“Now? You’ve just gotten here.” She hated how serious he sounded.
“Now.” He sat down with his beloved. “I’ve fallen in love with you, but the only way you can truly love me in return is to know all of me.”
She tilted her head, confused. Sure, they needed to talk more and grow to learn each other’s little quirks, but nothing he could say would put her off. She’d never been happier than she was at this moment, sitting beside him. She leaned into his arm, her soft body molding to him.
“I need to say this now, before I no longer have the courage.” He wasn’t afraid to admit he wasn’t always a warrior. It was okay. She’d seen him at his weakest and still loved him. He’d never doubt her feelings. They were true.
“Phoenix, what is it?” Lily couldn’t hide her concern. Whatever it was, he deemed it serious enough to make it a priority.
“You need to know that no matter what I say, no matter what comes out of my mouth, my feelings don’t change. I’ve grown to love you. I will always put you first and protect you. You’re my soul mate. I didn’t even know I had one until you showed up one day like an angel in my life. You saved me. I don’t know how to thank you for that.” He paused and drew a deep breath.
Lily watched his face. She could see the stress, the worry in his eyes. They crinkled up as he tried to find the rest of the words.
“There’s an important part of my life I need to share with you. It may sound scary at first, but I promise you, it’s not what it seems. Please promise to hear me out before you jump to any conclusions.”
She nodded, her heart beating louder in her chest. What could it be? How could this man possibly scare her? He had become her entire world.
“Lily, I’m a shifter...a shape shifter.” He let the words hang in the air.
“What?” She didn't understand. She looked at him oddly. “I...I don’t understand.”
He swallowed hard and dropped his head to his hands. He couldn’t look her in the eye. He was afraid he’d see terror or disappointment there. “I’m a bear. I’m half man, half bear. I’d never hurt you. It’s just part of who I am.” He quickly tried to explain, as if it would make a difference.
“You’re a bear? Half man, half bear?” She couldn’t hide the giggle that grew within her. Laughing, she shook her head. “That’s funny. Okay, really, what is this about? What do you need to talk to me about? Enough of the fooling around.” She shook her head again. “You got me.”
Phoenix stood. “Lily, look at me. Look at my size.” He looked directly into her eyes. “This isn’t a joke. I’m a shape-shifter— half man, half bear.” He pointed to Jett, who was guarding the front door. “Jett is part bear, as is Hunter.”
Jett turned to smile on hearing his name.
Lily looked at Jett and then back to Phoenix. Her brain was having trouble wrapping around the words. Stuff like that wasn’t real. Sure, she’d heard stories about small towns, but she didn’t actually believe it. She’d never seen one, not as long as she’d lived...and Jett, Jett didn’t look like a bear either, not the slightest bit.
Phoenix watched her try to work through the details. “Lily,” he reached out to take her hand. She took it, and then came into his arms in an embrace. “I will never hurt you. You’re safe with me.”
“Bear?” She scrunched up her nose and looked up at Phoenix. “I just don’t...I didn’t think shape-shifters were real. I mean, I heard about them, but…” She stopped talking.
“I can show you, but I’m afraid it will scare you. I don’t think you’re ready to see me as a bear yet.” His voice lowered. He meant business.
“Can he change too?” She pointed to Jett.
“Yes.”
“What if he did it, so I could just sort of see what it means?” She still didn’t believe it was true. She heard the words, but her brain couldn’t make rhyme or reason of the entire thing.
“Jett?” Phoenix asked if he’d be willing.
“Yeah, sure.” He turned to Lily. “Even as a bear, I won’t hurt you. I’ll protect you. That’s my job. I keep most of my human thoughts when I’m in bear form.”
“Are you ready?” Phoenix looked at Lily.
“No, wait!” She panicked. “I don’t think I am.” She sat back down. If she saw it with her own eyes, would it forever change what she thought of these men? “You mean this? You’re not pulling my leg?”
Phoenix was dead serious. “Lily, it’s okay to be nervous. You just need to trust me. If you trust me, you’ll know I’d never let anything happen to you. I’m here. I’ll protect you.”