The word hit Beth like a punch to the gut, stealing her breath. Wait, what? Her leopard's casual declaration sent her thoughts spinning. Mate? When had that happened? She hadn't even known Tyr that long, and yet...
Her gaze shifted to the tiercel beside her, noting how naturally he fit into this moment - sharing food with her under the stars, treating her with such tender care. Whisper's certainty hummed through her blood, unshakeable and profound. Her animal nature recognized something her human side was just beginning to grasp.
Are you alright?Tyr's mental voice carried a note of concern as he noticed her sudden stillness.
Beth forced her tail to resume its gentle swaying, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment with her internal revelation.I'm fine,she projected, though her thoughts felt scattered.Just... thinking.
The night breeze rustled through the oak's leaves as Beth finished the last morsels of meat. She stretched luxuriously on the wide branch, feline contentment radiating through her.
We should head back,Tyr projected reluctantly.You need to get some sleep, dawn will come soon.
Beth's whiskers twitched in agreement. They descended the massive oak with fluid grace - Beth climbing down while Tyr glided between branches. At ground level, Beth padded silently through the underbrush toward where she'd left her clothes, the tiercel swooping overhead through gaps in the canopy.
Concealed behind the shelter of the undergrowth, Beth shifted back to her human form, quickly pulling on her jeans and sweater. The cool autumn air raised goosebumps on her skin until she shrugged into her wool peacoat. When she stepped out onto the path, the tiercel shimmered for a moment, the air around him rippling like heat waves above summer pavement. In the space between heartbeats, his raptor silhouette elongated and expanded, feathers dissolving into the familiar outline of his tall frame. The transformation completed with a subtle whisper of displaced air, leaving Tyr standing at the base of the tree in his human form, leather jacket and dark jeans somehow perfectly unwrinkled.
Beth glowered at him. "I'm jealous that you get to keep your clothes when you Change back."
Tyr's rich laughter echoed through the trees. "One of the perks of being a vampire."
Without conscious thought, Beth launched herself at Tyr, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. His cool hands caught her easily, steadying her as she clung to him like an enthusiastic sloth.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" The words tumbled out between breathless giggles. "This was just... perfect. The most wonderful second date ever."
Tyr's rich laughter vibrated through his chest where she pressed against him. His strong arms held her securely as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, breathing in that crisp winter-air scent that was uniquely him.
"I take it you enjoyed yourself?" His voice held warm amusement as he adjusted his grip, supporting her weight effortlessly.
"Enjoyed myself?" Beth pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, her own sparkling with joy. "Tyr, this was amazing. Running through the trees, climbing, sharing food under thenight stars..." She hugged him tighter. "No one's ever thought to do something like this with me before."
His cool fingers traced gentle patterns on her back through her wool coat. "I wanted to share something special with both sides of you - human and leopard."
"Well, you succeeded spectacularly." Joy bubbled up inside her, and Beth gave him a radiant smile. "Whisper absolutely loved it too."
Together they walked back to the parking lot, fingers entwined. The drive back passed in comfortable silence, classical music playing softly as the sky began to lighten. When they pulled up to Beth's house, Tyr walked her to her door.
"Thank you," Beth said softly. "Tonight was... magical."
"It was." Tyr's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at her. His cool fingers brushed a strand of hair from her cheek.
Beth's heart fluttered wildly against her ribs as Tyr leaned closer, his cool breath fanning across her heated skin. His lips met hers with exquisite gentleness, soft as a whisper yet electrifying enough to send sparks of sensation cascading down her spine. She melted into his embrace, her fingers curling into the supple leather of his jacket as warmth bloomed in her chest. The sweet tenderness of the moment wrapped around them like a cocoon, making the rest of the world fade away.
When they finally parted, the first hints of dawn were painting the sky in soft pastels.
"Good night… well, morning," Beth whispered with a small laugh.
"Good morning." Tyr's thumb traced her cheekbone. "Sleep well."
He waited until she was safely inside before heading to his car. Beth watched through the open doorway as he drove away, her fingers touching her lips where she could still feel the ghost of his kiss.
Beth closedthe front door and leaned against it, her heart still racing from Tyr's kiss. Her fingers traced her lips where the coolness of his touch lingered. She couldn't seem to make her feet move from that spot, overwhelmed by the evening's revelations.
Whisper's certainty about Tyr being their mate echoed through her mind, making her knees weak. The sound of footsteps on the stairs barely registered until Naomi's voice broke through her daze.
"Beth? Are you okay?"
The warmth in her twin's voice undid Beth completely. Without warning, tears poured down her face and a sob escaped. Her whole body shook as the pent-up emotions of a lifetime broke free.
"Oh my god!" Naomi flew down the remaining stairs and wrapped her arms around Beth. "I'm going to kill him! What did that vampire do?"
