Page 15 of The Griffin, the Tiger, and Their House Cat Omega

“Is the secrecy a cultural thing?” River asked.

I nodded. “Instilled in us from birth. When we turn thirteen, we are indoctrinated into the laws about our culture and our beast forms. They can be revealed only to our fated mates, and no one in my culture has had a fated mate for a long time.Generations. Or, if they do, it’s been kept from us. The concept is more myth at this point, although my beast has always believed.”

“Other people shift here,” River pointed out. “Is that a problem for you?”

“No one’s around right now. If we go into the woods, it should be fine.”

“Now I’m curiouser than ever,” Matthew said.

I gulped. “I’m not trying to be spooky or overwhelm you. I’m sorry. It’s me who’s overwhelmed.”

At that moment, my mates came and put their arms around me. “Take your time, Allen.”

“Thank you.” To be wrapped in their arms was the most incredible thing. To know that fate had sent me two mates who were meant for me, who were like my other halves—or thirds—-who would be there for me, always have my back, that was the best feeling ever.

My body started to shake even more.

“We got you,” River said.

I lifted my arms and embraced them both. Their love and acceptance soaked into my bones, into my heart. Amazing.

Finally, I pulled back. Both of them were smiling at me, their eyes shining.

“I’m ready now. Let’s go.”

“Shouldn’t we undress first?” Matthew asked.

We all nodded and disrobed. I took off my necklace and rings and shoved them deep into my blazer pocket.

When I turned to see my mates, now naked and waiting for me, my breath caught in my throat at their human beauty. A soft wind whispered through the tops of the trees. There truly was magic here. The comments I’d read online about Animals didn’t lie.

We linked hands with me in the middle and walked into the forest.

River stopped in a beautiful glade and said, “Is this okay?”

I looked up and then around.

“Are you big?” Matthew grinned at me. “Do you need more room to shift?”

He was a gorgeous omega with lean hips and a bit of a sassiness to his walk. My heart turned over to look at him.

“This is fine.”

“You go first,” River suggested. “You don’t have to tell us what you are. We just want to see you. And then we’ll guess.” He let out a short laugh.

“That’s fine.” I tried to sound brave, but I was still nervous.

My beast wanted out now. He didn’t care where he was or who was watching, although he was very aware of our mates standing right beside us. That made him even more restless.

I walked forward a few steps and let my animal take me. It was the oddest feeling this time, knowing I was being watched by species other than my own. Knowing that I was so rare and different.

The transformation was slower than normal. Almost like moving through some sort of thick gel.

First came the talons of my front paws, then the claws on my back legs. Then the tail, the wings unfurling, the head and the beak, and finally, my furry pointed ears.

When it was done, I looked down upon my mates who both seemed to be outlined by a soft blue light. A beckoning light. My griffin saw them as the magical beings they were. Not just flesh and blood, but spirit.

I watched as their mouths opened in awe. I stood at least twelve feet tall. With my wings out, brushing the lower tree branches, I was massive and imposing.

---