¬It wasn't her fault that Raven believed in so little of herself, or the very idea that others would even like her. For so long such ideas were beaten into her where she believed them in its entirety. It was something that was immensely difficult to break. The woman trapped behind such a thick wall built and created by those she thought should have loved her, cared for her, and yet they betrayed her in the end. Tobias had been the very first one to help crack open that wall, enough to allow Raven to open just wide enough to let him continue to tear that wall down. That chink in her wall made room for others to come in, like Tetradore, Alexis, Serafina, Dorian, Isolt and Regan. The more she allowed others to come the more her walls began to fall, brick by brick. Reading each sweet message, analyzing every drawing to connect it to a memory, was a simple, but effective way to get Raven to finally open her eyes. All these years for so long she felt alone and unwanted. Yet here within this book was plenty of proof to prove her wrong, to help her see that her presence was not just wanted, but appreciated. Even the drawings from her mate and proclamation that he had always seen her, and only her without her numerous flaws was not just touching, but comforting. Always when she described herself to him or even others she never stated a compliment about herself. Surely others would assume it was because she was humble, and she was, but mostly she felt ashamed. But when Tobias spoke, be it in his unsettled mindset, or sane mindset, he had nothing but positive and kind words to say or describe to her. This book that laid within her lap was evident to the woman that she needed to stop holding herself so poorly. His kind gesture held within his gift, so many more gifts. Her smile continued to widen, grateful and pleased with what she was reading and seeing. How he had managed to pull off such a feat, let alone even have the idea, was quite impressive! Although she didn't understand why there were well-wishes and good luck phrases, she would find her answer as soon as he flipped to the last page.

Reading and listening to his proposal was such a whirlwind. Her emotions were wavering all over the place. He woman was enthusiastic, anxious, jubilant, sadden, moved and appreciative. Never did she imagine that she would experience such an event in her life. Marriage was not something she thought was even possible for a girl like her. There would have been no one in her pack that would have taken her in as a mate, and there was no hope that an outsider would take pity and take her. She had already accepted long ago that finding love, and marriage would never happen to get. Though it would seem she was wrong, once again. Her heart continued to pound as the she-wolf couldn't stop smiling so wide. The sleepiness she felt was long gone. Raven was wide awake! Of course she was impressed that her mate had written the question and even read it aloud! She knew Tobias was full of surprises, but this one was quite special. Perhaps they could read together, even write together. There were so many books she wanted to read to him, so many books she strongly assumed he would enjoy. Leaning over to write out her answer, she looked up at him quite proudly, as she read it aloud, allowing their fingers to gently move underneath each word. As soon as she saw that warm smile on his face Raven immediately moved her form to press against his own into a hug, kissing him gently. Why he wished to move away from her, she did not know, but she heard the sound of a dresser drawer open. Her head would turn around to see one of the dresser drawers open, socks being thrown all around, as one small black box hovered over that open drawer. Blue-grey eyes widened. Every girl knew what a little black box was...every girl. The bite on her neck was official to their kind that she was taken, but a ring...well...that was a universal sign against all species that she was completely taken. She belonged to another. Of course she would release him, the woman staying sitting on the bed as her hands clutched the side of her face, giddy and shocked!

That familiar hissing, snickering sound caused the lupine to giggle enthusiastically. There was no way she was dreaming. If this was a dream she would be devastated. As her handsome companion walked towards her with the small black box in his hand, she pinched herself, assuring that she was not dreaming at all. That look of confusion on her face was answered by an encouraging small smile, her hands lowering into her lap, fiddling with her fingers in a nervous manner. She already said yes to his proposal, but she was still anxious...it was silly, but cute in a way. The lupine couldn't help, but giggle softly as her mate began to balance himself on one foot, his leg bending, as he extended the box to her. It would appear that the boy wasn't rehearsed on the proper way to propose, and yet she was delighted to see he wasn't doing the normal way. Her spotted companion was unique and this gesture just proved it. Taking the box from him slowly, she opened the box to reveal her engagement ring. Blue-grey eyes widen quite impressed to see that not only was it a true diamond ring, but it was quite exquisite. Her thumb would gently rub over the small diamonds that traced over the infinity twisting band. She would tilt the box slightly, as the lightning flashed its light illuminating the blue-colored diamond. The beauty of the ring was the simplicity of the design, impressed with how the small diamonds decorated the white-gold metal. The blue diamond reminded the woman of her own eyes, impressed to see how the stone seemed to change color underneath the limited light, assuring it would change more should they bring more light into the room. Even though she was ready to place that ring on her finger she knew this particular job still had to be done. Though her dial would tilt to the side impressed that he had not even stole it. She wouldn't have thought less of him if he did, but she was awestruck that he actually bought the ring. It was a sign the boy was growing up, becoming an honorable man.

"Tobi, the ring is absolutely beautiful. I think you did an excellent job! And that was very kind of Tetra to shop and help you buy the ring. Would you like to put the ring on my finger, you would put it here."

She would hand the box over to her mate. Extending her arm and hand to him, one index finger moving to point to her ring finger on her left hand, indicating that this was the finger he needed to slide the ring on. Raven by no means wanted to ruin this extraordinary moment for the two of them, letting him take control, letting him dictate what they do, only gently guiding him in the right direction. The girl not aware she was holding her breath, waiting anxious for the final movement on this tradition, sealing the deal, and layering a new bond together.

Raven Clocksworth.