This was how it was supposed to be. Finally, after all those years of hiding how I felt. Of worrying that my mate didn't want me. Why hadn't I spoken up sooner? This was Alcide, my best friend, he wouldn't hurt me. Even if he didn't feel the same way, he would've explained it in a way that wouldn't sting as bad. I sniffles as quietly as I could, but he heard it anyways. Alcide tilted my head up to look me in the eyes. A frown creased his brows. "Hey, don't cry. What's wrong honey? Are you hurting again?" He asked gently. I shook my head no. "It's just... I don't want this to turn out to be a dream. All my life I've been so scared that if you knew how I felt, you'd reject me. That I would lose you." I explained and wiped futilely at the tears. He pulled me closer and tucked my head into his neck. I felt his voice vibrating through his chest as he spoke. "Annie I've been in love with you since you were born. The first time I held you I was 7 years old. I was this scrawny kid holding a newborn baby. Anytime your mamma or your daddy tried to take you, you'd start wailing. So they let me hold you. When you fell asleep, I looked down at you and promised myself that I'd never let anything hurt you. That I would always be your protector. Even if you didn't want me as your mate, I swore I'd never leave you unprotected. You are my whole world. This sure as shit ain't a dream baby. You were made specifically for me. Everything about you, every single thing. You couldn't be any more perfect." He finished. I hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry for being stupid." I shrugged. "You weren't being stupid honey. There's nothing wrong with needing a little reassurance." Alcide smiled softly. "But I'm just an Omega, I'm emotional. I'm small. I'm needy." I shook my head sadly. What could Alcide, one of the purest Alphas, possible see in me? He tilted my face up to his and pecked my lips once. Like he's always done. "Being an Omega isn't a curse, it's a blessing. Omegas are sacred in our pack Annie. You're so rare, and special, that when one comes along, we treasure it. I know you're emotional, it means your honest. I want you to always be honest with me. It means that I always know what you're feeling. I like that you're small. You're built like a woman baby. All soft curves and smooth skin. She-wolves are usually tall and muscular. They're built more like teenage boys than grown women. I'm a big man, I don't want to feel bones and hard muscle next to me. I want something soft and sweet, and you are not needy. Yes, you have needs. But I'm the type of man who strives on being needed Annie. It's in my nature." Alcide comforted me. When he finished I smiled and reached for him. Drawing his lips to mine for a kiss. A real kiss this time, like I've dreamed of for so long. I purred happily when his tongue tangled with mine. He tasted perfect. Like mint, and coffee, and something wild, something purely Alcide. When he separated he continued his kisses down my neck, nuzzling the place where he'd mark me. I trembled. There was nothing I wanted more. To wear Alcide's mark, and be recognized as his mate. As caveman as it was, we couldn't help ourselves. It's in our nature. "I'm gonna mark you tonight. Then I'm gonna marry you as soon as you get everything planned how you want it. Then I'm gonna watch as your belly swells with our pups." He rumbled sexily. "Pups? As in plural?" I exclaimed. "Baby I want a whole football team." He chuckled before diving in and kissing me again. All coherent thought left me as his hands started roaming. I felt my heat spike once more and I moaned, long and low.