Phoenix sprang from bed and offered a hand, hoisting Nadirah to her feet and then, still holding on, kept her close a moment longer, already missing the warmth of her against him.
And then, because he had no idea what the day held, he whispered, “I don’t suppose I could ask for a kiss for good luck?”
The request obviously startled, judging by her wide eyes, but she must have been okay with it because she stood on tiptoe to brush his lips with hers, murmuring, “We must have faith everything will turn out well.”
“It better,” he growled against her mouth, “because I’m kind of wishing we had more time to do more than exchange a simple kiss.”
“Oh.” A soft sound that came with her resting her head against his chest. “I think I’d like that.”
Hell yeah. With that incentive, he had more than enough reason to make sure this day didn’t turn into a clusterfuck.
They exited from their tree hut and climbed down to find a buffet of fruits and nuts set up. Johan awaited, along with his granddaughter, Zafira, and the old woman who’d spoken up the day before.
Might as well bite the bullet. He left Nadirah by the food table and strode over.
“Morning.”
Johan pursed his lips, appearing disgruntled, but the old lady smiled.
“Hello, young man.” Her English emerged accented but fluent as she went on to say, “I trust the accommodations were satisfactory.”
“Best sleep I’ve had in ages,” Phoenix admitted. “Nice to be somewhere where I don’t have to be on constant guard.”
“We’ve done our best to create a sanctuary for the harimau. A place where they can come and be themselves. Run free. Hunt. Get in touch with their feline side.”
“Sounds like paradise,” he admitted. “In Canada, tigers aren’t seen outside of zoos, so I had to be really careful when I ended up wearing fur.” Despite the fact it required injury, he’d morphed as often as he could to test the limits of his feline. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Some have questioned if you truly can shift. While your scent is definitely tiger, they have doubts,” the woman stated while Johan wandered off a few paces to have a heated discussion with his granddaughter.
“I don’t mind showing you. I just need to hurt myself pretty bad first.”
The old woman’s expression turned thoughtful. “Have you tried other methods for changing?”
“Didn’t know there was any. We weren’t exactly given an instruction manual.”
“Fasting is popular because it’s easy, but it takes time. Meditation is slightly quicker but requires mental focus.”
“I noticed Johan seemed to simply decide to swap skins and poof.” He exploded his hands.
“Those that are in perfect harmony with their other half find it as easy and as instinctive as taking a breath.”
“Can it be learned?” Phoenix asked.
The woman’s lips pursed. “Yes, but not everyone masters that skill. Just like some cannot stop the change when injured.”
“Johan can,” he pointed out.
“Hence why he is our leader. He has perfect control of man and tiger.”
“I’m Phoenix, by the way.” He held out his hand.
“Farah.” She shook firmly. “I volunteered to take you into the jungle to test your harimau side.”
“I’m surprised Johan isn’t doing it.”
“It seemed best to have someone along who can communicate with you in English. He and Zafira will join us as observers.”
“And to make sure I stay in line,” he surmised.
