Page 113 of Rafe

“I know you’re human, Sky, so I want to make sure I do this in a way that is you know…not like us shifters do. I mean, when we meet our mate, we just know and that’s pretty much it. But humans? You are interesting creatures who require a little more…what do they call it? Dating? Courting?”

“Are you asking me on a date?” Skylar laughed. “I thought we pretty much decided this wasn’t happening.”

“Did we?” He raised a questioning eyebrow at her.

Skylar gasped as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her toward him. His finger traced over her neck and she sighed.

“This mark here.”

Skylar’s skin tingled, desire rushing through her as his fingers teased over her delicate neck. “I think someone must have bitten me.”

“Indeed, but this pattern? It’s special, you see. This is from a wolf. This is from me. This mark? You are mine.”

“I’m not your human,” she protested.

“There are some bonds that can’t be broken, Skylar. You are my mate. I’m yours.”

Skylar’s pulse raced at his words, afraid to allow herself the indulgence. How was it possible? Her mind spun with questions as she reached for his collar and inspected his neck.

“But you don’t have one? What I have is probably just an allergy.” Her heart sank.

“Sky. I’m a wolf. I am an Alpha. Trust me when I say that mark means you’re mine. The reason I don’t have one yet is because I need my mate to claim me.” Rafe smiled. “You.”

“No. Are you sure?” A broad smile crossed her face, her spirits soaring. “Does this mean?”

“You are my mate, Sky.” He beamed.

“You’re serious…oh my God.” Tears welled in her eyes, her heart full.

“I want to make this official because you have two very lovely parents up there who I don’t imagine will be quite impressed with me simply saying I’m your mate.”

Skylar’s eyes widened as Rafe knelt on one knee before her and retrieved a small blue box.

“My beautiful Sky. Ever since we met, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you. Being with you? I’m in awe. Your strength. Your humor. Your kiss…I want it all with you. Not just a day or a week, but a lifetime, an eternity. I love you, Sky.”

Skylar wore a broad smile as he opened the little box, revealing a diamond ring.

“You see, we wolves don’t normally do this kind of thing, but I want to start off our life together on the right note.”

She nodded, tears in her eyes. Never in a million years had she imagined her dreams coming true, finding and keeping the love of her life.

“I love you, Sky,” he confessed.

“I love you too,” she declared.

“Would you come on an adventure with me, Miss Hemlock? One to last a lifetime? Will you marry me?”

“Yes…yes!” Tears streamed down her face as he slid the diamond onto her finger.

Skylar melted into Rafe as he took her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Breathless, Skylar relaxed as he slowly broke their kiss. Henri played a Cajun waltz on his accordion, music filling the air.

“May I have this dance?” Rafe asked her, his voice low and raspy.

Skylar gave a hazy smile. “How did you do this?”

“Magick, baby, magick.” He winked.

Her heart bursting with love, Skylar gasped as he spun her in his arms, gazing up into his eyes as she moved with him. The same song played as the first night they’d met and her heart celebrated with a joy she’d never truly experienced until this very moment.