Page 6

Standing on the front walk of the West Side Inn, Harper watched the Uber's taillights disappear into the darkness, her heart performing an erratic dance in her chest. The summer evening air, thick with humidity after the short squall, wrapped around her like a warm embrace, but she barely noticed, too caught up in the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her.

Happy mate. Good mate, Reyna trilled, radiating contentment through their shared consciousness.

"But how?" Harper whispered aloud, wrapping her arms around her middle. "We only just met. Shifters don't have fated mates, that's not a thing. It's just in fiction."

Her fox projected images of Nathan's gentle smile, his kindness toward Jill, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. Not fate. Choice. We Chose him.

The distinction hit Harper like a lightning bolt. She'd always assumed mate bonds were some mystical thing - like being struck by cosmic lightning. But this felt different. More like... recognition. Like spotting a perfect shell on the beach, one that called to you among thousands of others.

Yes, Reyna agreed. See? Chose good.

Her head spun as she tried to process it all. The whole afternoon felt surreal - meeting Nathan, Reyna's declaration, the little jackalope.

Kit , her fox approved.

Harper jumped as her phone vibrated in her hand. Her heart skipped when she saw Nathan's name on the screen.

?Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening??

Her fingers trembled as she read the message twice, making sure she hadn't imagined it. Reyna perked up immediately, radiating approval and excitement.

Answer him! her fox urged when Harper hesitated.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Harper typed back: ?I'd love to.?

The three dots appeared immediately, showing Nathan was typing. ?Great! I can pick you up at the inn around 6:30 tomorrow? There's a steak house downtown I think you'd enjoy.?

Oh… tomorrow. Harper chewed on her lower lip. That was Sunday.

?I start work at my new job on Monday. I should spend tomorrow evening getting prepared.?

His reply was instant. ?That's even better! I'll take you out to dinner Monday night to celebrate ??your new job ???

?That sounds perfect.? Harper replied, a smile spreading across her face.

?Looking forward to it ??? Nathan texted back.

Harper hugged her phone to her chest, unable to contain her grin. Reyna practically bounced with joy inside her, projecting images of Nathan's warm brown eyes and gentle smile.

Hush, you, Harper told her fox, but there was no real admonishment in it. She was too happy to scold Reyna for her matchmaking enthusiasm.

A giddy laugh bubbled up from her chest, followed immediately by a wave of nervous energy that made her stomach flip. She pressed her hands to her cheeks, feeling the heat there.

Mate makes us happy, Reyna purred. Simple.

"Nothing about this is simple," Harper muttered, but she couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face.

Taking a deep breath of the crisp night air, she turned toward the welcoming lights of the West Side Inn. Her new home, at least for now. A safe harbor in the storm her life had become since that fateful day with the bear in Yosemite.

The warm glow of the lights created shadows across the polished wood floors as she entered the lobby. She spotted Angus and Renee near the front desk, their heads bent close in quiet conversation.

Renee's dark eyes snapped up, zeroing in on Harper with an almost uncanny perception. Before Harper could form a coherent greeting, the innkeeper glided across the floor and slipped a steadying hand under her arm.

"Come along, dear," Renee murmured, steering Harper toward the lounge. The room's familiar comfort wrapped around her - dark wood paneling, plush armchairs, and the ever-present scent of cinnamon and lilacs that seemed to permeate the entire inn.

Renee pushed her into one of the oversized chairs near the unlit fireplace. "Not a word," Renee cautioned. "Not until I get some tea for you."

The motherly command in her tone brooked no argument. Harper sank deeper into the cushions, her lips quirked into a small smile.

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say tea is your love language?"

Renee laughed. "You've got that right, sugar."

Harper watched Renee cross the floor to the sideboard, her movements graceful and purposeful. The familiar blue light of the electric kettle glowed from the side table. Her fox's earlier excitement had settled into a warm contentment, though Harper's own thoughts still raced.

"Here we are." Renee placed the cup in Harper's hands a few minutes later. The warmth seeped through the fine china, grounding her. "A special blend - chamomile, lavender, and a touch of something extra."

The 'something extra' sparked Harper's curiosity, but the knowing gleam in Renee's eyes suggested she wouldn't elaborate further. Harper breathed in the aromatic steam, detecting subtle notes she couldn't quite identify beneath the familiar flowers.

Safe here, Reyna murmured in her mind. Good den-mother.

Harper sipped the steaming tea, savoring unexpected flavors. She couldn't identify anything beyond the chamomile, but it was earthy and rich, soothing.

"This is delicious," she murmured, cradling the delicate cup. "I've never tasted anything quite like it."

"An old family recipe." Renee's eyes twinkled. "Don't worry about staying up late - this blend will help you sleep like a baby."

The innkeeper settled into the adjacent armchair, her movements fluid and graceful. "Now, what's got you looking so wonder-struck tonight? You were practically floating when you came through the front door."

Heat rushed to Harper's cheeks. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "I met my mate this afternoon."

Her fingers tightened around the teacup as if it could anchor her spinning thoughts. "But that doesn't make any sense, does it? We don't have fated mates - that's just something from romance novels." She drew a shaky breath. "Except... Reyna claimed him the moment she saw him. Just declared 'mate' like it was the most obvious thing in the world. And I don't even know him, but there was this... pull. This instant connection I've never experienced before." She shook her head. "How is that even possible?"

Good mate, Reyna chimed in dreamily, making Harper want to roll her eyes. Perfect for us.

"I mean, Nathan is wonderful with Jill… that's his pet," she hurried to say. "And he's kind, and talented, and..." Harper trailed off, realizing she was gushing. "But we just met. How can Reyna be so certain?"

"Nathan?" Renee's smile widened. "Ah, the young music teacher who found our little jackalope."

Harper's shoulders relaxed and she gave a sigh of relief. "Oh! You know about her then?"

Renee smiled, her dark chocolate eyes warm with understanding.

"Of course. Not much happens around here that Angus and I don't know about." Renee settled deeper into her chair, her expression thoughtful. "Sometimes it's as simple as meeting the right person and recognizing them for who they are. Your heart knows before your head catches up."

Harper took another sip of tea, letting the warmth spread through her. "But how can you be sure?"

"When you know, you know. It was like that with Angus and me." Renee's dark eyes grew distant with memory, a soft smile playing at her lips. "I was just a young girl, barely eighteen, down by the waterfront in New Orleans. There was this riverboat coming in to dock, and I happened to look up." She paused, her smile growing wider. "There he was, leaning on the railing beside the paddle wheel. Our eyes met across the water, and I knew right then he was the one for me."

Like us, Reyna chimed in, and Harper had to agree - the certainty in Renee's voice matched what her fox had felt upon seeing Nathan.

"And Angus?" Harper asked, drawn into the story.

"Oh, he felt it too." Renee chuckled softly. "You should have seen the way he nearly tripped over his own feet trying to get down that gangplank."

Harper winced, her cheeks burning at the end of Renee's story. "At least Angus managed to stay on his feet. I couldn't even look Nathan in the eyes." She stared into her teacup, watching the liquid ripple. "Reyna was howling 'mate' over and over in my head, and I froze. Just stood there like a statue while my fox went completely wild."

The memory of those first moments made her want to sink through the floor. She'd been struck dumb by Nathan's warm brown eyes and gentle smile, while Reyna's excitement had short-circuited her brain.

"I kept opening my mouth to say something - anything - but nothing came out." Harper groaned, covering her face with one hand. "He must think I'm completely unhinged. Who acts like that when meeting someone for the first time?"

Mate understands, Reyna protested. He likes us.

"You don't know that," Harper muttered under her breath, then realized she was talking to her fox out loud in front of Renee. Perfect. Another thing to be mortified about. But Renee's encouraging smile had her continuing.

"I couldn't even manage basic small talk." Harper's fingers fidgeted with the teacup handle. "Every time I tried to focus on what he was saying, Reyna would start up again with the 'mate' business, and I'd lose my train of thought. I must have looked like such an idiot."

Not idiots, Reyna huffed indignantly. Just excited. Mate smiled lots. He liked seeing us happy.

"Some humans have natural gifts they're not even aware of." Renee nodded thoughtfully. "Given his connection to music, and the way this Jill, did you say her name is? The way the jackalope came to him, I'd say Nathan has a touch of wild magic. Animal magic, specifically. The subtle kind that draws creatures to him, makes them trust him."

Magic, Reyna agreed. Mate special.

The revelation settled over Harper like a warm blanket. It explained so much - how comfortable she'd felt around him despite her usual shyness, how naturally Reyna had connected with him, how content Jill seemed in his care.

"So, how did you two meet?" Renee asked, settling back in her chair. "It doesn't sound like it was a chance encounter, given you were at his home. I'm guessing Katerina had something to do with it?"

Harper laughed, the warmth from the tea spreading through her chest. "Actually, it was Becca. She insisted on introducing us since we're both musicians. When she found out I play the harp, she practically dragged me off to his house."

"A harpist and a..." Renee trailed off, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Cellist," Harper supplied, smiling at the memory of Nathan's studio. "He comes from a musical family - both his parents are professional musicians."

Beautiful music, Reyna sighed contentedly in her mind. Like his soul.

Harper's cheeks warmed at her fox's poetic observation. "He has this gorgeous Steinway baby grand that belonged to his great-grandmother. Early 1900s, he said. The tone is incredible - rich and mellow, like honey." She traced the rim of her teacup. "Music runs deep in his blood. You can tell by the way he talks about it, how his whole face lights up when he mentions his students or discusses different composers."

"Seems like quite the artistic legacy," Renee observed, her dark eyes twinkling.

"It is. The piano's been in his family for four generations now." Harper remembered the reverent way Nathan had touched the instrument's polished surface.

A thunderous crash echoed from the kitchen, followed by the distinct sound of metal pans clattering across the floor. Harper jumped in her seat, her heart racing. She glanced at Renee, who stood with one hand covering her face, shoulders slumped.

"It's the brownies." Renee's voice carried a mix of fondness and frustration.

"What?" Harper blinked rapidly. "Becca mentioned them, but... she told me brownies only worked at night when everyone was sleeping? And nobody ever heard them?"

"That's what the stories say, and certainly until a couple of weeks ago, no one ever heard ours." Renee lowered her hand and gave a rueful smile. "Apparently it's a bit different when you have two of them."

Another crash rang out, accompanied by high-pitched giggling.

"Are they fighting?" Harper's eyes widened as she heard what sounded like a whisk being dragged across the tile floor.

"Territorial dispute." Renee sighed. "One's been here since we took over the inn, then another showed up recently. They're still sorting out their respective domains. It's… not going well. Brownies are solitary creatures by nature." Renee drummed her fingers on the counter as another clatter rang out. "In all my years, I've never heard of a house having more than one. It's unheard of."

Harper leaned forward. "So how did you end up with two?"

"We think one hitched a ride with Ethan and Kelly when they came over from England." Renee shook her head. "Brownies get attached to families, you see. They'll follow their chosen household anywhere."

A high-pitched squeal pierced the air, followed by what sounded like a wooden spoon being repeatedly smacked against a pot.

"And now we have... territorial disputes?" Harper winced at particularly loud clang.

"That's putting it mildly." Renee walked to the kitchen door and peered through. "The original brownie claims the entire kitchen as their domain. The new one insists on maintaining 'proper British standards' in food preparation areas. Despite the fact that, traditionally, brownies are Scottish." She made air quotes with her fingers. "It's led to some interesting... disagreements."

"UNHAND THAT SPATULA THIS INSTANT!" A tiny voice shrieked from behind the door.

"MAKE ME, YOU COLONIAL SAVAGE!"

Renee pressed her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh. "They've been having these little kerfuffles for two weeks now. Nothing gets damaged - they're too house-proud for that. But the noise..." She gestured helplessly as what sounded like every pot in the kitchen began a percussion symphony.

Harper grinned. "Kerfuffle, huh?"

A small voice squeaked from the kitchen. "This is MY mixing bowl!"

"Is NOT!" came the answering shriek.

"Oh dear." Renee straightened her apron. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go referee before they destroy my kitchen. Again."

"Again?"

"Last week they got into an argument over who had rights to polish the copper pots." Renee shook her head as she headed toward the kitchen. "Took me three hours to get all the polish off the ceiling."

Renee started for the kitchen door but paused, glancing over her shoulder with an expression of amused anticipation. Harper braced herself, recognizing that look from her earlier revelations about the brownies.

"By the way, there are pixies in the woods."

Harper stared at her, mouth falling open. "You are shi—" She caught herself. "Kidding me."

Grinning widely, Renee slowly shook her head back and forth. "Not at all. There's a small brook running through our property, and they gather near there, right where the path crosses the brook." Her eyes sparkled with amusement at Harper's stunned expression. "But it's rare for them to be seen. Becca still wanders into the woods regularly, when she's taking a break from her gardening, in hopes of seeing them. So far, she hasn't."

Harper leaned forward, her earlier concerns about Nathan momentarily forgotten. The possibility of actual pixies... Her inner fox perked up with interest too. "Okay, I am so going to check it out this weekend!"

"The path's easy to find," Renee said, gesturing toward the back of the inn. "Turn left when you go out the back door. You'll see where it starts at the tree line. Follow it until you reach the brook - you can't miss it."

Harper's pulse quickened at the prospect of seeing real pixies. "What should I look for?"

"They're drawn to anything sweet or sparkly." Renee's eyes crinkled. "Sometimes we find little gatherings of shiny pebbles near the brook. That's how we know they've been there."

A tremendous crash from the kitchen made them both jump.

"Oh! Before I forget-" Renee raised her voice over the racket. "Did Becca warn you about not leaving clothing for the brownies?"

Harper nodded, remembering Becca's earnest warning about the little household spirits. "She mentioned they get offended and leave if you try to give them clothes." The thought of accidentally insulting the helpful creatures sent a small shiver down her spine - the last thing she wanted was to chase away any magical allies.

"Exactly. But pixies are different - they love offerings of any kind. Feel free to leave whatever catches your fancy."

Harper tapped her fingers on the table, a thought occurring to her. "What do the pixies do in winter? When there's snow everywhere?"

"You know..." Renee paused, her hand on the kitchen door. "I have no idea. I've never ventured to the brook when it's snowing. Wading through deep snow isn't my favorite activity anymore." She chuckled. "Plus, the brook would be frozen over."

"Maybe they hibernate?" Harper suggested, picturing tiny magical creatures curled up in cozy nests. "Like bears and chipmunks?"

"Now you've got me curious too." Renee's eyes lit up. "I'll have to trek out there this winter and see for myself."

"I'll come with you." Harper straightened in her chair, warming to the idea. "We could leave little blankets for them. Or those tiny coats they make for dolls?"

Another crash from the kitchen interrupted them, followed by what sounded suspiciously like a wooden spoon being used as a sword.

Harper grinned, raising her voice over the commotion. "I can go in my fox form - I'll be plenty warm that way. And maybe the pixies will like seeing Reyna."

"That's actually brilliant," Renee said. "Magical creatures tend to be more comfortable around other magical beings. Though I've never heard of pixies interacting with shifters before..."

The kitchen erupted in a cacophony of what sounded like every pot and pan being dropped at once.

"Oh, for heaven's sake-" Renee

"Oh! Speaking of foxes, that reminds me," Renee turned back to Harper. "Becca mentioned seeing a vixen and two kits near the brook last month when she was waiting to spot the pixies."

Harper's excitement deflated. "Maybe I'd better not go as Reyna then." She drummed her fingers on the table. "Vixens are extremely territorial, especially during mating and birthing seasons."

"When are those?"

"Mating season starts in December, and they give birth in March or April." Harper wrinkled her nose. "Which pretty much covers most of the winter months we were just talking about."

"Well, that complicates things." Renee leaned against the doorframe.

"At least shifters don't have mating seasons." Harper's eyes widened as a shiver ran through her. "Could you imagine? We'd need to lock ourselves indoors every winter while our animals went crazy with hormones." She shuddered at the mental image of dozens of shapeshifters prowling the streets in a hormone-fueled frenzy.

Rich laughter burst from Renee. "Oh my. That would be... unfortunate." She wiped tears from her eyes. "That would be absolute chaos."

Renee threw up her hands as another clash of pots rang out, accompanied by muffled shouts from the kitchen. The noise echoed through the dining room like cymbals in an overeager orchestra.

Renee's dark eyes flashed with equal parts exasperation and amusement. "THAT'S ENOUGH, YOU TWO!"

She turned back to Harper, smoothing down her flour-dusted apron. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go prevent World War Three in there before they redecorate my kitchen with my sourdough starter. Again." The emphasis on the last word carried the weight of previous kitchen disasters resulting in such culinary chaos.

Harper chuckled as she left the lounge, the sounds of kitchen warfare fading behind her. The old wooden floorboards creaked beneath her feet as she crossed to the front desk where Angus stood reviewing paperwork.

"Heading up?" He glanced up with a warm smile.

"Yes, yesterday's traveling did me in early, and Monday's my first day at work, so I want to be rested."

"You'll do fine." Angus's voice carried quiet confidence. "Ethan's a good man. While I haven't met Lydia, the manager, she's well known in the shifter community, and has a good reputation."

Somewhat reassured, Harper flashed him a grin. "That helps to hear. Good night, Angus."

"Good night to you."

The narrow staircase curved up before her, its polished banister gleaming in the soft light. Harper traced her fingers along the smooth wood as she climbed, admiring how generations of hands had worn it to a silken finish. Her footsteps echoed in the stillness, accompanied by the gentle ticking of the clock in the foyer below.

Her room waited at the top, snug in its turret corner. The door swung open with a soft whisper, revealing the cozy space she already thought of as home. Moonlight spilled through the bay windows, painting silver patterns across her bed.

Harper changed into her pajamas and settled onto the window seat, drawing her knees up to her chest. The thought of tomorrow brought a flutter of excitement rather than anxiety. For the first time since the video from Yosemite went viral, she felt steady, grounded. Safe.

Reyna stirred contentedly in her mind, still basking in the memory of meeting Nathan. Harper smiled, running her fingers through her newly-darkened hair. Change was scary, but sometimes it led to unexpected gifts. Like finding her mate on her very first day in town.

Harper gazed out at the moonlit grounds, her thoughts drifting to the brownies downstairs. A sudden urge to leave them an offering swept through her.

The wooden stairs barely creaked as she padded down to the lounge in her fuzzy socks. Angus wasn't in the lobby, perhaps he was in the back office. The lounge stood empty and quiet. From the kitchen, muffled voices and the occasional clang suggested Renee was still mediating between the warring brownies.

The sideboard beckoned, its surface laden with the inn's round-the-clock refreshments. Harper selected a china saucer from the stack, carefully pouring fresh milk from the container in the small fridge beneath the table. Her fingers hovered over the cookie tray before choosing two chocolate chip cookies, still soft from that afternoon's baking.

Back in her room, Harper knelt before the small fireplace, and arranged the saucer and cookies on the colorful hook rug. The offering complete, she moved to the bed, oddly satisfied with this small gesture of welcome to her new home's invisible residents.

Harper had just returned to the window seat when her phone chirped. The sound made her jump - she'd been lost in thoughts of Nathan, replaying their afternoon together.

The screen lit up with a message from her mother: ?Ahem! ???

Harper winced. In all the excitement of meeting Nathan and discovering the brownies, she'd completely forgotten to check in with her parents.

The phone pinged again. ?Young lady, your father and I have been waiting VERY patiently... ???

Tell den-mother about mate! Reyna perked up immediately.

"Oh hush, you." Harper flopped onto the bed, her damp hair spreading across the pillow. "We are not leading with that."

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. How exactly did one explain everything that had happened today? 'Hi Mom, sorry I didn't call earlier, but I met my mate and there are brownies having a territory war in the inn's kitchen' probably wouldn't go over well.

Her phone chirped again: ?Harper Marie O'Neill, if you don't respond in the next 30 seconds, I'm calling 911 to do a wellness check.?

That got her moving. The last thing she needed was her mother calling the police in a panic.

Harper took a deep breath and hit the call button. The phone barely rang once before her mother's voice filled the line.

"Finally! I was about to send out a search party."

"Hi Mom." Harper twisted a strand of hair around her finger. "Is Dad there? Can you put it on speaker? I have some news."

A rustling sound came through the phone, followed by her father's warm baritone. "Everything okay, sweetheart?"

"Yes! More than okay, actually." Harper's heart raced as she gathered her courage. "I... I met someone today."

Tell them! Reyna's excitement bubbled through their connection. Tell about mate!

"Oh?" Her mother's voice held carefully controlled interest. "Someone nice?"

"His name is Nathan." Harper closed her eyes, picturing his gentle smile. "And... well..." She drew in a shaky breath. "Reyna claimed him as our mate. The moment we met."

Silence stretched across the line for three heartbeats.

"What?" Her mother's voice shot up an octave. "But that's not... shifters don't have fated mates. That's just in those romance novels."

"I know! That's what I thought, too." Harper flopped back against her pillows. "But Mom, the instant Reyna saw him, she just knew. She started screeching 'mate! mate!' in my head so loud I could hardly think."

"Hmm." Her father's voice was thoughtful. "Is he a shifter too?"

"No, he's human. Well, mostly. The innkeeper thinks he might have some wild magic." Harper smiled, remembering Renee's theory.

"Slow down, honey." Her mother's voice held a mix of worry and excitement. "Start from the beginning. Tell us everything."

Harper smiled, warmth spreading through her chest as she thought of Nathan. "He's a musician," she told her parents, her voice soft with remembered joy.

"What?" Her father's disapproving tone crackled through the phone. "Like in one of those boy bands?"

A startled laugh burst from Harper. "Dad! That is so turn of the century. No one even talks about boy bands anymore."

"Well, what kind of musician then?" Her father pressed, skepticism heavy in his voice.

"He's a cellist," Harper explained, sitting up straighter against her pillows. "He teaches at the local music conservatory."

Beautiful music, Reyna chimed in.

"A cellist?" The relief in her father's voice was almost comical. "Oh. Well. That's... different."

"He comes from a musical family," Harper continued, eager to share more about Nathan. "Both his parents are professional musicians. And you should see his studio - he has this gorgeous Steinway baby grand that belonged to his great-grandmother."

"A pianist, too?" Her mother's interest perked up noticeably.

"Yes, he teaches piano, also, and violin. I haven't heard him play yet, but when he talks about music..." Harper trailed off, remembering the way Nathan's eyes had lit up while they discussed music.

"So this Nathan..." Her father cleared his throat. "He seems to be taking all this supernatural business well?"

"Surprisingly well." Harper traced patterns on her comforter. "He already knew about shifters. Well, there's something else."

"Something else?" her mother queried.

"Yes," Harper said, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "But you have to promise - absolutely promise - not to tell anyone. Not even other shifters."

Her mother's sharp intake of breath crackled through the phone line. "Harper, what's going on?"

"Promise first." Harper twisted the edge of her comforter between her fingers. "This is serious."

"Of course we promise," her father's steady voice assured her. "You know we'd never betray your confidence."

Harper glanced around her room, though she knew she was alone. Old habits died hard. "Nathan... he has a jackalope."

Silence stretched across the line for several heartbeats.

"A what?" Her mother's voice held a note of confusion.

"A jackalope," Harper repeated. "A baby one. She was injured when she found him - they think it might have been a coyote attack."

"Honey," her father's voice gentled like he was speaking to a child, "jackalopes aren't real. They're just tourist trap myths."

"That's what everyone thought." Harper sat up straighter. "But she's real. I saw her today. Petted her. And Reyna sees her as a kit to take care of."

Sweet kit, Reyna added fondly.

"But that's impossible," her mother protested. "They're just rabbits with antlers glued on for postcards."

"I know how it sounds." Harper ran a hand through her hair. "But she's real. She has actual antlers growing from her head - not glued on or attached. She's an American Sable rabbit with tiny, velvety antlers."

Another long pause followed her words.

"You're serious about this?" Her father's voice had lost its patronizing edge.

"Completely serious. That's why it has to stay secret. Can you imagine what would happen if people found out jackalopes were real?"

"I don't even know what to say," her mother confessed.

"I know, right? I was stunned, too, when I first saw her. But she's adorable - her name is Jill." Harper smiled, remembering how the little creature had snuggled into Reyna's fur. "Since Nathan is human, everyone is amazed that she actually chose Nathan to seek help. The innkeeper thinks that's another sign of his wild magic."

"Wild magic?" Her mother's voice held a mix of curiosity and concern. "Like what the old stories talk about?"

"Apparently." Harper yawned, the day's excitement catching up with her. "Renee - she's one of the innkeepers - says it explains why he can accept us, shifters, so easily, and why magical creatures, like Jill, are drawn to him. He's a part of the whole supernatural community here, from what it seems. It was Jake's fiancee, Becca, who took me to meet him."

"Well." Her father's voice softened. "He certainly sounds... interesting."

"He is, Dad." Harper smiled at the grudging acceptance in her father's tone.

"That's wonderful news, dear." Her mother's approval warmed Harper's chest. "Don't you start your new job Monday?"

"Yes, at Carter's Bank." Harper stifled another yawn. "I should probably turn in. Yesterday was such a long day."

"Get some rest, sweetheart," her father said. "And good luck on Monday. Call us when you get home, we want to hear all about your first day."

"And more about this Nathan," her mother added quickly.

Harper laughed softly. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you both."

"Love you too, honey. Sweet dreams."

The call ended, leaving Harper with a warm glow of contentment. Her parents' support meant everything, especially now when her life seemed to be changing so rapidly.

Parents understand, Reyna murmured sleepily. Happy for us.

With a happy sigh, Harper slid between the soft sheets, letting the peaceful quiet of the inn wrap around her like a blanket.

Harper snuggled deeper into her pillows, pulling the quilt up to her chin. The moonlight painted silver patterns across her bed, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of lilacs through the partially open window.

Safe den, Reyna murmured, radiating contentment. Good nest.

The fox's satisfaction mirrored Harper's own feelings. Her eyes grew heavy as she listened to the night sounds - crickets chirping in the garden below, the distant hoot of an owl, the creaking of old wood as the inn settled. From somewhere downstairs came the faint clinking of dishes, probably the brownies finishing their kitchen war and getting down to their chores.

Sleep now, Reyna whispered. Dream of mate.

Harper smiled into her pillow, too tired to even protest her fox's one-track mind. The day's events swirled through her thoughts - meeting Nathan, discovering Jill, learning about the brownies and pixies. Her new life already held more magic than she'd ever imagined possible.

The soft cotton sheets wrapped around her like a warm embrace as she drifted toward sleep. For the first time since fleeing California, Harper felt truly at peace. Here, surrounded by other shifters and magical beings, she could finally be herself. No more hiding, no more pretending.

Her last conscious thought was of Nathan's gentle smile as sleep claimed her, drawing her into dreams filled with music and moonlight.