"What they did goes beyond workplace harassment. The deliberate recreation of your trauma with the fire - that was calculated psychological abuse. And there may be grounds for criminal charges related to the damage they caused to bank property, although that is admittedly minimal."
Reyna bristled inside Harper, wanting to retreat from this conversation. Harper shared her fox's instinct to run and hide.
"Additionally," Lydia said carefully, "our attorneys suggested you might want to consider bringing a civil case against them personally. The emotional distress alone-"
"No." Harper's voice came out sharper than intended, making both Lydia and Nathan jump. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I'm sorry, but absolutely not. I can't- I won't-"
Her chest felt tight at the mere thought of legal proceedings, depositions, having to relive everything in front of strangers. And the publicity... After barely escaping exposure in California, the last thing she needed was her name in court documents and news reports.
"Harper." Nathan's thumb traced soothing circles on her palm. "She's only making a suggestion."
"I understand," Lydia said softly. "And of course, it's entirely your decision. I just wanted you to know all your options."
"Thank you," Harper managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But no legal action. Not from me. I just want to move forward and forget it ever happened."
Harper released a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Beside her, Nathan's steady presence helped ground her as Reyna curled tighter inside, seeking comfort.
"Yes," Lydia soothed, her expression understanding. "I imagine your fox needs to feel safe right now. My lynx would too, in your situation."
"She does." Harper's voice came out barely above a whisper. Her fingers tightened around Nathan's as Reyna stirred restlessly in her mind. "Reyna just wants... she needs..."
"To den," Lydia finished for her, nodding. "To hide away somewhere safe and protected until the danger passes. It's a natural instinct for all of us shifters, especially after a trauma."
Relief flooded through Harper at Lydia's understanding. She didn't have to explain the way Reyna was pressing against her consciousness, desperate to retreat to somewhere secure and familiar. Another shifter just knew.
"That's exactly it," Harper admitted. "Ever since yesterday, she's been... we've both been..." She gestured vaguely, struggling to put the feeling into words.
"Which is why you're here with Nathan," Lydia observed with gentle insight. "Your fox recognizes him as your safety."
Harper felt her cheeks warm, but couldn't deny the truth of it. Reyna had been notably calmer since they'd arrived at Nathan's house, drawing comfort from his presence. Even now, with the uncomfortable conversation stirring up fresh anxiety, her fox remained relatively settled thanks to Nathan's steady hand holding hers.
"Yes," Harper whispered. "We both do."
Harper shifted in her seat, drawing comfort from Nathan's solid presence beside her. "About the reporter..." Lydia's voice trailed off questioningly.
"Nothing new," Harper said, absently running her thumb over Nathan's knuckles. "But Jacinth put what she called look-away spells on both our apartments." A small smile tugged at her lips as she remembered the Djinn's mischievous look as Jacinth explained it. "Anyone looking for me specifically won't be able to find either place."
Lydia's eyebrows rose. "A look-away spell? That's some serious magic. And here as well, that's smart thinking."
"Jacinth said it was necessary, especially with Jill being here." Nathan gestured toward the backyard where the jackalope's pen sat hidden from view. "The spell will help protect her too, in case that guy comes snooping."
"Although, I don't know why he would think to," Harper added. "But we'd rather be sure she's safe from discovery."
"Smart thinking," Lydia nodded approvingly. "I wouldn't have thought of that angle, but you're absolutely right. The last thing we need is some enterprising reporter stumbling across a mythological creature while trying to track you down."
Lydia's expression brightened. "Before I go, there is some good news I wanted to share. I managed to track down some of our former employees who left because of those women."
"One had accepted a position in a bank in NYC, but two others, one from accounting and another from the teller line, are returning." A radiant smile spread across Lydia's face. "Both of them were outstanding workers, and they jumped at the chance to come back once I told them those three were gone."
Relief flooded through Harper. At least something good had come from this mess. "That's wonderful news."
"And there's more," Lydia continued, her eyes sparkling. "Ethan and Kelly want to boost morale after everything that's happened. They're organizing a company picnic for the Fourth of July - all employees and their families are invited."
Harper glanced at Nathan, who smiled encouragingly.
"We'd love to have you both there," Lydia said. "It'll be a great chance for everyone to get to know each other properly, without those three poisoning the atmosphere."
Reyna perked up at the mention of a picnic, having had a terrific time enjoying herself at the last one. Harper shared her enthusiasm - the idea of celebrating with her coworkers without looking over her shoulder sounded wonderful.
