Page 68 of The Alpha

She gaped at him in disbelief. “No way. There is no way you can… I mean… do you really?”

“I do,” he said as gently as possible. “I’ll lay out some towels for you. When Raina comes, I will not disturb you.”

She nodded and watched him get to his feet. He went to the door leading to the outer corridor and poked his head out. The dozen guards on the other side of the door backed up and bowed.

“Alpha Melvale,” their leader said. “We are at your command.”

He sighed. “Oh, stab me, straighten up. I’m fine.”

The leader slowly straightened and looked him in the eyes. “Gray,” he called, and the others let go a collective sigh. Their leader, Delphhan, bowed again. “What do you wish?”

“Fetch Princess Raina for me. My mate wishes her company.”

“Yes, Alpha.” He signaled to one of his men who took off down the corridor.

Melvale shut his eyes tight as power began to pulse through him. “Not now,” he sang to his Alpha side. He stepped back and closed the door. “You and I are still going to have that chat.” He spun on his heel to Pari. She’d left the table and moved to the half-moon chaise lounge.

He approached slowly, taking her in. “Raina will be here shortly. While the two of you visit, I’ll see about some clothes for you.”

She looked at the Muiraran sleeping clothes she was wearing. A simple camisole and shorts. Though such things were rarely worn by most humans here, Shona was fond of them. Kwaku and Zara must have chosen them for Pari before she was brought here.

He joined her on the chaise lounge and sat. “I’m sorry you were taken. It’s my fault. I should have been able to protect you.”

She looked at him with wide eyes. “How could you have? You weren’t there when they took me.”

He wanted to scoot closer, but sensed she needed some space right now. “I was, my little Pari. I was outside.”

Her jaw went slack. “You were with those men… the ones that were fighting?”

He drew in a breath. “They were fighting me, I’m afraid. I saw you, tried to get to you. Those young men you were with were hurting you.” His eyes narrowed. “I could smell their intent.” His voice dropped in pitch on his last word, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

His eyes were still closed when she put a hand over one of his. “Thank you.”

Melvale blinked and looked at her. Pari’s voice had softened, and the sound of it warmed his entire being. Calm filled him, andeven the Alpha side of him purred with satisfaction. “For what?” he whispered.

“You saved me from Jeffrey and his friends.” She swallowed hard and looked away. “They… they…”

“Shhh,” he urged. Melvale brushed her pink bangs to one side. “They cannot harm you now. No one can. You’re safe here, Kahtala Miah. My little Pari.”

She smiled. “You know, I’m not sure which I like better. Hearing you call me that or your little kitten.”

His whole chest warmed. “I shall call you both.”

She looked into his eyes and swallowed again, and he could smell her fear rising.

“What is it?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing. I was… just wondering what to call you.”

He scooted closer, not caring about giving her space in that moment. “Bondrah. Or if you wish, Bondrah Melvale.”

She made a face. “But what does that mean?”

Melvale smiled. “You will know when the time is right.”

“How about Bond for short?” she asked.

A squeak of delight escaped him. “Bond? Like,” he lowered his voice. “Bond, James Bond?”

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