Page 172 of The Alpha

She fought against a cringe. How could it? She’d have to leave here forever, only to visit now and then. Pari wasn’t sure she believed she could come back whenever she wanted. Shona said she could so long as there wasn’t any danger, but how would they know if danger lurked nearby or not?

“I’ll sneak down here in the next day or two and wrap it,” she said.

“I can wrap it for you.” Uncle Al offered and headed for the front door. “Is he still out there?”

“Yes.” She blushed again and looked at the floor.

“He’s mighty protective of you, Pari Mae. I like that.” Uncle Al frowned. “He hasn’t tried to get to third base, has he?”

“Uncle Al!” She said mortified. “No.”

“I’m just checking. Besides, Leo was asking.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Best not keep yourboyfriendwaiting.”

Pari rolled her eyes at him. What she’d wanted was a few measly minutes of normal to hang on to. Seeing her uncle by herself helped ground her and pretend none of this ever happened. But… as much as she hated to admit it, she’d come to care for Melvale. How was she going to part from him with her heart intact?

“Hey, Pariwink, something wrong?”

She shook her head and forced a smile. “Nothing. Thanks for offering to wrap the sword. Oh, and I put a bag of cookies on the sideboard for you. Chocolate chip.”

His face lit up. “Thanks.” He opened the door. “Have fun with your party. Are Leo and I invited?”

Her smile was genuine this time. “Of course.” She hugged him again then left the apartment.

Melvale stood on the other side of the stairs leaning against the banister. “All done?” he asked in a soft voice.

“Yes.” She joined him. “We can go back up now.”

“Are you sure you want to?”

Pari looked at him. “Why do you ask?”

He gave her a light smile. “Your heart is weary, Pari.”

She blinked a few times. “How do you know?”

“I can… sense it.”

She gave him a tiny shake of her head. “I… I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that.”

“Give it time,” he said softly. “Givemetime.”

She swallowed hard as part of heart melted at the tone of his voice. “I… I’m not sure how.”

He drew closer. “You will.” He ran the back of his finger down her cheek. “I admit I don’t fully understand why you deny yourself happiness, or why you reject the affections of others.”

She sucked in a breath. He was doing it again! “Please, don’t…”

Melvale held up a hand. “Your heart has been broken before.”

She shut her eyes tight. “Yeah, because I’m an idiot.”

He gave her a gentle look. “You’ve made some mistakes. Everyone does.”

“Now you sound like my therapist.”

He smiled. “I can be that for you if you like.”

Pari’s breath hitched, and she almost couldn’t form words. “Like… I can tell you anything?”

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