The Claiming by Tara Sue Me

softie.”
    Sasha muttered an agreement, but deep inside she was pleased that Cole showed his soft side only to her. It was like they had a secret they only shared with each other.
    â€œI better let you go,” Dena said. “I’m sure Abby and Julie are champing at the bit to get you ready.”
    They said their good-byes and Sasha turned back to her friends. “What else do I have to do to get ready?”
    In hindsight, that wasn’t the best question to ask. Another hour later, they’d discussed how they wanted to do to her hair, how much makeup she should wear, and if she needed shoes. Sasha didn’t quite understand the shoe thing, but Abby was busy texting, and when she looked up she said no to the shoes.
    When they finally let her look in a mirror, Sasha couldn’t believe the transformation. The combination of the dress and the light makeup made her look different than usual. But she could see this excitement in her eyes that absolutely transformed her. Hell, she
felt
different.
    â€œCole is going to die when he sees you.” Julie stood behind her in the mirror. “You look beautiful. And you know what else?”
    Sasha shook her head.
    â€œI don’t even have to ask how you’re doing; it’s written all overyour face.”
    Sasha laughed at Julie’s mention of the phrase she told her she wanted someone to use one day. “Thank you.”
    Julie gave her a quick hug. “Are you ready? Because I think there’s a certain Dom waiting for you.”
    Abby and Julie led the way with Sasha following close behind. She had assumed the ceremony would be held indoors, perhaps in the library. But her two friends led her outside, where she could see what looked like hundreds of candles burning in the garden.
    Abby squeezed her hand. “We’re going to have a seat. Cole will let you know what to do next.”
    Sasha jumped when somebody touched her shoulder.
    â€œIt’s just me, little one.”
    â€œSir, you startled me.”
    â€œForgive me, that was not my intent. But I wanted us to walk out together.”
    â€œIs there anything I need to do or prepare myself for?” she asked.
    â€œNo, little one. I would have told you.”
    He knew her so well. Knew her struggles. What caused her stress. And likewise, he knew how to alleviate those stresses and struggles.
    She nodded and he cupped her face, softly stroking her cheek.
    â€œYou look incredible,” he whispered. “In fact, incredible doesn’t begin to touch it. I need more adjectives.”
    â€œThank you, Sir.”
    He held out his hand. “Are you ready?”
    â€œIt seems odd, walking in together hand in hand.”
    He put his hand down and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Because you’re a submissive?”
    Duh
, she wanted to say, but nodded instead.
    â€œI’m sure there are a lot of people who would agree with you, and I’m not saying they’re wrong. Just that for
us
, you and I, I think it works better to show that we’re each equal in the relationship. More important, I want you to know that I don’t view you as lesser than I. Quite the opposite, in fact. As a Dominant, I hold you and your well-being so far above my own. It’s quite humbling to have you trust me so much.”
    He never stopped amazing her. Just when she thought she couldn’t love him anymore, he’d say something like what he just did and her heart would swell. She held her hand out. “I’m ready now, Sir.”
    He lifted her hand to his lips for a quick kiss and then led the way outside.

Chapter Eleven
    The candles that lit the garden looked amazing, like something out of a dream. They gave just enough light for her to see the path and the smiling faces of their friends. She felt as if she were walking on air the entire way down the stone pathway to where Cole had set up a small table. Something was on it, but it was covered up