"Should I, uh, close my eyes again?" Leo asked.
"You can. Or you can watch."
Leo's curious eyes were focused on me. "I want to watch, if that's okay. Whatever it is that you're gonna do."
I nodded, pleased that he didn't turn away. "That's fine with me."
I opened up my limbs, tilted back my head, and let the primal magic run through my veins. Yellow scales blanketed my elongating arms and my fingers curved into pointed talons. My legs grew strong muscles coated in golden fur, and my feet became powerful lion paws. My mouth turned diamond-hard and sharp, an eagle's beak made for ripping and tearing. A lion's tail jutted out behind me, and massive wings sprouted from my back.
I stood there in front of Leo as my other self—a gryphon, in all my glory.
Leo's mouth was agape. He didn't blink once during my transformation. When he could finally speak, he mumbled, "It's a good thing I put the camera in my bag, otherwise I would've dropped it..."
I padded closer to him. He didn't move away. Good. He wasn't scared.
"Well, Leo," I said, amusement in my thick voice. "Now you know everything. This is what I am."
Leo opened his mouth, then shut it, and asked, "Oh my god. Isthiswhat you meant by my name being ironic?"
I laughed and wriggled my lower half, flicking my long tail. "Yes. Your name is Leo, yet I'm the one who is half lion."
Leo eyed me curiously. "Sorry if this is a weird question, but uh, I've obviously never seen a gryphon before. Can... Can I touch you?"
I was pleased that he wanted to. "Of course."
Leo's fingers threaded through the feathers coating my front half. He smoothed his palms over them in gentle motions, making me shiver with pleasure.
"You're so soft," Leo said with a smile.
As he stroked my feathers, I lowered my head so my beak was beside his neck. I inhaled his scent through my nostrils. My fated mate smelled sweet, and like everything I ever wanted. He smelled like home. My heart thumped happily. A rhythmic, deep sound rumbled in my throat and I felt the sensation in my whole body.
Leo chuckled. "Wait, are youpurring?"
"Yes."
He patted my rump. "Aww, like a big cat. Areallybig cat." Leo took a step back and shook his head. "I can't believe this is really happening. You sure the beach water isn't laced with something?" he asked, raising a brow.
My chest feathers fluffed up with pride. "My waters are pristine, thank you very much."
Leo grinned to show me he was just kidding. "I know. They're amazing.You'reamazing, Maverick." As if overwhelmed by all the new knowledge, Leo slumped to sit on the ground. "This whole experience has been better than I ever imagined."
I sat beside Leo and curled my lion's tail around him. "I'm glad to hear it."
Especially since he's with me instead of that deadbeat alpha,I thought possessively.
But despite Leo's contentment, he suddenly didn't seem happy. He lowered his head to stare at the ground. His hair covered his face, blocking his expression.
"What's wrong, Leo?" I asked.
He was quiet for a moment and I began to grow worried. When he didn't answer me, I reached out to gently grasp Leo's chin with my talons and lifted his head to face me. There were tears in the corners of his eyes.
Leo chuckled sadly. "I don't want to leave."
It came as a shock. I stared into his eyes, their sweet color like melted chocolate, and knew that I never wanted to see tears of sorrow in them again.
"Then don't," I said, putting a hint of alpha firmness into my words. I needed him to know he had a place here. "Stay with me, Leo."
He shook his head. "But that's not feasible. As amazing as it sounds, I can't just stay here forever. I have a job, and an apartment, and... Well, I guess I don't have a boyfriend anymore, but—"
