Page 14
Balancing her laptop on her knees, Harper opened up the national news channel. They were showing yet another video of the Yosemite incident. She'd been following the coverage obsessively since arriving at the inn, watching how public opinion evolved.
Harper watched the latest coverage intently, her heart racing as familiar footage played again - the russet-furred fox darting between the terrified hiker and the mother and daughter, and the aggressive bear.
The newscaster shifted to a panel discussion, where a distinguished-looking wolf shifter - Dr. Elena Kova? from Croatia - spoke eloquently about shifter communities worldwide. Harper leaned forward, turning up the volume slightly.
"We have lived among humans for millennia," Dr. Kova? explained, her accent lending gravity to her words. "We are your doctors, your teachers, your neighbors. We simply want to continue living and working together openly, without fear."
The news cut to footage from London, where a tiger shifter demonstrated his transformation for a carefully controlled press conference. The gasps of awe from the assembled journalists brought a small smile to Harper's face. Public reaction had evolved from initial fear to fascination, especially after more shifters began coming forward.
A poll graphic appeared on screen: "Public Opinion on Shifter Integration." Harper caught her lower lip between her teeth as she studied the numbers. Forty-seven percent supported full integration, thirty-three percent remained uncertain, and only twenty percent expressed opposition. Just a week ago, those numbers had been dramatically different.
Social media clips showed young people especially embracing the revelation, with trending hashtags like #ShifterPride and #WeAreAllHuman. Harper scrolled through her phone, reading comments under the latest news articles. While some expressed fear or hatred, they were increasingly drowned out by voices of support and curiosity.
"Scientists have confirmed that shifter DNA is simply a variation of human DNA," a genetics professor explained on screen. "This isn't about separate species - it's about human diversity, like having blue eyes or being double-jointed."
Harper set her laptop aside, processing everything she'd seen. The world was changing so rapidly, yet here at the inn, surrounded by supernatural beings, it felt almost normal. Maybe soon, that acceptance would become the norm everywhere.
She clicked another link, watching as more shifter representatives came forward - a bear shifter from Russia, a leopard from Kenya, a red panda from Nepal. Each shared their stories, their hopes for the future, their desire to live openly without fear. The overwhelming message was one of peace and cooperation.
The media had dubbed it "The Great Revelation," and Harper couldn't help but marvel at how differently things had unfolded from what she'd feared. There had been no witch hunts, no mass panic. Instead, humanity was largely responding with curiosity and cautious optimism.
Opening her email, she found the message from Maroulla about the next meeting of what they were calling their REACT team. The shifter community wasn't just sitting idle - they were organizing, planning, preparing.
Harper's sense of guilt pinged. She couldn't imagine being one of the public faces, like Katerina had volunteered to be. The thought of cameras and reporters made her stomach churn. But surely there were other ways she could help? Her financial background could be useful - they'd need people who understood money management and business planning.
Help our friends, Reyna agreed inside her. Not lead, but support.
Yes, exactly. She could work behind the scenes, using her skills to contribute without putting herself in the spotlight.
Harper's phone chimed, startling her from her musings about the REACT team. Becca's name flashed on the screen, and she swiped to answer.
"Hey! Are you busy?" Becca's cheerful voice came through.
"No, just watching news coverage. What's up?"
"Katerina and Troy decided to have their first barbecue of the summer this afternoon at their place. You're invited, of course!"
Harper's heart lifted at the invitation. A barbecue sounded perfect - casual, fun, and a chance to spend time with her new friends. "That sounds amazing! What time?"
"Around three. Troy's firing up the grill, and Katerina's making her famous potato salad. Oh, and we're doing a phone tree to spread the word. Your assignment is to call Nathan and invite him."
Harper's fingers tightened on the phone. "Oh! Sure, okay." She tried to keep her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach.
"Perfect! See you there!" Becca hung up before Harper could respond.
Harper pulled up Nathan's contact info and pressed the call button before she could lose her nerve.
"Harper?" Nathan's warm voice answered on the second ring. "This is a nice surprise."
"Hi! Becca just called me. It seems Katerina and Troy are having a barbecue this afternoon at their place. Would you like to come? It starts at three or so."
"I'd love to," Nathan replied without hesitation. "Would you like to ride over together? I could pick you up at the inn."
The flutter in Harper's stomach turned to warm pleasure. "Yes, that would be great."
"Perfect. I'll see you at three then?"
"See you then," Harper agreed, unable to keep the smile from her voice.
Harper ended the call, her heart still fluttering from Nathan's warm response. A barbecue meant bringing something to share, but what? She didn't want to show up empty-handed to her first social gathering with her new friends.
Fresh food good, Reyna offered, projecting an image of juicy fruit.
Good idea, Harper approved. A watermelon would be perfect for a summer barbecue, and she could make it special by turning it into a fruit bowl.
She hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where Renee was cleaning up after the morning's breakfast.
"Renee?" Harper twisted her fingers together. "Could I ask a huge favor? Katerina and Troy are having a barbecue this afternoon, and I'd like to bring something. Would it be okay if I used the kitchen to prepare a watermelon fruit bowl?
Renee's face lit up. "What a wonderful idea! Of course you can use the kitchen." She gestured to a clear section of counter. "This space is all yours. Do you need any special tools?"
"Just a sharp knife and maybe a melon baller if you have one?" Harper asked hopefully.
"Second drawer on the left," Renee pointed. "And I have some lovely fresh mint in the herb garden that would look beautiful with the fruit, if you'd like to use it."
"That would be perfect!" Harper beamed. "Thank you so much. I'll head to the supermarket right now and be back soon."
"I have a better suggestion," Renee told her. "There's a farmer's market about five miles from here. I can give you directions, they'll have all the fruits and berries you could want."
"Even better," Harper exclaimed, hurrying off to her room to collect her purse and car keys.
At just after three, Nathan's car crunched up the long gravel driveway that curved behind Troy's Victorian house. Harper cradled her watermelon fruit bowl carefully in her lap, proud of how the carved edge had turned out with its scalloped pattern. Fresh mint leaves nestled among the colorful fruit balls of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, and wedges of orange and apple, with raspberries and blueberries adding bright pops of color.
The house looked even more impressive up close than it had from her drive-bys. Pale yellow paint with white trim gave it a cheerful appearance, and the wraparound porch hosted several comfortable-looking rocking chairs. As they rounded the corner, the backyard opened up before them - a vast expanse of emerald grass dotted with picnic tables and lawn chairs.
Beyond the yard, magnificent Friesian horses grazed in the pastures, their black coats gleaming in the afternoon sun. The wooden barn looked freshly painted in classic red with white trim. Harper's breath caught at the pastoral beauty of it all.
"Need help with that?" Nathan asked as he cut the engine.
"Yes, please." Harper waited while he came around to open her door. "I'd hate to drop it after all that work."
Nathan carefully took the heavy bowl, leaving Harper free to grab her purse and the bag of paper plates she'd brought as backup. The scent of grilling meat wafted over from where Troy stood manning an enormous stainless steel grill. Katerina waved from a nearby picnic table laden with side dishes and desserts.
Reyna stirred inside her, eager to explore this new territory. Good den, the fox approved. Strong herd.
Harper had to agree - both about the lovely home and the magnificent horses. She could hardly wait to get a closer look at the Friesians, their flowing manes and tails dancing in the light summer breeze.
Harper followed Nathan toward the gathering, taking in all the familiar and unfamiliar faces. Jake stood near the grill with Troy, gesturing animatedly while discussing something that had both men laughing. Becca sat at one of the picnic tables, arranging plates and utensils.
Two children darted past, giggling as they chased each other across the lawn. The boy looked about seven, with tousled brown-blond hair like his father's, while his younger sister's dark curls bounced as she ran.
"Benny! Molly! Not so close to the grill!" Jacinth's melodious voice called out. Harper turned to see the Djinn standing beside a tall man with sun-streaked brown hair - Douglas, Harper presumed.
A teenage girl with dark curly hair sat cross-legged on a blanket spread on the grass, showing something on her phone to two young women who looked remarkably alike - both with dark red hair and freckles sprinkled across their noses. Harper recognized one of them as Tamera from the deli.
"That's Talya," Nathan murmured, nodding toward the teenager as they approached the food tables. "She's Douglas and Jacinth's adopted daughter. The woman beside Tamera is her sister, Layla."
Kester emerged from the house carrying a stack of paper plates, heading straight for where Tamera sat. Harper watched as he settled beside her, pressing a kiss to her temple. The easy affection between them made Harper smile. A small boy, no older than three or four, shadowed Kester, and Nathan indicated the toddler. "Layla's son, Yousuf."
Nathan set her fruit bowl on the dessert table, and Harper arranged the extra plates nearby. She felt a warm glow of satisfaction as several people exclaimed over her carved watermelon creation.
"Oh, that's lovely!" Jacinth called out, drifting over to examine the fruit bowl more closely. "You must have spent ages on this."
Harper felt her cheeks warm at Jacinth's praise. "Oh, it wasn't that much work, really. I just wanted to-"
A flash of white fur streaked past her legs, making her jump with a startled yelp. Her heart hammering, she spun to track the massive shaggy white dog as it bounded across the lawn. Hot on its heels was what looked like a miniature leopard, its sleek spotted coat gleaming in the sunlight as it pursued the dog with single-minded determination.
Harper blinked, trying to process what she was seeing. The small feline was unlike any house cat she'd ever encountered - its build more muscular, its movements more fluid and predatory. As she watched, mouth slightly agape, the cat-that-wasn't-quite-a-cat launched itself through the air in a graceful arc, landing squarely on the dog's broad back.
The two animals tumbled together in a playful wrestling match, rolling across the grass. Now that they were still enough to get a proper look, Harper could see the distinctive clouded pattern in the small leopard's coat, its long tail helping it balance as it mock-fought with its canine friend.
Not threat, Reyna assured her, the fox's amusement clear. Playing.
Just then, a second small leopard materialized from behind a nearby bush, joining the first in pouncing on the white dog. The pile of wrestling animals grew as a purebred collie bounded over, tail wagging frantically as it circled the playful melee.
Not shifter, Reyna observed with obvious disdain as they watched the collie. Harper felt her fox's dismissive attitude toward the ordinary dog, though she couldn't help smiling at its enthusiasm.
Harper watched the tumbling mass of fur and playful growls, still trying to process the unexpected sight. Katerina rushed past with a platter piled high with raw meat for the grill, but paused beside her.
"I see you've met some of our more energetic guests," Katerina said with a laugh. She nodded toward the white Great Pyrenees. "That's Liam - he's a veterinarian like Troy. The two clouded leopards are his wife, Naomi, and her twin sister, Beth."
Harper's eyes widened as she studied the identical spotted coats of the two felines. Even in animal form, their matching patterns made it clear they were twins.
"And the collie?" Harper asked, watching the enthusiastic dog bouncing around the wrestling shifters.
"That's Cherie - she's Troy's dog. Just a regular collie, not a shifter," Katerina explained. "But she loves playing with everyone, shifter or not. She has no idea they're anything but other animals."
The innocent joy of the scene made Harper smile. There was something heartwarming about watching shifters at play in their animal forms, completely unselfconscious as they roughhoused on the lawn. Even more touching was how they included the regular dog in their games, treating her as an equal despite her non-magical nature.
Fun den-mates, Reyna observed approvingly. Good pack.
Beside her, Nathan's warm laughter filled the air. "It's always a madhouse like this," he said, his eyes crinkling with amusement as they watched the tumbling mass of fur.
Katerina grinned, shifting the heavy platter of meat. "Always! You should see it when everyone shows up. Pure chaos." She hurried toward the grill where Troy and Jake were waiting impatiently.
Harper marveled at the easy camaraderie of this unusual group. The casual way they accepted each other's dual natures touched something deep inside her. Here, no one batted an eye at leopards wrestling with dogs or discussed the logistics of grilling enough food for hungry shifters.
Strong bonds, Reyna commented, radiating contentment.
Harper had to agree. The sense of community was palpable, warming her from the inside out. These people - shifters, Djinn, and humans alike - had created something special here. Something she'd been searching for without even realizing it.
She felt Nathan's shoulder brush against hers as they stood watching the playful chaos unfold. The contact sent a pleasant tingle through her, and she found herself leaning slightly closer, drawn to his steady presence.
Harper's breath caught as Nathan's hand found hers, his fingers sliding between her own. Her heart skipped, and warmth bloomed in her cheeks. She glanced up at him, unable to suppress her smile when she found him already looking down at her with those gentle eyes.
Reyna stirred contentedly. Good mate. Strong. Kind.
A gentle breeze carried the mouthwatering scent of grilling meat. Harper savored the simple pleasure of standing there, Nathan's hand warm and solid around hers, watching the playful chaos of shifters and pets romping across Troy's sprawling backyard.
"You two look thirsty!" Jacinth's musical voice interrupted Harper's reverie. The Djinn gestured toward two large silver tubs nestled in the shade of a maple tree. Condensation beaded on the metal sides, and chunks of ice bobbed in the water. "We've got beer in that one," she pointed, "and water and sodas in the other. Help yourselves!"
"Thanks, Jacinth," Nathan replied warmly. He gave Harper's hand a gentle squeeze. "What would you like to drink?"
"A soda would be perfect," Harper said, reluctant to let go of his hand but knowing they couldn't stand there forever.
Harper watched Nathan select two cans from the ice-filled tub, droplets of water running down his forearms as he fished them out. He handed her a Sprite, keeping a Coke for himself. As they popped the tabs in unison, movement caught her eye - Becca waving enthusiastically from her picnic table perch.
"Harper! Come here a minute!" Becca called out, gesturing them over.
Harper and Nathan exchanged glances, then headed toward where Becca sat near Jake at the grill. The wolf shifter wielded a long fork, transferring chicken breasts from a loaded platter onto the grill, one eyebrow raised skeptically as they approached.
"I told Jake that foxes laugh," Becca announced as soon as they were within earshot. "He doesn't believe me."
Inside Harper, Reyna perked up instantly. Change? the fox asked eagerly, practically vibrating with excitement at the prospect of proving Jake wrong.
Nathan's warm chuckle filled the air beside her. "Reyna wants to change, doesn't she?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with understanding as he glanced at Harper.
Harper scowled at Jake. "One minute," she told him, already heading for the kitchen door. Reyna's eagerness bubbled through her as she slipped inside the cool interior. Her gaze swept the space, spotting a half-bath tucked under the stairs.
Perfect. She darted inside, closing the door half-way. The change rippled through her smoothly, her clothes dissolving as russet fur sprouted across her body. Her bones shifted and realigned, dropping her to all fours as her tail emerged.
Reyna nosed the door open, her sharp vulpine senses taking in every detail of her surroundings. Her claws clicked softly on the hardwood floor as she trotted through the kitchen. The screen door wasn't latched, making it easy to nose it open and bound outside.
The scent of grilling meat filled her sensitive nose as she zeroed in on Jake. His back was turned as he arranged chicken on the grill. Perfect. She crept closer, then darted forward, grabbing the hem of his jeans between her sharp white teeth.
She yanked hard, making Jake stumble backward with a startled "Whoa!" His arms windmilled as he reached for balance.
Reyna released his jeans and sprang upward in a fluid motion, snatching a plump chicken breast from the waiting platter. The raw meat was still cold from the refrigerator as she clamped it firmly in her jaws. With a triumphant bound, she darted away across the lawn, her prize secured.
Behind her, she heard Jake's indignant "Hey!" mixed with Nathan and Becca's delighted laughter.
Reyna bounded across the lawn, her prize dangling from her jaws. The raw chicken breast was cold and delicious-smelling, making her mouth water. Darting under the picnic table, she dropped to her belly and made quick work of the stolen treat.
The meat was perfect - fresh and tender. She gulped it down in a few swift bites, her sharp teeth easily tearing through the flesh. The taste was exquisite, and she licked her chops to savor every last bit.
With her belly full and satisfaction coursing through her, Reyna flopped onto her back in the cool grass. Pure joy bubbled up inside her as she began to roll back and forth, her russet fur collecting bits of grass and leaves. Her bushy tail swished through the air as she let loose with her distinctive fox laugh.
"Heehee, heehee!" The sound carried across the yard, her vulpine voice filled with mischievous glee. She continued rolling and laughing, thoroughly pleased with herself for proving Jake wrong and scoring such a tasty snack in the process.
Nathan dropped onto the grass beside her, his fingers finding the soft fur of her belly. She squirmed in delight as he tickled and stroked her, unable to contain her vulpine giggles.
"Heehee! Heehee!" Her fox laugh rang out across the yard, pure joy bubbling through her at Nathan's gentle touch. His fingers found just the right spots, making her wiggle and roll in the grass.
The sounds of conversation around them died away as people turned to watch. Harper was dimly aware of their audience through Reyna's heightened senses, but she was too caught up in the moment to care.
"She's laughing..." Jake's jaw dropped open as he stared at them. "She's actually laughing!"
His incredulous tone only made Harper laugh harder, her fox voice rising in pitch. "Heehee! Heehee! Heehee!" She rolled onto her side, pressing against Nathan's leg as his fingers continued their delightful assault on her belly.
"I told you so," Becca told Jake in a smug tone. "Foxes can laugh."
A dark blur shot across Harper's vision as one of the clouded leopards pounced, landing beside her with a playful growl. The second leopard joined an instant later, their identical spotted coats gleaming in the sunlight. Before Harper could react, a massive white form bowled into them - Liam in his Great Pyrenees shape, his tail wagging furiously.
Harper found herself at the bottom of a squirming pile of fur and paws. The leopards - Naomi and Beth - batted at her gently with velvet-soft paws while Liam's huge form provided an anchor for their wrestling match. His thick white fur tickled her nose as she wiggled and twisted, still giggling in her distinctive fox laugh.
Cherie, the collie, raced circles around their tumbling mass, barking excitedly. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and a flash of brown tabby fur caught Harper's attention as Katerina Changed. The Maine Coon cat was massive compared to a regular housecat, though still dwarfed by the leopards. She launched herself into their midst with characteristic feline grace, managing to squeeze between Liam and one of the leopards.
Harper wiggled free enough to playfully nip at Katerina's ear, earning a gentle swat in return. The pile shifted and rolled, a tangle of spots and stripes and russet fur. Reyna's joy bubbled through Harper as they played, her fox laugh mixing with various yips, growls, and purrs.
The late afternoon sun warmed their fur as they tumbled together on Troy's lawn, all pretense of dignity forgotten in the simple pleasure of play. Through Reyna's heightened senses, Harper caught the amused reactions of their human audience, but she was having too much fun to feel self-conscious.
Harper extracted herself from the playful pile of shifters, shaking grass and leaves from her russet fur. Her keen fox eyes immediately sought out Nathan, finding him perched on a nearby picnic bench with Jacinth and Douglas. His face lit up with pure delight as he watched their antics, and warmth bloomed in her chest at his obvious enjoyment.
Nathan's eyes met hers, crinkling at the corners as his grin widened. He raised his Coke can in a playful salute, and Reyna's joy bubbled through Harper like champagne. The fox's approval radiated through their shared consciousness - Good mate. Understands play. Accepts us.
Harper had to agree. Nathan didn't just tolerate their dual nature - he embraced it completely. Where others might have been uncomfortable watching their girlfriend roughhouse in fox form with other shifters, he simply enjoyed her happiness. The easy acceptance in his expression made her heart flutter.
Strong mate, Reyna purred contentedly inside her.
Jacinth caught Harper's eye and winked, clearly noting the exchange between them. The Djinn's knowing smile suggested she understood exactly what was developing between Harper and Nathan. Douglas just shook his head with fond amusement, taking another sip of his own beer as he watched the continuing chaos around them.
Harper's keen fox senses detected the patter of small feet heading her way. Three excited children converged on her position, their eyes wide with wonder.
"Can we pet the fox?" Molly asked, her dark curls bouncing as she practically vibrated with eagerness. Beside her, Benny's expression mirrored his sister's enthusiasm, though he held himself more carefully in check.
Little Yousuf, barely more than a toddler, reached out with chubby fingers toward Harper's tail. Talya appeared behind him like a protective shadow, her hands gentle but firm on his shoulders.
"Careful, habibi ," Talya murmured to the little boy. "We have to be very gentle when we pet."
Reyna lowered herself to the grass, stretching out to make herself more accessible to the children. Her tail swished once before settling, and she watched through half-lidded eyes as Benny and Molly approached with practiced care.
Molly's fingers found the soft fur behind Harper's ears, scratching just right. Benny stroked along her back with gentle, even movements - clearly well-versed in proper pet-petting etiquette from living with their Djinn mother's magical cat.
Under Talya's watchful guidance, Yousuf's tiny hand patted Harper's shoulder with surprising gentleness. His eyes went round with wonder at the feel of her soft fur.
"So fluffy!" he exclaimed in delight.
Harper relaxed completely under their attention, enjoying their innocent wonder. Through Reyna's heightened senses, she could smell their unique scents - Molly's bubble gum shampoo, the lingering traces of chocolate on Benny's fingers, and the peculiar smell unique to Play-Doh that clung to Yousuf.
The gentle hands of the children were soothing, but after a few minutes, Harper felt an irresistible pull toward Nathan. Reyna's instincts urged her to be closer to him, the fox's certainty about their mate growing stronger by the minute.
With careful movements, Harper stood and shook out her fur, causing the children to step back. Molly pouted slightly at the end of fox-petting time, but Talya quickly distracted her with the promise of helping to set out desserts.
Harper's paws carried her across the lawn, her nose twitching at the delicious scents wafting from the grill. As she passed, Jake brandished his spatula in mock threat.
"Don't even think about stealing another piece of chicken," he warned, waving the utensil at her.
Harper merely curled her lip in a vulpine grin, showing just a hint of sharp white teeth. With graceful movements, she bounded onto the picnic bench beside Nathan, her russet fur brushing against his arm as she settled next to him.
Nathan's fingers sank into her thick fur, finding all the right spots to scratch. The sensation sent tingles of pleasure down Harper's spine as he stroked along her back.
"Did you have fun showing Jake that foxes can laugh?" His voice held warm amusement.
Harper panted happily in response, her tail swishing against the wooden bench. A tantalizing aroma caught her attention, and her keen fox eyes fixed on a nearby plate piled with deviled eggs. The sight made her mouth water, the rich scent of paprika and mayonnaise filling her sensitive nose.
Nathan followed her gaze and chuckled. "Would you like one?"
Egg! Reyna agreed, her tail wagging faster.
With careful movements, Nathan selected a perfectly formed deviled egg from the plate. He held it out to her, and Reyna delicately took it from his fingers.
Reyna's satisfaction radiated through their shared consciousness. Good mate, the fox purred. Provides food. Takes care of us.
Nathan's warm chuckle vibrated through Harper as she savored the last bite of deviled egg. "So that's all it takes to earn your approval? A bit of food?"
Reyna's amusement bubbled through Harper at his teasing tone. The fox's tail swished against the wooden bench as she pointedly turned her attention to the nearby charcuterie board. Her keen nose picked out the distinct aromas - sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, and what smelled like an aged brie.
Cheese good, Reyna projected, her gaze fixed on the tempting display. She stretched her neck forward, nose twitching as she investigated the offerings more closely.
Nathan laughed again. "I see how it is." He selected a small cube of white cheddar from the board, holding it out to her with careful fingers.
Reyna delicately took the morsel, her sharp teeth barely grazing his skin as she accepted the offering. The rich, tangy flavor burst across her sensitive taste buds, even more intense in her fox form. She savored every bit, her tail swishing with contentment.
Good mate, Reyna purred. Understands treats.
Nathan's nudged her. "This is great, but can I have Harper back?"
Reyna swished her tail once in acknowledgment as she gracefully hopped down from the bench. The fox's eagerness to comply surprised Harper - usually Reyna was reluctant to give up control when she was having fun.
Good mate wants us, Reyna explained simply as she padded across the lawn toward the house. Both of us.
The screen door yielded easily to her nose, and she slipped inside. The kitchen's cool air felt refreshing against her fur as she made her way to the downstairs bathroom. The Change rippled through her smoothly, fur receding as she regained her human form. Her clothes were still where she'd left them neatly folded, and she slipped them on quickly.
Harper emerged from the house, her heart quickening as she spotted Nathan still sitting at the picnic bench. His face lit up when he saw her, and he held out his hand in invitation. She crossed the lawn, hyperaware of the others scattered around the yard but unable to look away from Nathan's warm gaze.
His strong hands settled on her waist as she reached him, drawing her down to sit beside him on the bench. Without hesitation, he pulled her close against his side. Her breath caught as he leaned in, his lips finding hers in a tender kiss that made her toes curl.
The kiss was sweet and unhurried, filled with promise. Nathan's hand cupped her cheek gently as his mouth moved against hers, unconcerned about their audience. Heat bloomed in Harper's cheeks, but she found herself melting into the kiss despite her usual shyness about public displays of affection.
Inside her, Reyna practically purred with satisfaction. Claimed by our mate, the fox observed contentedly. In front of the pack.
Harper drew back slightly from the kiss, her cheeks flushed and heart racing. Nathan's fingers traced along her jaw, his touch sending tingles down her spine. His other hand remained warm and solid at her waist, anchoring her against his side on the picnic bench.
Around them, the backyard buzzed with cheerful activity. Jacinth and Becca were arranging desserts on a nearby table. Liam, in his Great Pyrenees shape, sprawled in the grass with Cherie flopped beside him. The children darted between the picnic tables, their excited voices carrying across the lawn.
Nathan's thumb brushed across Harper's lower lip, drawing her attention back to him. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at her, and her breath caught at the tenderness in his expression.
Harper leaned into Nathan's solid warmth, savoring the simple pleasure of being held. His fingers traced idle patterns along her spine, and she felt herself relaxing completely against him. Here, surrounded by supernatural friends who accepted her exactly as she was, she could simply be.