The Alpha's Wayward Mate

The next morning, before anyone was awake, Scarlett woke and felt the need for a bath. She climbed out of the bedding carefully to not disturb Maverick's sleep.

She snuck carefully through the camp. She listened out for the sound of water. Eventually, Scarlett heard the sound of a river. She moved swiftly, wanting to get back before Maverick woke up. She knew he would be worried.

Washing up as fast as possible so that she would return clean, Scarlett did not hear the rustling in the woods. It was not until a large looming shadow appeared over her shoulder. Rory turned just in time to see something reach out to strike her.

Scarlett let out a scream as a black bear knocked her into the water. There was a shout from somewhere behind it, but Scarlett lay to dazed and confused that she didn't know how to respond.

She didn't see Maverick and his men come running towards the bank of the river throwing rocks and spears wishing to draw its attention away from Scarlett.

It worked because the bear turned and began charging towards them instead of paying attention to the girl. Leaving Maverick to rush to his mate's side, the men pinned the bear down, eventually killing it with a spear to the heart.

Everyone stood around panting for a moment before they all sprang into action.

Maverick checked Scarlett over. Other than a light scratch on her arm from the bear's claws and a few minor bumps and bruises, she was relatively fine.

Scarlett tried to reassure him as well. "I am fine Maverick. It didn't hurt me overly much." She stroked his cheek in reassurance. He then crushed her against him.

"What do you want us to do with the bear sir?" Nole inquired as he poked the bear with a stick.

Maverick pulled away from Scarlett to answer his companion. "Burn it. We don't have time to cart it with us or skin it. Besides, we don't know whether it was rabid or not."

As he spoke, Maverick reached down and lifted Scarlett out of the water, carefully carrying her back to the camp. She tried to protest that she could walk, but he wouldn't hear of it.

"You gave me a scare young lady." He growled lowly down at her. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, Maverick felt anger take over him at her carelessness.

"I am sorry, she whispered. "I just wanted to take a quick bath before we got back on the road again. I couldn't have known a bear was going to come out of nowhere." She murmured while still trembling from the excitement of earlier.

Maverick couldn't be angry too much and understand her feminine sensibilities. "It's alright. I am glad you are unhurt, but please, next time wake me, so I can keep you safe from harm.

Scarlett could only nod silently. She knew she had made a mistake that could have cost her, her life. Scarlett was just thankful that the men had not been too far away to hear her scream.

"I promise I won't ever do something like that again." She promised softly knowing that Maverick must have been sacred when he heard her screaming.

"I am sorry for making you worry so much."

Once they arrived back at the camp, Maverick set her down gently and checked her over once more just for his peace of mind.

As he did, Nole and the men came back from burning the body of the bear, so no other wild animals could contract anything it might have had feeding off it.

After he reassured himself that everything was in proper working order, they finished packing the horses. Now that Scarlett's horse had recovered, he gave her the option to ride alone.

Scarlett was taken aback a bit, thinking that she would continue riding with Maverick till they made it to his home. But she supposed that his horse couldn't take the weight the entire trip. It would likely tire the beast out faster.

She tried not to pout at not having the warmth of Maverick surrounding her, but she said nothing as he helped her upon the horse, though she knew he could probably feel her emotions. He said nothing, just gave her a strange look before walking to his horse as well.

The groups traveled till they came to the outskirts of the desert. To Scarlett's amazement, they all seemed happy to be going home. Everyone talked quietly about what they seemed to miss the most.

They rested at the first village they came to. Some of the children looked at her funny because she was not garbed as the rest of them, but she paid no mind.

The village leader showed them where they could rest for the night uninterrupted. He winked at Maverick as they entered, but Maverick just thanked the man before removing the bags from his shoulders that he carried. Once inside, Maverick noticed Scarlett had stopped and seemed to be focused on something intently. He looked to what she stared at and understood immediately. There was one bed lying in the middle of the tent.

Maverick tried not to laugh. He knew where her mind was going. Moving slowly up behind her, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Have no fear Scarlett, I will not do anything until you are ready." He murmured softly while brushing a finger down her arm gently.

Scarlett felt her face light up as she realized that Maverick had caught on to her racing thoughts at the sight of the bed they would obviously be sharing that night. His words made her relax a little, but only a little bit.

A few minutes later, a young woman called outside the tent door. "Alpha, I have dinner for you and your mate." She said through the door flap. Maverick moved towards the door and retrieved the food. He thanked the young lady, then went to set the tray upon the nearest available surface.

Scarlett looks at the food with interest. Maverick notices the hungry gaze. He smiles at her gently and encourages her to help herself to the food.

"Are you sure Maverick?" She asks hesitantly.

He smiles at her kindly. "I am sure. Whatever you don't finish, I will." He goes and pours them a glass of water from their traveling canteens.

He sat down and watched her select some items and put it on a plate. Scarlett nibbled on the meat, fruit and bread. After she finished, he asked if she wanted to get washed up since she didn't get a chance to that morning.

Scarlett looked at him with gratefulness. "Do you mean it?" Her voice showed her excitement at the suggestion.

Maverick moved towards her, his gaze soft and caring. "I will see about getting you a bath if possible." He said gently. He went to the exit, but Scarlett's voice stopped him.

"Thank you Maverick, it is very kind of you to consider my needs."

Maverick stopped and turned to her a teasing smile upon his lips. "What kind of mate would I be if I didn't take care of you properly?"

He exited the tent, leaving her speechless. No one ever considered her needs before above their own. Not her parents, nor her sister. Scarlett didn't know what to think, but the one thing she did know is that the more she got to know Maverick the more she started to like him.

"Maybe being his mate won't be so awful after all." She knew only time would tell.