The Alpha's Wayward Mate

A little while later, two young men and a pretty young woman came in carrying a large bucket and some pitchers of water. They placed them behind a curtain that was pushed up against the far side of the tent.

She had been so focused on the bed she had not noticed the other commodities in the room. After they set the large bucket down, the men left and the young woman handed Scarlett a bar of soap and a cloth to scrub herself with. Scarlett thanked her before the girl exited the tent.

Scarlett had just removed her clothes and stepped behind the curtain to wash when she heard someone come in. Maverick announced himself so she knew it was only him and not a stranger.

"I am just finishing up." She called out, quickly washing off. Then, grabbing a towel, Scarlett quickly dried off before stepping out behind the curtain.

Maverick set down the extra blanket so that she could lay beneath one, and he could lay beneath the other, so Scarlett wouldn't be nervous with him in the bed next to her.

"The leader's mate gave me a dress and a night gown for you to take. She assumed you probably didn't have any dessert tribe clothing since you are not from there."

Scarlett stepped out from around the curtain wrapped in the towel. "That was very nice of her. I hope you said thank you for me?" Scarlett said in awe. She had never had anyone be so kind to her before.

Thinking back, her parents really had not let them association with to many other people growing up. Unless they were forest or lake people, that was the only tribe that her and her sister were allowed to speak to. Scarlett never realized till now how much she missed out on by not getting to know others.

She never realized how deep their prejudice went until now. Scarlett grabbed the night gown and went back behind the curtain and slipped it on.

The material felt soft and silky against her skin. She wanted to twirl in it, but she knew that would be silly since it was a night gown.

She stepped around the curtain and missed the look on Maverick's face as she stepped out, too focused on the gown.

Maverick, in the meantime, was having a hard time not staring out right at his mate in the cream-colored nightwear. Scarlett looked truly stunning with her red hair and the color just accented her looks.

He looked away and up at the tent ceiling, trying not to be too obvious about his attraction. Maverick had promised to behave himself, but he had never imagined she would be this beautiful in a new outfit.

'Maverick, get yourself together man. You said you would be a gentleman until she is ready, so you had better keep your word.' He chastised himself.

Outwardly, he put on a confident air about him so as not to give away his nerves about lying in the same bed as her now.

He played down it by climbing into bed confidently. "Come Scarlett, it is time to sleep." The moment those words left his mouth, her whole demeanor changed.

Maverick watched her tense slightly. He sighed inwardly. If he found it hard, he could only imagine what she must be feeling but for a completely different reason.

What Maverick didn't know was that Scarlett, in fact, was having a hard time with the idea of lying next to him. But not for the reason he thought.

The alpha male had been so wonderful to her, especially after the way her family had treated him. Maverick had not taken his anger out on her. Instead, he had taken care of her and treated her kindly.

He could be considered handsome too. With his bronzed skin and long brown hair. His eyes were easy to get lost in as well. She had loved snuggling up with him out on the trail because he had kept her warm throughout the night. He had never tried anything because the men were about, but now they were very much alone.

If he chose, he could push for his rights as her alpha mate. Scarlett didn't know if she would be able to resist him if he did.

She tried not to blush at the thought of something like that happening. Scarlett shook those thoughts away, knowing he would keep his word because he had not broken it yet with her.

Scarlett climbed onto the bed and lay down like she usually did. He spooned up behind her as normal. "Good night mate." He whispered in her ear. It was all silent after that other than the deep breaths of her mates breathing behind her.

She could not sleep a wink for much of the night, though he seemed to sleep peacefully next to her. Scarlett couldn't help thinking how unfair it seemed that he slept as if he didn't have a care in the world, while she lay there with her mind running in every direction imaginable.

When dawn came, Scarlett had just fallen asleep, and it seemed before she knew it Maverick seemed to be nudging her awake. Scarlett sat up rubbing her eyes tiredly. "Is it time to get up already?" She grumbled wearily.

Maverick nodded while smiling down at her cheerfully, and came to sit on the bed next to her. He looked to be already washed and dressed.

Scarlett felt a little annoyed that he seemed to be in such a chipper mood.

"Did you not sleep well, my mate? You look a little tired."

His consideration took Scarlett by surprise for a moment. "No, I didn't sleep very well. It takes me some time to get used to my surroundings." She lied, trying to make an excuse for her sleepless night. It wouldn't do to tell him that she had been lying next to him most of the night wondering if he would wake up and have his way with her if he wished.

Some secret part of her hoped that he would, even though she didn't want to admit it to herself. The thought of him over her, touching her made her skin heat up, and her head turn fuzzy. Scarlett couldn't be sure what this meant and until she figured it out, she didn't wish to discuss it with anyone presently.

Maverick must have sensed her wayward thoughts because he was looking at her with a strange look upon his face. "Is everything alright Scarlett? I can feel your distraction. Is something bothering you?" He asked with the utmost concern.

Scarlett quickly shook her head before changing the subject. "Well, I guess I had better get up and get ready so we can set out for your home." She began moving off the bed while avoiding his gaze.

Maverick seemed to take the hint though his expression said he didn't believe her reasoning and there was something else, but he thankfully left it alone for the moment."

"The alpha and his mate have food ready for when you are dressed and prepared to come out." With that he took his leave and headed out of the flap to give her some privacy.

The moment he stepped out, his men gave him knowing stares, but he just glared in their direction, sending them scurrying in all directions.

The last thing he needed was for Scarlett to think that his men believed they had shared a passionate night together. It would embarrass her greatly, and he didn't wish to put her in that kind of situation.

He went to collect the horses and saw out of the corner of his eye Scarlett step out of the tent. She headed towards the alpha's tent where he told her breakfast was being held. He wanted to check on the horse before going to join her.

Maverick could not be sure why she seemed so agitated around him, but he knew he would just have to be patient, and eventually she would open up to him.

After the horses were fed and watered, Maverick went to the alpha and his mates' home' prepared to eat some hearty food. When he got to the tent he stepped inside and once his eyes adjusted he found Scarlett sitting and talking with the female.

He bowed, showing his respect to them both. He sat down, and she dished him up some breakfast of eggs, pig and chives.

He knew many of the other tribes didn't look too fondly on the desert, but Maverick had always loved it. It was all he had ever known, and he wouldn't trade it for the world.

The people were friendly and giving. Everyone helped everyone out, no matter where they came from. If you needed a place to sleep, the desert people wouldn't hesitate to open their homes to a weary traveler. He just hoped Scarlett could come to appreciate it as much as he did.

He glanced over at her as she giggled with the Alpha's mate. He had a feeling she would do just fine when she settled in. Scarlett seemed a little shy, but she was open and affectionate once you got to know her. He felt he had lucked out, and she didn't end up being a shrew like her mother seemed to be.

Maverick shuddered when he pictured Scarlett ending up as her mother had been. 'That's a frightening notion.'

They finished breakfast and headed to the already prepared horses. They waved to the tribe as the people saw them off.

Scarlett waved enthusiastically, calling out that she hoped to see them again someday. 'They really have wonderful people here.' She thought happily as they traveled out once more.