Page 160 of The Alpha

“What kind of portals?” Zerbe inquired as he approached the bars.

“T-time p-portals.”

Melvale’s eyes narrowed. “Where is the portal that brought you to Pari Lindir?”

“Wisconsin, 2022.” Peter bent over and was looking at the stone floor now.

“Dat is two years prior to when you took her,” Kwaku said.

“The p-portals each go to a set time. You can’t make them go anywhere you want. Y-you have to use a portal that’s closest to when you want to be.”

“So you passed through this portal,” Melvale said. “And waited for her like a hungry spider.”

“Y-y-esssss.”

“Loosen your hold, Alpha,” Kwaku suggested. “We do not want to kill him yet.”

“Thank y-you,” Peter stammered. The force holding him lessened, and he could breathe easier. He rose to look at them but couldn’t stand. “I’m sorry, so sorry…”

“Not sorry enough,” Melvale hissed. “Where are these portals? You will show us.” He turned to the guards. “Bring him.” Melvale turned on his heel and strode away as the two Muiraran guards unlocked Peter’s cell, hauled him out, and began to drag him down the hall.

“Nice knowing ya, partnah,” Mr. Slade called after him with a sadistic chuckle.

“I’ll be back!” Peter yelled. “I will!”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” Mr. Slade yelled as they reached the door leading to a wide corridor.

“I will,” Peter repeated weakly. “Won’t I?” He looked at the two expressionless guards as they hauled him into the wide corridor and started the long trek to who knows where.

50

Melvale shook his head once, twice, then shivered. “Oh, my!”

Zerbe studied him. “My son?”

Melvale faced him and smiled. “Father!” He embraced him then backed up. “I’m sorry… I’m not myself.”

“He is fighting de Alpha,” Kwaku said, ratting him out.

Zerbe took on a panicked look. “Melvale, do not fight it. This must happen naturally.”

“I know, I know, but… I can’t remember what I did last night and…”

“My son,” Zerbe said and placed his hands on his shoulders. “You are Alpha, Melvale. We do not fault you if you must do what must be done. I know you do not wish to take a life. That is what balances the Alpha inside you.”

“Listen to your fadar,” Kwaku said. “What he says is true. Der are bad men in de world. And bad women. Evil dat does not rest. Would you see such evil live to wreak more havoc upon de world? Would you see dat evil harm your mate?”

Melvale’s eyes went bright blue and he let out a roar. “No!”

Kwaku smiled. “Den do not hold him back. De Alpha within you will do what needs to be done. Let him sense out what small amount of good is in de man we are about to question further. Lethimdecide if he lives or dies.”

Melvale swallowed hard. They were right, of course. He knew they were, yet he couldn’t quite bring himself to relinquish what control he had left.

“My son,” Zerbe said. “If I had been captured by this doctor, imprisoned, tortured, and you had to rescue me, would you let anyone stand in your way?”

“No, of course not,” Melvale said before he could stop himself.

“You have been trained well,” his father said. “That training will help your Alpha side make decisions you didn’t think him capable of making.” He closed the distance between them. They stood at a table covered with a large map of Earth. “Think of how gentle that side of you is with Pari.”

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