Page 193 of The Alpha

Melvale heard the door open. “Pari,” Al said. “What are you doing here? The party isn’t starting already is it?”

“No, Uncle Al, but I need a certain someone’s present.”

Silence, then, “Uh, why does he have his eyes closed?”

“Because I’m not supposed to see it,” Melvale said and giggled.

Al sighed. “How about I bring it up when I come?”

“Will you?” Pari said.

Melvale looked at him. “Should I be concerned about your back?” He eyed Al a moment. “Hmm?”

“It might be bigger than a bread box, but I can handle it. Now if you don’t mind, I’m watching the sports channel.”

“Thanks, Uncle Al.” Pari kissed him on the cheek. “We’ll see you later.” She turned to Melvale. “Let’s go.”

He took her by the hand, waved to Al, and up the stairs they went. Melvale fought the urge to carry her. He wanted to hold her with every fiber of his being, but didn’t dare move too fast. Surprisingly, his other side had been unusually quiet. Should he be worried? He didn’t think so. Still, he paused now and then to see if he could sense the Alpha within him and came up with nothing.

When they reached the fourth floor Pari turned to him. “When are we leaving?”

“Leaving? Oh! Yes, leaving. Tomorrow, precious one.” He watched her pull her key from her new bag. She clutched it to herlike it was a giant diamond instead of a lady’s handbag. But to her, it might as well be a big, fat jewel.

“Pari…”

She swallowed hard and looked at him. “I’m not sure I can say goodbye to Uncle Al and Uncle Leo.”

He tucked a finger under her chin and bent to her. “I can bring you back to visit so long as it’s safe.” Melvale brought his forehead to hers.

“Why do you do that?” she asked.

“What?”

“This.” She put her free hand on his head, then on hers.

He smiled. “Where I come from, it’s a sign of great affection.” Melvale slowly drew back. “So, I guess this means I have great affection for you.”

Her eyes widened.

He bent to her again. “Much affection, my little Pari.”

Her eyes grew wider still, and it was all he could do not to kiss her. Instead, he let his eyes convey his feelings, and locked gazes with her.

A tiny gasp escaped, and her lips parted. It was an invitation if he ever saw one. He let out the breath he was holding and slowly bent to her again.

What sounded like a herd of buffalo coming up the stairs made him straighten and shove him behind her. “Archer?” he barked.

“Aye?” Came from what sounded like the second floor.

Melvale sighed in frustration. So close! He smiled at Pari, then scooted her toward the door. “Kitty and Archer are back.”

She nodded, red-faced, and unlocked the door. Did she know he was about to kiss her? They went inside and Melvale stiffened. But it wasn’t because he sensed any danger, but he did sense Pari’s trepidation. He followed her into her bedroom and watched her set her new handbag on top of the dresser. Shelooked at it a moment then turned to him, her cheeks pink. “I could make some sandwiches.”

His eyes drank her in. “Whatever you want.” Melvale closed the distance between them. “I’ll help you.” He cupped her face with a hand. “Pari…” Melvale swallowed hard. If he didn’t taste her, he thought he might die. He slowly bent his face to hers. Her eyes were wide again, and he picked up the change in her pheromones. Oh bliss… shewantedto be kissed!

“Look what we got!” Archer said gleefully as he stepped into the room. “Watermelon!”

Melvale straightened, trying to ignore thoughts of maiming the man, and looked at the huge watermelon Archer was holding and sighed. “Youareplanning on sharing that with the rest of us, aren’t you?”

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