“I do,” Sally confessed. “I love him so much that it’s actually painful to be away from him. That can’t be healthy, Peri. Isn’t that like codependency or something?”

“You are thinking in human terms. He isn’t human and you are more than human. The bond between you two is stronger than any human relationship could ever be. You don’t have to worry that he will ever leave you, cheat on you, or hurt you purposefully. He won’t break your heart, Sally.” Peri reached out and took Sally’s hand, offering a comforting touch.

“He won’t break my heart because he’s stuck with me. Peri, have you looked at me,” Sally motioned up and down in front of her, pointing out her body, “and have you looked at him? He’s way out of my league. Like, I’m in little league t-ball as the catcher because everyone knows that in little league that’s where you put that kid and he’s in the major league and he's the best player to ever grace the game.”

Peri cocked her head to the side as she listened to Sally, her eyes never leaving her face.

“You don’t see yourself very clearly, Sally Morgan, healer to the Serbian Pack. You are beautiful inside and out. Costin could not have asked for a mate that fits him better than you. You are calm and peaceful, whereas Costin is rambunctious and playful. You both complement each other very well.”

“I just don’t want to be a disappointment to him.” A single tear slid down her cheek.

“You could never be a disappointment to me, Sally mine.”

Sally gasped at the voice that came from behind her. She really didn’t want to turn and face Costin. She was embarrassed at him overhearing her insecurities.

“I think this is my queue to leave,” Peri said as she stood. She placed a finger under Sally’s chin, pulling her face up to look at her. “You can feel your soul calling out to him. Stop denying what the Great Luna has given you and embrace the gift that your bond with your mate is.”

Then Costin and Sally were alone.

Sally sat very still and stared at the floor, willing it to open up and swallow her.

Costin sat on the stool that Peri had occupied and remained silent. Sally could feel his eyes on her, those beautiful hazel eyes that captivated her every time she looked at him.

She finally let out a deep breath, unable to stand the silence any longer.

“Say something, please.” She spoke softly, so unsure of what he was thinking.

Costin reached over and brushed the hair that had escaped her pony tail from her face.

“You love me,” he said with a grin.

Sally’s breath whooshed from her lungs as if she had been punched in the stomach. “How much did you hear, exactly?”

Costin shrugged. “Enough to tell you that it is I who amunworthy of you. What can I do to prove to you that you are more than I could have ever hoped for? You hold my heart in your hands, my sweet healer. Your soul is calling to me so loudly that my wolf demands I stay near you. I don’t want to pressure you and I don’t want you to complete the bond with me because Peri says you should. It has to be your decision, for the right reasons.” He pulled his stool closer to hers. She could smell his unique scent – something spicy that she couldn’t place...and something like the woods covered in freshly fallen snow.

“Sally.” He spoke her name reverently and it came out nearly in a whisper. She felt his breath caress her face. Before she realized what he was doing, he stood and pulled her up from the stool. He picked her up by her waist and sat her down on the worktable and wedged himself in between her legs. As he wrapped his arms around her, she heard him murmuring softly to her in Romanian.

Sally’s heartbeat quickened. He buried his face in her neck, taking deep breaths. After several moments, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Nothing had ever felt as right as being in his arms.

Costin pulled back just enough so that his lips were next to her ear. She felt his warm breath against her skin, and as if it was the most natural thing in the world, she tilted her head to the side, allowing him more access to her neck.

A low rumble emitted from Costin. His warm lips against her neck caused chills to ripple down her back.

“I won’t lie, Sally.” She felt his lips moving against her skin as he spoke and a soft moan escaped her. Costin chuckled, enjoying the effect he was having on her. “My wolf is restless. He wants his mate. He wants to protect you, be close to you, and the man agrees with him.”

Sally’s head fell forward onto Costin’s shoulder and she gripped the tops of his arms when she felt his tongue dart out quickly on her neck. “I need you,” he continued. “When I’m away from you all I think about is the next time I will see you. When I’m with you it’s all I can do to keep from touching you, holding you, kissing you. Knowing you are going to be with me through this life, feeling the darkness recede when you touch me, watching your defenses melt when I hold you....these things keep me from going crazy while I wait.”  

Sally pulled back and placed her hands on either side of his face. She didn’t have any experience with relationships, emotional or physical. She decided to just let her instincts guide her. She ran a thumb across his sensual lips and let out a breathy laugh when he playfully nipped it.

“You won’t ever leave me?” she asked softly. Her hands left his face and slid down his neck to his shoulders.