He leaned forward, eyes sparkling with amusement. "We get in the exam room, and Troy takes one look at Jill and yells 'Katerina!' at the top of his lungs. Next thing I know, this huge Maine Coon cat comes trotting in, gives me this look..." He mimicked an imperious feline stare that made Harper giggle. "And thenshesees Jill, and suddenly there's a woman standing there instead of a cat."
Harper couldn't help giggling at his impression of Troy's deep voice.
"That's actually how I met most of the others - through Troy and Katerina. They figured if a wild jackalope trusted me, they could trust me, so they gradually introduced me to more of the supernatural community." He smiled warmly. "It's been quite an education. For them, too," he added. "None of them had known jackalopes were real any more than the rest of us regular humans."
Harper nodded, well able to understand that. "So you became Jill's owner."
"Kahu," Nathan corrected, with a faint smile. "It's a Hawaiian term I ran into some time ago. It means guardian or caretaker, rather than owner."
"Oh, I like that!" Harper exclaimed. "Kahu! I'll remember that."
Nathan's expression grew thoughtful as he gazed down at the sleeping jackalope. "I'm still not sure what had her seeking me out that day, but I'm glad she did."
Harper watched his gentle smile, warmth spreading through her chest at the obvious affection between man and magical creature. Reyna stirred inside her, projecting images of curling up around Jill, protecting the little one. The fox's maternal instincts surprised Harper - Reyna had never shown interest in caring for others before.
"Maybe she sensed you'd understand," Harper suggested softly. "That you'd be open to the impossible." She certainly felt that way herself, drawn to his accepting nature and quiet strength. Something about Nathan made her feel... safe. Like she could let her guard down without fear of judgment.
Good mate, Reyna approved.Gentle. Kind.
Harper fought back a blush at her fox's continued assumptions. Though she had to admit, Nathan's calm acceptance of the supernatural world was appealing. Many humans would have panicked at finding a mythological creature, but he'd simply focused on getting Jill the help she needed.
"Could be," Nathan agreed. "Though I think I got the better end of the deal. She's brought so much joy into my life, and introduced me to this amazing community." His warm brown eyes met hers. "Including you."
The simple sincerity in his voice made Harper's heart skip. She ducked her head, unable to hold his gaze, her cheeks burning. Reyna practically purred with satisfaction.
Stop that, Harper scolded her fox. But she couldn't deny the flutter in her stomach at Nathan's words, or the way his presence made her feel simultaneously nervous and completely at ease.
Harper stifled a yawn, trying to hide it behind her hand. The long day was catching up with her - between the cross-country flight, exploring her new town, and meeting so many new people, exhaustion tugged at her bones.
Nathan noticed immediately. "You must be tired. The time change alone would be rough."
"Three hours," Harper agreed, struggling to keep her eyes open. "But really it was the plane trip, and the lay-overs coming across country." She stretched, her muscles protesting the long day of travel the day before.
"Let me drive you back to the inn," Nathan offered, already half-rising from his chair.
Harper shook her head, pulling out her phone. "That's sweet, but I'll just grab an Uber. You've already been so kind, showing me your studio and introducing me to Jill." Speaking of whom, the little jackalope had curled up tighter, one ear flopped over her face.
"Are you sure? It's really no trouble."
"Positive." Harper smiled, touched by his concern. "I'll be buying a car later this week, anyway. Plus, it's storming out there."
They both could hear the rain pounding on the roof, thunder rumbling overhead. She opened the Uber app, pleased to see several drivers nearby. Within moments, she had confirmation of her ride.
"They'll be here in five minutes," she told Nathan, pushing herself to her feet. Reyna stirred sleepily inside her, radiating contentment and a lingering desire to stay. Harper firmly ignored her fox's protests.
Nathan walked her to the door. "Thank you for coming over. It was wonderful meeting you."
"You too." Harper meant it. Despite her exhaustion, she'd thoroughly enjoyed their conversation. "And thanks for sharing Jill's story."
"Anytime." His warm smile made her heart flutter. "Maybe next time you visit, you can bring your lap harp? Once your things arrive, I mean."
"I'd like that." Harper returned his smile, though another yawn threatened. "Good night, Nathan."
"Good night, Harper. Get some rest."
As she climbed into the waiting Uber, Harper couldn't help glancing back at Nathan's house. He stood in the doorway, watching to make sure she got safely into the car. The simple gesture warmed her heart.
Good mate, Reyna murmured sleepily as Harper settled into the back seat.
