Page 11 of Forbidden Virgin Mate

We end the evening by taking a seat before one of the stages, where a band is playing. It's a magical atmosphere, with the lights twinkling above us and the music playing. Zack hands me a boozy hot chocolate, and I warm my hands on the cup while we listen to the band.

"Look over there," Zack says, pointing to a group of teenagers messing around at the back. "They’re my sister's friends. If she wasn't working at the store, she'd be with them."

I scan the group, noticing some familiar faces from college. When I catch them looking in my direction, I give them a quick wave. Smirking, Zack nudges me and starts doing hilarious impersonations of Saffy and her friends.

I can't help but burst out laughing. His impersonations are spot-on, and I'm amazed by how well he obviously knows and understands teenagers. His laughter is infectious as we watch the teenagers goof around in their own little world, and it suddenly hits me that he must have raised Saffy pretty much by himself because their parents died years ago.

"I can imagine how much Saffy must appreciate your humor," I say.

He scoffs. "Do teenagers appreciate anyone's humor when they’re over the age of twenty?"

I nod. "Very true. Most of my students probably think I'm ancient, and I'm not even twenty-five."

He lets out a low breath. "And...now I feel really old."

"I wouldn't say you’rereallyold," I tease.

"Oh, thanks!" He nudges me playfully on the shoulder before standing and pulling me to my feet. "Fair’s wrapping up. I better get you home before it's too dark for my old eyes."

I giggle as he takes my hand in his, and we walk back through the fair. Zack waves to people as we go, and it occurs to me just how popular he is as the beta of his pack.

I don't want to dwell on what a perfect evening it’s been; I can’t allow myself to do that. But then, Zack leans in to whisper in my ear. "I had a great time tonight, Tanya. I hope we can do it again soon."

The electric sensation returns, and I feel myself blushing. Lost for words, I simply nod at him in agreement.

We reach his car, and he opens the door for me, taking my hand once again as he helps me into it. As we drive through the darkened streets and then onto the country road, I steal glances at him, his strong profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights.

When we pull up in front of my house, he kills the engine, and we sit in silence for a moment. The tension between us is palpable, but I don't know what to do. I feel my inexperience acutely.

I turn to face him, feeling a longing that I can't suppress. His eyes meet mine, and I realize we're both thinking the same thing.

Without a word, he leans in, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless and instantly wanting more. Our tongues dance together, his hands roaming over my body as I melt into him. My wolf is practically clawing to the surface, wanting to be closer.

He slowly pulls away, resting his forehead against mine. His breathing is ragged and labored, mirroring my own. I suddenly hate the fact I'm a virgin and don't know what to do next. I don't even know if I can handle a grown man like Zack. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as his hand strokes my thigh, drifting under my skirt and finding the delicate apex of my thighs. I gasp with pleasure, my cheeks burning as I realize how wet I am already.

His other hand travels up the curve of my waist before cupping the side of my face. He looks into my eyes, his own smoldering with desire. I open my mouth to say something, but his lips crash down on mine again, hungrily exploring every inch of mine as if I'm the only thing that matters right now.

My hands grip his body, tracing the contours of his hard chest and chiseled abs and slipping beneath his shirt. They tremble against his skin as I feel him react to each touch. We continue our passionate embrace until finally, he pulls away, leaving me breathless and wanting more.

"Wow," he whispers against my skin. "I-I think it's obvious I'd like to see you again."

I chuckle, his stubble grazing my cheek and sending fresh shockwaves to my core. "I think that's a yes."

I'm still smiling as I step into my house, close the door, and watch the lights from Zack's truck retreat down the dark street. Flicking the lights on, I notice my reflection in the hall mirror. I'm shocked to see how flushed my cheeks are, and the gentle swell of my thoroughly kissed lips. I've never seen myself like this before. Yes, I've been kissed before—I'm not entirely inexperienced. But I've never quite like this.

My phone beeps. I smile, pulling it out and wondering if it's Zack texting already.

But it’s my mom.

Is it done?

My eyes flick to the clock—it’s 11 p.m. The first transfer out of the pack accounts would have gone out half an hour ago while Zack was kissing the life out of me in his van and setting my whole body on fire.

My phone starts vibrating; she's calling me now, obviously eager for an update. I send the call straight to voicemail and head into the kitchen, splashing my face with water.

This changes nothing,I think over and over. Perhaps it's even better this way. If Zack is into me, then my family’s revenge will hurt all the more. I'd be leaving town, anyway, so it really doesn't matter what happens with him.

My mom tries calling me again, but I switch off my phone. She's the last person I want to talk to right now.

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