Page 16

Harper headed downstairs to the lounge a few minutes before ten, her heart racing with anticipation. The room was already buzzing with activity as she stepped inside. Katerina stood near the fireplace, deep in conversation with Jake and Jacinth. Alyssa perched on the arm of a plush chair, her eyes darting around the room with keen interest. Angus moved quietly among the guests, ensuring everyone had refreshments.

As the clock struck the top of the hour, Katerina cleared her throat. "Alright, everyone. Let's get started."

The chatter died down as people found seats. Harper settled into a soft, overstuffed armchair, laptop at the ready to take notes.

"I'd like to keep this meeting simple, and focused on organization." Katerina began. "I propose we create several committees, or teams, to handle different aspects."

"Our first committee will be Resettlement. They'll concentrate on assisting endangered shifters in finding new homes or temporary sanctuary here in the Hudson Valley region. Angus and Renee will be instrumental, offering lodging here at their inn."

Angus nodded solemnly, his dark eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the gravity of the situation. "We're prepared to accommodate as many as needed," he affirmed in his rich baritone.

Katerina smiled at him in gratitude, before continuing. "Next, an Integration committee. This group will support solitary shapeshifters who were raised without knowledge of our society, who suddenly realize they're not alone. I'd like Tamera and Kester to take the lead on that, given Tamera's personal experience with the circumstances. Neither of them could be here this morning, but I've talked to them, and they're more than willing."

"For Threat Management," Katerina continued, her golden eyes serious, in counterpoint to her usual playful demeanor, "we'll rely heavily on our Djinn allies. Jacinth, you're our main point of contact."

Jacinth leaned forward in her chair, the Djinn's silky black hair spilling over her shoulders. Her brown eyes lacked their usual sparkle, and were dark with solemn determination. "Absolutely. We're already working on protective measures. Alyssa and I have been discussing strategies to enhance the magical barriers around key locations."

Harper watched as Jake shifted forward in his seat, his brow furrowed. "What about general security?" he asked. "We need people patrolling shifter homes and businesses. Basic protection."

Katerina's lips curved into an amused smile. "I was getting to that, Jake. Always so impatient." Her golden eyes sparkled with warmth despite her chiding tone. "Actually," she continued, "that's one of our most crucial components. We need to establish a general security team." She turned to face Jake directly. "I know Joe has his hands full with alpha duties for the wolf shifter pack. Would you be willing to take on the role of Security Team coordinator?"

Harper watched Jake's expression shift from surprise to thoughtful consideration. His deep blue eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the request, his fingers drumming absently on the arm of his chair. The room fell silent, everyone waiting for his response. Finally, he nodded. "I'll need to check with Becca, but I think she'll be fine with it, as long as it doesn't involve either of us going public."

"Besides that," Jake continued, "Joe called a pack meeting last night to discuss this," he said, his deep voice carrying easily across the room. "The vote was unanimous - all the wolves want to be involved in security patrols."

Katerina looked relieved. "Tell Joe to pass on our thanks, and we'll definitely take them up on that offer."

Jake shrugged. "It's in our nature, really. Protection and security are instinctive for wolves. Joe says we can organize rotating shifts to cover the whole area. We can coordinate with the Djinn for magical backup," Jake added, nodding toward Jacinth. "Having both physical and magical protection would make it harder for anyone trying to cause trouble."

Jacinth's dark eyes sparkled with approval. "Excellent idea. We can set up communication channels between the wolf patrols and our magical sentries."

Strong allies, Reyna observed approvingly, and Harper, typing madly as she took notes, agreed.

"Jake, there's one important detail you need to know about the security team," Katerina said. "Any shifters on the Security Team will need to be comfortable with working alongside vampires. They'll be providing night-time coverage of the businesses."

"Just the businesses?" Jake asked.

Alyssa chuckled, drawing everyone's eyes. "The vampires figured that shifters wouldn't be that comfortable with vampires in the vicinity of their homes."

"Our animals will be able to sense them," Harper nodded in comprehension. "Although Reyna has indicated she has no problem with vampires."

"Understood," Jakes said. "I'll make sure everyone who joins is clear on the arrangement."

Alyssa straightened in her seat, drawing all eyes to her. "I'll serve as the temporary liaison with the vampire contingent," she said, her voice carrying clearly across the room. "Once they arrive, they'll select their own liaison to coordinate with Jake."

Reyna stirred within her. Strong allies make safe den, the fox observed sagely.

Harper had to agree. Having powerful supernatural beings like vampires and Djinn on their side certainly improved their chances of protecting the shifter community.

Harper took a deep breath, steeling herself to speak up. Her heart raced as she raised her hand slightly, catching Katerina's attention.

"I'd like to volunteer for the Resettlement committee," Harper said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I may not have much experience, but I can offer moral support to newcomers. And with my background in finance, I could help them with practical matters like finding jobs, transferring bank accounts, and navigating other financial aspects of relocating. Starting fresh somewhere unfamiliar - I understand how overwhelming that feels. Well, I'm a refugee myself."

Jake chimed in. "The practical side of things can be overwhelming, especially for those who've never had to relocate before. I'll talk to Paul, too, and see if his construction crew can help with the moving part; unloading U-Hauls, that kind of thing."

"Hah!" Katerina pointed a finger at him. "Good point! And you as well, Harper." She made a quick note on her laptop.

The door to the inn flew open with a bang, startling everyone in the lounge. A young man in his early twenties strode in confidently, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Sorry I'm late, everyone!" he announced breezily, as if he owned the place. "Traffic was a nightmare."

Harper watched as confusion rippled through the room. The newcomer's entrance had caught everyone off guard, and she could see the others exchanging puzzled glances.

Alyssa squealed in delight, making everyone stare at her, as she flew across the room to throw herself at him, hugging him with enthusiasm. "Remi, you're here!"

Jacinth's eyes widened. "Remi?" she gasped, her voice a mixture of surprise and delight. "Is that really you?"

Katerina's jaw dropped. "No way," she breathed, staring at the young man in disbelief. Alyssa hugged him some more, before returning to her seat.

The stranger - Remi, apparently - grinned widely. "The one and only," he confirmed with a theatrical bow. "All grown up and ready to join the party."

"But how?" Jacinth asked, stepping forward to embrace him. "You look so... different. Not just older, but..."

"Mature? Yeah. I've done a lot of growing up," he explained, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I've always come to visit when I was a youngster time traveling, and I was careful to stay away as my modern self, so I didn't meet myself, you know? But with everything that's happening with the shifters now, I thought it was time to lend a hand as a contemporary rather than a blast from the past."

Katerina tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. "So, no more time-traveling visits from your younger self?"

"Exactly," Remi confirmed. "I'll be here, in this time, helping out however I can. It's time for me to be part of the present, not just a visitor from the past."

Jake, who had been staring at Remi with wide eyes, lunged to his feet. Without warning, he rushed toward the young Djinn and enveloped him in a huge embrace. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," Jake repeated, his voice thick with emotion.

Remi, caught off guard, awkwardly patted Jake's back, confusion evident on his face.

Jake pulled back, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, I forgot you don't know me. I'm Jake. Becca is my Chosen, and I owe it all to you. We both do."

Understanding dawned in Remi's eyes, and he smiled warmly. "Ah, so you're the lucky man. I'm glad it all worked out. Is Becca all settled into her new life now?"

"Yes, and she'll want to see you right away. She's going to be ecstatic that you'll be here from now on."

As the two men continued their animated conversation, Jacinth leaned over to Harper, who was watching the scene with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

"Remi is a Djinn," Jacinth explained quietly. "He's been secretly time traveling to visit me from the 16th and 17th centuries. Over the past couple of years, he's gotten to know many of the shifters here in the Hudson Valley. He's the one who rescued Becca from Salem and brought her to us."

Harper's eyes widened in understanding. But before she could ask any of the myriad questions swirling in her mind, Katerina's voice cut through the chatter in the room.

"Alright, everyone," she called out, her tone firm but friendly. "Let's get back to the meeting. We still have a lot to cover."

Jacinth clapped her hands together, drawing everyone's attention.

"I have one more piece of news from the Djinn side of things." The room fell silent, all eyes on Jacinth as she continued. "There's someone else who'll be joining our efforts, although you might not see much of him. His name is Arthur, and he's a very old and powerful Djinn from Qaf, the Djinn homeland."

Harper noticed a few confused looks around the room. Clearly, Arthur wasn't a familiar name to most of the group.

Jacinth went on, her voice warm with fondness. "Arthur has been visiting to help Douglas's son, Benny, who's quite gifted. Given the current situation, he's decided to take up residence in the area permanently." She paused, a small smile playing on her lips. "Now, I should warn you - Arthur is quite reticent and elusive by nature. He's not likely to attend any of our meetings, but he'll be helping in the background."

Katerina leaned forward, intrigued. "How powerful are we talking about, Jacinth?"

"Very," Jacinth replied, her tone serious. "Arthur is one of the oldest Djinn I know. His magical abilities are... let's just say if we face any physical threats, Arthur can handle them without breaking a sweat."

Harper watched as Angus rose from his seat, his tall frame commanding attention without effort. The innkeeper's dark eyes swept across the room before he spoke.

"Under the circumstances," he began, his deep voice carrying easily through the lounge, "Renee and I have made a decision. We're going to start offering an optional dinner service here at the inn."

Harper perked up at this announcement, remembering how wonderful Renee's cooking was. She'd only experienced it at breakfast so far, but the thought of evening meals made her mouth water.

"We've talked it over," Angus continued, his expression serious, "and it just makes sense. The shifters who'll be staying here will be displaced, troubled. Many won't know the area or may not have transportation. Having a proper meal waiting for them at the end of the day..." He spread his hands. "When we had the caracal refugees staying here, Renee and I discussed offering dinner service. But the shifter community stepped forward magnificently, making sure everyone was taken care of."

"This situation is different," Angus continued. "The shifter community already has their hands full, without having to organize meals for displaced families on top of everything else."

Harper observed nods of understanding from those present. Between setting up committees, organizing security, and planning for potential emergencies, everyone was going to be stretched thin.

"So starting next week," Angus said, "we'll be offering dinner service here at the inn. It will be optional for our guests, of course. But there will always be a hot meal available in the dining room between six and eight each evening."

Reyna stirred within Harper, responding to the warmth and care in Angus's words. Good den-keeper, the fox approved. Takes care of pack.

"Renee's already working on expanding the kitchen staff," Angus added. "We'll start with simple, hearty fare - nothing fancy. Just good, home-cooked meals that'll give folks one less thing to worry about while they're getting settled."

Katerina raised her hand. "What about the additional costs for dinner? Will it be included for guests?"

"We're implementing a tiered pricing structure," he replied. "Guests can choose between breakfast only or include dinner as well. And non-guests are welcome to dine with us too. Within reason. We may institute a reservations-only policy for non-guests down the road if it becomes an issue."

Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the room. Harper watched as several people nodded in approval, clearly touched by the innkeepers' thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, Angus," Jake said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Please let Renee know how much we appreciate this."

"If any of the refugees have a problem with paying, contact me," Katerina said to Angus. "Maroulla's arranging for a fund."

With a nod, Angus resumed his seat, and Katerina cleared her throat, looking back at her laptop.

"Next on our agenda is the vet clinic situation," she began, her tone serious. "As Troy and I will be appearing on national television, the clinic will inevitably become a focal point. That's going to be happening this weekend, so that's when things here are going to get real, folks. We'll certainly be a magnet for shifters seeking help, but unfortunately, we're also going to be a magnet for humans reacting… good or bad… to the public reveal."

There were rustles about the room, expressions of concern on every face as they absorbed that.

"We're setting up a triage system at the clinic," Katerina continued. "We'll have designated contacts for clinic staff to reach out to local shifters if needed, or the Djinn in case of emergency. This way, we can manage the influx of people and potential issues more efficiently."

Remi raised his hand. "I'd like to be on that contact list too," he offered. "And don't forget, I know most of Lord Damien's vampire clan for the last four hundred years. I can be a local liaison if you need one."

Katerina nodded, typing madly on her laptop. "That's great, we'll have three Djinn in the immediate area for emergencies… Jacinth, Arthur, and Remi. We have Remi to act as liaison with the vampires, and Jake is our liaison with the wolf pack who, along with the vampires, will be providing security."

Pausing in her typing, Katerina lifted her head and addressed the group once more. "Does anyone have any final concerns for now?"

Heads shook, and she smiled in clear relief. "In that case, we can wrap things up here. Hold onto any additional thoughts or concerns for our next session, unless they're time-sensitive or require immediate action."

Jake raised his hand, catching their attention. "Before we head out, we should share our contact details with each other."

"Oh! That's right." Katerina said. "We're also putting together a comprehensive roster of shifters who plan to reveal themselves, complete with their home addresses, how to reach them, and where they work. Jake, you'll be one of the first to get the roster once we have it put together."

She glanced down at her notes one final time, then lifted her hands.

"That's all we have for now," she announced. "I'll contact everyone about our next meeting, which will probably happen once the vampire contingent arrives from Manhattan." She paused, a slight tension visible in her shoulders. "Before I go on national television."

The energy in the room shifted as people began gathering their things. Harper closed her laptop and slipped it into her bag. Around her, others were rising from their seats, many stopping to thank Angus for hosting. The tall innkeeper accepted their gratitude with quiet dignity, his deep voice rumbling responses that Harper couldn't quite catch.

Reyna stirred within her. Good meeting. Help new pack.

Harper agreed with her fox as she stood up, moving to help Angus gather the empty coffee mugs and plates of half-eaten cookies. Harper found herself smiling. She'd expected to feel overwhelmed, but instead, she felt invigorated, and hopeful, and… well… just happy.

Handing Angus a stack of plates, she smiled warmly. "Thank you for hosting us, Angus."

The innkeeper nodded, his eyes twinkling. "It's my pleasure, Harper. It's good to see the community coming together like this."

"I agree."

As the room quieted and the last of the guests filtered out, Harper's thoughts drifted to Nathan. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she imagined his reaction when she told him about vampires being real. They'd talked extensively about shifters and Djinn, so she was pretty sure he didn't know about vampires, or he'd have mentioned it.

This was going to blow his mind!

It had been over a week since she'd found out herself, and she was still in shock about it. Vampires! Who would have thought she'd actually get to meet one? Well, some. She couldn't wait to tell him, he was going to die. Simply die. She snickered silently.

With a final glance around the now-empty room, Harper waved to Angus, and headed up to her room, her mind still buzzing with the events of the morning, and feeling an admittedly gleeful anticipation of her next conversation with Nathan.