Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

R aj

Waking up with Felicity in my arms feels surreal. Her soft breath against my chest, the steady rise and fall of her body. It's a peace I haven't known in years. My life before her was a string of nights filled with laughter, but always ending alone. Now, there's warmth and connection that I didn't realize I craved.

Felicity has changed everything. Her presence has carved out a new part of me, one that's raw and unguarded. I used to think my charm and humor were enough to keep people at a safe distance, to keep me from getting hurt. But she saw through all that, saw the man beneath the jokes.

She's brought out a protectiveness in me I didn't know was so fierce. When her ex showed up again, my instincts flared like never before. It wasn't just about defending her because it was about protecting something precious to me. Shifting in front of her should've terrified me. She accepted every part of me without hesitation.

Her trust, her bravery is humbling. And it's made me want to be better, to be the man she deserves. Before Felicity, my world was black and white while performing at the club, laughing with strangers, keeping everyone at arm's length. Now, it's full of color and possibility because she's shown me what it means to really connect with someone.

I glance down at her sleeping face, peaceful and beautiful. She's been through hell but still found the strength to open up to me. She taught me that real strength isn't just about physical power or shifting into a weretiger to fend off threats. It's about vulnerability, about letting someone in even when it scares you.

I think back to our late-night dinner conversations where we peeled back the layers of our pasts like old paint on a wall. She trusted me with her story, and in return, I shared mine with my fears, my loneliness masked by humor. Each revelation pulled us closer together until our hearts beat as one.

Her love has done something incredible. It's made me feel human again in a way that no amount of applause or laughter ever could. She's given me a reason to fight for more than just survival or the next big joke on stage. It's something primal, almost raw, like the instinctual drive that makes me shift under a full moon, but this time, it's tethered to her.

Felicity stirs slightly in my arms, murmuring softly before settling back into sleep. At this moment, I realize how much she's become my anchor. With her, the gnawing loneliness that has haunted me for years is finally at bay. And as long as she's by my side, I know I'll never have to face another dark night alone again.

The sound of her soft breathing fills the room, and I can't help but marvel at how much my life has transformed. For the first time, I'm not just surviving—I'm living. The memories of countless performances, the faceless crowds, and the temporary highs all fade into the background .

They pale to the vibrant reality she's brought into my life. Every laugh we share, every touch, every whispered confession in the dead of night. It all feels so much more real, more meaningful.

I think about the animal inside me, the weretiger that's always been a part of who I am. It used to be something I kept hidden, something I only let loose when I needed to protect myself. But with Felicity, it's different. She's shown me I don't have to hide any part of myself, that I can be both the man and the beast, and she'll love me all the same.

As the first light of dawn filters through the curtains, I tighten my hold on her, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. She's given me a gift I never thought I'd find acceptance. And with that acceptance comes a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly alive. Her presence grounds me, makes me feel like I can conquer anything.

I know there will be challenges ahead. Her ex won't disappear overnight, and my own past still lingers like a shadow, always threatening to resurface. But for the first time, I feel ready to face whatever comes our way. Together, we're stronger than anything that tries to tear us apart. I'll protect her with everything I have, both as a man and as the beast within.

She stirs slightly, her hazel eyes fluttering open, and she looks up at me with a sleepy smile. "Morning," she murmurs, her voice soft and husky.

"Morning, beautiful," I reply, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Sleep well?"

"Better than I have in a long time," she says, snuggling closer. "With you, I feel safe."

Her words touch something deep inside me, awakening a primal urge to protect her. I tighten my arm around her, feeling the beast within me stir. "I'll always keep you safe," I promise, my voice low and earnest.

She sighs contentedly, tracing a finger along my collarbone. "I know you will," she whispers, trust shining in her eyes.

I'm realizing just how much she means to me. The challenges ahead, her ex, my own secrets. They don't seem as daunting when I think about facing them together. I nuzzle her hair, inhaling her scent. "We've got this, Felicity. Together, we're unstoppable."

She smiles again, a flicker of hope brightening her hazel eyes. "Yeah, together," she echoes, her voice filled with quiet determination. I can see the strength in her, the resolve that's I buried under layers of fear and doubt. It makes me want to protect her even more, to be the rock she needs. I gently kiss her forehead, feeling the beast within me purr with approval.

The comedy club buzzes with energy tonight as Felicity and I step onto the stage together. This place, once a backdrop for my solitary performances, now feels alive with shared purpose. The spotlight hits us, and I glance at her. Her eyes sparkle with excitement and nerves. It's a sight that makes my heart pound in a way no audience ever could.

"Ready to kill it?" I ask, squeezing her hand, feeling the warmth and reassurance in her grip.

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's do this," she says, her voice carrying that playful challenge that I adore.

The crowd cheers as we begin our set. Felicity's laughter is infectious, mingling with mine in a harmony that feels so right. Our chemistry is undeniable, each joke landing perfectly because we're not just performing, we're living our truth .

"So, dating a weretiger has its perks," Felicity starts, her voice steady but playful. "He never loses me in a crowd."

The audience erupts in laughter, and I can't help but beam at her. Her courage to joke about our reality on stage? It's more than I could've ever hoped for. She's embracing our world, our shared secret, with a boldness that makes me fall for her even harder.

"Yeah," I jump in, grinning. "And she always has the best seat at the zoo."

The laughter swells again, and we feed off it, bouncing off each other like we've been doing this for years. It's electric, the way we connect—not just with each other but with everyone watching. The energy in the room is palpable, and I can feel my tiger instincts stirring, sensing the thrill of the hunt, the joy of the crowd.

As we continue, I steal glances at Felicity. Her confidence grows with every punchline, her smile lighting up the room. She's come so far from the scared woman who first walked into this club. Now, she's my partner in every sense of the word. Her strength and resilience shine through, and I couldn't be prouder.

We end our set to thunderous applause. The crowd rises to their feet, and I pull Felicity into a hug, our faces close enough that I can feel her breath against my cheek, warm and reassuring.

"You were amazing," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion, barely able to contain the pride swelling within me.

She laughs softly, her eyes twinkling with joy and disbelief. "We were amazing," she counters, her smile widening.

I can't help but feel a surge of protectiveness, my inner beast rumbling in agreement. This moment, this woman, everything feels right.

As we step off stage, the energy follows us like an echo. It's a high unlike any other because it's not just about the laughs or applause, it's about sharing something real and raw with someone who means everything to me.

Backstage, I catch her hand again, pulling her close. "You ready for our new adventure?" I ask, my voice low and filled with promise.

She looks up at me, eyes shining with unspoken promises. "More than ready."

In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of laughter and applause, I know we're not just starting a new chapter—we're writing an entirely new story together. And it's going to be one hell of a ride. My tiger senses tingle with anticipation, ready to protect and cherish her every step of the way.

We walk out of the club hand in hand, ready to face whatever comes next together. The cool night air hits us, a stark contrast to the warmth of the stage lights.

I glance at Felicity, her face radiant under the moonlight, and my heart swells. We've both been through so much, but standing here with her, I feel invincible. My inner beast stirs, sensing the challenges ahead, but also the undeniable promise of a future filled with love and laughter.

"Where to now?" she asks, her voice soft but filled with excitement.

"Anywhere you want," I reply, squeezing her hand. "As long as we're together."

Her smile is all the answer I need.