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

“It was a hunch.”

“Good hunch.”

“You’re right not to like him.”

“He’s my boss.”

“Doesn’t make him a good guy,” said Caleb.

“He gave me a raise. A good one.”

“Again, I don’t see what makes him so good.”

She chuckled.

“What?” he asked.

“It’s nothing. Can we not talk about my boss? I’m not the kind of person who likes to leave work and still talk about it. You know?”

“Got it. I don’t mind.” He helped her into the truck. Get your shit together. He knew his pack would be disappointed if he screwed this up. It was a simple date. Nothing good or bad. He climbed into the truck. “You haven’t been in town long, have you?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“I don’t suppose you’ve gotten the chance to try some good steaks at the bar?”

She giggled. “You would be correct in that. I’ve never been to the bar.”

“Then you’re in luck.”

“Should we really go to a bar?” she asked.

“I can’t think of any better place to be than at the bar. Besides, we don’t have a lot of options here.” He loved good food and it was the only place in town beyond his own cooking that had anything decent to eat.

“You’re going to love it. We’ll be surrounded by people, so you won’t go thinking I’m some kind of murderer.” His pack was going to kill him. What kind of vomit was coming out of his mouth? Damn, this was harder than he thought.

“A murderer? An axe kind or a nice kind?”

He frowned and glanced at her. “I’m not freaking you out with my conversation topic?”

“Not a little bit. It’s different, no doubt about that, but, I don’t know, it’s kind of fun to know you’re nervous.”

“I’m not nervous. I’m not the type of guy who gets nervous.”

“No? Then why do you look like you want to slap your own face?”

He glanced at her. There was a twinkle in her eye.

“Okay, you’re right. I’m nervous. I haven’t done this in a really long time. I … honestly don’t know what to say or do.”

“I like that, Caleb. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. You’d think with this being our second date, you’d be okay with it all.”

“You’re mocking me?”

“Not at all. I’m just having fun.”

He liked this. She made him comfortable.

Parking outside of the bar, he took a deep breath. His pack was counting on him. Not only that but he really did like this woman. She was his and the last thing he wanted to do was screw it up.

****

Nerves.

She was used to them but why was Caleb nervous?

Bethany waited as he rounded the truck and held her door open like the perfect gentleman. She didn’t know how she was able to get his attention, but she was on cloud nine. This was her first date in well, ever, and she was excited. She couldn’t contain herself. Sitting beside him, she had to keep forcing herself to look out of the window, not that there was much to see as the sun had already set.

She hadn’t been on a real date in so long. If she were honest, she’d never been on a real single date. She’d been really unlucky when it came to love and she wasn’t about to fall for any line a guy might think she’d go for.

Now, as they walked toward the bar, the music drifted into the night. Men and women laughed. Some were drinking, others smoking, a bunch doing both, but Caleb put his hand at her back and guided her inside.

Was it her or did he feel warm?

Pushing those nerves to the back of her mind again, she followed him toward a reserved table.

“You booked us a table?”

“This is the best damn place in town, no offense.”

“None taken, believe me.”

He pulled out her chair like a proper gentleman. Her heart fluttered but she was able to contain herself.

Get a grip, Bethany.

He sat down and handed her the menu. “Pick whatever you like. Do you want a beer?”

“Er, sure.”

She wasn’t much of a drinker but right now, she needed something to settle her nerves. The music was good. The bar was full but not too crowded where she felt like she couldn’t breathe. Everything was going well.

Glancing over the menu, she nearly jumped as a waitress placed down a bottle. “Are you guys ready to order?”

Caleb raised a brow at her.

“I’ll have whatever he’s having.”

She didn’t know what to eat. Caleb ordered … a lot of food.

After he finished, he handed the menus to the waitress and they were alone. “You’re hungry?” she asked.

“Starving. Don’t worry if it’s too much for you. I’ll eat it up.”

“You’re used to eating a lot?”

“I work a lot. I need the calories.”

She couldn’t resist looking at his broad shoulders and thick muscles. There was no denying that he worked out a lot. Licking her dry lips, she kept a smile on her face. “So, what is it you do?” She was curious. Joe wouldn’t talk about him. He’d warned her, but something told her that his words were lies. Caleb wasn’t a cruel man. He didn’t have that vibe. She was no expert in body language but he didn’t give her the creeps.