11. Zephyr

11

ZEPHYR

U sing all four arms, I hold the beast at bay with a whirlwind. Selena raises her bow, aims, and shoots an arrow straight toward the eyes of the beast. Shadowbeast is like no other beast, he's stronger and clever. The beast moves his head slightly, receiving a graze from Selena's arrow.

"Fuck!" she shouts. I lock eyes with her as she pulls out her blade. I nod my head as she readies herself to strike the beast head-on.

The beast's roar shakes the ground as I whip a gust of wind at its legs. Selena darts between its massive paws, her blade flashing.

"Left flank!" I call out.

She pivots smoothly, ducking under a swipe of claws. I send a blast of air to boost her jump. She soars, slashing at the monster's exposed side.

Dark blood sprays. The creature howls.

I create a whirlwind, lifting debris to pelt its eyes. Selena uses the distraction to roll beneath its belly, scoring deep gashes as she goes.

Our movements flow together like we've fought side-by-side for years. No collisions. Pure, deadly efficiency. My eyes shimmer into a blazing red in delight as my demon spirit delights in our mate.

The monster rears up. I grab Selena with a gust, yanking her clear of stomping feet.

"Thanks," she pants, flashing me a fierce grin.

My chest tightens. Damn, she's magnificent.

I launch myself into the air, using wind currents to hover near the beast's head. It snaps massive jaws, trying to pluck me from the sky.

"Now!" I shout.

Selena springs forward, driving her blade deep into its throat. I amplify her strike with a focused blast of air.

The monster gurgles, crumpling to the ground. Selena leaps clear as it falls.

I touch down beside her, both of us breathing hard. We lock eyes, the thrill of battle still singing in our veins.

"Good fight, demon," she says.

I smirk. "You too, little warrior."

She laughs a bright sound that makes my heart skip. Then her eyes widen.

"Zephyr, watch?—"

The beast's tail whips toward us with its dying spasm. She pushes me to the side, barely dodging the beast's whipping tail. She pulls out her sword and drives it straight into the beast's heart. The monster gives one last shudder and falls still. Selena turns to survey our handiwork, oblivious to the storm raging inside me. I want to pull her close, to shelter her with my four arms, and never let go.

My heart skips a beat. As I wipe the gore off of me, I feel a radiating triumph in our victory, in her. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The realization hits me like a physical blow.

I am in love with Selena.

The thought steals my breath more effectively than any monster ever could. I stare at Selena, seeing her with new eyes. The curve of her cheek, the fire in her gaze, the strength in her stance. She is my true, fated mate.

"Zephyr?" She frowns, noticing my distraction. "Are you okay?"

I open my mouth, but no words come out.

"We make a good team," Selena says, wiping her blade clean.

"Yes," I manage to croak out. My voice sounds strange to my own ears. "We do."

She looks at me again, her brows furrowing. "Are you sure you're alright? Did it get you with those claws?"

I shake my head, struggling to regain my composure. "I'm fine. Just... processing."

Selena nods, accepting my weak excuse. "It was a hell of a fight. I've never seen anything like it."

If only she knew. The battle with the monster pales in no comparison to the one raging in my heart. But true, fated mate? I've spent centuries alone, convinced that true, soul-deep love wasn't meant for creatures like me.

I can't let it pass by without her knowing. She needs to decide.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. The words tumble out before I can stop them. "Selena, I need to tell you something."

She turns, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

My four hands clench and unclench. How do I even begin? "Fighting alongside you, I've realized... I have feelings for you. Strong feelings."

Selena's eyes widen. She opens her mouth, then closes it again.

I press on before I lose my nerve. "Remember our conversation about mates and claiming in demon culture?"

She nods, eyes wide as she stares at me.

"Well, some demons just have mates or partners they choose for themselves. But some demons are blessed with a true fated mate. It's more than just attraction or companionship. It's a soul-deep connection, a perfect match."

"Like soulmates?" Selena asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod. "Similar, but more intense. When demons find their mate, it's... all-consuming. And I believe you're mine."

Selena takes a step back, her expression a mix of shock and something I can't quite read. "Zephyr, I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything yet," I assure her quickly. "I just needed you to know. As I explained before, when mates are found in our culture, there's a claiming ritual."

"The sharing of essence?" Selena's eyes narrow.

My mouth curves into a wide grin. She remembered what I told her. "Yes. The mutual bond, a sharing of essence. It creates a connection that transcends physical boundaries. However, both parties must be willing. We do not claim by force."

Selena's silent for a long moment. I can almost see the thoughts racing behind her eyes.

"Zephyr, I... I don't know what to do," she finally says.

"I will give you time to decide." I lean in closer. Her body reacts as I wrap my arms around her waist. "But make no mistake, little one. You. Are. Mine."