Page 88 of The Alpha

“Then she can make dinner,” Irene snapped.

Maida giggled at the older woman. “I would love to.” She went to her, kissed Irene on the cheek, then did the same with Mary and Polly.

Pari watched in fascination and absently rested her hands on Melvale’s arms which she belatedly noticed were still around her.

He bent to her ear. “I’m sorry, Pari, for earlier.”

She turned her face to his. “Bondrah Miah,” escaped unbidden. His eyes began turning blue, and she put a hand to his cheek. “These are your friends.”

He smiled as his eyes softened. “They are. All of them. They have seen my brother and me through many things.”

She gave him a solemn nod, sensing there was too much for him to tell her here. She should let him spend time with these people and his brother. But there was one thing she had to ask. “What did the girl Maida call your brother?”

“Markhel?”

“Yes, his name, but she called him something else. What was it?”

“Oh, yes.” Melvale put a hand over the one she had at his cheek. “She called him her mate. Here that means husband or wife.”

“Oh, I see.” She looked at the people in old west clothes. “And what do they call each other?”

“If married they use the human terms, husband and wife. They are human, after all.” He looked into her eyes, and for a moment, Pari thought Melvale might kiss her. But why would he? And especially in front of all these people?

He gave her hand a squeeze, released her from his hold, and nodded at his brother. “I must speak to him. Will you excuse me?”

She nodded and fought the chill that went up her spine when he left her side. She was enjoying being wrapped in his arms too much. After all, it’s not like it was going to last.

28

He could have killed Irene. Melvale approached Markhel who quickly ducked through the kitchen door into the dining room. “Brother,” he said and turned to Melvale. “What are you doing here?”

Melvale caught the scold in his voice. “I wanted to show Pari the library. I…” he sighed as his shoulders slumped. “I have no excuse. I shouldn’t have come.”

“You should have called for me. I’d have brought you.”

“You and a host of guards, you mean.” He grabbed the nearest chair and sat. “I am at a loss as to what to do, Markhel. I… I’m not sure how to win her.”

Markhel put a hand on his shoulder, then took a chair and placed it in front of him. “Pari must accept who and what you are first.”

“Her mate?”

“No. Simply you. Alpha and all. Then she must fall in love with you.”

Melvale laughed. “You slay me, brother.”

“Let us hope not,” Markhel said in all seriousness.

Melvale’s face fell. “You… wouldn’t really, would you?”

“No, but my heart…”

Melvale gave him a sage nod in understanding. Now that Markhel had a mate and had taken up his official position as the King’s Ranger, his heart might well act on its own.

He ran a hand down his face. “I hadn’t thought of that. But your heart didn’t respond when I … oh, wait, you weren’t here when Irene hit me over the head with her ladle.”

Markhel jumped to his feet. “She what?!”

Maida ran out the kitchen door. “What’s wrong?” She went straight to Markhel and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you all right?”

---