Page 29

Nathan turned back from the door, his eyes lighting up as he glanced at the picnic basket. "Well, shall we get Jill and continue with our plans? I think we could all use some fresh air and sunshine after that conversation."

Harper's spirits lifted at the mention of the jackalope. "Yes, let's!"

Nathan led the way into the backyard, heading toward Jill's enclosure. But when Nathan opened the gate and called her, the little jackalope huddled inside her hutch, refusing to budge.

"Come on, sweetie," Nathan coaxed. "Want to go on an adventure with us?"

Reyna stirred inside Harper, her presence becoming more alert. Our kit is frightened, Reyna whispered in Harper's mind.

Harper blinked in surprise. "Wait, you can sense what she's feeling?"

Of course, Reyna replied.

"Can you actually communicate with her?" Harper asked, fascinated by this new development. She'd never considered that Reyna might be able to connect with other animals.

Impressions. Feelings.

Can she understand you?

There was a moment's pause as Reyna considered. I don't know.

Nathan looked between Harper and the hutch. "What is it?"

"Reyna says she can communicate with Jill." Harper knelt beside the hutch's entrance. "Can you tell her we want to take her on an outing? That we're going somewhere fun?"

There was a pause as Reyna reached out to the little jackalope. She understands what you intend, Reyna confirmed, but she feels fear .

Harper relayed this to Nathan, who frowned with concern at his unusual pet.

"That's strange - she wasn't afraid when I took her to the vet clinic after finding her injured. She seemed to understand I wanted to help her."

Clinic safe, Reyna told them. Outside not safe. The woods not safe.

"She's okay with the clinic, but she's terrified of being outside in general," Harper explained to Nathan. "In the woods."

Nathan crouched next to the hutch, his expression softening. "Poor girl. I wonder if it's because she's a jackalope - maybe she's naturally afraid of being seen by humans. Or..." He trailed off.

"Or she's traumatized from whatever attacked her before you found her," Harper finished quietly.

Nathan nodded. "Either way, we shouldn't force her. " He gently stood up. "I'd rather she feel safe."

Harper's heart warmed at his sensitivity.

Harper touched Nathan's arm gently. "When we get back from our hike, we can bring her inside with us. Load her up with love and attention."

Yes, Reyna agreed enthusiastically. Kit needs family time.

Nathan's face brightened. "You think that would help?"

"Animals need emotional support just like people do." Harper smiled, remembering how Reyna's presence had comforted her through difficult times. "The more positive experiences she has, the more confident she'll become."

Nest for kit, Reyna suggested. Soft blankets. Treats.

Harper relayed Reyna's ideas, and Nathan chuckled. "Sounds like Reyna has this all planned out."

"She's very... maternal," Harper explained, feeling her cheeks warm. "Ever since we met Jill, she's been thinking of her as our kit."

Nathan's eyes softened as he gazed at Harper. "Our kit, huh?"

Harper's heart fluttered at the tenderness in his expression. She cleared her throat, trying to stay focused on Jill. "So what do you think, Jill? Indoor cuddles later?"

"I think that's perfect." Nathan leaned down to speak through the hutch door. "Did you hear that, Jill? Special treat when we get back."

A slight rustling came from inside the hutch, and Jill's cute nose came into view, wriggling adorably.

She has good feelings, Reyna confirmed. Kit wants cuddles.

"Reyna says Jill's looking forward to cuddles," Harper translated, watching Nathan's face light up at the news. Her heart melted at how much he cared for his unusual pet.

"Well then, we'll make sure to give her plenty of attention when we get back." Nathan grinned at the hutch where Jill's twitching nose remained visible. "How does that sound, sweet girl? We'll have an indoor picnic with lots of berries and cuddles this evening."

The tender way he spoke to Jill made Harper's chest tighten with emotion. Reyna purred contentedly inside her, clearly approving of how their mate treated their adopted kit.

Good mate, Reyna whispered in Harper's mind. Understands family.

Harper couldn't argue with that assessment. She watched as he gave the hutch one final gentle pat before turning back to Harper.

"Ready for our hike?" Nathan asked, picking up their picnic basket.

Harper nodded, falling into step beside him as they went out the side gate to the garage. The early afternoon sun warmed her, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming lilacs from Nathan's garden. Inside her, Reyna stretched contentedly, as eager as Harper for both their upcoming hike and the promise of cuddles with their little adopted family later.

Harper watched the scenery roll by as Nathan drove them toward the lake, his car following the winding road through dense trees. The familiar weight of Reyna's presence settled comfortably in her mind, content to observe their surroundings.

Nathan pulled into the furthest parking area, well away from the crowds gathered near the picnic areas and playground. As they stepped out of the car, Harper breathed in the crisp air, tinged with pine and lake water.

Harper scanned the parking lot and the surrounding park nervously. Even the rustling of leaves made her tense, imagining camera lenses hiding behind every bush. Reyna's heightened senses only amplified her anxiety, picking up every snap of twigs and flutter of birds.

Nathan touched her elbow gently. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I keep thinking..." She wrapped her arms around herself. "What if that reporter followed us somehow? What if he's out here with a telephoto lens?"

"Harper." Nathan's voice was soft but firm. "Remember what Jacinth said about the look-away spell? Even if he's standing right there-" Nathan pointed to a nearby cluster of trees- "he literally cannot see us. His eyes would slide right past without registering our presence."

Heat crept up Harper's neck. "I know, I know. I'm being ridiculous."

"You're not being ridiculous." Nathan shifted the picnic basket to his other hand so he could wrap an arm around her shoulders. "After everything that's happened, it's natural to worry. But you're safe here. The spell works - Jacinth wouldn't have said you were safe if she wasn't completely certain of that."

Harper leaned into Nathan's embrace, letting out a long breath. "You're right. And I do know it." She managed a small laugh. "I guess I'm still getting used to having magical protection. It feels strange knowing someone could be looking right at me without seeing me."

"Strange but useful," Nathan said with a gentle squeeze of her shoulders. "Now, shall we go find that perfect picnic spot?"

He retrieved their picnic basket from the trunk and reached for her hand, his warm fingers intertwining with hers.

They followed a narrow dirt trail that hugged the shoreline. Sunlight dappled through the canopy overhead, creating shifting patterns on the path, and Harper's shoes crunched softly on scattered pine needles as they walked. To their right, glimpses of blue water peeked through the trees, small waves lapping gently at the rocky shore.

After about fifteen minutes of peaceful walking, Nathan led them down a small side path. It opened onto a secluded clearing bordered by large rocks on one side and thick vegetation on the other. The spot offered a perfect view of the lake while remaining hidden from the main trail.

"This is beautiful," Harper breathed, taking in the private little haven.

Nathan set down the basket and pulled out their blanket, shaking it open with a flourish. Together they spread it over a relatively flat patch of ground, smoothing out the wrinkles. Harper helped Nathan unpack their feast - sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and cookies, along with a thermos of iced tea.

Harper surveyed the appetizing spread before her, impressed by the careful attention to detail. Each item had been thoughtfully packed and arranged - from the neatly cut sandwiches to the fresh berries and carefully selected cheese varieties.

"Someone knows how to pack a proper picnic," she teased, picking up a plump strawberry.

Nathan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "My parents made sure I learned all the important life skills." He settled more comfortably on the blanket. "Even though Mom traveled regularly with the symphony orchestra, and Dad was always busy running the university's music department, they never wanted me to miss out on normal childhood experiences."

"Really?" Harper crossed her legs under her, genuinely curious.

"Oh yeah. Mom would schedule these elaborate picnics whenever she was home between tours. She'd pack these enormous baskets - way too much food for three people." His expression softened with nostalgia. "Sometimes we'd drive for hours just to find the perfect spot. Dad would bring his guitar, and Mom and I would sing along as he played. We'd spend the whole afternoon eating and making music together."

"That sounds wonderful," Harper said softly, touched by the warmth in his voice as he shared the memory.

"It was. They were determined that I wouldn't feel like I was missing out just because they had demanding careers. When Mom was touring, Dad made sure to keep up the tradition." Nathan handed her a sandwich. "Though his picnics usually involved significantly less food and more impromptu music lessons."

Harper accepted the sandwich, watching as Nathan's face lit up talking about his parents. She could picture a young Nathan, learning guitar from his father on a sun-dappled blanket much like this one.

Harper watched Nathan's thoughtful expression, curious about what had drawn him to his chosen instrument. "What made you pick the cello?"

His brow furrowed as he considered the question, absently turning his sandwich in his hands. "You know, I've never really been able to put it into words exactly." He set the sandwich down, his eyes distant. "There's something about the sound - this deep, rich resonance that just... speaks to me."

Nathan's hands moved unconsciously, as if holding an invisible bow. "When I first heard it played, something clicked inside. The cello has this incredible range - it can be mournful and haunting one moment, then warm and deep, like speaking to the heart, the next. It's like..." He paused, searching for the right words. "Like it has a soul of its own."

Harper found herself leaning forward slightly, drawn in by the passion in his voice even as he struggled to articulate his connection to the instrument.

"I tried other instruments first," he continued. "Piano, like my mom wanted. Violin like my dad. But when I picked up the cello..." He shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "It wasn't even a conscious choice really. The sound just resonated with something inside me."

Harper could see it in his face - that deep, inexplicable connection that defied simple explanation. Something that existed beyond words, in the realm of pure feeling and instinct.

Harper finished the last bite of her sandwich, savoring the peaceful atmosphere. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore mixed with birdsong from the trees above. She helped Nathan gather their leftovers and pack everything neatly back into the basket.

Nathan carried the basket over to a dense cluster of bushes, tucking it carefully out of sight. "Ready for our hike?" He smiled, then turned and walked down to the water's edge, giving her privacy.

Harper's heart fluttered with anticipation. She hadn't shifted outdoors since the incident at Yosemite, but here, in this secluded spot with Nathan nearby, she felt safe. She carefully removed her clothes, folding each item before placing it in the basket alongside their picnic supplies.

Finally! Reyna's excitement bubbled through her mind. Run with mate!

The transformation flowed easily, her body shifting smoothly into her fox form. Her russet fur gleamed in the dappled sunlight as she shook herself, stretching her limbs. With light, dancing steps, she pranced out of the underbrush, onto the path to where Nathan waited by the shore.

Nathan's face lit up as Harper approached in her fox form. "There's my beautiful girl," he said softly, crouching down to her level.

Reyna's joy flooded through Harper's mind as she bounded over to him, her tail swishing with delight. Nathan's fingers sank into her thick russet fur, scratching that perfect spot behind her ears that made her want to melt.

Mate! Mate! Mate! Reyna rejoiced in their shared consciousness. Walk together now.

Nathan laughed, and rose to his feet, and Harper fell into step beside him as they started up the trail. Her fox senses heightened every aspect of their surroundings - the rich loamy scent of decomposing leaves, the sharp tang of pine needles. The forest thrummed with life around them.

They climbed steadily upward, the path winding between ancient oaks and towering maples. Harper's paws moved silently over the earth, her muscles flowing smoothly beneath her thick coat. Nathan maintained an easy pace beside her, occasionally reaching down to brush his fingers through her fur when the path widened enough for them to walk side by side.

Nathan chuckled, shaking his head as they walked. "You know, this is kind of surreal - hiking through the woods with an actual fox by my side."

Reyna's amusement bubbled through Harper's mind, and her fox form responded instinctively. She pranced ahead of Nathan, her paws barely touching the ground as she moved with fluid grace. Harper felt Reyna's pure joy as she continued her playful dance, weaving between Nathan's legs and circling around him. Her russet tail swished through the air as she showed off, posing for their mate.

Silly mate, Reyna projected, projecting her amusement to Nathan's mind.

Nathan's laughter joined Reyna's vulpine giggles. He stopped walking to watch her performance, his eyes sparkling with delight at her antics.

"Okay, okay," he said between chuckles. "I get it - you're enjoying this."

Reyna responded with another series of heehee sounds, continuing her prancing fox dance with even more enthusiasm. Her paws kicked up small puffs of dirt as she twirled, her movements a perfect blend of vulpine grace and playful showing off.

A chipmunk darted across their path, and Reyna's instincts surged with predatory interest. Harper felt her muscles tense, every instinct urging her to chase, but she kept her focus on Nathan instead. The joy of running through the woods while Nathan hiked beside her far outweighed any urge to chase prey.

Good hunting here, Reyna noted appreciatively as they crested another hill. But mate better.

Nathan crouched down beside her, his gentle fingers stroking through her thick fur. His touch sent pleasant tingles down her spine, and Reyna practically purred with contentment in their shared consciousness.

"I'm glad you'd rather be here with me than chasing chipmunks," Nathan murmured, scratching that perfect spot behind her ears.

Reyna leaned into his touch, responding naturally to the affection. Through Reyna's enhanced senses, Harper could smell Nathan's unique scent - a blend of pine, fresh laundry, and something distinctly him. His fingers moved down to stroke along her neck, and she felt herself melting under the tender attention.

Happy mate, Reyna sighed contentedly in their mind. Good scratches.

Nathan's touch was reverent, careful, showing the same gentle consideration he displayed with Jill. Through Reyna's keen eyes, Harper could see the wonder in his expression as he petted her, still marveling at this magical reality they now shared.

Nathan straightened, and they continued along the trail. Harper's paws moved silently over the earth as she kept pace beside him. Through her fox senses, the forest came alive with vivid details - the sweet perfume of wild honeysuckle, the distant drumming of a woodpecker, the rustling of small creatures in the underbrush.

The path narrowed as it curved around a massive oak tree, forcing Harper to fall behind Nathan. She watched his sure steps, admiring how naturally he moved through the woods. His hiking boots found purchase on the uneven ground without hesitation, as if he'd walked this trail a hundred times before.

Mate moves well, Reyna observed approvingly in their shared mind. Strong, careful.

The trail opened up again, allowing Harper to trot forward and walk beside Nathan once more. Her fur brushed against his leg occasionally as they walked, each brief contact sending pleasant tingles through her body. Even in her fox form, she felt drawn to his presence, comforted by his nearness.

Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating shifting patterns on the ground before them. A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of the lake, growing stronger as they climbed higher along the ridge. Harper's keen ears picked up the sound of water lapping against rocks below, a soothing rhythm that blended with their footfalls.

Good trail, Reyna commented, her satisfaction clear in Harper's mind. Many interesting smells.

They wound their way through a stand of white birch trees, their pale trunks creating natural pillars in the forest. Shafts of sunlight pierced the canopy, dancing across her fur as she moved. The earth beneath her paws grew rocky as they climbed higher into the hills, then back down into wooded valleys, but Reyna navigated the terrain effortlessly, her fox form perfectly adapted to the woodland path.

By the time they made their way back to the secluded clearing by the lake, the afternoon sun had shifted, casting longer shadows across the ground. Her fox muscles felt wonderfully stretched and limber after the long hike through the varied terrain.

Nathan paused on the path, giving her privacy to transform and dress. Harper padded into the cluster of bushes where they'd stored the picnic basket. Her transformation flowed smoothly, and she quickly pulled on her clothes.

Good run with mate, Reyna sighed happily in her mind as Harper emerged onto the path, basket in hand.

Nathan's face lit up at her appearance. He stepped forward, taking the basket from her. "That was incredible," he said softly, his free hand finding hers.

Their fingers intertwined as they started the walk back to the parking area. Harper's legs felt pleasantly tired from the long hike, and she leaned slightly into Nathan's solid presence beside her. The contact of his palm against hers sent warm tingles up her arm.

They walked in comfortable silence along the shore trail, their footsteps crunching softly on scattered pine needles. The late afternoon sunlight sparkled on the lake's surface through the trees. Harper breathed in deeply, savoring the mix of pine, lake water, and Nathan's familiar scent.

They reached Nathan's car, and he placed the picnic basket in the back seat. When he turned around, Harper's breath caught as he drew her into his arms. His lips met hers in a tender kiss that lingered, soft and sweet. Her hands slid up his chest to rest against his shoulders as warmth spread through her entire body.

When they finally broke apart, Nathan's fingers traced along her cheek with infinite gentleness. His brown eyes held a mix of affection and uncertainty as they gazed into hers.

"I got a call from my parents this morning," he said, his thumb brushing lightly across her skin. "They're coming into town tomorrow afternoon for a really quick visit - they're heading out again Sunday morning. I'd love for you to meet them. Maybe you'd like to come over for dinner tomorrow night? But I don't want you to feel like there's any pressure."

"I know yesterday was rough," he said softly. "The last thing I want is to add any stress right now. They come to visit pretty regularly, every couple of months or so. There's no pressure to meet them tomorrow if you're not up for it." His fingers brushed a strand of hair from her face. "If you prefer, we can wait until things settle down and you're feeling more yourself."

The care in his voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket. Even after such a short time together, he already understood her so well giving her space to choose. His thoughtfulness in giving her an easy out made her want to say yes even more, even though the prospect of meeting his parents sent nervous energy skittering through her limbs.

"Mom's all about taking care of oneself first," he went on, amusement creeping into his voice. "She'd probably lecture me if I didn't make sure you were feeling okay enough for a big event like meeting your boyfriend's parents." His eyes sparkled with mischief as he added, "Once I skipped breakfast and lunch before a big performance, and she drove forty minutes to bring me a homemade quiche and vitamins. She's wonderfully overwhelming in the most motherly way possible."

A small laugh escaped Harper at that, and Nathan's face lit up at the sound. His thumb brushed across her cheekbone, touch feather-light and soothing.

"I'd love to meet them," she said, meaning it despite the anxiety bubbling up inside her.

Nathan's face brightened, but concern flickered in his eyes. "You sure? I can tell you're nervous."

Harper leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from the warmth of his hand on her shoulder. "I am nervous," she admitted. "But they're important to you, and I want to know them."

Good mate's parents, Reyna chimed in her mind. Show them strong fox.

Harper almost laughed at her fox's simple confidence. If only it were that easy. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt as questions tumbled through her mind. Would they accept that their son was dating a shapeshifter? What if they blamed her for dragging Nathan into this complicated supernatural world?

"Hey," Nathan's gentle voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. His fingers caught her restless hands, stilling them. "They're going to love you. Mom's already excited just hearing about you."

"You told them about me?" Harper's voice came out higher than intended.

"Just that I'm seeing someone special." Nathan's thumb traced circles on her palm. "I figured we should tell them about the shapeshifter part together, if you're comfortable with that."

The knot in Harper's chest loosened slightly. Of course Nathan would think of that - would give her control over how and when to share that part of herself.

Mate understands, Reyna purred approvingly. Takes care of us.

"Thank you," Harper whispered, squeezing his hands. "For thinking of that. For everything."

Nathan shifted his weight, clearing his throat. "There's something else you should know." His fingers tightened slightly around hers. "Ever since the shifter reveal, my parents have been absolutely fascinated. Mom's been reading every article she can find, and Dad's been watching all the news coverage."

Harper's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"They're going to be over the moon when they find out they're actually meeting a shifter." Nathan's expression turned sheepish. "Mom might have a million questions. I should probably warn you - she's already got a notebook full of them from watching Katerina's interview."

A laugh bubbled up from Harper's chest, unexpected but genuine. The image of Nathan's mother sitting in front of the TV with a notebook, scribbling down questions about shapeshifters, dissolved some of her anxiety.

"That actually makes me feel better," Harper said, still smiling. "I'd rather deal with excited curiosity than fear or judgment."

Good den-mother, Reyna approved in her mind. Wants to know cubs.

"Really?" Nathan's shoulders relaxed. "I was worried it might make you more nervous, knowing they're so interested."

Harper shook her head, her smile warming. "After everything that's happened lately, genuine enthusiasm sounds wonderful. It's nice to know there are people who see this as something amazing rather than scary."