Stan stood up and dusted off his brand new jeans. "So... You're a phoenix, I guess?"
"A phoenix shifter, yes. I can shift back and forth, but this is my true form."
"That's what you meant by telling me the truth, huh?"
"Yes. I had to show you because otherwise you wouldn't believe me."
He snorted. "You're right about that."
"There's another reason, too. We shifters havefated mates.And you are mine."
Stan blushed. "Fated...?"
I stepped closer, looking down at him fondly. I was taller than him as a human, but now I towered over him.
"Yes, fated. Our destinies are intertwined. And when I say you are my fated mate, it means you'remine."
He shuddered at the possessiveness in my voice, but he was obviously pleased to hear it. "Fated, huh...? Does that mean if any other alpha looks at me the wrong way, you'll peck his eyes out?"
"You're joking, but yes, I will."
Stan laughed. "Is it screwed up of me to say I like that?"
I curled my wing around his back and pulled him closer. "Not at all. If you want me to act possessive, all you need to do is ask. You're mine to protect, after all."
Stan shivered, then asked in an unsure voice, "Can I... hug you?"
"You don't need to ask, my dear."
I didn't know if Stan was nervous or if he hadn't given many hugs in his life, but he awkwardly wrapped his arms around my fluffy chest and sighed contentedly into my feathers. He was unbearably adorable.
"Did you mean it?" he asked quietly.
I already knew he meant the glitter message. "Absolutely. In fact, let me tell you again with no uncertainty: I love you, Stan."
He smiled wider than I'd ever seen him smile. My heart soared with joy.
"Wait a second," Stan exclaimed suddenly. "Isthiswhy you shrugged off my scalding hot coffee like it was no big deal? Because you were secretly a fire bird the whole time?"
"Guilty."
"Geez, you should've told me this earlier so I didn't have a heart attack..."
I laughed and nuzzled the top of his head with my cheek. "You're too sweet."
"Sweet? No one's ever called me that before," Stan murmured into my chest.
"Well, get used to it, dear. Soon you'll be drowning in so many compliments you won't know what to do with yourself."
Stan grinned, looking both shy and excited. The warmth of his body pressed against mine felt so nice. The physical proximity was also lighting up a spark of desire within me.
"But first," I said, "there's something else I want to do..."
9
Stan
When Fabian tookme to his home, it wasn't the McMansion I expected, but a simple loft apartment. Just another of the day's many surprises.
