Page 47 of Cupcake

Dean snorted. “No, I made you lighter.”

Oh! Did Dean want a smaller mate. Logan couldn’t really do much about the way he was built. Lion shifters were sturdy. Bigger than some of the other felines. Logan had only been skinny once in his life and that had been when he’d been half starved and wandering the country on his own.

“I don’t want a smaller mate,” Dean stated as he carried Logan to the adjoining bathroom.

“What? How?”

“It was written all over your face,” Dean told him. “The doubt. The question. I don’t know how to show you that you are what I’ve been dreaming about. You’re everything that I always wanted.”

Logan wanted to believe him. They’d not known each other for long but that was hard to remember. Once Dean had told Logan that they were mates, something had clicked into place. Even when Logan had thought that Dean had denied him, the connection had been throbbing. What would Dean think of the little secrets that Logan kept? The silk, lace, and satin that were hidden in the back of his drawer. It would be harder to hide wearing his pretties from his mate than his family.

“There’s something else on your mind,” Dean said. He put Logan down carefully on the counter.

“I…”

“Please don’t feel that you have to tell me now.” Leaning close, Dean placed a hand on either side of his hips.

“I should…” Logan knew that. He should trust his mate.

“Baby, it’s been a few days since you found out about me. The mating hasn’t been formally completed because you’ve been injured. We have time.”

Was that all it was? Logan hadn’t wanted to worry about Dean and his not mating yet. Dean hadn’t really left Logan’s side since they got back. His mate cared for him every minute.

“Logan?” Dean cupped his face.

“You do want to mate with me?” Logan asked. He just needed reassurance. Just wanted to hear the words.

“Of course, baby.” Dean kissed him gently. “It’s been so hard to keep my hands to myself as you’ve healed. There’s nothing I want more than to make you all mine. To be yours in return.”

Logan nodded. “I need…I need you to claim me.” He had to swallow hard. Force the words out. “I don’t want to be so needy but—”

“That’s not being needy,” Dean interrupted. “That’s just wanting me as much as I want you.”

“There is more to it,” Logan said. Maybe if he started small then he could work up to telling Dean everything.

“I’ll listen if there’s anything you want to tell me,” Dean said. “Or you don’t have to say a word. I’m willing to wait. I promise. Nothing you say will ever change how I feel about you.”

“I want to mate with you. I don’t want to wait.”

“I want to mate with you too, baby,” Dean said.

“First, I want to tell you about my family,” Logan told him.

“Is this a conversation that I’m going to need a drink for?”

“A drink?” Logan looked at the shower longingly.

“Does your family have something to do with why it’s so important you shower right now?”

“Yes,” Logan admitted.

“Tell me, Logan,” Dean said. “Just remember that nothing you tell me will change how I feel. That we’re mates.”

That helped. Logan took a deep breath. “I’m not and have never been the smartest.”

Dean hissed.

“I’m not being mean to myself,” Logan assured him. “It’s just a fact.”

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