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“Do you want to see my seal?” She needed to know he could accept all of her. Not just the woman in his arms now, but the other half too. The part of her that wasn’t human.

He sat up, taking her with him. She clung to his shoulders, trying to read his expression. Was he alarmed? No. He looked sort of curious and…eager? Hmm. That reaction boded well in her mind.

“Are you serious? I am so curious about shifters—and you, in particular. I’d love to meet your other half.”

His words were everything she could have hoped for, but the final test would be how he reacted when she shifted. She moved away from him, sitting a few feet distant. She took a deep breath for courage. “I hope you can handle a little weirdness.”

He sat opposite her, resting his arms on his knees, watching her closely. “Celine, I’ve seen my friend call lightning strikes like they were obedient puppies, another can walk through walls. Hell, I can touch a doorknob and see who opened it last Tuesday. Try me.”

She appreciated the levity, but the weight in her chest didn’t lift.

“We don’t usually just shift for anyone, for the fun of it. It’s personal. Like…” She looked deep into his eyes. “Like handing someone your baby photos, medical records, and diary all at once.”

“I want to know that side of you, Celine. I want to know everything about you. All of it. If this is part of who you are, then I want to see.”

The sincerity in his voice nearly undid her.

She gave a shaky smile and called her inner magic.

The shift came quickly. A shimmer of magic as she reclined on the sand, where her seal felt closest to the surface.

Muscles flexed, bones reformed, and within seconds, she was in her seal form, sleek and dark against the silvery moonlight.

Zeke’s mouth dropped open. “Whoa.”

She jerked her head toward the tidal pool, inviting him to follow as she made her way into the water.

She bobbed once, then spun in a slow circle, water streaming off her pelt.

For a few minutes, she just played, making shallow dives, swimming in circles, and showing him not just the shape, but the spirit of her other self.

Finally, she swam back to him and shifted as she emerged from the water, reclaiming her human form in a shimmer of magic.

Zeke was waiting for her, his arms open as she stepped into his embrace. He didn’t flinch. Didn’t hesitate. Just wrapped her up in his arms and pulled her close.

“That was…” He paused, searching for words. “Incredible. You’re incredible.”

Relief loosened the knot in her chest. She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed his acceptance until it hit her like a wave. Still, she kept it light.

“I clean up good, huh?”

Zeke chuckled, nuzzling her wet hair. “Babe, you’re adorable in both your forms.”

Celine’s heart turned over. He sounded sincere, and her seal hadn’t detected any distaste from him as she’d put on a little show for him. He had been genuinely fascinated, which touched her deeply. She had strong feelings for the man. She might actually be falling in love with him.

And there was no way to tell if that would save her…or destroy them both.

For a while longer, they lay together and listened to the rhythmic lapping of the waves.

Then, they shook out their clothing and got dressed again, but it seemed like neither one of them wanted their time together to end just yet.

They sat and talked about nothing and everything until, finally, the topic turned more serious.

“How long do you think it will be before we go into action?” Celine asked in a quiet voice.

Zeke’s eyebrows rose. “We?”

“I know I’m not a soldier, but it’s my right under shifter law to seek justice against those who killed my parents.

I’ve already talked about this with my grandfather, and he promised me I could go along when he goes after the mage who killed them.

I know I don’t look like the rest of the soldiers around here, but I’m a hunter in my other form, and I’m not afraid to kill.

To be honest, my human half wants to bathe in that bitch’s blood for what she did to my parents.

I need to be there when she gets taken down.

I need to watch her die, even if I’m not the one to do it.

Gramps will probably get that honor, but I’m okay with that.

I do have this need, though, to confront her in some way.

I don’t know how it’s all going to play out, but my wild side needs to see her.

Maybe get some answers that way.” She shook her head, not really sure why she needed it, just that she did.

Zeke was quiet for a while before he finally answered.

“I can understand the need to see her pay. But don’t ask me to be comfortable with the idea of bringing you into a war zone.

I…care about you, Celine. I don’t like the idea of you being in danger.

That said, if they do let you go on the mission, I want you to know you can count on me to help in whatever way I can. ”

She reached out and put her hand over his, turning it over to intertwine their fingers.

“Thank you for that. I know how you macho types don’t like seeing us little women fighting.

It’s the same with shifter males. Even though there are many cases in the wild where the females are deadlier than the males, we are human too, and the human sensibilities get mixed up with the animal ones.

Somehow, that seems to produce men who are overly protective of the women in their families, Tribes, Packs and Clans.

It’s both a little annoying and kind of adorable in a caveman sort of way.

We put up with it because it’s nice to have the protection of a big strong man, sometimes. Even if we don’t always need it.”

She giggled and was pleased when he squeezed her hand. “Noted. You’re a badass, though you can pretend otherwise to protect my fragile male ego.”

“And don’t you forget it,” she teased him.

They fell silent for a little while before she spoke again.

“I keep thinking,” Celine began, her voice tight, “what if I freeze when I see her?”

Zeke’s brow furrowed. “Didn’t you just get through telling me you were stronger than you looked?”

She shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping. “I am. But I’m also a cook’s assistant, Zeke. Not a soldier. I’ve hunted prey in my wild form since I was old enough to learn how, but confronting someone in my human form isn’t something I do every day.”

“You’re the daughter of two warriors,” he countered gently. “I saw how they fought against the mage. Both of your parents were brave and strong. And you’ve survived the trauma of losing them better than most people could.”

Her gaze dropped to her hands. “Surviving isn’t the same as living.”

“I know,” he said quietly. “After my brother died, I existed. Angry. Hollow. It wasn’t until I joined the Army that I felt like I had a purpose again.”

She looked up, meeting his eyes. Vulnerable. Raw. “And now?”

He smiled softly. “Now, I’m sitting here with a woman who makes me believe there’s more to life than fighting.”

Her breath caught, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them. The soldier haunted by the past and the selkie searching for justice. Celine leaned in slightly, her voice barely a whisper.

“You’re not at all what I expected.”

“Good,” Zeke murmured, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Because neither are you, babe. In fact, you’re everything I never knew I needed.”