Page 196 of The Alpha

“He’s brainless,” Uncle Leo said. “He’ll be back.”

“But I won’t be here,” Pari pointed out. She gave the others a smile. “Thank you, all of you, for everything you’ve done for Melvale and me.”

“‘Twas our pleasure, lass,” Dallan said with a small bow. He straightened. “Weel, now that that’s settled, how about we eat then open some gifts?”

Everyone in the room visibly relaxed and began to disperse. Half went into the kitchen, while the other half stayed in the living room. Pari turned to Melvale. “Thank you.”

He took her in his arms. “You’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

She reveled in the feel of his arms around her. “I’m always safe with you.”

He tightened his hold. “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say that.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “We should eat.”

“I don’t think I can, Kitten.” He closed his eyes and held her a little tighter. “This is too nice.”

She smiled again as Kitty and Archer tiptoed around them to get to the kitchen. In fact, everyone had left the room. “If you’re not hungry, do you want to open your present?”

He loosened his hold. “Yes!”

Pari laughed. “Okay, go ahead.”

Melvale released her and made for the tree. He pulled the long rectangular box out from beneath it and sat on the floor.

Pari sat in the chair nearest him and watched as he began tearing the Christmas paper off like an excited child.

“What is it?” He examined the box then ripped through the cardboard like it was thin paper. “Oh, Kitten…” He climbed to his feet and took out the sword. “Pari…” Melvale studied the hilt. “This is beautiful.” In one fluid motion, he unsheathed the sword from its scabbard. “The weight is good.” He tossed the scabbard onto the love seat, backed away from her and sliced the air. “Very good.” He twirled the blade, tossed it hand to hand, and she realized he was no stranger to handling such a weapon.

Melvale studied the blade. “This isn’t steel…”

“What?” Pari left the chair. “But what else can it be?”

“I’m not sure,” he said and ran a hand along the blade. “But I can find out.” He smiled at her. “Thank you, it’s a lovely gift.” He pulled her close, holding the sword away from her. “And I know the first thing I’m going to do with it.”

She gasped. “You’re not going to skewer Jeffrey, are you?”

Melvale laughed. “No, not that I don’t want to.” He let her go and stepped away. “But I will do this.”

Pari sucked in a breath as he went down on one knee and placed the tip of the sword on the floor, holding it up right.

Melvale bowed his head. “Pari Mae Lindir. I, Melvale Lohrinthian Olwen pledge my sword, my heart, and all my strength. You are the sun that rises in the East, and sets in the West, the moon that lights my night sky and the bounty that feeds me. I am yours to command.”

Her heart stopped and before she could think, the name slipped out. “Bondrah…”

Melvale locked gazes with her, his eyes turning bright blue. His human features melted away, and he knelt before her in all his Muiraran glory. She was vaguely aware of some of the others slowly inching their way into the room, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. “I am here, precious one.”

His voice was deeper, but not by much.

“Melvale?”

“Here,” he said, the voice not changing. He continued to gaze into her eyes. “Do you accept my pledge, sweet one?”

She gaped at him as light flickered around him, but she didn’t know where it was coming from.

“Dallan,” she heard Shona say. “What is that?”

The phenomenon formed into a swirl of light gold, and it began to encircle Melvale. “Bondrah?” she said without thinking. “What is happening?”

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