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 hadcomforted 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.
