“It’s not a big deal to you?” Sally interrupted, seeming to find her voice.

Costin’s eyes widened. “Of course it’s a big deal. It’s huge,” he told her. “Sally, I want this more than anything. I need this. I need to know that you bear my mark and my scent. I want to feel your bite. And even though your mark won’t stay on me, I want to know that you’ve claimed me.”

When she didn’t respond he ran an exasperated hand through his hair. “I totally blew this, didn’t I?” He walked away from her and stood looking at the bed where the black gown lay.

Sally came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his back. Seeing him so vulnerable tugged at something deep inside her.

“I’m sorry, I know this is important to you. That wasn’t fair of me. I’m just a little surprised is all. I know you need this, Costin, and I want to give it to you.”

Costin turned in her arms and placed both hands on her face. He leaned down and gently touched her lips with his.

“I love you,” he whispered. She smiled gently.

“I know you do,” she whispered back, “and I love you.”

Costin let out a deep breath.

“Why don’t you get changed?” He motioned to the black gown.

“Okay, um, if we aren’t going to make love, why exactly do I have to wear lingerie?”

Costin chuckled. “Sally mine, when it is time for us to make love, it won’t matter if you have on a burlap sack. It’s all going to come off.”

Sally blushed.

“I think their reason for the gown is easy access.”

Sally gasped. Costin realized how that sounded and actually had the good grace to look embarrassed.

Sally picked up the black gown and quickly headed to the bathroom.

“I’ll, um, I’ll be out in a sec,” she muttered as she closed the door behind her.

Costin let out a breath. “Way to make her feel comfortable,” he muttered under his breath.

He waited what seemed like forever and finally he knocked softly on the door.

“Sally?” He waited for her to answer. When she didn’t he spoke a little louder. “Sally, love, are you okay?” He heard a sniffle and felt his wolf stir inside him. His wolf did not like the idea of Sally upset.

He thought he was going to have to break the door down if she wouldn’t open it, but when he tried the knob he relaxed slightly when it turned freely.

After pushing the door open, his heart broke when he saw his mate curled up on the floor. She had put the gown on and he was male enough to notice, despite the tears streaming quietly down her face, that she looked stunning.

He knelt down and gathered her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he lifted her and carried her into the bedroom.He took a seat on the bed and cradled her close.

“Please tell me what I’ve done. Please tell me how to fix this,” Costin pleaded with her.

Sally continued to cry as she clung to Costin. She knew she shouldn’t be so emotional but she was just overwhelmed. She wanted this, wanted him, but she was scared – scared that she wouldn’t be what he needed or wanted.

“I’m not a wolf,” she said against his shirt where she hid her face.

“Well, I’m glad you told me now before it was too late for me to back out,” Costin teased gently.

Sally pulled back and looked up at him. Costin’s heart ached as he looked at her tear-stained face.

“I’m serious, Costin,” she told him. “You probably expected to be mated to a wolf, and instead you got this.” She motioned to herself.

Costin let his eyes trail down her body, which was was encased in the soft black material.

“Yes, yes I did,” he said, sensuality lacing his voice.

Sally blushed and nudged him. “You know what I mean.”

“No, really I don’t, Sally, because you are so much more than I could have ever asked for. I don’t care that you don’t turn furry. You are amazing and sweet and precious to me. You’re a healer and I have been entrusted with your care. I’m honored. But most of all I have been given You, Sally Morgan, an amazing woman who loves with her whole heart and is smart and gentle and loving. There is no one who is more perfect for me than you.”

Sally looked into his eyes and saw the truth that lay behind them.

“We don’t have to do this if you aren’t ready. I told you I wouldn’t push you into anything and I mean that.” He brushed leftover tears from her cheeks.

Sally shook her head. “No. We aren’t going to wait any longer. I know you need this – you need me, and I need you too. I’m not going to say I’m not scared, but I’m not a coward and I trust you.”

Costin stood and placed her on the bed. He stepped back and pulled his shirt over his head, discarding it on the floor. Sally’s breath caught in her throat at his chiseled chest and abdomen.  In that moment she was very glad for the black gown, no matter how naked it made her feel. Costin was beautiful and she wanted to be beautiful for him.

He pulled her up onto her feet and sat on the bed, pulling her down onto his lap. He brushed the hair back from her shoulder and neck and nuzzled her just below her ear. He took a deep breath and reveled in her scent. Mine, the scent told him. She was his. He felt his wolf pushing forward and knew his eyes were glowing.

“Do you want me to go first?” he asked her, his lips so close to her neck that she shuddered as his warm breath caressed her skin. She nodded, speechless.