Page 156 of The Alpha

Kwaku put an arm around him. “We must remind your Alpha side why he is needed.”

“Do we have to?” Melvale whined. “Can’t I plan the party first?”

Kwaku grinned. “No.”

“But…”

“Come, pup. Let us pay a visit to de basement.”

“What?” Melvale took on a panicked look.

Dallan sighed. “Kwaku, what are ye going to do?”

Kwaku eyed him and smiled. “I’m going to let him question our prisoner.”

“Prisoner?” Melvale repeated. “What prisoner?”

“The one we took when we rescued Pari and yerself,” Dallan volunteered. “He’s in a holding cell at the containment center.”

“At the palace?” Melvale squeaked. “And no one told me?”

“It might have been mentioned,” Dallan said. “Just not to you.”

“Well, that’s not fair!” Melvale groused. “So does this mean we’re going to the palace?”

“Aye.” Dallan put an arm around him and steered him toward the ladder. “Is Pari up to going?”

“Oh, no. Absolutely not!” Melvale said. “She’s comfortable here, and this is where I will continue to woo and win her.” He gave them a cheesy smile.

Dallan glanced at Kwaku, then shook his head.

“Don’t give me that look,” Melvale snapped. “I am perfectly fine.”

“Fine enough to leave your mate behind so you can meet the prisoner?” Dallan clarified.

“Oh, well, I… I suppose.” Melvale looked over the ledge at the fire escape below. “One of you will stay and guard her, right?”

“Of course,” Dallan said. “I’ll stay.”

Melvale sighed in relief. “Thank you.” His eyes became downcast. “I… that is, please understand… I don’t want to lose myself in all this.”

“We do understand,” Kwaku said. “But you must also understand dat you are needed. Dat meansallof you. Whatever is coming, whoever is coming, will test us. We cannot do dis widout de Alpha.”

Melvale sobered. He was right of course, but this was the first time he felt truly normal in weeks. He drew in a breath and faced Kwaku. “When I face this man, will I try to kill him?”

“More dan likely.”

“Because?”

“He is de one dat worked on your mate in de lab where you were held prisoner.”

Melvale’s eyes narrowed. “Is he?”

“Ah, dere you are,” Kwaku said, pleased as punch. “It is not de Alpha yet, but dis is good.” He also put an arm around him. “Let us go pay our prisoner a visit. Dallan and Shona will protect Pari. Dis won’t take long.”

“Well, all right,” Melvale said. “But this had better not get messy.”

Kwaku gave him a grave look. “Dat remains to be seen, Alpha.”

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