Page 61 of Alpha's Choice
We were certain there were more creatures, despite the lack of signs. It was just a question of where. I knew Sebastian was still investigating, but the urgency of the situation had passed and I spent my days at Tobias’s bedside instead of poring over books at the library.
Now Tobias and I were home, and the doctor gave him the all-clear to mark me since he was back to normal. Nervous butterflies danced in my stomach.
Tobias led me to the bedroom. It was happening. My breath came in shorter gasps as we got closer. I tried to hide my nerves. I didn’t want Tobias to think I was doubting him or my choice.
We reached the bedroom, and he dropped my hand, heading for the bathroom. Soon I heard water running. He came back out and gave me a grin. “Relax, Emma. I’m not going to jump you.”
He walked over and brushed a kiss across my lips before stepping back. “Have a bath and get dressed. I’ll get ready in the other room.”
“Get ready?”
“I want to make this special for you.” Tobias stopped at the door and met my gaze. “This is the wolf equivalent of marriage.”
Oh, Goddess. That did not calm my nerves. He left me alone in the room and I entered the bathroom. The tub was almost full, the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the air from the bubble bath.
I smiled. Tobias had told me that’s what I smelled like to him. He knew I was his mate when that scent stirred his wolf. I took off my clothes and slid into the hot water, leaning back and trying my best to relax.
I wasn’t nervous about my decision. I was confident that Tobias was the one for me. But the idea of being bitten played on my nerves a bit.
Mom had pulled me aside at the hospital earlier this week and gave me a talk. Not quite a birds and the bees kind of talk. We’d had that one several years before, but a wolf and human talk.
My cheeks heated as she assured me the bite wouldn’t hurt that much and would even be pleasurable. She tried to touch on the mating, but I stopped her. I could handle that myself.
I focused on my breathing, willing the tension to leave my body. I trusted Tobias. And after tonight, we could turn our focus to the future and the rest of our lives together.
Once the water cooled, I got out and dried my body, slathering it with lotion. I entered the bedroom and saw a garment bag and shoe box on the bed. I opened the bag and saw a beautiful white dress. Not quite a wedding dress but close.
I pulled the silky fabric over my head and twirled, the full skirt rising as I spun around. The top had a built-in bra and hugged my curves. I slipped on the shoes, beautiful white heeled sandals.
I curled my hair and pulled the sides back, keeping my makeup natural. I rushed to look at myself in the full-length mirror.
My eyes were bright and happy, my hair tumbling down my back. The dress fit like perfection, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. I exited the room and headed to the living room, where I could hear low voices.
I stepped into the room and my eyes went straight to Tobias in his gray suit with a blue tie that matched my eyes. I almost didn’t register the others in the room, his family and mine, Matthew and Brenda, Patrick and Elliot, Danny, and Kylie.
He stopped in the middle of what he was saying and stared at me, eyes full of love. If I had any doubts left, that expression would have finished them.
He crossed the room, clasping my hand to lead me to a spot in front of the window. He turned and faced me, taking both my hands in his.
“Emma, I want to make this vow in front of our family and friends. I promise you I will always be by your side, just as you will always be in my heart. I will love and protect you. The Goddess blessed me when she gave me you. I choose you, always.”
I gave up on keeping the tears from ruining my makeup. His words struck me deep inside. The sincerity and the feeling behind them. I wanted to give him words that would impact him as much.
“Tobias, you taught me how important love is. I promise you I will always be with you, through the big moments and the small. The Goddess blessed me when she gave me you. I choose you, always.”
He kissed me, pulling me into his arms. I looped mine around his neck and pulled him closer. I heard the cheers from our family and friends but ignored them as I sank into his kiss.
When we broke apart, breathless, our eyes only saw each other. He growled when his mother came over and interrupted.
“Time for pictures.” She positioned us where she wanted us and started snapping photos. She tried coaxing us to smile at the camera, but our eyes kept drifting back to each other.
Then we were alone, everyone laughing at our preoccupation as they left. His gaze was tender as he cupped my face in his hand. “You’re beautiful.”
“You’re handsome.” I cupped his face in response.
“Do you want dinner now?” He motioned toward the table that was set for two. Unlit candles dotted the surface.
I licked my lips, and his gaze followed my movements. I was hungry but more for him than food. “Later.”
