The Alpha's Wayward Mate

The following morning, Scarlett and Maverick woke up having slept relatively well for being on the ground. It was mostly likely due to Scarlett having woken sprawled on top of Mavericks' chest with his large arm wrapped around her securely. Her front had kept him warm just like a blanket, and he had felt just like a pillow beneath her, though a little firmly, then normal but not uncomfortable.

When they both realized how they were positioned, Scarlett quickly scrambled off him while blushing. Maverick said nothing about it only smirked silently.

They quietly packed and headed out, not speaking about the incident as they traveled.

Eventually, they met up with his men, who looked like a rag tag bunch of ruffians. The sight of them caused Scarlett to become nervous as she took them all in.

Maverick must have sensed her fear and hesitation because he whispered something. "They are not as scary as they look. Don't let them intimidate you. They may look rough, but most of them are good enough guys.

Scarlett relaxed slightly as they approached because of Maverick's reassurance that they were harmless.

Nole greeted them as they approached along with a few others of his men. "Maverick, you found her. That is wonderful. Now we can head home."

He nodded his agreement and all his men cheered. The ones who had found a mate this season had returned to get their mates settled. Though they had wanted to stay and search, Maverick wouldn't hear of it and made them leave.

Now he could also return with his life partner. They stopped and retrieved fresh water before beginning the journey.

The road would be long and take them an extra three days to get there. They had already been delayed by two because of the search.

Scarlett noticed the shift in mood as their leader announced that they would finally be going home. The alpha always had finally say to everything, but the fact that he wanted his men happy amazed her.

She watched how he interacted with the others. She felt her heart flutter slightly. Never had she imagined that the man before her would be so fierce looking yet some kind to others.

Scarlett looked back on the last day or so. Other males would have beaten her for running away, but not Maverick. He had done nothing but take care of her.

She started to wonder if her parents had been wrong about their kind. Scarlett began to feel bad for her thoughts and views on them over the years because of her parents views.

Maverick seemed to sense her change in mood because he squeezed her shoulder as they rode along.

"Is there something bothering you Scarlett?" He whispered gently. Maverick could not figure out why her mood suddenly shifted so quickly. He couldn't think of what it could be.

She seemed not to want to answer because she told him everything was fine even though he could feel through their bond that something had upset her.

Maverick didn't pry though. He was sure that, eventually, when they were somewhere private she would hopefully tell him what might be bothering her.

The group traveled for most of the day until the sun began to set. They had all grown weary from traveling, and he could feel Scarlett began to doze against his chest.

Maverick called for everyone to halt, his voice roused Scarlett some. He slid off the horse and then helped her down.

A short time later, orders were issued out to his men of the things he wanted to be done before they laid down to rest.

As the men ran around, Maverick guided Scarlett to a tree trunk to sit and rest. She clearly was not used to such travel.

Once the fire was started and food hunted and skinned, then placed over it, every one settled down and made themselves comfortable for the night.

Scarlett picked at her food feeling too sleepy to really eat anything. Her thoughts were muddled by all that she had learned recently.

She was so focused on her own musings that she didn't notice Mavericks eyes never left her the entire time. He finally stood up and walked over to her after making sure that no one needed anything else from him before retiring.

"Scarlett, I believe you are about to fall asleep in your food. It is well past time to retire, mate." He spoke softly so that no one would overhear him.

She only nodded and stood up to follow him to where they would seek repose for the remainder of the night. After, they settled down and got comfortable.

Maverick whispered near her ear. "Would you like to tell me what made you so sad earlier? He inquired gently as he wrapped an arm around her waist to give her some extra body heat.

Scarlett thought about it, but she was not sure how to tell him of the prejudice that was directed towards his tribe. How could she tell him that she had participated in such things and now felt guilty and ashamed?

"Hey, it's okay, you can tell me if you wish, but if you are not ready to open up, that is alright as well." He said soothingly as he felt her mixed emotions coming through their bond.

His words made Scarlett feel a little better, knowing that he was going to let her come to him in her own time and not force the issue.

"Thank you Maverick. I appreciate your understanding that I am not ready to talk about it yet. I promise when I am ready I will come to you first."

She spoke softly enough only for him to hear. Scarlett felt his pleasure at her words. Even though their relationship was new, it felt like it was growing stronger with each passing day and this made them both relax slightly.

The pair fell asleep snuggled together. They were so cute that it made all the other male's in the camp miss their bonds.

The two didn't notice or care so wrapped up in each other they were.