She understood that feeling completely. Her four-legged form gave her similar joy - the perfect blend of power and grace, the ability to run and climb with fluid ease. But flight... that was something else entirely.
"I love being my leopard," Beth admitted. "The strength, the agility - everything feels so natural in that form." She smiled, remembering her earlier playful run through the clinic. "But sometimes I watch birds soaring overhead and wonder what that must be like."
"Each form has its own gifts," Tyr said, his voice gentle. "Your leopard is magnificent. Such grace, such perfect balance." His admiring tone made her cheeks warm.
Beth laughed, some of her wistfulness fading. He was right - each form had its own unique joys. Whisper hummed contentedly inside her, completely at peace with their feline nature.
With a grin, she couldn't resist sharing one of her favorite facts about her animal form. "Actually, clouded leopards are one of only three types of cats who can climb down a tree head first," she told Tyr, unable to keep the pride from her voice. "Our ankle joints can rotate 180 degrees."
Tyr's eyebrows rose with interest. "Really? I didn't even think that was possible."
"Most cats have to back down trees because their ankles don't rotate enough," Beth explained, warming to her subject. "But clouded leopards?" She grinned. "We can just walk straight down, face first. Our tail helps balance us, and our oversized paws grip the bark perfectly."
Beth stifled a yawn, the soothing warmth of the hot chocolate having its inevitable effect. The moonlit view had grown hazy as her eyelids grew heavy.
"I should probably head home," she murmured, lifting her empty mug. "I'm going to be adjusting for a while to my new hours, working all night."
"Leave it," Tyr said, his voice gentle. "Mark will take care of it." He rose from his chair with fluid grace, extending his hand to help her up.
Beth's fingers tingled where they touched his as she accepted his assistance. They took the elevator back down to the main level, Tyr's hand settling at the small of her back as he guided her through the now-quiet building. Their footsteps echoed softly on the polished concrete floors.
The night air held a distinct chill as they stepped outside. Beth's breath formed small clouds in the darkness as they walked to her Prius. The parking lot was empty now except for her car and a sleek black motorcycle she assumed belonged to Tyr.
Tyr waited as she unlocked her car door, his tall form casting a protective shadow in the security lights. "Drive safely," he said softly. "Text me when you get home?"
Beth nodded, touched by his concern. Her fingers lingered on the car door handle, inexplicably yearning to stay just a few moments longer. The warmth of Tyr's presence behind her made it difficult to take that final step into her car.
"I really enjoyed seeing the shop and warehouse," she said softly, turning back to face him.
"You're welcome anytime," Tyr replied, his voice carrying a note of warmth that made her heart flutter. He shifted his weight, as if he too was reluctant to end their evening.
Beth slid into the driver's seat with a small sigh, but left the door open. Tyr remained beside her car, his tall form silhouetted against the street lights. The silence between them felt charged with unspoken possibilities.
Finally, Beth pulled her door closed and turned the key. Her Prius hummed to life, the dash lights casting a soft glow across her face. Through her windshield, she watched as Tyr stepped back, giving her room to maneuver.
Beth's hands hesitated on the steering wheel as she reversed, every instinct telling her to stay just a little longer. Through her rearview mirror, she watched Tyr remain perfectly still, as if he too was reluctant to see her go. The warehouse lights cast him in silhouette until she finally forced herself to turn onto the main road, severing their connection.
Chapter 7
Tyr watched Beth's taillights disappear around the corner before heading back inside. The lobby's warmth enveloped him as he shut the heavy door behind him, his boots clicking against the polished concrete floor.
"So?" Tobi materialized from the shadows near the security office, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How'd it go?"
Tyr ran a hand through his hair, unable to suppress his smile. "She's... different. Special."
"You like her." Tobi's grin widened as he studied his twin's face.
"I do," Tyr admitted quietly. There was no point denying it - Tobi could read him too well. "She's intelligent, curious... and her leopard form is magnificent."
"Plus she's got that whole twin thing going on," Tobi waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "We appreciate that sort of symmetry."
Tyr rolled his eyes at his brother's antics. "She's been through a lot. I don't want to rush anything."
"Good." Tobi's expression grew serious for a moment. "She deserves someone who'll be patient."
The lobby door swung open, bringing a blast of cold air. Derek stepped inside, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his laptop bag clutched in his other hand. His dark hair was tousled from the wind, cheeks still flushed from the winter chill.
"Hey," Derek called out, spotting the twins. "You two lurking in the shadows again?"
