I see Raven bite her lip in nervousness, and then look up at me and nod. She was happy with being my mate, and I leaned forward and said, “Since my shirt is destroyed, go ahead and give me my mark, and then I will mark you in return." Normally the male marks first, but I wanted her to take the lead in this. I was letting her know that the ball was in her court, and she was in control of how this proceeded. I am sure that was not something that she had been given a lot of, knowing just a little of her history. I wanted her to realize that I was happy with letting her have control over me, of us, and that I loved her deeply already. The smile that spread across her face because I wanted her to take this first step, was radiant. I smiled back at her, and she rose to her feet, and I stayed sea
