The Alpha's Virgin Prize (Mated for Life 1)

He parked the truck and approached her. She was such a beauty. Even her little nose was adorable. There wasn’t a thing he could find wrong with his mate. “Cold?”

“I’ll be okay. I’m sure it will only get chillier when the sun sets, so I wanted to be prepared.”

“Smart girl.” Caleb’s body always ran hot, thanks to his shifter DNA. He had to remember Bethany was human and fragile. “Are you ready to go?”

She nodded.

Caleb held the passenger door open for her, trying his best to remember all his manners. His pack had drilled the rules into him about a hundred times.

The drive was silent, save the purr of the old engine. He had to break the hush. It was important for Bethany to feel comfortable around him if they were to have a chance together.

“I had a good time yesterday,” he finally said.

She turned her body slightly in his direction. “Me too.”

“I like the bar, but this will be even better. I’m at home in the forest.”

“I grew up in the city, so I’m glad you know what you’re doing,” she said. “It’ll be dark soon. Aren’t there dangerous animals in the forest at night?”

He smirked. “When you’re with me, you have nothing to worry about.”

She smiled, and his entire body reacted. “I forgot to ask you last night. Do you have any ex-girlfriends in town? It could get awkward with me working in the diner. You know, small town and all.”

“No ex-girlfriends.”

He didn’t need to question her about past relationships. The moment he met her, his wolf already scented she was a virgin. The fact cemented his claim and only increased his desire to take her as his own.

She fiddled with the hem of her sweater, looking out the window and occasionally sneaking peeks in his direction.

“Are you scared of me, Bethany?” he asked. The trails were getting rugged, the sun low in the sky. The truck jostled over the rocks and roots. Hints of pink were already appearing on the horizon. They were almost at the embankment where they’d have the ultimate view. He wanted everything to be perfect.

She frowned. “No, why do you ask?”

“You seem nervous. I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”

“I’m not used to dating, to be honest. And I’m not very good at trusting people.”

“I guess I’ll have to prove myself then.” He turned and winked at her. “I’m up for the challenge.”

Caleb pulled to the side of the dirt road, cut the engine, and walked around to her side of the truck. He held his hand out for her. It was a bit of a jump with his lifted suspension, so she dropped down into his arms.

They stood still for a few moments. Their proximity was a major distraction. He could hear her heart racing. If only she knew how much she affected him.

“Come on, we’ll miss it.” He took her hand and started plodding into the underbrush. She had a hard time keeping up, so he reminded himself to slow down.

“You sure you know where you’re going?”

“Almost there,” he said.

When they emerged at the other side, the embankment was clear with only a scattering of wildflowers. The massive expanse of sky seemed to go on forever in every direction. Shades of pink, orange, and red already highlighted the few clouds.

Bethany let go of his hand and wandered close to the edge, her face in complete awe, her thick lips parted. His pack would say he’d done good because Bethany obviously loved what she saw.

“So, this is a country sunset,” she whispered.

He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She flinched at first but settled back against him. “I’ve been coming here for many years. When I need to clear my head or remember how small I am in the grand scheme of things, this is where I come.”

“I love it. It’s perfect. Thank you for bringing me here.”

They stood like that for the longest time, watching the sky morph and darken, the colors becoming more intense by the minute. She felt soft and delicate in his arms, and he breathed in her scent at her temple.

“I have something for you.” He wanted to give her his gift before the darkness took control. The power of the full moon already flowed through his veins. He had to force his fangs not to peek through as his wolf clawed to get free. His urge to fuck, to mate, was becoming harder to contain.

She turned around to face him. He took her hand and placed the emerald in her palm, then closed her fingers.

“What is it?”

When he let go, she looked down and held the emerald up to the light in the sky. “Oh my God, Caleb. Is this for real?”

“Women like jewels, right? This one’s perfect for you.” Then he whispered, “It matches your eyes.”