but in doing so, perhaps shocked himself. He is trained not to harm unless he has to. All Muirarans are. You have had de same training, Boyeee.”

“Yes, but I wilna hesitate to do some damage if the situation calls for it. I’ll kill if I must.”

“I know. But Melvale abhors violence. Dough he is a fine warrior and one of de best in de kingdom, he doesn’t necessarily enjoy fighting.”

Dallan stared at him. “So, the two sides clash, is that what yer saying?”

“Yes, Boyeee,” Kwaku drawled. “But I dink I know what we can do to snap him out of dis.”

Dallan arched an eyebrow. “Aye?”

Kwaku grinned at him, then Melvale. “Yes.”

Melvale looked at them and blanched. “What are you going to do?”

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