Page 63 of The Alpha

They entered, and Halden looked at Melvale before realizing he’d done so, but thankfully, his eyes were on Sita Mihn.

The tiny Muiraran woman approached him, one slow step at a time, and bowed. “Alpha Melvale.” She straightened.

Melvale lay on his side, propped up on one elbow. His other arm was casually slung over his waist, his hand slowly caressing Pari’s hip with a finger. His right leg was raised, bent at the knee, his foot resting on the huge chaise lounge. If he rolled toward Pari, he could shield her with his body in an instant, which, could be why he was in such a strategic position.

“His eyes,” Raina whispered.

Great, she looked too, but Melvale was taking them all in, his eyes going from one person to the next, like a big cat or a wolf. He was calm, majestic and looked every inch the alpha-being Halden had been told about. In a word, Melvale was magnificent to behold, even dressed in sleeping clothes. And was it any wonder? Halden could feel the immense power coming off him, filling the room. Kwaku told him he could command anyone with that power. It was one of the reasons he was so dangerous.

“Alpha,” Sita said gently, almost reverently. “We have brought food for you and your mate.” Sita studied Pari and smiled. “She is lovely. I am happy for you.”

Melvale’s eyes softened, and he tilted his head in recognition. “Sita…” his voice was deeper than normal and powerful. Halden stopped, as did everyone else, trying to take him in.

“Great Scott,” Agnus hissed. “There’ll be no living with the pointy-eared dandy now.”

Melvale chuckled, the sound deep and throaty. He seemed to recognize his old friend, which was the exact reason Sita Mihn and Agnus were here. Melvale loved them both, dearly. “Sita…”

She bowed low. “Alpha.”

“I am honored by your presence.” His bright blue eyes locked onto the little Muiraran woman.

She tried to straighten but couldn’t manage it. “Your power is too great for me, Alpha Melvale.”

His face softened as he cocked his head again. “Forgive me, wise one.” He closed his eyes. When he opened them, they weren’t as bright. “I do not wish to cause you discomfort.”

“Alpha Melvale,” Markhel said from the door. “Brother.”

Melvale’s blue eyes locked onto Markhel’s. “Beta.”

Markhel bowed. “Alpha.”

Melvale’s eyes closed again. He squeezed them shut tight for a moment, and when he opened them, he looked at everyone in the room with pale blueish-gray eyes. “Thank you, you rescued us. I am in your debt.”

Everyone was able to straighten up and look at him.

Kwaku and Zara approached and bowed. “Alpha Melvale,” Kwaku said. “It was a pleasure to rescue you and your mate.” He looked at Pari. “She is perfect in every way for you.” He motioned to the table. “We have brought food, drink. We will leave you now so you can take care of her. Be gentle wid her. She is but a little human. She may not take on any of your power when you mark and claim her. Remember dat.”

Melvale nodded. “She will not be ready to mate for some time, I’m afraid.”

Pari stirred and a whimper escaped her.

Melvale bent over her protectively, half covering her. The blue of his eyes became brighter. “Leave us.”

Everyone bowed and slowly left the room.

Once outside Sita Mihn leaned against the door and blew out a breath. “And so, he is here. The Alpha of our age.” She looked at Kwaku and Zara. “We must inform the king. He is merging quickly. He could fully merge in a matter of weeks.”

“Yes,” Kwaku drawled. “A very good ting.”

Zara smiled at her husband then pulled him down for a kiss.

Markhel looked at the door, tears in his eyes.

Angus frowned again. “I’m telling ye, there’ll be no living with him now.” He took Sita by the arm and escorted her down the long corridor.

Halden stared at Kwaku as he broke the kiss with his wife. “So, I take it this is something to celebrate?”

Kwaku grinned. “You are still alive, are you not, Captain?”

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