A/N: Things are going to get steamy by the end of the chapter so here is your warning if you don't want to read it ;)

I'm pacing back and forth in my room. The nerves are really starting to get to me. Slight panic setting in that Matthew might have back tracked on wanting to go on a date. What are these jitters? Why do I feel this way? It's so stupid. Is this what it's supposed to feel like when you like someone? When you're so attracted to someone that your heart flutters and your knees buckle and way too many dirty thoughts start to engross your brain.

Calm down, my wolf reassures me. Just you know, as soon as you get a chance, kiss him.

I've been replaying that kiss so much in my head I'm going crazy. I decide to take a seat at my small table. He told me to be ready by eight-thirty, quite sure I was done showering, doing my hair, getting dressed, and putting on some make-up by like...seven.

I hear a small knock on my door, but I know it's not him. The energy coming from the door doesn't feel the same. I take a deep breath ready to push down all this hesitation. I'm stronger than this. Why am I more nervous about this date than when I had the initiation in Sparta? I got this, I'm a badass werewolf who's gone through way too much shit to have one little date get to me.

I open the door, "Hey Sage."

I could already sense her power through the door but seeing her now it diminishes slightly like her body has relaxed. She seems taken aback by my appearance, a smile ever so slowly creeping on her face.

"Wow," Her eyebrows raise. "I'm impressed. You clean up nice."

I grab my keys, placing them in my purse. As I walk out of the house, Sage just behind me, I can see her eyes trailing down my body. I mean, I have my suspicions that Sage might swing for the other team. Just occasional mannerisms or comments she makes that have me questioning her sexual orientation. But I'm not about to just impose myself. Especially because she doesn't have a mate yet.

"I guess you're escorting me to wherever Matthew is?" I ask as we walk out of the common house.

"Yeah." Sage chuckles, "I'll make sure to get the fuck out of there as soon as he sees you."

Sage starts walking towards the center of campus. I follow just at her side asking politely, "So how was the hangover?"

"Hangover?" She asks, "What hang—oh!"

She quickly regrets her words as I realize she's been caught in a lie. My mouth drops and I step in front of Sage to stop her. "You ditched me on Saturday?"

"I didn't ditch you." Sage rolls her eyes mischievously as a smile creeps on her face. "I just...thought you'd prefer the Alpha's company over mine."

A smirk taints her lips as she side steps me and keeps walking. "Besides, look at you now." She glances over her shoulder me, but I'm still too stunned to say anything. "You're going on a date with the big bad wolf of the Valley."

I can't even be mad. I'm actually impressed by Sage's little match-making puppeteering. I try to be angry at her, but a smile just forces itself on my lips. Deep down I'm actually so grateful I got to spend the day with Matthew.

"Come on." Sage grins, "Or he's going to get angsty."

I trail after her just around the main courtyard on campus. We walk towards one of the lecture halls and just in front of the student library, I start to feel Matthew's aura. It almost seems like he's nervously excited by the way his energy is being emitted. I can't help but get chills the closer we get.

I'm not sure if Sage mind linked him or if he just happened to pick up on my scent. But he steps out of the university library, dark green intense eyes instantly landing on me. Wearing dark jeans and a black t-shirt to showcase his tattoos. As if he doesn't already look amazing, he decided on wearing his glasses that nearly make my legs buckle under me. I don't know what it is about it but seeing him in those rims just makes him look a hell of a lot sexier. He leans against the main entrance of the library, biting his lip as he scans me up and down.

"Thanks Sage." Matthew tells her politely, his eyes still trained on me like a hawk. He seems to love staring at me and it makes me feel all kinds of flutters inside. Because God, I love it when he stares at me.

"Have fun." Sage winks at me, speed walking away towards the castle.

I decide to walk straight up to Matthew, stopping just in front of him. His eyes still scanning across my body, slowly making their way until they're looking me straight in the eyes. "You're gorgeous," he says in a low voice. I can see the little gleam in his eye that gets me way too riled up.

I can't help the smile that creeps on my face, "You're not so bad to look at either."

This gets him to chuckle, he reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers. A blush creeping up my neck, but he doesn't seem to notice. Matthew pulls me to his side, leading me into the university library. "Have you seen the old library yet?" He asks me as we walk down the main corridor.

"Not yet." I say honestly. "It's been on my list to be honest. I've heard from some students it's beautiful."

He nods, the smile on his lips practically glowing. I can tell he's excited to show me. The old library is apparently the first library that was built on campus. It later expanded as the school got bigger and more books and students were needed. Matthew guides me through a few turns until we finally reach a set of large brown doors. He lets go of my hand, opening the door for me and watching my expression carefully as I walk inside.

My inner nerd starts screaming. It's so beautiful and stunning. I thought Matthew's library was the most charming place on campus, but unfortunately, I was wrong. A large red staircase is centered in the middle of the library as it spirals upwards. It reminds me too much of Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast. Two of my all-time favorite movies. I can't help the small gasp I let out as soon as we walk in.

I bite my lip, shaking my head in disbelief. This has been here the whole time and I didn't know about it? Unacceptable. "It's amazing," my breath taken from me as I giddily walk up to some of the bookshelves and run my hand across the countless spines.

Matthew chuckles, "Maybe it was a mistake to bring you here. I still very much want you to come to my office."

"Make this your office," I tease him with a smirk.

"Don't tempt me," He bites his lip down like he's genuinely considering it. I turn towards one of the shelves, feeling his intense gaze on me as I grab one of the books.

Matthew's footsteps getting closer to me until I feel his chest press into my back. He looks over my shoulder at what I'm reading, but I know he's not paying attention to the novel because even I'm not paying attention to the book. It might as well be in a different language. My focus is entirely on the fact that Matthew's hands are on my waist. My body leaning back into him ever so slightly causing him to smirk.

He pushes my hair to the side and ever so slowly he leans down, placing a warm tender kiss on my bare shoulder. I practically stop breathing, electricity running through me like I'm some sort of telephone pole. Matthew places another kiss on the crook of my neck, and I close my eyes. Feeling the way his lips feel on my skin. One more kiss higher, just below my ear and I start imagining all sorts of things I want him to do with those lips.

"Come upstairs with me, gorgeous." He breathes into my ear. "I have one more surprise."

I know he did that on purpose. Made my body feel on fire just so he can take it away. There's a mischievous glint in his eyes like my reaction to him is exactly what he wants. I narrow my eyes at him, trying to return his playful gaze.

If he's going to play it that way, I think to myself.

I turn in his arms, facing him with a smirk. I push myself a bit higher, leaning into him like I'm about to kiss him. His playful grin is quickly replaced by jaw clenching. The mischief in his eyes suddenly turning to lust. Oh, so much lust his eyes almost go black. Just as I graze my lips on his, I sidestep him towards the stairs.

I point at them innocently, "Upstairs you said?"

A hum of a growl escapes him before he turns to me with a smile. "Up the stairs," he nods following just behind me. I'm already on the steps, climbing my way up, purposefully moving my hips while he blatantly stares at my ass.

As soon as I reach the top, my heart melts into a massive puddle of goo. Just in the center of the library, there's a blanket placed on the ground. In front of the large circular window that overlooks the campus courtyard and just a sneak peek of the lake. There are electric candles placed sporadically through the library—around the blanket, on the selves, next to the window. On the blanket I notice a few snacks, a bottle of wine, two glasses, and Matthew's guitar peeking around the corner. I turn to Matthew. My voice caught in my throat as I try to push back my emotions.

Mia this is beautiful, my wolf feels warm inside. Cared for. We've always felt like people have treated us coldly. We've been beaten up so many times. Regarded to as nothing more than weak. We've had to push ourselves out of so many situations others might have not wanted to get up from. This feels like the opposite of a rejection.

"Sorry they're electric," Matthew lifts one of the candles on the railing. Setting it back down with a shrug. "I wouldn't want this place to burn down."

I must be staring at him with a blank expression because as soon as he sees my face, his quickly shows concern. His confidence wavering ever so slightly, "Do you like it?"

I try to speak, but my voice is totally caught. I feel like tears might actually spring from my eyes. There's no way someone would ever do something like this for me. Matthew steps towards me and I meet him in the middle. Wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing a kiss against his lips. His hands finding my waist, tightening his hold while I move my lips slowly against his. I'm gentler than he usually is, but I think a part of him enjoys that. Enjoying the feeling of slowing down.

I pull away, smiling so brightly a part of me thinks I'm a star, "I love it."

"I'm glad." Matthew smiles softly, his shoulders relaxing as I feel a small purr come from him. He pulls me over to the blanket and I sit down across from him. Pouring two glasses of wine, he lays on his side, his attention completely focused on me as I can't wipe the smile off my face.

"I can't believe you did this." I shake my head looking down.

Matthew also can't seem to stop smiling. He reaches over for a cracker, crunching on it slowly. "I was hoping to sweep you off your feet."

"Mission accomplished." I clink my wine glass against his. He laughs softly while I take a sip of the wine.

"I really enjoy being around you, Mia." He tells me sincerely.

I roll my eyes playfully, "That's just sexual attraction Matthew."

"It is," He winks making me giggle. "But you also make me feel like I can be authentic. You're very comforting to have around. I can be honest with you and be...Matthew."

I lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees. "Well, I like 'Matthew' more than Alpha. Matthew is nerdy and has a conversation with me about Pride and Prejudice. He teaches really cool classes and cooks like a Michelin chef. Whereas Alpha just seems to have a stick up his ass and way too much paperwork."

I finish my sentence with an eyeroll that makes him laugh. His beautiful laugh that makes me warm inside. I can't help but remember the conversation we had one day when I was in his office and he asked me what my favorite book was. We got into a deep discussion about whether Pride and Prejudice is a better masterpiece than Wuthering Heights. Both novels that he and I love.

Matthew keeps his smile after his laugh dies down, he takes a sip of his wine. "And to think I only thought you liked me because of my office."

"Don't get me wrong," I reach over for some grapes. "Your office is stunning. But...you've just got that sexy professor vibe. My wolf and I drool."

He smirks, "If only you can get into my head and hear some of the things my wolf says about you."

I blush slightly, knowing very well that if my wolf and I have some dirty thoughts, I can only imagine what his is saying. I gulp down a grape, my expression changing slightly as I can't help my curiosity getting the best of me. "Can I ask you something personal?" I ask timidly.

Matthew smiles, "Of course."

I look down at my lap, fidgeting with the stem of my grape. "Everyone keeps telling me you were quite devastated when your mate left. I'm just wondering if she ever gave you a reason for...for rejecting you."

I can't imagine what kind of idiot would reject Matthew. He doesn't even seem fazed by my question. His eyes stay stuck to mine, "She did."

He sighs, pouring more wine into his glass before he opens up to me. His eyes trained on me as he speaks, "She and I were friends growing up. Not the best of friends, but we got along decently well. She didn't particularly like that the Alpha's son received more benefits than other wolves. She always talked about wanting to travel. How she hated this town and the Valley. Her dream was to get away."

Unfortunately, I feel his words resonate with me. That's exactly how I felt about Sparta. I wanted to be an Advisor, I wanted to get the hell out of Sparta. I just can't imagine why she would have hated the Valley. To each their own.

"We found out we were mates just a few weeks before she was supposed to leave the Valley." Matthew continues. "I wouldn't say she was pleased to find out she was my mate. Everything I did annoyed her to no end. I would practice my music and she'd tell me to stop. I would teach a few classes on campus, and she'd question why I even bother. Her hatred for the Valley only seemed to grow the more time she spent with me."

His eyes finally dart down to the food on the blanket. A humorless laugh breathed out, "She said I wasn't her type. Too geeky, too boring, too plain."

I reach out for his hand, as I notice him fidget with his wolf ring. He smiles softly, kissing my knuckles delicately. Eyes looking up at me through the edge of his glasses. I bite my lip, "She sounds..."

"Horrible." He cuts me off with a shrug. His thumb drawing circles on my hand. "But...my wolf was obsessed with her. We wanted to do anything for her. She was supposed to be the Luna, so it wasn't just about me, if not the entire pack."

"Do you..." I hesitate, "Do you miss her sometimes?"

"Why would I miss someone who doesn't want me?" He frowns at the question, head tilting like he's confused. "Do you miss Bren sometimes?"

Not anymore, My wolf practically screams in my head. We've got ourselves something so much better than that immature dickwad.

Her statement makes me laugh out loud, catching Matthew off guard. "Sorry," I apologize with a big grin. "My wolf wants you to know that no. We don't miss Bren. She called him a dickwad."

Matthew chuckles, "Well I'm glad we're on the same page. Baffles me that the Dickwad rejected someone as gorgeous as you."

The seriousness of our conversation is quickly uplifted like a cloud. That's one thing that I enjoy so much about talking with Matthew. How quickly we can shift the tone in our discussions.

"I can't believe your mate thought you were too nerdy," I roll my eyes taking a sip of my wine. "Those glasses do wonders to me."

"Is that so?" Matthew practically glows, he licks his lip before slowly biting it down. If there wasn't food between us, I'd lean in and bite it for him.

I nod, retracting my hand from his so I can grab some bits of food. I spread some cheese on a cracker keeping my focus on it as I say, "They're quite the turn on."

I ignore the low growl in Matthew's chest. Fully aware that his eyes have intensified. His voice dropping slightly, "I'll make sure to wear the more often for you."

My wolf purrs and I can feel her excitement. I didn't think I'd be so bold with someone, but I'm in my twenties and Matthew is only a few years older than me. I've never had any sexual drive or experience but now my mind is completely fogged with him.

Matthew blinks a few times, trying to get his breathing under control while I just watch him squirm. I love seeing the effect I have on him. It not only gives me an ego boost but makes me feel so confident in myself.

When he's finally calmed himself, he shifts his position. Sitting up, with one leg extended in front of him. "So answer me this," He tells me with his head tilted.

"Oh, so it's my turn now to answer personal questions? Should I swing some wine?" I ask making him chuckle.

"What was it like growing up in Sparta?" His question sounds very innocent. It's a normal question to ask. I would probably ask him the same about the Valley. Thinking that he'd tell me about the many times he's swam in the lake with friends. Or how he'd go on runs through the forest. Unfortunately, that's not where I came from.

I push an empty smile, "Awful."

At first, he seems to think it's a bit of a joke, but I know that he can sense my mood changing. The thought of Sparta makes me angry and sad. Not just because of Bren but because I never belonged there. The fact that I made it through the first few years is astonishing to me.

"I don't..." I look up at the ceiling, trying to find my words. "I don't like talking about it because that means reliving it."

Matthew's eyes scan my face, "I've heard the trainings are grueling."

"To name a few." I scoff, pulling my knees to my chest and hugging them close. "I only had one friend. Clara. She was my rock. Everyone only knows the tip of the iceberg with Sparta. We're the warrior pack. But when you're placed in such a highly competitive environment that's so physically driven—it feels more like hell than anything else."

Matthew clenches his fist at his side, "Did they hurt you?"

My eyes land on his hand. The last thing I want to do is get him angry. So instead, I push a smile. "I'm fine. As you can tell."

"Do they hurt their wolves, Mia?"

"It's part of the training we grow up with." I tell him with a shrug, "Pushing our bodies to the limit and when we don't perform to the standards, we're pushed even farther. It's how they teach, and how we learn."

I quiet silence falls between us. Matthew stares at me like he's absorbing my feelings. I'm trying so hard to shove those memories down. I don't want to talk about the drills. About the verbal abuse we endured. Of watching children cry out of pain and tiredness. I refuse to let everything resurface. Not when I'm here, not when I'm happy. Without even saying a word, Matthew seems to understand. Watching me carefully as I internally struggle.

"Why would your parents be okay with that?"

"I don't have parents." I tell him quickly. This seems to catch him off guard. He blinks in surprise. "It's a matter of pride for wolves in Sparta to go through the training. Most parents there are more than happy for their kids to endure it. But I don't have any. I was dropped off at the edge of Sparta when I was a pup. No note, no scent. They just took me in and hoped I could face the trials. Which I did...just not very well."

I say it all so casually because if I think about it too much it'll hurt. I've never opened up this quickly with anyone. I don't talk to anyone about how I'm feeling. Feelings are weaknesses in Sparta. The countless times I cried out and begged to the Moon Goddess to send me my family back so I could go back from whichever pack I'm originally from. Futile praying. After the age of eight, I just accepted that Sparta was my home. Luckily, not anymore.

"And Dickwad had the audacity of calling you weak." Matthew takes a few more deep breaths. I can tell I've riled him up. So, I reach over for his hand again, letting him squeeze it until he's calmed down.

"It's okay," I try to lighten the mood. "I wouldn't have this amazing ass if not for all the training I've done."

The comment makes Matthew smile, his eyes landing on mine with a soft glint. He tugs at my hand, "Come here."

I stand up, making my way around the blanket until I'm seated just between his legs. My back pressed into his chest. I feel his arms wrap around me, purring coming from his chest that makes me feel warm inside. The feeling of him this close gets my heart beating faster in my chest.

"This is your home now gorgeous," He says with his face buried in my neck. His deep breaths inhaling my scent.

I smile, letting his hands slowly trail from my waist, down my leg, and back up. Every touch forcing shudders up and down my spine. I'm not facing Matthew, but I know he's happy to see my reaction.

"I should let you know," he whispers in my ear. I bite on my lip, trying my best to compose myself. "There is a reason I brought you up here tonight."

"Oh yeah?" I turn my head just enough to see him through the corner of my eye.

Matthew grins devilishly, grabbing his guitar and placing it in my lap. "You mentioned you wish you could have learned."

"You're such a tease." I shake my head with a laugh. Regardless, it warms my heart that he remembers.

"Let's see if you can pick up on three essential cords." He smirks, placing my hand on the neck of the guitar. He shows me G Major, C Major, and D Major. His hand guiding me the entire time as it remains just on top of my fingers.

Once he trusts me enough with doing it on my own, he places his hands on my waist. "Go from G to C." He instructs. I do as he says but my focus is quickly annihilated when I feel his lips on the back of my neck.

"Again." He says when I mess up. I suck in my lower lip, strumming the guitar. His lips coming in contact with my shoulder. I can feel his left hand move upwards from my waist. His fingers grazing my stomach as they peek their way under my shirt.

"C to D." He kisses just behind my ear. My nerves starting to lose control as his right hand moves down from my waist to my leg. Stopping in my inner thigh. He places wet kisses along my neck, I can't help it as I close my eyes, tilting my head to give him better access.

"Matthew," I breathe out causing him to growl. He pushes his guitar to the side, turning me around so that I'm straddling him. His hands at the end of my shirt, high enough that I can feel his palms against my skin. As much as I love his glasses, I gently take them off, setting them to the side.

I press my lips to his, letting him take full control of the kiss despite me being on top. He kisses me with so much desperation. Sloppy and full of passion. It makes me quickly realize how much more he wants to do. How he wants to touch me and show me.

One of his hands slowly creeps up my back while the second holds firmly onto my ass. A deep growl emitting from the back of his throat when I pull away, completely breathless. He instantly places kisses down my neck and collar. He picks a spot where he takes my skin, sucking on it so hard it hurts but makes me moan regardless.

A few seconds later, he pulls away, licking over the newly swollen hickey. Leaving wet kisses along my collar as his hands grab the edge of my shirt. "Tell me when to stop, Mia." His voice is deeper than usual. His aura pulsating pure lust that is driving my wolf and I insane. He feels this way because of us, because of me. What a fucking turn on.

I press my lips to his, kissing him hungrily while my fingers tangle themselves into his hair. He pulls my body closer to his, my hips grinding just above him, feeling just how much he wants me. I can't help moaning in his mouth as my hips slowly roll against his. I only stop briefly when Matthew grips the ends of my shirt, pulling it over my head swiftly. His eyes staring into mine while his hands move to the clasp on my back.

"Mia..." He says lowly.

"It's okay." I smile at him, leaning forward to kiss up his neck. I reach his ear, feeling the chills I cause running down his neck as I suck on his earlobe. "I'll tell you when to stop."

He doesn't spare another second. Immediately throwing my bra on the ground. I grab his own shirt, pulling it over his head. The moment my body touches his, I feel like I'm on fire. I've never had someone touch me before. Not this way anyways. It's feels so amazing. Matthew's body feels so warm and his chest alone I could stare at for days.

Matthew starts kissing me again. His hands slowly trailing down my bare back as I keep rolling my hips against his. He's pulled me in so close, my chest is pressed up just against his. The skin-to-skin contact driving me crazy. Matthew grabs a fist of my hair, pulling my head back while I grind my hips against his. He leans backwards, staring my body hungrily for a few seconds before growling softly.

He quickly turns us over, my back suddenly hitting the cold floor. He hovers over me, his eyes shamelessly scanning over my body. I feel frozen in place. Self-conscious of my body but unable to move. I also can't help noticing how sexy he looks with his messed-up hair. The muscles on his chest and abdomen so incredibly defined. I can feel my eyes lust over in black.

His sinful eyes meet mine, followed by a devilish smile. He leans down, kissing my collar haphazardly. A purr radiating from his chest, "You're fucking gorgeous Mia."

Matthew's hand trails up my sides, sending shivers up and down my spine. His thumb grazes over my nipple. Flipping it back and forth while watching my expression. I bite down on my lip, trying to suppress how amazing it feels.

"Matthew," I can't help moaning out as he begins to kiss down my collar. Ever so slowly down my chest. Throwing my head back when I feel his tongue on my skin as he slowly drags it to tease me. I feel him hovering over my breast until he starts sucking on me.

"Fuck." I moan out as my back arches into his body. My mind is on overdrive. Too many sensations of pleasure racking through me. The way he's staring at me while he sucks and bites down. The feeling itself. The way his hand is palming my other breast.

Goddess, I never want it to stop.

When both my nipples feel swollen, he kisses back up to my face. Pressing his lips to my jaw while his hips roll against me. Applying an amazing pressure between my legs that have me wanting more. His hands trail down my body. Everywhere they touch feeling like a bonfire growing and growing. I don't think anything can pull me away from this electrification.

I feel his fingers hover over the button of my jeans. He undoes the first button and for a split second I'm okay with it. A part of me excited and wondering how much more pleasure this man can bring me. But a more rational side of me reaches down, stopping his hands in place.

"Stop." I tell him breathlessly. I'm not ready for that. Despite my wolf screaming in my head to keep going, we both know that I'm not ready.

Matthew doesn't question it. He seems to understand. Smiling gently and instantly moving his hands to rest on either side of my head. "Okay gorgeous," He whispers in my ear. Leaving light kisses along my jaw and face. Avoiding my lips purposefully.

I take deep breaths of Matthew. Amberwood and coffee calming my breathing as he let's me compose myself. I place my hands on his face, redirecting him so I can lightly kiss his lips.

He smiles through each kiss I give him. In a low sultry voice, he whispers into the cold air, "I can't wait to worship you, Mia."

******

A/N: Sorry I didn't post yesterday. Had a birthday party and am ridiculously hungover. Lowkey wish I was a werewolf that doesn't experience hangovers. Fun fact: the library picture that I posted above can be found in Porto, Portugal. I went to it and thought it tied very nicely with the scene.

Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the chapter!!!!! I've never written smut or anything sexual before so feel free to give me criticism on that part if you feel like I could do better and whatnot.

Please vote on the chapters and don't forget to comment, I swear I read all your comments and when I get a notification that you've commented it makes me soooooo happy <3<3<3