Page 192 of The Alpha

Melvale held Pari’s hand the entire taxi ride back to the apartment. He couldn’t stop smiling at her, and every time he did, she blushed. At last! She’d called him her boyfriend! Now he could really make some progress. Of course, he’d have to check on some things regarding human mating rituals, but he was confident he’d have no problem winning her now.

His face fell. Oh, but wait. He wasn’t the only one that would be trying to win her. One word from Pari and the other side of him would rise to the surface so fast his head would spin.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

He looked at her and swallowed. “Pari, could you… do me a favor?”

She gave him a shy smile. “Sure.”

He twisted on the seat to face her. “Don’t call forth the other me.”

She blinked in confusion. “Why?”

He took a deep breath. “This is going to sound selfish, but I’d really like to enjoy some time with you with this side.”

A smile formed on her face. “I like this side of you.”

“So do I.” He smiled. “I’m afraid I’m not yet familiar with the other. You don’t mind, do you?”

“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “Not at all.” Pari smiled and looked at their joined hands. “Are you hungry?”

Melvale gazed into her eyes. “Yes.”

Another blush crept into her cheeks. “What would you like?”

He swallowed hard.You, but he couldn’t tell her that yet. Instead, he reached over and brushed her bangs to the side. “Whatever your heart desires.”

Her face broke into a grin. “Sometimes I wonder if you’re for real.”

“Oh, I’m real, Kitten. And I want to show you how much.”

She gave him a half-smile, and he was going to have to be very careful not to go too fast and scare her. “Lunch,” he said. “Shall we stop somewhere or wait until we get home?”

“They’re expecting us,” she reminded him.

He smiled. “Some of our party is. Oh! Party!” He smacked a hand against one side of his face, making her giggle. “Do we have everything?”

“Archer and Kitty have a list. They’re supposed to be getting the rest.” She fidgeted. “I… need to grab something from Uncle Al for the party.” Her eyes flicked to his. “But you can’t look.”

Melvale grinned. “A present perhaps?”

“Maybe.” She pressed her lips together, but it did nothing to wipe the smile off her face.

By the Creator! She was so adorable he almost couldn’t stand it. She was blooming before his eyes!

He sighed happily, squeezed her hand, and let them sit in companionable silence the rest of the ride home.

The taxi let them off in front of her building, and he thought of the risk they were taking, then shoved the thought aside. They would be returning to the palace tomorrow, and he could show her his world.Theirworld.

Melvale escorted her inside, and they stopped in front of Al’s apartment. “Go upstairs,” she said.

He glanced at the doors and back. “No, kitten. I’ll close me eyes.” He did.

Pari giggled. “How are you going to go upstairs if your eyes are closed?”

“I’ll manage. Now fetch what you need and let’s go.”

She didn’t say anything more and knocked on Al’s door.

---