Page 76 of The Alpha

“Yeah, hold together!”

All heads turned to him. Beads of sweat began to drip down Peter’s forehead. “I mean, I was just doing what I was told. I didn’t want to hurt her or him. He was unconscious when we took blood and did the other tests.”

The elder Muiraran bent to him and bared his fangs. Peter noted he had both top and bottom ones. Did the one they capture have both? He was starting to draw a blank. “You will tell us everything we want to know, petty human. Refuse and we will rip the information from you.” He snapped his teeth at him and straightened. “Markhel, find out as much as you can. Use Tylahs if you have to.” He glanced at Peter with a look of disdain. “Though I doubt Sarian venom will be necessary. He has the heart of a mouse and squeaks like one.” He left the cell. “I have something to take care of, but I will return.”

The elder Muiraran slipped out another door and was gone. Peter was left with three agitated warriors, one of which was a Time Master!

“Time Master Kwaku,” Markhel said. “Would you do the honors? I do not think I can stand the loathsome creature for long. I will have to kill him.”

Peter watched as the black man hovered over him once more. “S-s-so you’re a T-t-time Master too?”

“Yes,” he drawled with a smile. “As is dat one.” He tossed his head at the Scot. He was shorter than the other two, by a half a foot, but no less intimidating.

“Shall we call for Tylahs, or will you talk?”

Peter returned his attention to the Time Master hovering over him. “Tylahs? Is that some sort of drug?”

“No,” the black man said with a smile. He put a hand on Peter’s chest. “Tylahs, introduce yourself.”

Peter looked at the huge hand on his chest, then at the Time Master’s face. A scream ripped from him when he saw the huge black tarantula scurry over the man’s shoulder, down his arm, and onto his chest.

The creature sat on its haunches, ignoring his screeching, raised one of his front furry little legs, and waved. “Hellosssk!”

“Ahhhhhhhhhoohhhhhheeeyyyy. You’re so cute!” His last word came out a high chirp. “Y-y-y-your Tylahs?”

Tylahs nodded. “Uh-huhsssk.” He grinned, showing off gleaming little razor-sharp teeth.

“Oh, my, those look like they can do some damage.” Peter started to sweat all over again. “H-how can something s-s-so cute be…”

“Dangerous?” The Time Master next to him said. “Tylahs is de most dangerous…” he stopped, turned to the others, then shook his head. “No, not anymore.” He sighed. “Still, Tylahs can kill you with one bite.”

Peter’s eyes rounded to saucers. “That’s bad. But there’s something worse?”

He bent to him again. “Oh yes, and you took something very precious tohim.”

Peter was having trouble breathing. “The girl?!” He shut his eyes tight. “I’m sorry, I won’t do it again, I swear!”

“Is he for realsssk?”

Peter’s eyes sprang open. “Hey, just because you’re cute and can talk doesn’t mean you can insult me.”

“Cute and deadlysssk!” the creature corrected.

“Don’t sound so proud of it!” Peter shot back.

Tylahs looked up at the Time Master. “Can I bite him now, Time Master Kwakusssk?”

Kwaku, that was an interesting name. Peter studied him, then the Scot. They looked human! “Dr. Charles was right…”

“What was that?” the Scot asked.

“Uh, nothing!”

Tylahs stood and started to bounce up and down. “Can I bite him nowsssk?”

“No!” Peter said with alarm. He realized the creature had two huge amber eyes, not eight like a spider. “Whatareyou?”

Tylahs stopped bouncing. “Sariansssk!”

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