The Alpha's Wayward Mate

After Maverick gave her the grand tour, Scarlett felt like she would drop from exhaustion. He took her to see everything that he could show her. The bed area where they would sleep. The dining room in which they would share meals, all the way down to the outside. He showed her the bathing pool he had set up where they could clean themselves regularly.

Scarlett loved it but after some time she just wished to sit and relax. She finally said something after making it back inside.

"Maverick, could we please rest now? I am so weary from traveling and the tour I feel I could lay down for a fortnight." Scarlett sighed tiredly.

Maverick looked contrite when he realized how exhausted his mate seemed suddenly. He had been so excited about showing her everything that he had not taken into account that they had ridden most of the day, and she might be extremely weary from it.

"I am so sorry Scarlett. Would you like to take a rest and eat something? He can finish the tour some other time."

Scarlett felt such relief at his words. "Yes please." She sat down on a chaise lounge that sat next to her.

Maverick suddenly was in front of her, his large hands gently messaging the tense muscles he found there.

Scarlett gasped as he worked the sore part. Her noises had little to do with his close proximity, but rather it was due to the sheer pleasure his touch brought her at the moment.

Maverick couldn't help chuckling at hearing her little mewls she made. "I take it you are enjoying what I am doing?" He murmurs huskily as his large hands travel up and down Scarlett's soft smooth skin.

"Yes." She sighed blissfully as he worked the soreness out of the ligament. Scarlett felt herself melting at his touch.

Before Scarlett knew what was happening, Maverick lifted her into his strong arms and began carrying her towards their shared room. He set her on the bedding.

Scarlett blushed, believing he had decided to finally take her as his, but instead of beginning to try and seduce her as she anticipated. Maverick kissed her on top of the head, then proceeded to get up.

"Rest, my mate. I am going to go seek us out a house servant that can help you around here."

With those words Maverick headed out, leaving a stunned and bewildered mate behind.

Meanwhile, Maverick had made every excuse he could think of to leave. It wasn't that he didn't want to lie with her and show her all the pleasures in the world.

Maverick knew she would not be ready yet or open to his advances because they had just arrived, and she said she was tired. It would not be very noble of him to try and force anything upon her until she is ready.

He wanted her to be sure, but he wanted Scarlett to want to be with him. Not because he made her.

Maverick could feel her confusion and surprise through their bond, but he didn't wish to stay and explain. He feared he would not be able to hold himself off if he stayed.

He headed to the gathering place of the servants' class. Maverick had never been there before because he had never needed to.

People ended up as servants in their tribe if someone didn't have family, and they had yet to find a mate, or their mate died, and they had no other means to take care of themselves or no family to take them in. They could hire themselves out as a servant to another household for food and shelter. It was a way to help people in their community.

Maverick arrived at the area and saw a number of people milling about. He looked them over and noticed a young healthy female of about the same age as Scarlett.

Maverick approached her slowly. The moment the girl noticed him strolling towards her, her eyes widened and she bowed.

"My alpha, how may I help you?" She asked graciously, keeping her head bowed in respect.

"Rise. What is your name and how old are you?"

The young woman stood up and looked Maverick in the eyes before responding.

"I am Grace, and I am twenty and two summers sire "

Maverick looked her over. She looked kind enough, she was pretty with her wheat-colored curls. She looked to be a little shorter than Scarlett, but he didn't think that Scarlett would mind.

"I have just arrived with my mate, and she needs help and a companion when I am not present. Would you be up to the job?"

He watched the girl's face light up.

"Yes sir, I would love nothing more."

Maverick nodded. "I expect you to arrive the day after tomorrow once my mate has had a moment to settle in. She can decide for herself if you will be a right fit for our household."

He watched Grace nod in understanding. Maverick looked kindly down at this young woman. "If she doesn't feel you are the right fit. I promise I will compensate you."

Her face lit up at his words. Her expression showed much relief. That even if it didn't work out. She would not be going hungry either way.

"That's so generous alpha." She curtsied at him in thanks.

Maverick smiled. "Our tribe believes in taking care of our own no matter what." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Never forget that, Grace. I know you have probably fallen on hard times."

At that moment, a young male came up behind Maverick. "Excuse me, alpha, you wouldn't perhaps be looking for a cook would you?"

Maverick turned to the young male and shook his head. "Not presently no."

He could see that it might have been some time since this young man had eaten. He looked pale and skinny. Maverick felt his heart go out to this young lad.

He reached inside his purse and pulled out a few coins and handed them over to the lad. "I am afraid I am only looking for a maid and companion for my mate. I hope this helps you until you can find something else."

The young man looked up at him in astonishment. "Yes, oh alpha, this helps so much." He cried before running off with the three gold coins Maverick had pressed into his hand.

After the man departed, Maverick turned back to the young lady. "The day after tomorrow Grace. I expect you at midday."

The girl nodded and curtsied once more before Maverick turned and left. He left feeling he had taken a step in the right direction to make his mate comfortable in her new home.

She would have someone to look out for her when he could not be around and matters of an alpha rose from time to time. He didn't want Scarlett unprotected and alone.

He just hoped she would like Grace and that they would manage to get along. He would find out the day after tomorrow, he supposed.

Maverick headed back to their home and his waiting mate. Now that he had his ardor under control, he felt he could return to her company.

Maverick smiled as he imagined coming home every day, and it made his heart-beat pick up.

One day he knew she would feel the same for him. He could be patient and wait for the day to come. No matter how long it took. Maverick knew Scarlett could love him. He could wait forever.